M’laya’s Sanfida creates history, named in India squad for AFC Women’s Asian Cup

Meghalaya footballer Sanfida Nongrum, popularly known as Polly, has been named in India’s 26 member squad for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia, making history as the first woman from Meghalaya to reach the senior national team.
Sanfida, 20, was part of India’s preparatory camp in Turkey earlier this year, where the team played closed door friendlies against club sides before arriving in Perth on February 11. Though those matches were not official internationals, her inclusion in the final squad announced yesterday by head coach Amelia Valverde marks a breakthrough moment. She is one of six uncapped players selected, alongside Sarita Yumnam, Sushmita Lepcha, Jasoda Munda, Aveka Singh, and Kaviya Pakkirisamy.
The Meghalaya Football Association President Hamletson Dohling hailed the achievement as a proud and historic moment, praising Sanfida’s hard work and encouraging her to inspire young girls back home.
India, placed in Group C, will open their campaign against Vietnam on March 4 at Perth Rectangular Stadium, followed by matches against Japan on March 7 and Chinese Taipei on March 10. The top two teams from each group, plus the two best third placed sides, will advance to the quarterfinals. The winners will qualify directly for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil, while losing quarterfinalists will contest playoffs for remaining AFC spots.
India’s squad blends experience and youth. Eight players, including Grace Dangmei, Manisha Kalyan, and Sweety Devi Ngangbam, featured in the 2022 Asian Cup, which India had to withdraw from due to a Covid outbreak. Grace Dangmei is the most capped player with 91 appearances and 23 goals, while Anju Tamang is the oldest at 30. Club representation is led by East Bengal FC with eight players, followed by Sethu FC and Sribhumi FC.
Sanfida currently plays for Garhwal United and has previously represented Bangalore United, Sports Odisha, and Sirvodem SC. In Meghalaya, she helped Laitkor win the Women’s Football League 2024 and was top scorer and player of the tournament in the Karnataka Women’s League 2025 26.