Sanfida Nongrum marked a historic moment for Indian women’s football by scoring on her senior debut, ending a 23-year wait for an Indian goal at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
The 20-year-old forward found the net in the 52nd minute after coming off the bench at half-time in India’s opening match against Vietnam at the Perth Rectangular Stadium. Despite India losing the match, Nongrum’s goal signified the country’s return to the continental tournament’s scoresheet.
“Although I’m happy to score my first goal on my debut for India, I feel bad that we lost in the last moments. We will take our learnings and move forward to the Japan match,” Nongrum said after the game.
India head coach Amelia Valverde praised the impact of the substitution. “We made changes at half-time to try and gain more control in the game. Sanfida played well; she had been performing strongly during the training camp. It was her debut match for India on a stage like this. I’m sure it’s a day she will never forget,” Valverde said.
Nongrum’s football journey began in Shillong, Meghalaya, where she was introduced to the sport by her cousin. She joined the Royal Wahingdoh FC academy at age six and progressed through local district and state competitions. At 12, she played in the Subroto Cup, and two years later represented Meghalaya at the Sub Junior Girls’ National Football Championship.
At 15, she moved to Bengaluru to join Bangalore United FC, training under former India goalkeeper Chitra Gangadharan. She gained experience in the Indian Women’s League, first representing Sirvodem Sports Club in 2021-22 and then Sports Odisha in the following season.
Nongrum later joined Garhwal United FC, where she became one of the senior academy players and captained the team to the IWL 2 title in the 2024-25 season. In December 2025, she scored a long-range goal that helped Garhwal United secure their first-ever Indian Women’s League victory.
Her progress has been supported by her family, with her father working as a driver and her mother as a homemaker. “My family always tells me one thing — never give up. In football, you can win, lose, or draw, but the important thing is to keep going and keep working hard,” Nongrum said.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma praised Nongrum’s achievement. “Sanfida Nongrum, Meghalaya’s daughter representing India, scored India’s first goal in 23 years at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. She is also the first woman from our state in India’s Senior Football Team. Such talent and sportsmanship from a young woman from a small town truly deserves appreciation,” he said.
Nongrum’s debut goal represents a milestone for Indian women’s football and offers inspiration for young athletes across the country.
