Shillong, Feb 22: Sanfida Nongrum has etched her name in history by becoming the first woman footballer from Meghalaya to earn a call-up to India’s senior national team. The 20-year-old midfielder has been included in the 26-member squad for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 to be held in Australia.
Head coach Amelia Valverde unveiled the squad ahead of the tournament, which begins next month. Popularly known as Polly, Sanfida is among six uncapped players in the team and is one of the youngest members of the squad. She has been part of recent national camps, including friendly matches in Turkey last month, and has been training with the team at its Perth base since February 11.
Sanfida’s rise follows an impressive run in domestic football. She played a pivotal role in guiding Laitkor to the Meghalaya Women’s Football League 2024 title. She also emerged as the top scorer and player of the tournament for Misaka United in the Karnataka Women’s League 2025–26. Currently representing Garhwal United in the Indian Women’s League, she has previously turned out for Bangalore United, Sports Odisha and Sirvodem SC.
Hamletson Dohling, president of the Meghalaya Football Association, congratulated her achievement on social media, stating that her journey and determination had brought her to the national stage. He remarked that she now carries not only the national colours but also the aspirations of countless young girls in Meghalaya who can see new possibilities through her success.
India, popularly known as the Blue Tigresses, have been drawn in Group C alongside Vietnam, Japan and Chinese Taipei. They will open their campaign against Vietnam on March 4 at Perth Rectangular Stadium, followed by Japan on March 7 at the same venue, and conclude the group stage against Chinese Taipei on March 10 at Western Sydney Stadium. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, will progress to the quarterfinals. Quarterfinal winners will secure direct qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil, while losing quarterfinalists will enter playoffs for two additional AFC slots, with further qualification opportunities available through a separate tournament.
Eight players from India’s 2022 Asian Cup campaign have returned to the squad, including veteran forward Grace Dangmei, the team’s most-capped player with 91 appearances and 23 goals. Anju Tamang, aged 30, is the oldest member of the squad, while Shilky Devi Hemam remains among the youngest at 20. East Bengal FC contributes the highest number of players with eight, followed by Sethu FC with six and Sribhumi FC with four. Aveka Singh, who plays for Næstved HG in Denmark, and Manisha Kalyan of Alianza Lima in Peru are the only overseas-based players in the squad.
Sanfida’s inclusion marks a landmark moment for Meghalaya football, signalling a breakthrough for the state on the national stage as India prepares for a crucial continental campaign.
