Sangita Basfore spoke about her journey. (X)
\n\nWhen Sangita Basfore scored the two goals that took India to the AFC Women's Asian Cup, it wasn't only one night in Chiang Mai. It was about a tournament she missed out on four years earlier. When India hosted the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, plenty was expected. But a COVID-19 outbreak saw India pull out of the tournament. Meanwhile, Basfore also missed out on the squad due to an injury. It was a tough phase for the midfielder, as she also lost her father in that period.
\n\n"When India was hosting the Asian Cup in 2022, I got an ACL injury two months before the tournament. In the middle of that, I also lost my father. The depression level was very high, to be honest," the 30-year-old said.
\n\n"So after overcoming that, the two goals in Thailand and the fact that we qualified was a big moment for me, because I had to play the AFC."
\n\nHer brace in the 2-1 win over Thailand in July 2025 sent India to the continental showpiece event on merit for the first time.
\n\nBasfore's story began in Kalyani, West Bengal, beside a boys-only academy run…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports
