For the first time in 20 years, the India U20 women’s national team has qualified for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Thailand after defeating hosts Myanmar 1-0 in their final Group D encounter at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Sunday.
At least seven players from Manipur are part of the Blue Tigresses, including Monalisha Devi Moirangthem (GK), Remi Thokchom, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam (Bhumika Devi Khumukcham 55′), Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, and Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam (Babita).
The Young Tigresses finished top of their group with seven points, after winger Pooja’s 27th-minute goal secured victory for them in front of a partisan crowd at the Thuwunna Stadium. Neha and Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam combined as early as the third minute, when the former fizzed in a cross to the latter, who was merely inches away from tapping it in.
A total of 32 teams are vying for 11 remaining spots at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in the qualifiers. Hosts Thailand are automatically qualified. The teams have been divided into eight groups of four each. The eight group winners and the three best second-placed teams across all groups qualify for the main tournament in April next year.
