NEW DELHI: Elated over the Indian women’s football team’s qualification for the AFC Asian Cup, defender Dalima Chhibber on Tuesday said the squad aims to make history by securing a berth in the FIFA World Cup.
Dalima expressed confidence that India’s talented roster, including players like Pyari Xaxa and Sangita Basfore, can rise above expectations.
“It means everything to us, and we have qualified because of our abilities,” Dalima said at the launch of the Subroto Cup school football tournament, where she was the Guest of Honour.
“We are moving towards a golden future. Our U20 team recently also qualified for the Asian Cup. Football is played everywhere, and we are taking the right steps. It’s only a matter of time before we achieve success and qualify for the FIFA World Cup,” she added.
Dalima, who last represented India in 2024, shared her thoughts on the team’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
The Indian team jumped seven places to 63rd in the latest FIFA rankings following last week’s landmark 2-1 win over Thailand, which secured their spot in the continental tournament.
India had previously competed in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, but their campaign was cut short due to a COVID outbreak in the squad.
In the qualifiers, India defeated higher-ranked Thailand 2-1 in the final game to earn a place in the Asian Cup through the qualification route for the first time. Midfielder Sangita Basfore scored both goals, leading India to a memorable victory in what was essentially a knockout clash.
