Shillong, Jul 6: The All India Football Federation today announced a reward of $50,000 (around Rs 42.75 lakh) for the senior Indian women’s national team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand.
The Blue Tigresses delivered a flawless campaign by winning all four of their Group B matches in convincing fashion to qualify for the 2026 main event in Australia.
India recorded emphatic victories over Mongolia (13-0), Timor-Leste (4-0) and Iraq (5-0), before capping off the group stage with a crucial 2-1 win against higher-ranked hosts Thailand.
“While the results may have appeared seamless on the pitch, they were the culmination of sustained planning and developmental efforts over the past few years. There were no shortcuts to success – this achievement was the result of a long-term vision and structured preparation,” the AIFF said on its website.
India secured direct entry when they were hosts of the 2022 edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup but didn’t play as too many members came down with Covid-19 just before the tournament. India have thus not featured in the continental championship since 2003.
This performance is something the AIFF can be relieved at, following the less than spectacular men’s team efforts, which culminated in the recent parting of ways with that team’s coach, Manolo Marquez.
With U-13, U-15 and U-17 domestic women’s competitions, there has been a 232% increase in registered women footballers, the AIFF said. More than 8,600 players took part in the AIFF’s women’s leagues in 2024-25, an increase on the 6,300-plus the year before.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya Football Association President Hamletson Dohling also congratulated the Indian women’s team on their qualification. “Through determination, discipline and exceptional performances, the Blue Tigresses have earned their place on Asia’s biggest stage. This qualification is a testament to their hard work, belief and unwavering spirit. We are proud of this remarkable achievement and look forward to seeing them shine at the continental level,” he said on social media.
