President Murmu Applauds India's Historic Sixth SAFF Women's Championship Triumph

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian women's football team after it secured a record-extending sixth SAFF Women's Championship title with a 3-1 victory over defending champions Bangladesh in the 2026 final. The triumph marked a successful return to the top of South Asian women's football for India following disappointing campaigns in the previous two editions.

In a message shared on social media platform X, President Murmu praised the team's performance throughout the tournament, highlighting the players' skill, determination and teamwork. She said the victory would inspire young girls across the country to pursue their ambitions with confidence and courage, describing the achievement as a significant moment for Indian women's sport.

"Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Women's Football Team on winning the SAFF Women's Championship 2026," the President wrote. She added that the team's remarkable achievement demonstrated resilience and excellence and would serve as a powerful example for aspiring athletes nationwide.

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India's title-winning campaign was particularly significant because it ended a period of relative disappointment in the regional tournament. After dominating the competition by winning the first five editions, India failed to reach the final in both 2022 and 2024. On those occasions, Bangladesh emerged as champions, signalling a shift in the balance of power within South Asian women's football.

The 3-1 victory over Bangladesh in the final not only restored India's position as the region's leading team but also completed an unbeaten run through the tournament. The performance underscored the team's resurgence under pressure and highlighted its ability to reclaim the championship against a side that had recently enjoyed considerable success.

The latest triumph further strengthens India's legacy in the SAFF Women's Championship, where it remains the most successful team in the competition's history. With a record six titles now to its name, the Indian women's team has reaffirmed its status as a dominant force in South Asian football while providing a boost to the continued growth and visibility of women's sport in the country.

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