Chiang Mai, July 6 -- India earned a gritty 2-1 victory against hosts Thailand, sealing their qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 on Saturday, July 5.

When the final whistle blew at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on July 5, 2025, Sangita Basfore broke down in tears, as per the AIFF press release.

India had just created history! For the first time ever, the Blue Tigresses had a successful qualification campaign for the AFC Women's Asian Cup. India's last appearance at the continental showpiece came in 2003, at a time when there were no qualifiers. They participated again in 2022 as hosts but were forced to withdraw due to a COVID-19 outbreak. This time, there were no exemptions--only merit.

And fittin...