What happened last time India participated in AFC Women's Asian Cup?

India returns to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after 20 years

The Indian Women’s National Team are gearing up to participate in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which will happen in Australia. This actually marks the first time that the Blue Tigresses have earned their place in an AFC Women’s Asian Cup by getting past the qualifiers and rightfully booking a berth in the competition.

It’ll feel particularly sweet for the Indian women’s team, especially considering they couldn’t participate in the 2022 edition in India due to a Covid-19 outbreak affecting the squad. The Blue Tigresses ensured that they will not miss out on the 2026 AFC Asian Cup, even ousting Iran in the qualifiers to earn a place in the major continental competition.

Of course, this isn’t going to be the first time that India participates in an AFC Women’s Asian Cup edition. They have taken part in eight previous editions of the competition, even finishing as runners-up twice, in 1980 (when it was hosted in India) and 1983.

With that being said, India was among the national women’s teams that were invited by the AFC to participate in all those editions, as qualification rounds for the tournament did not begin before 2006. The last time that the Blue Tigresses played in an AFC Women’s Asian Cup edition was way back in 2003, when it took part in Thailand. Here, we look at how the Blue Tigresses outing in that tournament went back in 2003.

How did India perform at the 2003 AFC Women’s Asian Cup?

The tournament was actually still named the AFC Women’s Championship in 2003, and it took place in Thailand between 14 teams participating in it. As it was still an invitation-based tournament, all 14 teams were basically invited to take part in the competition, apart from hosts Thailand and the defending champions, North Korea.

The teams were separated into three groups, with five teams accumulating in two groups and four teams taking part in one group. Basically, the rules were made so that the top two teams from Group A would move onto the semifinals, while one team each from Group B and Group C would also do so.

India, of course, was placed in Group C of the 2003 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. They had to contend with playing against competitive sides like China, Vietnam and Uzbekistan in three group matches before having a chance to move onto the semi-finals.

The Blue Tigresses faced off against the Uzbekistan women’s team in their opening match of the tournament. It was a triumphant start for the Indian side, who picked up a resounding 6-0 win over the Uzbekistan national women’s team. The likes of Rani Chanu, Maichon Devi, Robita Devi, and Sujata Kar all got amongst the goals, while Tababi Devi would also score a second-half brace to help their side earn three points.

This win put the Indian side level on points and the same goal difference as China, who had also won their first match of the group stages in a 6-0 thrashing of Vietnam. The Blue Tigresses faced off against the Chinese women’s team in the second game, and that’s when the reality check came in.

Also Read: AFC Women’s Asian Cup: Indian Women’s Football Team’s record over the years

The Chinese side absolutely outplayed the Indian women, picking up a massive 12-0 win. China stars Bai Jie and Sun Wien both scored five goals apiece, as the Blue Tigresses were unable to hold their own in this tough game.

India’s final group game was against Vietnam, who ended up taking a 2-0 lead in the game. Even though Sujata Kar pulled one back in the 60th minute, they were unable to make a comeback and get a win. China won their final group game with an 11-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan, winning group C to move their way into the semis. The Indian women’s side finished in third place in their group, with Sujata Kar and Tababi Devi being their joint top scorers.

India’s missed opportunity in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022

India’s previous AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign ended abruptly and painfully. As hosts in 2022, India were forced to withdraw after a COVID-19 outbreak left them unable to field the minimum 13 players for their Group A match against Chinese Taipei women’s national football team.

With 12 squad members testing positive, the team had no option under tournament rules. Their opening 0-0 draw against Iran women’s national football team was declared null and void, and their remaining group fixture against China was cancelled.

The tournament continued without the hosts, ending India’s first Asian Cup appearance since 2003 in disappointment. Then AIFF president Praful Patel described the situation as bad luck despite strict bio-bubble measures and urged patience and empathy. India had entered the competition hoping to build on a proud history that includes runner-up finishes in 1979 and 1983.

Instead, the campaign ended without a result on the pitch, turning a landmark moment for Indian women’s football into a missed opportunity. The Blue Tigresses will look to put up a braver and stronger fight in the 2026 edition and go deep into the tournament in style.

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