AIFF Rewards India U17 Women's Team for Asian Cup Qualification

By: WE staff | Wednesday, 22 October 2025

• AIFF announced an award of $25,000 (around INR 21.99 lakh) to India U17 women's football team
• The team qualified for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time
• They won both the games in Bishkek against Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced an award of USD 25,000 (approximately INR 21.99 lakh) for the India U17 women's national football team after they achieved the historic feat of qualifying for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time.

Following the end of its qualification games in Bishkek in style, defeating Kyrgyz Republic as well as Uzbekistan both by 2-1; India secured six points in Group G.

The win is a landmark in women's football in India. India had played in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in 2005 but there were no qualification rounds in the region that year.

Qualifying for 2025 is India's first successful attempt at qualifying out of competitive matches and it is a landmark result for women's football in India.

"All India Football Federation (AIFF) is delighted to announce a grant of USD 25,000 to the India U17 women's national team for their outstanding performance that has helped them earn a spot in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time." AIFF said in a statement.

The federation credited the team's success to well-planned schedules and regular exposure both at home and abroad in domestic and international competitions.

The U17 side, which played as Indian Arrows Women Juniors last season, gained good experience playing in the Indian Women's League 2 against senior sides—an experience that went a long way in building their tactical and mental preparation during the qualifiers.

In collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the AIFF has introduced a number of initiatives focused on establishing a strong grassroots and youth football structure.

Among these is the ASMITA Women's Football Leagues, which held 155 leagues nationwide between 2023 and 2025 at U13, U15, and U17 levels.

The season 2023–24 recorded 6,305 participants, which rose to 8,658 for season 2024–25. Season 2025–26 started last month with the U13 ASMITA Leagues, with about 8,000 players from 400 teams from 26 states.