Silver Finish For India! Sonali’s Hat-Trick Seals Runners-Up Spot For Tigresses At SAFF Futsal

Last Updated:January 25, 2026, 18:54 IST

Sonali Mondal’s hat-trick led India to a 5-2 win over Sri Lanka at Hua Mak Indoor Stadium, securing second place in the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship 2026 behind Bangladesh.

India's Futsal Tigresses in action (AIFF Media)

India wrapped up their SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship 2026 campaign on a high, thumping Sri Lanka 5-2 at the Hua Mak Indoor Stadium in Bangkok on Sunday.

Sonali Mondal stole the show, firing in a brilliant first-half hat-trick to set the tone for a dominant performance. Mithila Ramani and Pooja Gupta added the finishing touches as India finished the tournament second behind champions Bangladesh, ending with 12 points from six matches.’

Sonali Sets It Alight

India wasted no time asserting control. In the sixth minute, Sonali was the quickest to react after Sri Lanka goalkeeper Ashani Panikkiyalage spilled a shot, calmly tapping in the opener.

Sixty seconds later, she struck again. Winning the ball in midfield, Sonali surged forward and unleashed a fierce right-footed drive that flew past the keeper. Sri Lanka were rocked. India were flying.

The pressure never eased. Crisp passing, constant movement and sharp pressing kept Sri Lanka pinned back. In the ninth minute, Mithila Ramani capped off a flowing team move to make it 3-0.

Sonali completed her hat-trick before the break with the pick of the goals. Skipping past defenders, she combined neatly with Ritika Singh and finished with composure to put India firmly in command at 4-0.

Sri Lanka Rally, India Respond

Sri Lanka showed more intent after the restart and briefly threatened a comeback. Shanu Paskaran pulled one back in the 22nd minute, and Gowry Surenthiran added another in the 28th to cut the deficit to two.

But India never panicked.

They slowed the game, tightened up defensively, and limited Sri Lanka to half-chances. Any lingering doubt was wiped away in the 36th minute when Pooja Gupta smashed home a long-range effort, restoring India’s three-goal cushion.

From there, it was game management. India closed the match out professionally, seeing off the final minutes with confidence and control.

The final whistle confirmed a convincing 5-2 win — a strong finish to the campaign.

News sports football Silver Finish For India! Sonali’s Hat-Trick Seals Runners-Up Spot For Tigresses At SAFF Futsal

Read More