India’s U17 women’s football team, the #YoungTigresses, marked another crucial milestone by securing a strong win against Bangladesh in the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025 held in Bhutan. Coming off an emphatic 7-0 victory over Nepal, the team demonstrated skill, resilience, and determination in overcoming the defending champions Bangladesh on August 22.
The tournament, played in a double round-robin league format among four South Asian teams, is a pivotal platform for young women footballers in the region. Indian coach Joakim Alexandersson and team captain Julan Nongmaithem both expressed pride in the team’s cohesion and focus, underscoring their ambitions to win the championship and prepare for future international contests.
A Decisive Win Over Bangladesh Strengthens India’s Title Hopes
The recent match against Bangladesh was one of the most anticipated fixtures of the championship, given the storied rivalry between the two sides. Bangladesh entered the tournament as the defending champions from 2024, making India’s victory on August 22 a testament to the team’s growth and improved performance. The #YoungTigresses capitalised on their previous win against Nepal, where they delivered a dominant 7-0 scoreline that showcased their attacking firepower and defensive solidity alike.
In the Bangladesh match, India’s combination of tactical discipline and high-energy play overwhelmed their opponents, signaling their intent to reclaim the SAFF U17 crown. Coach Joakim Alexandersson praised the squad’s unwavering focus, highlighting the importance of discipline and adaptability throughout the competition. Captain Julan Nongmaithem, one of the youngest in the squad at 14, reflected on the team’s collective spirit and determination to turn last year’s final defeat into a guiding motivation for this tournament.
The match was played at the iconic Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, providing a vibrant setting for this regional football showdown. Such victories in high-stakes matches not only boost team morale but also set the tone for consistent performance across the remaining fixtures.
SAFF U17 Women’s Championship: Fostering Growth and Rivalry
The SAFF U17 Women’s Championship features four teams from South Asia—India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal—in a double round-robin format. Each team plays every other twice, with the highest points scorer crowned the champion by the end of the tournament on August 31. This setup demands sustained consistency and strategic prowess over multiple games.
India’s history in the tournament is distinguished; they have won the championship twice before, in 2018 and 2019. Bangladesh, however, claimed the title in 2024 by edging India in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. This rivalry adds a compelling narrative to the current championship, with both teams eager to assert dominance on the regional stage.
Beyond just competition, the tournament serves as a vital pipeline for nurturing young women talent, providing them exposure to international styles of play and preparing them for larger continental tournaments such as the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Championship. The Indian squad, having trained intensively since January 2025 at various centres including Bengaluru, displayed tactical acumen and physical conditioning that have clearly elevated their game.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The #YoungTigresses’ successful run in the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship is emblematic not only of sporting excellence but also of the transformative power of sport in society. This victory, particularly against a formidable and familiar rival like Bangladesh, highlights themes of resilience, discipline, and youthful ambition.
At The Logical Indian, we view these achievements through the lens of empathy, cooperation, and positive social change. Sports can be an incredible force to grow understanding and harmony, crossing borders and cultural divides to build friendships and shared respect. The empowering journey of these young women serves as a beacon of hope for furthering gender equality and regional cooperation through the spirit of healthy competition.
