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AIFF announces cash prize for Indian women's football team following historic Asian Cup qualification campaign
The Indian women's football team qualified for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup on the back of a clinical qualifying campaign in which it won all four matches and topped Group B. Image credit: AIFF
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday announced a cash reward for the Indian women's football team after their history-making performance in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Thailand. The Blue Tigresses delivered a flawless qualifying campaign in which it won all four matches, including a 2-1 victory over hosts Thailand, to on merit for the first time ever.
India also thrashed Mongolia 13-0 and collected dominant victories over Timor-Leste (4-0) and Iraq (5-0) before finishing top of Group B with the victory over Thailand. And the governing body for the sport in India rewarded the Crispin Chhetri-coached side with a cash prize of US$50,000.
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'While the results may have appeared seamless on the pitch, they were the culmination of sustained planning and developmental efforts over the past few years. There were no shortcuts to success—this achievement was the result of a long-term vision and structured preparation,' read an official statement from the AIFF on Monday.
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𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟. 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 🇮🇳#IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/e07vlC7H5k — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 6, 2025
India had previously made nine appearances in the continental event – on an invitational basis between 1980 and 2003 and as the host nation in 2022. India finished runners-up twice – on debut in 1980 as well as in 1983 – besides finishing third in 1981. As for the 2022 edition, the hosts couldn't play a single match, having to withdraw due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the squad.
AIFF promises 'best possible preparation' for Blue Tigresses
India, thus, are participating in the Women's Asian Cup on merit for the first time since a qualification round was introduced for the 2006 edition in Australia.
'Looking ahead, the AIFF remains fully committed to ensuring the best possible preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Australia in March 2026. The Federation will work closely with all stakeholders to facilitate extended training camps and secure high-quality international exposure for the team.
'The aim for the Federation is not only to make the players physically and mentally fit through training, but also to make them ready to rub shoulders against the best in Asia. Opportunities for the AIFF to arrange quality opponents to play preparatory matches are also being looked at,' the AIFF added in its release.
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The 21st edition of the quadrennial tournament will be taking place across five venues in three Australian cities – Sydney, Gold Coast and Perth – from 1 to 21 March.
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