Agencies
Chiang Mai
India kicked off their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifying campaign in ruthless fashion, dismantling Mongolia 13-0 at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Monday. The Blue Tigresses led 4-0 at the break and went on to register their biggest-ever win in the competition’s history, eclipsing their previous 10-0 victories over Guam in 1997 and 2005.
Leading the onslaught was striker Pyari Xaxa, who netted five goals (29’, 45’, 46’, 52’, 55’) in a breathtaking display of attacking prowess. Soumya Guguloth (20’, 59’) and debutant Priyadharshini Selladurai (73’, 86’) struck twice each, while Sangita Basfore (8’), Rimpa Haldar (67’), Malavika (71’) and Grace Dangmei (75’ pen) also found the net.
India seized control from the outset with Basfore heading in Soumya’s cross to open the floodgates. Soumya then doubled the advantage with a thunderous volley that ricocheted in off the post. Pyari added two more before the break—first finishing off a Soumya cut-back before unleashing a long-range screamer into the top corner.
India emerged even hungrier in the second half, as Pyari completed her hat-trick with a well-timed volley off a Grace Dangmei delivery, before scoring twice more to make it five on the night.
Soumya pounced on a goalkeeping error for India’s eighth, prompting head coach Crispin Chettri to rotate his squad. Substitutes Purnima Kumari, Priyadharshini, and Malavika all came on and made immediate impact, with the latter duo adding goals of their own.
Rimpa, Malavika, and Priyadharshini struck in quick succession as India stormed into double digits. Grace calmly slotted home from the spot for the 12th, and Priyadharshini rounded off the rout late on to cap a record-breaking night for the Blue Tigresses.
