India's Women's Football Team Secures Crucial Win in AFC Olympic Qualifiers

India, 8 January 2026 — India’s women’s football team achieved a significant victory against Thailand in the second round of the AFC Olympic Qualifiers, held in Bhubaneswar on January 6, 2026. The match concluded with a score of 2-1 in favor of India, marking an essential step in their quest to secure a place in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Indian team started strong with an early goal in the 12th minute by forward Manisha Kalyan, showing impressive skill and coordination on the field. Thailand responded with an equalizer in the 36th minute, maintaining the intensity of the match. However, the decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Indian midfielder Indumathi Kathiresan scored the winning goal, sealing the victory for India. This win places India in a favorable position as they compete in Group B of the qualifiers, which also includes formidable teams like Vietnam and Uzbekistan. The team's performance is particularly noteworthy given the rigorous competition and the high stakes of Olympic qualification. The victory not only boosts the team's morale but also enhances their standing in international women’s football. The qualifiers in Bhubaneswar have drawn significant attention, with football enthusiasts and sports analysts closely monitoring India’s progress. The support from local fans has been overwhelming, providing a home advantage that the team hopes to leverage in upcoming matches. India will next face Vietnam on January 10, 2026, a match that is predicted to be challenging given Vietnam’s strong track record in the qualifiers. The outcome of this match could be pivotal in determining India’s chances of advancing to the next stage of the tournament. The Indian Football Federation has expressed confidence in the team’s capabilities and is optimistic about their prospects in the qualifiers. As the competition progresses, the focus remains on maintaining the momentum and improving on the international ranking, aiming for an Olympic berth that would significantly impact Indian women's football.