The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a whopping cash incentive of $25,000 for the Under-20 women's team owing to the team successfully qualification for the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup. This the first time since 2006 that the team has qualified making it a momentous occasion for the country.
The Indian U-20 women's team surpassed every team in Group D with seven points. Their last match played against hosts Myanmar resulted in India winning a 1-0 victory on Sunday.
The final goal was scored by Pooja in the 27th minute.
The Indian team had earlier ended in a draw score of 0-0 against Indonesia and had defeated Turkmenistan 7-0, staying unbeaten in the qualifiers.
The AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup 2026 will be hosted by Thailand and played in April 2026.
The AIFF credited India’s win to "sustained planning and developmental efforts over the past few years" in association with the Sports Authority of India.
An AIFF release highlighted that initiatives such as the ASMITA Women's Football Leagues have strengthened the grassroots structure, leading to a "232% increase" in registered women footballers in the last year.
"The ASMITA Football Leagues continue in the 2025-26 season as well, with the U13 ASMITA Football Leagues 2025-26, which began last month," said the release.
