India ended a seven-year wait to reclaim the SAFF Women's Championship title, defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in a gripping final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Saturday, 6 June. The victory hands India a record-extending sixth SAFF Women's title and ends Bangladesh's bid for a historic third consecutive crown.

How the Final Unfolded

Pyari Xaxa broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, showing quick feet inside the penalty area before her shot deflected off Surovi Akter and looped over goalkeeper Mile Akter into the net. Bangladesh hit back almost immediately — deep into first-half stoppage time, Ritu Porna Chakma found space down the left and drove a low effort into the far corner past goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam, levelling at 1-1. It was the only goal India conceded across the entire tournament.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to the Blue Tigresses. Within 40 seconds of the restart, Xaxa turned provider, delivering a cross from the right that found Sanfida Nongrum unmarked. Nongrum directed a powerful header into the net via the post to restore India's lead. Substitute Lynda Kom Serto then sealed the contest in the 82nd minute, reacting quickest to a defensive error inside the box and slotting past Mile Akter to make it 3-1.

A Farewell for Dangmei Grace

The final carried added emotional weight as veteran forward Dangmei Grace announced her retirement from international football after the match. Grace, who made her debut in 2013, represented India 95 times and leaves the game having won her third SAFF title. After the final whistle, Nongrum was seen dropping to her knees before embracing Grace — a moment that encapsulated both the triumph and the farewell.

A Dominant Tournament Campaign

India's run to the title was commanding by any measure. Coach Crispin Chettri's side won all four of their matches, scoring 18 goals and conceding just one throughout the tournament. Aveka Singh finished as the competition's top scorer with four goals. Nongrum, who scored in both the semifinal and the final, was named Most Valuable Player. Panthoi Chanu Elangbam claimed the Best Goalkeeper award, while Nepal took the Fair Play award.

What This Win Means

India's last SAFF Women's Championship title came in 2019, and the two editions since had seen Bangladesh emerge as the dominant force in South Asian women's football. This victory resets that narrative. Notably, Manisha Kalyan made her first start of the tournament in the final, signalling that depth across the squad remains a strength. The triumph also underlines the growing quality of women's football in the region, with Bangladesh pushing India hard until the closing stages. India's next challenge will be to carry this momentum into continental competition.