The Young Tigresses of India returned home as champions of South Asia after clinching the 2025 SAFF U17 Women’s Championship in Thimphu, Bhutan. Their campaign was marked by five emphatic wins, one narrow defeat, and an extraordinary display of attacking flair and defensive grit. Though their perfect run ended in a dramatic 3-4 loss to Bangladesh in the final match, the title was already theirs, secured through consistency and brilliance in earlier games. This victory, their latest in a series of youth-level triumphs, represents not just a trophy but also a milestone in India’s growing women’s football journey.

The Final Clash—Drama, Tears, and Lessons

On Sunday, August 31, at the Changlimithang Stadium, the Young Tigresses faced Bangladesh in what turned out to be one of the most dramatic matches of the championship. The game began with heartbreak for India as Purnima Marma of Bangladesh scored within 30 seconds, handing India their first conceded goal of the tournament. For a team that had kept five consecutive clean sheets, it was a jolt. Yet, the Tigresses showed resilience as Anushka Kumari equalized in the ninth minute with a composed finish after beating two defenders and the goalkeeper. 

Bangladesh regained the lead in the 34th minute when Alpi Akter found the net amid a scramble inside the Indian box. India came close to equalizing again, with Anushka’s powerful free kick rattling the post just before halftime. The second half began with another blow as Sauravi Akanda Prity extended Bangladesh’s lead to 3-1 in the 48th minute. However, India’s fighting spirit refused to dim. Pritika Barman pulled one back in the 65th minute with a crisp strike, and in the 89th, captain Julan Nongmaithem struck a thunderous effort from outside the box to level the score at 3-3. It felt as though India would finish unbeaten, but in the dying moments of stoppage time, Prity struck again, giving Bangladesh a 4-3 victory and leaving Indian players in tears at the final whistle.

A Campaign of Ruthless Dominance

Despite the loss, India’s overall campaign was nothing short of dominant. In their six matches, they scored 27 goals and conceded only four, all in the final game. They opened their journey with a 7-0 thrashing of Nepal, followed by a clinical 2-0 win against Bangladesh in their first encounter. Bhutan were dismantled twice, first by an 8-0 margin and then 5-0 in the return fixture, while Nepal were once again outclassed 5-0 in their second meeting. By the time the final match against Bangladesh arrived, India had already secured an unassailable lead in the standings. Their dominance was not just statistical but also psychological, as they dictated play with tactical maturity, speed, and unrelenting pressure.

Heroes Who Carried the Team

Every successful campaign is powered by individuals who rise to the occasion, and India had several standout performers. Anushka Kumari emerged as the heartbeat of the attack, finishing as the Top Goalscorer of the tournament with eight goals in six matches, including crucial strikes in high-pressure moments. It was her second golden boot at the SAFF level, after being the joint-top scorer in the U16 edition last year. 

Captain Julan Nongmaithem provided leadership and decisive contributions, including the equalizer against Bangladesh that reflected her courage and calm under pressure. Pritika Barman too was exceptional, blending midfield creativity with attacking instinct, while Abhista Basnett stood out as the Most Valuable Player, with four goals and three assists showcasing her all-round brilliance. Together, they formed a core that defined the Young Tigresses’ journey.

Nurturing the Future of South Asian Women’s Football

The SAFF U17 Women’s Championship is a regional football tournament organized by the South Asian Football Federation to provide a platform for young female footballers under the age of 17. It is not just a competition for medals but a developmental stage where teenagers get the chance to represent their countries, gain international exposure, and prepare for larger stages like the AFC and FIFA tournaments. Head coach Joakim Alexandersson was quick to put the loss against Bangladesh into perspective.

With the SAFF title secured, the focus now shifts to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, this October. Against stronger continental opponents, India will aim to translate their regional dominance into success at the Asian stage. The SAFF Championship, with all its highs and that one bitter low, has provided the perfect preparation.

As the Young Tigresses lifted the trophy in Thimphu, they were not just celebrating victory, but also carrying the hopes of a brighter future for Indian women’s football.