India ended Bangladesh’s hopes of a third consecutive win in 2026
Led by Grace Dangmei, India won their sixth SAFF Championship on June 6, 2026, at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa.
The Women in Blue produced a dominant performance as they shattered Bangladesh’s hopes of a hat-trick win. India won the match 3-1. It was their first title since 2019, bringing a seven-year wait to an end.
India controlled the first half and created several opportunities. Before the half was over, Pyari Xaxa scored in the 42nd minute, but Bangladesh were quick to respond, with Ritu Porna Chakma scored in stoppage time.
India asserted their dominance in the second half. Just 40 seconds into the second half, Sanfida Nongrum scored with assistance from Pyari.
This goal shifted the gears in India’s favour, as India created more opportunities for themselves and opponents struggled to maintain control.
A defensive error from Bangladesh allowed substitute Lynda Kom Serto to score the final goal in the 82nd minute to take the trophy home.
Apart from this, the tournament brought individual accolades for the players. Aveka Singh was the top scorer with four goals, Sanfida Nongrum was awarded the Most Valuable Player, while Elangbam Panthoi won the Best Goalkeeper Award.
This tournament not only got India their 6th title, but it was also the end of an era as skipper Grace Dangmei hung up her boots for her international career. It was both a memorable win and a bittersweet one for the team and the country
