Bs News Agency New Delhi: It's been four days since India's historic qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026. But the dust from the celebrations isn't settling anytime soon, and the women's football hype is only on an upward curve.
Captain for the game, Ngangbam Sweety Devi, who cried her heart out after the final whistle, while being enveloped in hugs from her teammates and support staff, could finally gather her thoughts and put them into words, albeit still reeling from the emotionally charged night.
"Honestly, it’s still hard to express," said the centre-back. "There were so many mixed emotions. It didn’t even feel real. We kept reassuring each other, 'Yes, it has happened, we’ve actually done it.' That feeling… it’s indescribable. Anyone who supports women’s football or is part of it would understand what it feels like to qualify. It was overwhelming."
Overwhelming might still be an understatement considering the giant and historic achievement this is for the Indian women's team. One that could shape the future of the women's game in the country. The stakes were toweringly high as the Women's Asian Cup is also the path to the FIFA Women's World Cup.
That's exactly why the Blue Tigresses are in no mood to rest after this first-ever 'qualification' for the Asian Cup. Coach Crispin Chettri barely wasted any time after the full-time whistle in conveying the task at hand to the girls. After the outpouring of emotions and hugs and cries and tears, Chettri gathered everyone in a huddle and said, "The top of the mountain is the bottom of another mountain. We must continue to learn and grow as a team. We've made it to the Asian Cup. Our next target is the World Cup. We have to keep dreaming."