India regained the South Asian women's football crown on Saturday, defeating holders Bangladesh 3-1 in the SAFF Women’s Championship final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.

The defeat shattered Bangladesh's hopes of a third consecutive title, ending their brief regional dominance and handing India a record sixth championship.

Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler shook up his starting lineup for the decider, bringing in star forwards Tohura Khatun and Shamsunnahar Junior. Both teams squandered early chances in a high-tempo opening before India broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute.

Pyari Xaxa pounced on a defensive lapse to hit a strike that deflected off defender Suravi Akter Afrin, looping over an advanced Mile Akter in goal.

Bangladesh struck back deep into first-half injury time. Winger Ritu Porna Chakma collected a sharp pass from Tohura, cut inside from the left flank, and hit a low diagonal shot past the Indian goalkeeper to equalize. It was the first goal India conceded in the entire tournament.

However, the momentum shifted back to India just 48 seconds after the restart. Sanfida Nongrum got ahead of the Bangladeshi defense to meet a cross from Xaxa, directing a powerful header into the net.

Butler tried to spark a recovery by introducing Monika Chakma for Anika Rania Siddika in the 60th minute. Bangladesh then had a strong penalty appeal turned down shortly after when Shamsunnahar Senior went down after a challenge with Malvika in the box.

As Bangladesh pushed forward, their defensive shape collapsed. India took full advantage of the disarray in the 83rd minute when Linda Kom Serto slotted home a third goal to wrap up the victory for Crispin Chettri’s side.