Top 5 players to watchout from India for SAFF Women's Championship 2026

India will host the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026

The Indian women’s national team have endured a difficult 2026 so far, filled with disappointment and heartbreak. The year began with three consecutive defeats in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, resulting in a group-stage exit for the Blue Tigresses.

They later travelled to Kenya for the FIFA Series 2026, playing against Kenya and Malawi. India opened the campaign with a 2-0 defeat against the hosts but bounced back strongly with a close 3-2 victory over Malawi to end the tournament on a positive note.

Following the international commitments, the players returned to domestic action for the second phase of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2025-26. With East Bengal successfully defending their IWL crown, the focus has now shifted back to the national team as the Blue Tigresses prepare for the 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship in Goa.

India endured a disappointing campaign in the previous edition, crashing out in the quarterfinals under Santosh Kashyap. This time, however, Crispin Chettri will lead the side after replacing Amelia Valverde following the AFC Women’s Asian Cup exit.

As preparations continue on the field for the regional tournament, here are five players who could play a decisive role in India’s campaign.

5. Panthoi Chanu

Despite competing against stronger Asian opposition in recent months, India have struggled to dominate at the South Asian level in recent editions of the SAFF Women’s Championship. After winning the first five editions of the tournament, the Blue Tigresses have failed to lift the trophy in the last two campaigns.

While India have generally managed to progress comfortably through the group stage, knockout matches against sides like Nepal and Bangladesh have proven challenging. That makes the role of Panthoi Chanu extremely crucial heading into the tournament.

The East Bengal goalkeeper is coming off a stellar IWL season in which she won the Golden Glove after keeping ten clean sheets and playing a key role in her side’s title-winning campaign.

Crispin Chettri will be hoping that the experienced shot-stopper can provide defensive stability and avoid costly errors in between the sticks in the knockout rounds.

4. Aveka Singh

The Indian midfielder, currently playing for Danish side Naestved HG, heads into the tournament on the back of a successful domestic campaign. Aveka has been a regular presence in the national setup since the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and has impressed with her energetic displays in midfield.

She was particularly influential during the 2026 FIFA Series, producing an excellent performance against Malawi and scoring with a perfectly timed run into the penalty area, converting a cross delivered from the left flank.

Aveka’s ability to press aggressively, recover possession and make late attacking runs into the box gives India an added dimension in midfield. Crispin Chettri will likely rely on her work rate and intensity while also encouraging her to contribute in the attack.

3. Sanfida Nongrum

One of the breakout performers for the Indian women’s team in recent months, Sanfida Nongrum has adapted quickly to senior international football after making her debut during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup earlier this year.

The midfielder also enjoyed an impressive domestic campaign despite Garhwal United FC narrowly avoiding relegation in the 2025-26 Indian Women’s League. Her consistent displays in midfield earned her the IWL Best Midfielder of the season award.

Sanfida also showcased her attacking quality on the continental stage, scoring a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box while operating as an advanced midfielder behind the striker.

2. Pyari Xaxa

When it comes to goals, Pyari Xaxa remains India’s most in-form attacking weapon. Representing Nita FA in the IWL, the striker finished the 2025-26 season with 13 goals, the highest tally among Indian players and the second highest overall in the league.

Although her club form has been outstanding, Pyari has struggled to replicate that consistency for the national team. Her last goal in Indian colors came almost a year back during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers against Mongolia, where she netted five times in a dominant 13-0 victory.

Competition for the striker’s role remains strong but given her recent red-hot form in front of goal, Crispin Chettri is expected to place his trust in Pyari to lead the line.

1. Manisha Kalyan

Against opposition that are either on par with India or slightly below them in quality, few players can influence matches the way Manisha Kalyan can. The winger possesses all the attributes needed to change games; pace, dribbling, long-range shooting, creativity and the ability to deliver in set-pieces.

She once again displayed her quality during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup by scoring a stunning free-kick against Chinese Taipei in the final group-stage encounter, underlining her threat from set-pieces. Interestingly, Manisha’s first senior goal for India also came against Bangladesh during the 2019 SAFF Women’s Championship semi-final, where she helped India secure a dominant 4-0 victory.

Whether it is producing a moment of brilliance from the left flank or delivering when the team needs goals, India will once again look towards Manisha Kalyan to be their difference-maker in Goa. However, Manisha Kalyan, who plies her trade in Peru for Alianza Lima, can only join when the FIFA International Match Window begins on June 1.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.