Last Updated on June 28, 2026 by Prime Desk
Hosts end seven-year title drought with commanding 3-1 victory in the final
India returned to the top of South Asian women’s football on Saturday after defeating Bangladesh 3-1 in the SAFF Women’s Championship final in Margao.
The victory secured a record-extending sixth continental title for the hosts and marked their first championship triumph since 2019. It also ended Bangladesh’s reign as defending champions after two consecutive title-winning campaigns.
India Finish Tournament in Style
The final brought together the two strongest teams of the tournament, but India ultimately proved too strong over 90 minutes.
Goals from Pyari Xaxa, Sanfida Nongrum and Lynda Kom Serto powered the hosts to victory, while Bangladesh’s Ritu Porna Chakma scored the only goal conceded by India throughout the competition.
The result capped an impressive campaign for the Indian side, which won every match and dominated opponents from start to finish.
Pyari Xaxa Opens the Door
India controlled possession for large periods during the first half and created several promising opportunities.
Their breakthrough finally arrived late in the opening period when Pyari Xaxa found the net after a deflected effort looped over the Bangladesh goalkeeper.
However, Bangladesh responded almost immediately. Deep into stoppage time, Ritu Porna Chakma produced a clinical finish to level the score and hand India their first setback of the tournament.
Sanfida’s Header Changes the Match
India wasted no time regaining control after the break.
Within moments of the restart, Pyari turned provider, delivering a precise cross that Sanfida Nongrum converted with a powerful header.
The goal shifted momentum firmly in India’s favour. Bangladesh struggled to recreate the attacking threat they had shown in the first half as the hosts tightened their grip on the contest.
Lynda Seals Historic Triumph
As Bangladesh pushed forward in search of an equaliser, India remained composed.
The decisive third goal arrived in the 82nd minute when substitute Lynda Kom Serto capitalised on a defensive mistake and calmly finished from close range.
That strike effectively ended the contest and sparked celebrations among the home supporters.
India’s Dominant Tournament Run
The title victory was built on a remarkable campaign.
India opened the tournament with an emphatic 11-0 win over Maldives before defeating Bangladesh in the group stage.
Across the competition, the hosts scored 18 goals while conceding only once, underlining their superiority on both ends of the pitch.
After missing out on the trophy in the previous two editions, the triumph represents a significant return to dominance in regional football.
Major Individual Awards
Several Indian players were recognised for their performances throughout the tournament:
- Aveka Singh finished as the competition’s top scorer with four goals.
- Sanfida Nongrum was named the Most Valuable Player.
- Panthoi Chanu Elangbam received the Best Goalkeeper award.
The individual honours reflected India’s outstanding collective effort during the championship.
Important Developments
- India defeated Bangladesh 3-1 in the final.
- The victory secured a record sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title.
- India ended a seven-year wait for the trophy.
- The hosts completed the tournament with a perfect winning record.
- Sanfida Nongrum won the MVP award.
- Panthoi Chanu Elangbam was named Best Goalkeeper.
The 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship will be remembered as the tournament where India reclaimed its place at the summit of South Asian football. With a blend of attacking flair, defensive discipline and standout individual performances, the hosts produced a campaign worthy of champions and delivered a memorable title for Indian football fans.
