Indian Women’s Football: Rising Talent and Focus on World Cup Aspirations

Anushka Kumari, a 14-year-old footballer from Jharkhand, has gained national recognition as a top scorer, earning the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for her achievements, including leading India to victory in the 2025 SAFF U-17 Women's Championship. Meanwhile, veteran defender Ashalata Devi emphasizes that India's dream of qualifying for the FIFA Women's World Cup remains alive, highlighting the need for sustained grassroots development to bridge the gap with global standards. All three Indian women's teams have qualified for upcoming AFC Asian Championships, marking 2026 as a crucial year for the sport's progress in India.