Winning SAFF C’ship perfect way to end my career: Grace Dangmei

Margao: It was fitting that Grace Dangmei had the captain’s armband when India won the SAFF Women’s Championship for the first time in seven years on Saturday.

Grace, 30, captained India in the opening match of the championship but was left out for the next two games. In the final, she was again on the bench with Sangita Basfore handed captaincy duties, but the experienced winger took to the field with five minutes left on the clock and had the armband three minutes later as Basfore left the field.

Once she was done lifting the SAFF Women’s Championship trophy, her third and India’s sixth, Grace announced her retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned more than a decade.

“To end my career by winning the SAFF Championship once again makes this farewell even more special,” Grace told TOI. “It is the perfect way to close a chapter that has given me so many unforgettable memories. I will always be proud of everything we achieved together.”

After making her senior international debut in 2013, Grace made 95 appearances for India and scored 24 goals. She has three SAFF Women's Championship titles, two South Asian Games gold medals, a double with FC Nasaf in Uzbekistan, plenty of trophies at home and a cherished spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

“When I look back on my journey, some of my most memorable moments will always be qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup recently and winning the SAFF Championship in 2019 under the guidance of Maymol Rocky. Those achievements, along with the experiences and friendships I have gained through the game, will stay with me forever,” said Grace.

One of the more influential figures in women's football, Grace decided to call it quits after the AFC Asian Cup. It wasn’t easy to walk away from the group but the triumph at Fatorda left her with happy memories.

“I wanted to end my journey in football on a positive note and in a good environment, so I chose SAFF Championship to be my final tournament,” said Grace. “I am grateful that I was able to finish my career with the trophy in my hands. Making this decision has been very difficult because football has been such a huge part of my life. However, I also feel that there are many things I want to pursue and accomplish beyond football.”