Gujarat Daughters Star as India Crushes Maldives 11-1 in SAFF Women’s Futsal Opener
Nonthaburi, Thailand: In a display of pure dominance and tactical brilliance, the Indian women’s futsal team etched their names in history by recording their first-ever international victory on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. In the opening match of the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship 2026, India steamrolled through the Maldives defense with a massive 11-1 scoreline. The victory was powered by the phenomenal performance of Gujarat’s very own Khushbu Saroj, who scored a double hat-trick (4 goals), proving that the “Sweet Revolution” in Gujarat isn’t just about honey, but also about the sweet taste of sporting glory!
This victory at the Nonthaburi Stadium marks a turning point for Indian football, showcasing the rising prowess of female athletes from the western state. While India dominated every minute of the 40-minute encounter, it was the “Gujarat Trio”—Khushbu Saroj, Tanvi Mavani, and Radhika Patel—who formed the backbone of this historic triumph.
The Khushbu Saroj Show: A Goal-Scoring Machine From Gujarat
The star of the night was undoubtedly Khushbu Saroj, the talented pivot from Gujarat. Khushbu turned the pitch into her playground, dismantling the Maldives defense with her lightning-fast pace and clinical finishing. Her four goals (scored in the 17th, 22nd, 24th, and 26th minutes) demonstrated why she is considered one of the most lethal attackers in the South Asian region.
India’s Goal Rain Highlights:
- Khushbu Saroj: 4 Spectacular Goals
- Ritika Singh: 2 Clinical Goals
- Sonali Mondal: 2 Power Strikes
- Nishka Parkash: 2 Quick-Fire Goals
- Mithila Ramani: 1 Opening Goal (Tournament’s first goal)
The Gujarat Powerhouse: Tanvi Mavani and Radhika Patel Anchor The Defense
While Khushbu took care of the attack, two other Gujarat gems ensured that the Indian goal remained nearly untouched.
- Tanvi Mavani (Goalkeeper): Standing tall like a wall, Tanvi’s reflexes were top-notch. She neutralized several Maldives counter-attacks, allowing only one goal to slip through—and that too was an unfortunate own goal in the final minute. Her composure between the posts gave the Indian attackers the confidence to play aggressively.
- Radhika Patel (Fixo): Playing in the crucial ‘Fixo’ (defensive) position, Radhika was the architect of India’s transition play. Her ability to intercept passes and distribute the ball accurately was instrumental in building the 11-goal mountain.
Tactical Masterclass: How India Dismantled Maldives
Under the guidance of head coach Joshuah Vaz, the Indian “Futsal Tigresses” started the game with high-intensity pressing.
- Early Breakthrough: Mithila Ramani opened the scoring in the 4th minute, setting the tone for the match.
- First Half Dominance: India went into the halftime break with a comfortable 5-0 lead.
- The Second Half Blitz: After the restart, Khushbu Saroj went on a rampage, scoring three goals in quick succession to take the game completely out of the Maldives’ reach.
- Resilience Under Pressure: Despite Diti Kanungo receiving a red card and India playing with only four players for two minutes, the team didn’t concede a single goal during that period, showcasing elite defensive discipline.
Why This Win Matters For Gujarat Football
For years, Indian football was dominated by states like West Bengal, Manipur, and Kerala. However, the selection of three key players from the Gujarat State Football Association (GSFA) and their match-winning performance proves that the investment in grassroots sports in Gujarat is paying off.
“This is a proud moment for every Gujarati. Our daughters are not just participating; they are leading the national team to victory on the international stage,” said a local sports official from Ahmedabad.
What’s Next For The Blue Tigresses?
With this 11-1 victory, India has surged to the top of the points table. However, the path ahead gets tougher as they prepare to face rival neighbors:
- January 15: India vs Bangladesh
- January 17: India vs Nepal
- January 19: India vs Pakistan
If the Gujarat trio continues this form, India is a heavy favorite to lift the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal trophy on January 25th.
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