Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Four members of India’s victorious SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 squad received a warm homecoming at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport on Monday morning, where they were received by family, well-wishers, and football supporters gathered to celebrate their achievement.
Goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, midfielder Hemam Silky Devi, defender midfielder Naorem Priyanka Devi, and forward Grace Dangmei arrived together and were welcomed with marigold garlands, traditional scarves, and cheers from the crowd.
The players were part of the 23-member Indian squad that defeated defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in the final held at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa, on 6 June 2026. The win secured India’s sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title and their first since 2019.
Manipur had nine representatives in the victorious squad, underscoring the state’s strong presence in Indian women’s football. The other players from Manipur in the team are defenders Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu, Sarita Yumnam, and Toijam Thoibisana Chanu, and forward Lynda Kom Serto.
Speaking to supporters at the airport, the players thanked the people of Manipur for their constant support. “Playing for India is an honor, and coming back to this welcome makes it even more special,” said Elangbam Panthoi Chanu.
The 2026 SAFF calendar includes multiple regional tournaments, with the senior men’s SAFF Championship tentatively scheduled in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 4 to 17 November. The women’s championship was hosted by India in Goa from 25 May to 6 June 2026.
Felicitation programs for the returning players are expected to be held in Imphal in the coming days.
