Chiang Mai (Thailand), July 5 -- When the final whistle blew at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium tonight, Sangita Basfore broke down in tears.
India had just earned a gritty 2-1 victory against hosts Thailand, sealing their qualification for AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026.
India had just created history. For the first time ever, the Blue Tigresses had had a successful qualification campaign for the AFC Women's Asian Cup.
India's last appearance at the continental showpiece came in 2003, at a time when there were no qualifiers. They participated again in 2022 as hosts but were forced to withdraw due to a COVID outbreak. This time, there were no exemptions-only merit.
And fittingly, it was Sangita, the tireless midfield...