India’s football landscape is celebrating a historic moment as the women’s team qualified for the AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026, powered by the incredible resilience and talent of midfielder Sangita Basfore.
A Historic Qualification for India
The Indian women’s football team achieved a significant milestone by defeating Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asia Cup Qualifiers. This victory secured their spot in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asia Cup, hosted in Australia.
While India has participated twice before (by invitation in 2003 and as hosts in 2022, though they withdrew due to COVID-19), this is their first time qualifying for the event through the competitive qualification system.
Sangita Basfore’s Match-Winning Performance
At the heart of this triumph was Sangita Basfore, who delivered a heroic performance against Thailand. She scored two crucial goals, including a spectacular opener, to ensure India secured the win.
Upon the final whistle, Sangita, along with coach Crispin Chhetri, was overcome with emotion, shedding tears of joy. She shared that the victory was a culmination of years of hard work, heartbreaks, and unwavering dedication.
From Striker Dreams to Midfield Maestro
Despite her goal-scoring heroics, the 28-year-old Sangita identifies primarily as a defensive midfielder. Her love for football began early, captivated by the thrill of scoring goals while playing barefoot with boys at her uncle’s academy.
Her uncle, former Mohun Bagan player Bijay Basfore, quickly recognized her innate talent. Football not only became her passion but also provided crucial financial stability for her family, a motivation that continues to drive her.
Overcoming Immense Adversity
Sangita’s journey has been marked by significant challenges. In 2021, she suffered a severe ACL injury, a daunting setback for any footballer, especially a tireless midfielder.
She underwent surgery and a rigorous, nine-month rehabilitation process, which she had to fund herself from her salary at Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Adding to her personal struggles, her father passed away shortly after her surgery, leaving her to cope with profound grief.
Despite these immense personal hardships, Sangita never considered quitting. Her commitment to providing for her family and her deep connection to the sport fueled her determination to return to the pitch stronger than ever.
Learning from the Best
Sangita made her international debut in 2015, but it was former national coach Maymol Rocky who encouraged her to transition to a deeper midfield role. To master this new position, Sangita diligently studied videos of elite defensive midfielders like Toni Kroos and Casemiro.
This dedication allowed her to seamlessly adapt, becoming a vital cog in the Indian team’s midfield. Her ability to take on significant workload makes her invaluable, enabling her teammates to perform better around her.
Coach’s Unwavering Praise
Coach Crispin Chhetri speaks volumes about Sangita’s importance to the team. He highlighted how she consistently elevates the performance of those around her due to her immense sacrifice and work rate.
Chhetri emphasized that Sangita and her midfield partner, Ratanbala Nongmaithem, truly deserved the crucial goals and the momentous qualification, given everything they have endured and contributed.
- India’s women’s football team qualified for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asia Cup, their first time via the qualification system.
- Midfielder Sangita Basfore scored two pivotal goals in the decisive match against Thailand.
- Basfore overcame a severe ACL injury and the loss of her father, demonstrating incredible resilience.
- She transformed her game by studying top defensive midfielders like Toni Kroos and Casemiro.
Sangita Basfore’s inspiring journey exemplifies the spirit and determination driving Indian women’s football forward, promising an exciting future for the sport.
