BD crowned with inaugural SAFF Women's Futsal

Bangladesh sealed a historic triumph in the inaugural SAFF Women's Futsal Championship on Sunday, sweeping aside Maldives 14-2 in their final league match to lift the title in emphatic fashion in Bangkok.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Bangladesh women's Futsal team on their historic achievement, according to the CA Press Wing on Sunday.

Victory had long appeared a matter of when rather than if, and on the court the women in red-and-green outfits left no room for doubt. Inspired by the brilliance of skipper Sabina Khatun, alongside Krishna Rani Sarker and Lipi Akter, Bangladesh produced a goal-laden display worthy of champions. Sabina and Lipi both completed hat-tricks as the Maldives were overwhelmed by wave after wave of attacks and counterattacks.
Bangladesh finished the tournament unbeaten, collecting 16 points from six matches with five wins and a draw to sit comfortably atop the standings. The Maldives, meanwhile, ended their campaign without a point, suffering their fifth consecutive defeat.

The match, however, began with a brief moment of surprise. The Maldives women stunned Bangladesh rivals in the fourth minute when Sania Ibrahim's effort, after brushing Bangladesh custodian Jhili's gloves, rolled agonisingly into the net despite desperate attempts by Masura Parvin to clear the danger. It proved to be little more than a temporary setback.

Sabina quickly restored parity with a thunderous long-range free-kick, igniting Bangladesh's charge. Moments later, Krishna Rani Sarker was fouled inside the circle, earning a penalty, though Sabina's effort struck wide. Undeterred, the captain soon made amends, converting another free-kick from distance to give Bangladesh the lead.

From there, the contest tilted decisively. In the final five minutes of the first half, Bangladesh tightened their grip with four rapid goals. Krishna finished from a narrow angle after a Sabina assist to make it 3-1, before NilufaAkterNila teed up Lipi Akter for the fourth. Lipi then struck again from inside the circle, followed swiftly by a goal from Naushin Jahan, sending Bangladesh into the break with a commanding 6-1 advantage.

The second half followed a familiar script, with Bangladesh in full control. Sabina completed her hat-trick with a long-range strike in the third minute, before Matsushima Sumaiya added another. Sabina then fired a right-footed bullet to make it 9-1, continuing her personal masterclass.

Nilufa Akter Nila brought up the tenth goal, and in the 30th minute Lipi completed her own hat-trick, tapping home after a flowing move initiated by Sabina and crafted by Krishna. Krishna herself soon joined the scoresheet with a crisp right-footed finish, before substitute Meherun marked her debut with a goal. Masura Parvin capped the rout in the 36th minute, squeezing the ball past the goalkeeper for Bangladesh's 14th.

Maldives managed a late consolation through Maria, but by then the outcome was long settled and celebrations were already under way as Bangladesh ushered in a new chapter of regional dominance.

Following the triumph, Bangladesh Football Federation president Tabith Awal congratulated the team through the federation's official social media handles, reserving special praise for skipper Sabina Khatun.

Previously, under her leadership, Bangladesh first claimed the SAFF Women's Football Championship in 2022 in Nepal, successfully defended the title in 2024, and have now added the futsal crown to their growing collection.

Tabith said, "By extending our dominance in South Asia and becoming SAFF women's futsal champions, the team deserve special congratulations."

He added, "As the only Bangladeshi sportsperson to lead teams to championships in two different formats, football and futsal, Sabina is a source of immense pride for us."

Sabina's influence was written all over the tournament. With 14 goals, she finished as the leading scorer, her performances setting the standard as Bangladesh not only won the trophy, but did so in a manner befitting pioneers of the women's game in the region.