Women booters bring laurels again, this time in SAFF Futsal

Bangladesh women’s futsal team created history by winning the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship after a stunning 14–2 victory over the Maldives in their last match of the league phase. The emphatic win not only sealed Bangladesh’s maiden SAFF futsal title but also underlined their sheer dominance throughout the tournament, as they finished the competition unbeaten.

Led by inspirational captain Sabina Khatun, Bangladesh were in complete control from the very start of the tournament. They won all their matches except one, playing out a 3–3 draw against Bhutan, which remained the only time any team managed to slow them down. Apart from that solitary draw, no opponent could stand in Bangladesh’s way as the team showcased attacking flair, tactical discipline, and an unbreakable winning mentality.

Sabina once again proved why she is regarded as one of Bangladesh’s finest sporting icons. After leading the national women’s football team to SAFF Championship glory in 2022, she now becomes the only Bangladeshi athlete to captain teams to SAFF titles in two different formats — football and futsal. Sabina also finished the tournament as the highest goal scorer with 14 goals, playing a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s title triumph.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president Tabith Awal expressed his pride and delight following the historic achievement. Congratulating the champions through the federation’s official Facebook page, he said, “Congratulations to the women’s team on becoming SAFF Futsal champions and further extending Bangladesh’s dominance in South Asia. We are proud of Sabina for leading the team to championships in two different formats — football and futsal — a unique achievement for any Bangladeshi sportsperson.”

Following the final, Bangladesh player Matsushima Sumaya shared her emotions in a video posted by South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), expressing gratitude to everyone involved, “Today was our last match against the Maldives. I would like to thank SAFF for organising this tournament. Overall, it was a wonderful experience for me. I faced many talented players here and really enjoyed playing against them. Alhamdulillah, we won the championship. Thanks to the players, coaching staff, physio, and all the supporters who stood by us.”

Although Bangladesh sealed the championship by winning their final match earlier in the day, the official trophy presentation had to wait until the evening. After the remaining two matches of the tournament were completed, the champions were formally crowned. SAFF President Kazi Salahuddin handed over the championship trophy to skipper Sabina, marking a memorable conclusion to the historic triumph.

Meanwhile, Bangkok is also hosting the first-ever SAFF Men’s Futsal Championship, where the Maldives secured the title with 15 points from five matches. Bangladesh finished fifth with seven points from six matches.