Arunachal Pride: Achom Degio Represents India in SAFF Women's Futsal Championship
Achieving a significant milestone for Arunachal Pradesh and the North East region, Achom Degio has been selected to represent India in the SAFF Women's Futsal Championship 2026. This announcement comes as the first-ever SAFF Women's and Men's Futsal Championships are set to take place in Nonthaburi, Thailand, from 13 to 26 January.
Consistent Performances and Growing Importance
The Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) attributes Degio's selection to her consistent performances, technical adaptability, and growing importance in the national futsal setup. Her journey from the grassroots of Arunachal Pradesh to the international stage serves as a testament to her dedication, discipline, and perseverance.
Pioneering Figure of Indian Women's Futsal
Degio's transition from international youth football to futsal at the continental level has established her as one of the pioneering figures of Indian women's futsal. In 2025, she was part of the first-ever Indian women's futsal team that made its international debut at the AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Emerging Depth of Futsal Talent from Arunachal Pradesh
Another notable mention from the APFA is Ani Tayang, who reached the final trial stage for the Indian women's futsal team. Although she narrowly missed out on inclusion in the final squad, her progression to the final trials highlights the emerging depth of futsal talent from Arunachal Pradesh.
Inspiring Young Footballers in the North East
The APFA congratulates both Degio and Tayang for their commendable efforts and extends its best wishes to Degio as she prepares to represent the nation on the South Asian stage. The football association believes that their journey will continue to inspire young footballers, particularly women athletes from Arunachal Pradesh and the North East region.
The APFA reiterates its commitment to the promotion and development of futsal and women's football in the state, looking forward to more players from Arunachal Pradesh earning national and international recognition in the future.
Broader Implications for the North East and India
Success stories like Degio's and Tayang's are essential for fostering a culture of sports excellence in the North East region and India as a whole. By showcasing the potential of local talent, the APFA aims to encourage more young athletes to pursue their dreams in sports, contributing to a more vibrant and diverse national sports landscape.