Perth, Feb 25 (NationPress) Long before the final whistle blew in Thailand, sealing India's place in the continental showcase six months ago, Sangita Basfore had envisioned this journey as something far greater than merely qualifying for the AFC Women's Asian Cup.

At the outset of last year’s qualification campaign, while the immediate aim for the India women's national team was to reach the Asian Cup, Sangita’s ambition extended beyond that. For her, the Asian Cup was never merely the destination; it represented the gateway to the FIFA Women's World Cup.

This forward-thinking mindset characterized her campaign. Thus, when India secured qualification—propelled by Sangita’s pivotal two-goal performance against Thailand in the final qualifying match—it felt less like the conclusion of a journey and more like the commencement of the true mission.

That future-oriented mentality continues to shape her approach as the Blue Tigresses prepare in Australia, where the team arrived ahead of all competitors to optimize their preparation time and acclimatize to new conditions. For Sangita, the message within the squad has remained consistent from the qualifiers to the tournament itself.

“Since the beginning of the Asian Cup qualifiers last year, our entire team has shared a singular thought, which is to qualify for the World Cup. But that is merely one step. Our moment has arrived, and our first match is on March 4, so our focus is entirely on that. A victory there will bolster our confidence, and the same motivation will carry us through the subsequent games. Everyone on the team understands the importance of taking it game by game,” Sangita communicated to AIFF.

The preparation for this pivotal moment has been extensive and methodical. The squad has spent a month and a half together, including a training camp in Türkiye, before making their way to Australia. The significant shift in climate—from the winter chill to the Australian warmth—made an early arrival not just a logistical choice but a competitive necessity.

“This has been crucial. We have spent 45 days together. Previously, our preparations in Turkey took place in very cold conditions, but here, the weather is entirely different, much warmer. Arriving early offered us an excellent opportunity to adjust. Initially, it was challenging, but we are now acclimatizing to the heat and improving our performance. Thus, coming early was indeed a wise decision,” she remarked.

Her contributions to India's journey are among the defining moments of not only this campaign but also of Indian football history. The two goals in the decisive qualifier garnered headlines, interviews, and widespread acclaim. However, Sangita views that night as a collective achievement rather than a personal milestone.

“That was not solely my effort; it was the result of the entire team's dedication. If my teammates hadn’t provided me with the right passes, I might not have scored at all. The recognition belongs to the whole team, the staff, and all the players. Following that, I received numerous interview requests and attention, but for me, it was just part of the experience. It was a memorable moment, and now I aim to maintain this performance for the national team and advance in my career.”

The 29-year-old's faith in India's capacity to compete on the global stage was already apparent during the official draw in Sydney last July, where the magnitude of the tournament first became tangible.

“We have never doubted our abilities, and that belief remains unwavering. Whether at the dining table or during training, we consistently discuss our strategy of progressing step by step. To reach the World Cup, we must first play at least four matches, so right now, our concentration is solely on the first game.”

In addition to tactical preparation and environmental acclimatization, the squad is also adapting to new leadership under Amelia Valverde. For Sangita, the most significant aspect has been the sense of fairness and opportunity throughout the squad.

“Coach Amelia has been with us for over a month now. Each coach has unique philosophies regarding player treatment and gameplay. What I appreciate about this coach is her ability to provide chances to everyone and treat all players equally. This is very beneficial for the team. Thus far, we have primarily observed this in training, and now we must demonstrate it in matches. The coach is fulfilling her role in preparing us; now it is our responsibility to perform on the field.”

From dreaming of the World Cup during the qualifiers to scoring the goals that propelled India forward, to now focusing entirely on the match scheduled for March 4, Sangita consistently remains focused on what lies ahead. Qualification was never the endpoint; it was merely a confirmation that the larger goal remains attainable.