India made its long-awaited return to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time since 2003, marking a significant 23-year absence.
After topping their group in the qualification rounds held in Thailand in 2025, the Blue Tigresses arrived in Australia full of confidence. Unfortunately, the campaign ended without earning any points. However, the story of India’s three weeks in Australia is more complicated than a last-place finish suggests.
The Road to Australia
Qualification was a significant achievement. India faced Timor-Leste, Iraq, Mongolia, and host nation Thailand, winning their first three matches. They capped it off with a 2-1 victory over Thailand in the final game, thanks to two goals from Sangita Basfore, finishing at the top of the group. Beating a team that had been in consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cups was a major accomplishment for a side ranked 67th in the world. Cautious yet genuine expectations followed them to Perth and Sydney.
Game 1: Vietnam – A Narrow Loss That Stung
India opened against Vietnam, narrowly losing 2-1 in their first match. Vietnam, ranked 36th and fresh off a 2023 Women’s World Cup appearance, was statistically the stronger side. Still, India pushed them hard. The close score showed that India was competitive but still needed to be more clinical at both ends.
Game 2: Japan – An Eleven-Goal Gap
In their second Group C match at the Perth Rectangular Stadium, India faced world No. 8 Japan and suffered an 11-0 defeat. It was a challenging afternoon. Japan started strong, breaking through India’s defense within five minutes with a stunning individual effort from Yuzuki Yamamoto, who cut in from the right, dribbled past defenders, and curled a shot into the top corner with her weaker left foot.
India, ranked 67th, struggled to get out of their half under intense Japanese pressure. Japan held 78% possession in the first half alone. Substitute Riko Ueki scored a hat-trick after coming off the bench. Despite this, goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu made several commendable saves, limiting the damage when possible. The final score was harsh, showcasing the significant gap in football infrastructure, not just skill, between the two countries.
Game 3: Chinese Taipei – The One That Got Away
The final group match against Chinese Taipei was crucial for India. The team started on a high note, with Martina Thokchom hitting the post with a header and Soumya Gugoloth coming close after excellent hold-up play from Manisha Kalyan. Then came a moment that crushed their hopes.
A defensive error allowed Chinese Taipei to take the lead in the 12th minute. Sanju Yadav’s poorly struck backpass to keeper Panthoi Chanu was intercepted by Chen Ji-wen, who assisted Su Yu-hsuan for an easy finish.
India responded immediately. Manisha Kalyan’s powerful free-kick struck the crossbar and crossed the line, showcasing the potential of this Indian team. However, luck soon turned against them again just before half-time. A penalty hit the post and deflected in off an unfortunate own goal by Panthoi Chanu, sending India into the break behind. In the second half, Chen Yu-chin sealed the result by rounding the keeper and finishing into an empty net.
India completed the tournament with no points from three games, a goal difference of -14, and exited at the group stage.
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The tournament exposed the divide between individual talent and football development as a whole. Players like Manisha Kalyan, Panthoi Chanu, and Sanfida Nongrum demonstrated that India has footballers capable of competing at this level. However, what is missing is a consistent infrastructure, regular international matches, a longer domestic season, and ongoing support to help teams develop as a unit.
After qualifying for the Asian Cup, the AIFF promised a structured lead-up with extended training camps and international friendly matches. Unfortunately, much of that preparation did not happen. The November FIFA window passed without any international games. Plans for exposure tours fell through, leaving the squad with little high-level competition before the tournament. Even their preparations faced challenges; several players received ill-fitting jerseys just days before their opening match.
India’s campaign ultimately ended with three losses, scoring two goals and conceding sixteen. The statistics are tough, but the Blue Tigresses, in only their second Asian Cup appearance in over twenty years, showed flashes of what this program can achieve with the right support. Manisha Kalyan is a genuine talent at the continental level. Panthoi Chanu remains a reliable defender under pressure.
The foundations are there. The real question is whether Indian football’s administrators will build on these players before the next opportunity arises.
