AIFF Announces Prize Money for Indian Women's Football Team After Historic AFC Asian Cup Qualification

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a prize money of USD 50,000 (approximately Rs 42.5 lakh) for the Indian women's football team following their historic qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. This reward comes after the Blue Tigresses achieved their first-ever qualification to the continental tournament through the qualifying route, defeating hosts Thailand 2-1 in a thrilling final match on July 5, 2025.

Historic Achievement Through Merit-Based Qualification

The AIFF prize money for the Indian Women's football team as they become the first from the country to make the AFC Women's Asian Cup via the qualifying path, etching their name in history. Winning all four games with dominant displays, the Blue Tigresses put out a perfect campaign in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers hosted in Thailand.

Dominant triumphs against Mongolia (13-0), Timor-Leste (4-0), and Iraq (5-0), the Indian Women's football team's qualifying quest started before finishing in a vital 2-1 victory against higher-ranked Thailand in the last group game. India's first-ever victory in women's football against Thailand, this one was especially noteworthy.

The Indian women's national football team last featured in the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2003, when no qualifiers were chosen in the present manner. They were hosts for the 2022 event as well, but a COVID-19 outbreak within their team compelled their withdrawal. Their eligibility was solely based on merit this time, therefore, it was a really groundbreaking accomplishment for Indian women's football.

AIFF Announces $50,000 Bonus for Indian Women's Football Team after AFC Qualification

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) officially revealed a prize money of USD 50,000 (almost Rs 42. 75 lakh) for the Indian women's football team in New Delhi on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Marking a significant accomplishment for Indian women's football, this time the team made history by qualifying for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 via the qualifying rounds.

Announced via official channels, including their website and social media outlets, the AIFF prize money highlighted the federation's commitment to acknowledging and celebrating the team's amazing achievement. Designed as a recognition of the players' hard effort, dedication, and historical significance of their qualifying, which they achieved by defeating teams ranked higher in a competitive environment, the reward is intended. Reactions to the news have been quite good, with fans showing their faith in the Indian Women's football team.

Fans, ex-athletes, and football commentators applauded the AIFF for recognizing the accomplishments of the Indian women's football team with a sizable cash reward. Many thought this action would encourage more funding and attention for Indian women's football and raise the morale of the players.

The players themselves praised the reward as a motivational motivator ahead of the AFC Women's Asian Cup, where they would be competing for Olympic and FIFA Women's World Cup entry.