After two consecutive editions in Kathmandu, Nepal, this year’s women’s SAFF Championship will be hosted in Goa, India, from 25 May to 7 June, according to the Times of India.
SAFF Secretary General Purushottam Kettle confirmed in a letter to the All India Football Federation last Thursday that all seven national women’s teams from SAFF member countries are expected to participate. He described the tournament as one of South Asia’s premier events for women’s football, highlighting its role in promoting and developing the sport across the region.
Bangladesh enter the championship as defending champions. The Sabinara squad retained their title in 2024 by defeating hosts Nepal and had also beaten Nepal in the 2022 final. The red and green team will now aim to hold onto their crown in Goa.
Goa previously hosted the men’s SAFF in 1999, but this will be the first women’s championship at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. Goa Football Association President Kaitano Fernandez said:
“Women’s football in South Asia is progressing, as demonstrated at the Asian Cup. India and Bangladesh are among Asia’s top ten teams, and Nepal also remains a strong contender. I am confident the tournament will deliver high-quality football.”
India is the most successful team in the women’s SAFF Championship, having won a record five titles. Alongside hosts India, the tournament will feature Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
