08 July, 2025:
On Saturday, the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, Thailand experienced history as the Indian women’s team scripted history by entering the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. It was the first-ever time that the Indian Women’s Football Team qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Under coach Crispin Chettri, his 24-member squad of tigresses ruled the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifier. They secured the top position in Group B by winning all four matches and standing with 12 points. They scored 24 goals in the tournament and conceded only one goal.
On Saturday, they locked horns against Thailand, whose rank was much better than India's. In the first half, at 29 minutes, Indian midfielder Sangita Basfore scored the first goal, helping India take a lead in the game. Then, as soon as the second half started, Thai defender Chatchawan Rodthong equalised the scoreboard at 48 minutes and made Thailand keep believing in them more. In the intense match, at the 74th minute, Sangita once again grabbed the second goal for her team and ensured India won against the home favourite.
Thai players tried many times to equalise one more time and push the game towards more momentum, but they went down in the match with a 2-1 goal. And finally, the Indian team unlocks the way to Australia for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.
Also, yesterday, as a reward for the magnificent hard work of the Blue tigresses, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) presented them with a prize money of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women’s National Team.
