India U20 Women’s Football Team Receives $25,000 Reward After Historic AFC Asian Cup Return
The India U20 Women’s Football Team has achieved a historic milestone, qualifying for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 for the first time in 20 years. Recognising their remarkable achievement, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a reward of USD 25,000 for the squad.
The Young Tigresses’ unbeaten Group D campaign saw them draw 0-0 with Indonesia, crush Turkmenistan 7-0, and edge hosts Myanmar 1-0 in front of a full-capacity crowd at Yangon’s Thuwunna Stadium — all without conceding a single goal.
Grassroots Growth Powers India U20 Women’s Football Team’s Success
The India U20 Women’s Football Team’s rise is rooted in years of grassroots investment. In collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the AIFF has strengthened women’s football through initiatives like the ASMITA Women’s Football Leagues.
From 2023 to 2025, 155 leagues were successfully held nationwide at U13, U15, and U17 levels. Player participation rose from 6,305 in 2023–24 to 8,658 in 2024–25. The 2025–26 U13 edition, currently underway, features 50 tournaments across 26 states, involving nearly 8,000 players from around 400 teams. This developmental push has led to a 232% surge in registered women footballers in India over the last year.
Rigorous Preparation for India U20 Women’s Football Team
The India U20 Women’s Football Team has been in training since December 2024. Their preparation included the Pink Ladies Youth Cup in Türkiye, where they defeated Hong Kong and Jordan, and a training stint with the senior women’s team before facing Uzbekistan U20s in two friendlies (1-1 and 4-1).
In total, the team trained together for 135 days, focusing on physical readiness, tactical depth, and mental resilience — crucial elements in their unbeaten qualifying campaign.
Next Steps for the India U20 Women’s Football Team
The AIFF has pledged continued support to the India U20 Women’s Football Team ahead of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Thailand. Plans include extended training camps, competitive international friendlies, and exposure against Asia’s elite teams.
With the $25,000 reward as both recognition and motivation, the Young Tigresses are determined to make their mark on the continental stage and inspire the next generation of women footballers in India.
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