India and Bangladesh Share Title at the SAFF U-19 Women's Championship

The final match of the 2024 SAFF Under-19 Women's Championship was played in Dhaka, Bangladesh, at the BSSSMK Stadium. The game was exciting and intense, ending in a 1-1 draw after regulation time. The tournament included four teams: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. It was organized by the South Asian Football Federation and marked the fifth edition of the competition. The match was attended by a large crowd of fans from both countries. Spectators experienced a lively and energetic atmosphere as they watched young players compete passionately. The event was also broadcasted live, allowing many fans across the region to witness this historic final. Both teams played well during the game, but as it ended in a draw, the outcome had to be decided by additional procedures. The teams entered a penalty shootout, and remarkably, every player scored their penalty. Each team scored 11 penalties, making the shootout very long and exciting. The players showed great skill and determination during this part of the match. Initially, because of the lengthy penalty shootout, the match commissioner suggested a coin toss to decide the winner. However, after further discussion, the decision was changed. The organizers and officials agreed to declare both teams joint winners, rather than choosing one team over the other. This decision was made to recognize the effort of both teams and to prioritize safety and fairness. The decision to share the championship title was accepted by the All India Football Federation, who counted it as a significant achievement. This was the first time India shared the title in this tournament, and it also marked India's fourth age-group title in women's SAFF competitions. Notably, this was the Indian team’s first championship victory on Bangladeshi soil. The winning teams received a shared trophy, and the tournament added a special chapter to their football history. The match was considered a proud moment for both nations, highlighting the growing talent and competitiveness of young women footballers in South Asia. During the tournament, India’s squad was coached by Pamela Conti. The team included players such as Anika Devi Sharubam, Sonibia Devi Irom, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Viksit Bara, Pooja, Lalita Boypai, Sulanjana Raul, Nitu Linda (who served as captain), Neha, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, and Heena Khatun. The Bangladesh team was captained by Afeida Khandaker and showed strong performance throughout the tournament, especially in the final. Both teams had many supporters in the stadium, and the victory was celebrated as a shared success. This tournament involved only four teams and was the fifth edition of the SAFF U-19 Women's Championship. It is part of the ongoing efforts to promote and develop women’s football in South Asia, providing young players the chance to compete at an international level. In conclusion, the 2024 SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship ended with a historic outcome. Both India and Bangladesh left the pitch as joint champions, a moment that marked progress for women’s sports in the region. It also highlighted the talent and determination of young female footballers aiming to make their mark in the sport.