India has embarked on its maiden campaign at the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship 2026 in Thailand, aiming for their first international futsal title. Led by coach Joshuah Vaz and captain Jigmet Chunzen, the team begins against the Maldives on January 13. The tournament runs till January 25 in Nonthaburi, featuring seven SAFF nations.
India’s women’s futsal team is set to make history at the first-ever SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship in Thailand. The squad, nicknamed the Futsal Tigresses, enters the competition with high ambitions, seeking both their first international futsal victory and a maiden regional title.
The championship, organized by the South Asian Football Federation, will see India compete in a round-robin format against six other nations, with the top team crowned champion.
Key Highlights
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Tournament Dates: January 13–25, 2026, at Nonthaburi Stadium, Thailand.
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Opening Match: India vs Maldives on January 13, 12:30 IST.
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Leadership: Head coach Joshuah Vaz and captain Jigmet Chunzen lead a youthful squad.
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Squad Strength: Seven players bring experience from AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers.
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Format: Round robin competition among SAFF nations; top team wins the title.
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Ambition: India eyes its first futsal silverware and aims to establish dominance in the region.
This debut marks a significant step for women’s futsal in India, reflecting growing investment in indoor football and offering a platform for athletes to shine internationally.
Sources: NewKerala, Tribune India, Asianet Newsable.