The Young Tigresses have roared their way into history. Indian U17 Women’s National Football Team completed a stunning comeback to beat Uzbekistan 2–1 in Bishkek, sealing their qualification for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 to be held in China.
This is not just another victory it’s a moment of transformation for Indian women’s football. For the first time ever, India’s women’s teams in all three age groups U17, U20, and Senior have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup in the same year.
From Trailing to Triumph: The Fightback in Bishkek
Heading into the match, India knew that a draw might not be enough. Only the group winner would advance, and facing hosts Uzbekistan after a 1–0 deficit at half-time, the odds looked steep. But this group of determined young women, coached by experienced tactician Priya PV, showed the grit and composure that has defined their campaign. Uzbekistan’s Shaxrizoda Alixonova opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a precise finish that momentarily silenced the Indian camp. But instead of panicking, the Young Tigresses regrouped at halftime, reorganizing their shape and pushing higher up the field.
In the 55th minute, Thandamoni Baskey the spark in India’s attack throughout the qualifiers ignited the comeback. Latching on to a through ball, she held her nerve to slot past the Uzbek goalkeeper, levelling the score 1–1.
Just over ten minutes later, Anushka Kumari produced the decisive moment. A crisp low drive from the edge of the box nestled into the corner, sending the Indian bench into jubilation. From 0–1 down to 2–1 up it was a comeback worthy of history. The final whistle confirmed it: India are back at the continental stage after 21 years, and for the first time on merit through the qualification process.
India’s qualification campaign was short but decisive. Placed in a three-team Group G alongside Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, the Young Tigresses began with a dominant 3–0 win over hosts Kyrgyzstan a statement of intent. Against Uzbekistan, the equation was clear: win or go home. The result not only topped the group for India but also marked their first-ever qualification for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup under the current format.
With this, India join an elite list of nations already through to the final round China, Japan, Korea Republic, Korea DPR, Australia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar.
A Generational Leap for Indian Women’s Football
This qualification represents more than just success at the youth level. It symbolizes the collective rise of Indian women’s football across generations. Earlier this year, the senior women’s team secured their place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, and the U20 women’s team also booked their berth for the continental championship. Now, the U17 team’s qualification completes a remarkable hat-trick for Indian football. It’s the first time in Indian football history that all three women’s national teams have reached the AFC championships in the same year a reflection of growing depth, better grassroots programs, and consistent exposure for young players.
The Making of the Young Tigresses
This U17 batch has been quietly making waves over the past year. Many of these players are products of the Indian Women’s League and AIFF’s youth development program. Players like Thandamoni Baskey, Anushka Kumari, and goalkeeper Elina Devi have been standouts, combining skill with game awareness that belies their age. The team’s build-up to the qualifiers included exposure tours and domestic training camps designed to mirror the intensity of international football. The focus, as coach reiterated, was on building tactical awareness and self-belief.
The AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 will feature the continent’s top eight teams competing next year. For India, it’s an opportunity to measure themselves against the very best including Japan, Korea Republic, and Australia and gain invaluable experience.
India’s last appearance at the tournament came in 2005, when teams entered directly without qualifiers. This, however, marks their first-ever qualification through the modern competitive format, underscoring the strides made in women’s football over the past two decades. For the players, this is just the beginning. “We want to go there and compete, not just participate,” said captain Anushka Kumari. “We’ve worked hard to reach this stage now we want to make India proud.”
Back home, social media erupted with celebration as fans, athletes, and former players hailed the Young Tigresses’ historic achievement. The moment carries symbolic weight a generation of girls proving that with the right platform and perseverance, India can stand tall in Asian football. The triumph in Bishkek adds another layer to what has already been a landmark year for women’s football in the country. With the U17, U20, and senior teams all set for continental action in 2026, the pathway from grassroots to elite football has never looked clearer.
As the sun sets on Bishkek, a new dawn rises for Indian women’s football. These young girls, armed with courage and conviction, have not just won a match they’ve reignited a dream that began two decades ago.
Final Score: India 2–1 Uzbekistan
Scorers: Thandamoni Baskey (55’), Anushka Kumari (68’); Shaxrizoda Alixonova (37’)
India qualify for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 for the first time on merit.
🇮🇳 Our Women. Our Pride. Our Future.
