Bangkok, Thailand – Bangladesh has scripted history in South Asian women’s futsal by overwhelming the Maldives and emerging as unbeaten champions in the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship. The remarkable triumph was sealed on Sunday, 25 January, in the final round-robin match, where the Bangladeshi side defeated the Maldives 14-2 at Nonthaburi Hall, Bangkok.
Despite conceding an early goal, Bangladesh, led by the inspirational duo of captain Sabina Khatun and key forward Masura Parvin, quickly regained control and dominated the game. With this victory, Bangladesh secured five wins and one draw from six matches, amassing 16 points to top the standings and claim the championship. A previous 9-1 rout of Pakistan had already positioned them firmly as title contenders.
Throughout the tournament, Bangladesh demonstrated relentless dominance. Against Pakistan, captain Sabina Khatun scored four goals, while Nusrat Jahan added a brace and Krishna Rani Sarkar also found the net, giving Bangladesh a commanding 6-0 lead by halftime. Against the Maldives, a draw would have been sufficient for the championship, yet the team emphatically chose victory, lifting the trophy in style.
Bangladesh’s campaign included impressive results against traditionally strong opponents. After defeating India 3-1 in the opening match and drawing 3-3 with Bhutan, they went on to thrash Nepal 3-0, Sri Lanka 6-2, and Pakistan 9-1. The Pakistan victory propelled Bangladesh to the top of the seven-team table with 13 points, bolstering their confidence ahead of the final match against the Maldives.
Tournament Performance Summary – Bangladesh Women’s Futsal
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Goal Scorers (Highlights) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Jan | India | Win | 3-1 | Sabina Khatun 2, Masura Parvin 1 |
| 19 Jan | Bhutan | Draw | 3-3 | Sabina Khatun, Nusrat Jahan, Masura Parvin |
| 20 Jan | Nepal | Win | 3-0 | Sabina Khatun 1, Masura Parvin 1, Krishna Rani 1 |
| 21 Jan | Sri Lanka | Win | 6-2 | Sabina Khatun 2, Masura Parvin 2, Nusrat Jahan 2 |
| 23 Jan | Pakistan | Win | 9-1 | Sabina Khatun 4, Nusrat Jahan 2, Krishna Rani 1 |
| 25 Jan | Maldives | Win | 14-2 | Sabina Khatun 5, Masura Parvin 4, Others 5 |
This maiden triumph in the new futsal format underscores Bangladesh’s growing dominance in South Asian women’s football. Sabina Khatun’s leadership and on-field excellence proved pivotal, ensuring the team remained unbeaten throughout the competition.
By adding yet another prestigious trophy to their cabinet, Bangladesh has not only strengthened its legacy in the SAFF Women’s Championship—having previously won back-to-back titles—but also set a new benchmark for women’s futsal in the region. This historic achievement will be remembered as a landmark milestone in the country’s sporting annals, highlighting the rising stature of women’s football in South Asia.