Sports Desk:

Bangladesh will look to make a strong impression at the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship 2026, scheduled to be held from January 13 to 25 at the Nonthaburi Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Tuesday announced a 15-member final squad for the tournament, naming experienced campaigner Sabina Khatun as the captain.

A two-time SAFF Women’s Championship–winning football captain, Sabina returns to the leadership role in futsal, bringing valuable international exposure and overseas club experience, including previous stints in Maldivian futsal competitions. The squad also includes several familiar faces from the senior women’s national football team, such as Masura Parveen, Matsushima Sumaya and Krishna Rani Sarkar.

Following the final selection, three players — Unnati Khatun, Nasrin Akter and Sejuti Islam Smriti — were dropped from the preliminary squad. The final team also sees the return of Marzia, a member of Bangladesh’s historic 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship–winning side, along with Misrat Jahan Mousumi, who makes her comeback to the national fold after a long absence.

Bangladesh have prior experience of playing futsal in Thailand, having featured in the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship qualifiers in 2018 under Sabina’s captaincy. Although they endured a difficult campaign then, losing all three matches, the upcoming SAFF meet presents a fresh opportunity to turn the page.

Bangladesh will open their campaign against India on 15 January before taking on Bhutan on 17 January.

The Bangladesh squad comprises Sabina Khatun (Captain), Matsushima Sumaya, Masura Parveen, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Lipi Akter, Mehenur Akter, Ratri Moni, Sumi Khatun, Nowsin Jahan, Nilufa Yasmin Neela, Misrat Jahan Mousumi, Marzia, Sathi Biswas, Eti Rani and Sapna Akter Juli.