India begin SAFF Women’s Championship against Maldives

India will open their SAFF Women's Championship 2026 Group B campaign against Maldives in Margao on Monday, the first time the Blue Tigresses play a match in Goa. The hosts, ranked 69th in the world, are firm favourites against Maldives, who are placed 167th.

India carry a dominant head-to-head record: seven wins and one draw in eight meetings, with 68 goals scored and just one conceded. The team last won the title in 2019 and finished third in the FIFA Series 2026 Kenya.

Head coach Crispin Chettri said the competition has become tougher and emphasised the need to begin preparations for future continental goals. India will hope to make a strong statement in their quest for regional supremacy.