A Historic Triumph Rewarded
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the senior Indian women’s team, celebrating their historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. This achievement marks the first time the national team has earned its spot in the continental showpiece through the qualifiers, a testament to their flawless performance and sustained development.
A Dominant Qualifying Campaign
The Blue Tigresses delivered a perfect run in the qualifiers, winning all four of their matches convincingly. Their campaign included emphatic victories over Mongolia (13-0), Timor-Leste (4-0), and Iraq (5-0). The decisive match was a crucial 2-1 win over the higher-ranked hosts, Thailand, which sealed their qualification. This success is the result of meticulous planning, including a 53-day national camp and international friendlies that prepared the squad for the challenge.
This qualification is particularly significant as it breaks a long hiatus. India's last appearance at the Asian Cup was in 2003, when no qualifiers were held. While they participated in 2022, it was as automatic hosts. This time, the team has earned its place purely on merit, signaling a new and promising era for women's football in the country.
