While the Men struggle, India’s Women quietly script a golden chapter in football history

Under the floodlights of the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai (Thailand), a new chapter in Indian women’s football was etched — one that had been years in the making, fueled by heartbreak, resilience, and belief. The Blue Tigresses rose to the occasion, scripting history by securing a place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 on merit, their first-ever qualification through the traditional route.

It’s a moment of immense pride for Indian football. And yet, one that’s telling in its contrast. While the spotlight has often favoured the Indian men’s team footballers, with their prime-time fixtures, lucrative ISL contracts, the Blue Tigresses have been quietly rising, away from the glare, but closer to the goal.

This triumph in Thailand is no flash in the pan. The Indian women’s team hadn’t qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup through competition in over two decades, the last such instance dating back to 2003, when qualifiers didn’t even exist. In 2022, they were back on the big stage, but only as hosts, and even then, fate had the final say as a COVID outbreak forced an early exit. This time, it’s all them. Earned, not offered. And that makes the moment even sweeter.

Meanwhile, the Indian men’s team, with significantly greater infrastructure, funding, and fanfare is faltering in their own qualifying campaign for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Two games into the qualifiers, they are yet to register a win. A tame draw against Bangladesh in the opener, followed by a disappointing loss to Hong Kong, has left them scrambling for answers. The last time they won a competitive game was all the way back in November 2023 against Kuwait.