SAFF Women’s Championship: List of champions over the years
India beat Bangladesh to lift the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 title
India went past Bangladesh to lift the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 title in Goa. The Blue Tigresses had a dominant campaign throughout and managed to score 18 goals in the four games they played.
This victory takes India’s tally to six as they lifted their sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title, having last won it in 2019. Following that, Bangladesh showcased their dominance in the tournament by winning the next two editions. However, the Blue Tigresses came back in style to reclaim the title.
Surprisingly, in a tournament where teams from South Asia compete, only two countries have managed to lift this title over the years. In this article, we take a look at the winners of the SAFF Women’s Championship over the years.
India
India are the one team that have lifted the SAFF Women’s Championship title the most. The Blue Tigresses hold the record with six SAFF Women’s Championship titles, having won six of the eight editions held so far.
While there was a period when Bangladesh started dominating the tournament, India had previously enjoyed a prolonged spell of success, winning every edition from 2010 to 2019. After a six year gap, the Blue Tigresses have once again reclaimed the title in 2026.
2010
The SAFF Women’s Championship 2010 was held in Bangladesh from 12 to 23 December and was the first edition of the tournament. India topped Group A ahead of Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka with a perfect record, winning all three of their matches.
In the semifinal, India defeated Pakistan 8-0, courtesy of a hat-trick from Bala Devi. Later, in the final, the Blue Tigresses beat Nepal 1-0 to lift the inaugural SAFF Women’s Championship title.
2012
This time, the second edition of the SAFF Women’s Championship was held in Sri Lanka from 7 to 16 September. India were once again placed in Group A and managed to top it ahead of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka with another perfect run.
In the semifinal, India registered a huge win over Afghanistan with a scoreline of 11-0, courtesy of hattricks from Bembem Devi and Kamala Devi. The Blue Tigresses again came face to face against Nepal in the final and defeated them 3-1 to lift the SAFF Women’s Championship title for the second time in a row.
2014
The third edition of SAFF Women’s Championship was held in Pakistan from 11 to 21 November. India went on a perfect run once again and topped Group A ahead of Bangladesh, Maldives and Afghanistan.
The Blue Tigresses went past Sri Lanka in the semifinal with a scoreline of 5-0 and later defeated Nepal for the third consecutive edition in the final with a scoreline of 6-0 to lift another SAFF Women’s Championship title.
2016
The fourth edition of SAFF Women’s Championship finally came to India and was held from 26 December to 4 January. This time India were placed in Group B and finished second in the group behind Bangladesh on GD.
In the semifinal, India defeated Group A toppers Nepal 3-1 to reach the final. They then faced Bangladesh, with whom they had drawn in the group stage earlier. However, this time India emerged victorious, winning 3-1 in the final, with Grace Dangmei getting her name on the scoresheet.
2019
The SAFF Women’s Championship 2019 was initially scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from 17 to 26 December 2018. However, the tournament was rescheduled after Sri Lanka withdrew as hosts. It was later moved to Nepal and took place from 12 to 22 March 2019.
In this edition, India topped their group once again with a perfect run and later defeated Bangladesh 4-0 in the semifinals to reach the final. In the final, the Blue Tigresses defeated the hosts Nepal 3-1 to lift their 5th consecutive Women’s Championship title.
2026
The latest edition of the SAFF Women’s Championship was hosted by India in Goa. India were placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh and Maldives, and topped the group with a perfect record, including an 11-0 thrashing of Maldives.
However, the semifinal against Bhutan proved to be tricky, with India narrowly progressing thanks to a goal from Sanfida Nongrum. In the final, the Blue Tigresses defeated defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 to lift their sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title after a gap of seven years.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh are the only team in the history of the tournament, apart from India, to have lifted the SAFF Women’s Championship title.
Since 2019, women’s football in Bangladesh has witnessed significant growth and development. The team managed to end India’s dominance after five consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship titles and emerged as a new force in the region. Bangladesh went on to win the championship in back to back editions in 2022 and 2024.
2022
The SAFF Women’s Championship 2022 was the 6th edition of the SAFF Women’s Championship and was held in Nepal from 6-19 September. Bangladesh were placed in Group A alongside powerhouse India but still managed to top their group defeating India 3-0.
In the semifinal, Bangladesh faced Bhutan and completely thrashed them 8-0 to book their place in the final. They then defeated Nepal 3-1 in the final to lift their first-ever SAFF Women’s Championship title, ending India’s long-standing dominance in the competition.
2024
The SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 was the 7th edition of the tournament and was held in Nepal from October 17 to 30.
Bangladesh once again topped their group and later defeated Bhutan 7-1 in the semifinal to reach the final. In the final, they overcame hosts Nepal to lift their second consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship title.
Which team have won the SAFF Women’s Championship title the most?
India hold the record of winning six SAFF Women’s Championship title.
Who lifted the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 title?
India defeated Bangladesh to lift the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 title.
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.