MARGAO: India women's national team goalkeeping coach Mario Aguiar praised the performance of the Blue Tigresses following their successful SAFF Championship campaign in Goa, highlighting the contribution of the players and the strength of the team's goalkeeping department.
"I think it was a good performance by Team India. All the credit goes to the players," said Aguiar while reflecting on the team's showing in the tournament.
The former Goa goalkeeper reserved special praise for India's custodians, particularly Panthoi Chanu, who played a key role throughout the competition.
"The goalkeepers did a great job, especially Panthoi. Now that Shreeya is fit again, it is a big boost for the team," he said.
Aguiar also pointed to the growing depth in the goalkeeping ranks, which he believes bodes well for the future of the national side.
"In my opinion, there are another two or three quality goalkeepers ready to break into the senior team. That is a very positive sign for Indian women's football," he added.
Commenting on the support received during the tournament, Aguiar noted that while attendance during the league stage was modest, fans turned up in large numbers for the final.
"There was not much crowd for the league matches, but the supporters came in good numbers for the final and cheered the Blue Tigresses," he said.
Aguiar, who was also celebrating one of his first medals with the national team setup, expressed gratitude to the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) for their continued support.
"This is one of my first medals and I would like to thank SAG, especially Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Executive Director Dr. Ajay Gaude, and Coaching Director Bruno Coutinho for their support," he said.
