Ladakh’s Jigmet Chunzen to Captain India in Inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship; LG Applauds Debut

LEH, LADAKH | January 12, 2026 — In a historic moment for sports in the region, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Captain Jigmet Chunzen as she prepares to lead the Indian Women’s Futsal Team.

Chunzen, a talented athlete hailing from Ladakh, is set to make her international India debut at the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship, which kicks off this week in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

The Lieutenant Governor praised Chunzen’s achievement as a testament to the growing sporting talent in the Union Territory, noting that her leadership on the national stage brings immense pride to the people of Ladakh and the entire country. “Wishing her and the team great success.

This is a moment of pride for the nation as our youth continue to break barriers and excel in new arenas,” the LG’s office shared in a celebratory message.The inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship marks a significant milestone for South Asian football, providing a dedicated platform for the region’s best futsal talent.

India’s campaign, led by Chunzen, begins on January 13 against the Maldives. Under the guidance of Head Coach Joshuah Vaz, the “Futsal Tigresses” are eyeing the top spot in the round-robin tournament, which also features teams from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.

For Chunzen, who has risen through the ranks of the Ladakh Football Association, the tournament represents the culmination of years of dedication and a month-long intensive training camp recently held in Bengaluru.