India return to AFC Women’s Asian Cup on merit
India’s women’s football team have qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on merit for the first time since their Covid-hit exit in 2022, earning their place among the continent’s elite through the qualification route.
The Blue Tigresses sealed their spot after a strong campaign in the qualifiers, bouncing back from the heartbreak of being forced out as hosts four years ago due to a virus outbreak in the squad. “This qualification means everything to us after what happened in 2022,” a senior player said. “We wanted to prove we belong here.”
Head coach Thomas Dennerby added, “The team showed character and discipline throughout the qualifiers. We earned this on the pitch.”
India will now face Asia’s top sides in the final tournament. “We respect every opponent, but we are not going just to participate,” the coach said, underlining the team’s renewed ambition.