SAFF Women's Championship 2026: Top 3 performers from the tournament
India lifted the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 title
The SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 will be remembered as the tournament that saw India return to the summit of South Asian football.
Playing on home soil in Goa, the Blue Tigresses ended a seven-year wait for continental glory, defeating Bangladesh 3-1 in the final to lift a record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title under head coach Crispin Chettri.
India’s road to the trophy was nothing short of impressive. They began their campaign with a ruthless 11-0 demolition of Maldives before producing a statement performance against defending champions Bangladesh, securing a 3-0 victory to top Group B and book a place in the semi-finals.
The knockout rounds of the SAFF Women’s Championship presented a different challenge. Faced with a disciplined Bhutan side in the semi-finals, India had to remain patient before Sanfida Nongrum’s second-half strike secured a narrow 1-0 victory and a place in the final.
Awaiting them in the title clash was a Bangladesh team chasing a historic third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship crown.
After Pyari Xaxa opened the scoring, Bangladesh responded through Ritu Porna Chakma before India took control after the break. Goals from Sanfida Nongrum and substitute Lynda Kom Serto sealed a 3-1 victory, helping the Blue Tigresses complete an unbeaten campaign in which they scored 18 goals and conceded just once.
While India’s success was built on teamwork and determination, several individuals consistently rose above the rest throughout the tournament.
From match-winning goals to crucial saves and influential performances in high-pressure moments, these players played a defining role in India’s title-winning campaign.
Here are the three standout performers of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026.
3. Panthoi Chanu
Panthoi Chanu was one of the cornerstones of India’s title-winning campaign at the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026. While India’s attackers often stole the headlines, the experienced goalkeeper played an equally important role in helping the Blue Tigresses reclaim the trophy after seven years.
The custodian produced several crucial saves throughout the tournament and provided a calming presence between the posts whenever India were tested.
Her positioning, decision-making and ability to command the penalty area helped India remain defensively organised from start to finish.
India conceded just one goal during the entire competition, a testament to the team’s defensive discipline and Panthoi’s reliability in goal.
Whether called upon to make routine stops or more difficult saves, she consistently rose to the occasion and delivered when it mattered.
Her impressive performances were rewarded with the Golden Glove award, making her a deserving inclusion among the standout players of the tournament.
2. Aveka Singh
Few players made a bigger impact in the attacking third than Aveka Singh. Entering the tournament with growing expectations, the midfielder consistently troubled opposition defences with her movement, creativity and eye for goal.
Aveka announced herself in spectacular fashion by scoring four goals in India’s 11-0 victory over Maldives, setting the tone for what would become an outstanding campaign.
Even in matches where she did not find the net, her ability to create space and stretch defensive lines made her one of India’s most dangerous attacking outlets. Her performances helped India dominate opponents throughout the SAFF Women’s Championship tournament and ultimately earned her the Golden Boot.
Although she was unable to score in the final, her contributions across the competition played a crucial role in India’s run to the title.
1. Sanfida Nongrum
If there was one player who consistently delivered in the biggest moments of the SAFF Women’s Championship tournament, it was Sanfida Nongrum. The midfielder played a crucial role in India’s run to the title, combining intelligence, work rate and a knack for stepping up when the stakes were highest.
While India produced several dominant performances throughout the competition, Sanfida’s influence became most apparent during the knockout rounds.
In the semi-final against Bhutan, with the match finely balanced and opportunities at a premium, she scored the decisive goal to send the Blue Tigresses into the final. It was a moment that underlined her ability to make the difference when India needed it most.
She carried that form into the final against Bangladesh. After the visitors had fought their way back into the contest, Sanfida restored India’s advantage early in the second half with a well-taken goal that shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the hosts.
Her strike proved to be a turning point as India went on to secure a 3-1 victory and lift the trophy.
Beyond her goals, Sanfida’s overall contribution stood out throughout the tournament. She linked play effectively, pressed relentlessly and brought balance to India’s midfield while also contributing in attack.
Her performances were a key reason behind India’s successful campaign and earned her the Most Valuable Player award.
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Balancing her medical studies with a strong passion for Indian football, Preethi has been a dedicated follower of the sport. Her speciality is covering and discovering stories, talking to players, conducting their interviews, and drafting articles. She particularly covers Hyderabad FC and other stories from the ISL and I-League.