SAFF Women‍‍`s Championship: A celebration of regional football

Captains of all the competing teams in SAFF Women‍‍`s Championship 2024. Credit: Collected

The tournament officially known as the SAFF Women‍‍`s Championship could fittingly be renamed the "South Asian Women‍‍`s World Cup," as it represents the pinnacle of women‍‍`s football in the SAFF region.

Since its launch in 2010, Nepal has experienced the agony of finishing as runners-up in all six finals, consistently thwarted by India.

The Indian team, having won the first five finals, faced a surprising setback in 2022 when they failed to reach the final.

In a historic moment, Bangladesh claimed the championship by defeating the host nation, Nepal, 3-1 in their own stadium.

This victory ignited a nationwide celebration, and the memory of the winning team’s parade in an open-top bus from Dhaka Airport to the BFF headquarters in Motijheel remains vivid in the minds of fans.

Another edition of the SAFF Women‍‍`s Championship kicked off in Kathmandu on 17 October with with a highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan at Dasarath Stadium.

In Group A, reigning champions Bangladesh will compete against India and Pakistan, while Group B includes host Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Bhutan.

As excitement builds, the region‍‍`s football fans eagerly await what promises to be an exhilarating tournament filled with fierce competition and memorable moments.

In 2012, Pakistan made its only appearance in the semifinals of this regional tournament.

This year‍‍`s squad is led by captain Maria Khan, who was raised in the United States and represents a team filled with talented expatriate players.

At a press conference yesterday in a Kathmandu hotel featuring the captains and coaches of the seven participating teams, Maria expressed a sentiment that resonated with many: "This is our World Cup."

For Bangladesh, the tournament begins with a match against Pakistan on October 20.

Given their impressive 6-0 victory over Pakistan in the last SAFF Championship, Bangladesh has every reason to feel optimistic heading into their opening game.

However, the real test for Bangladesh will come on October 23, when they face India in their second and final group match.

While Bangladesh triumphed 3-0 in the group stage last time, this match could prove to be far more challenging, especially since the team that shone in 2022 has since undergone significant changes.

Securing the top position in the group is crucial, not just for pride but also to avoid facing the hosts, Nepal, in the next round.

Before departing, Sabina expressed some disappointment over not being able to play any warm-up matches.

Yet, upon arriving in Kathmandu, she spoke with optimism:

"Our preparations have gone quite well. The SAFF Championship always invigorates us."

Her spirit may be further lifted by the words of India’s coach, Santosh Kashyap, who regards Bangladesh as a formidable team.

Now, it’s time for Sabina and her squad to prove their determination on the field once again.

The anticipation builds as they prepare to embark on this journey, with dreams of glory lighting the path ahead.

SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 schedule and live match start times

All match times are in Bangladesh Standard Time (BST)

Thursday, October 17

India vs Pakistan - 5:45 PM

Friday, October 18

Sri Lanka vs Maldives - 1:45 PM

Nepal vs Bhutan, 5:45 PM

Sunday, October 20

Bangladesh vs Pakistan - 5:45 PM

Monday, October 21

Bhutan vs Sri Lanka - 1:45 PM

Maldives vs Nepal - 05:45 PM

Wednesday, October 23