The red-and-gold flags flew high once again as East Bengal’s women’s team completed a remarkable Indian Women’s League campaign, lifting the IWL trophy for the second time and further cementing their growing dominance in Indian women’s football.
Their title celebrations at the East Bengal Ground carried both emotion and pride. Players embraced one another, fans erupted in chants from the stands, and club officials joined the squad as another historic chapter was written in the club’s rich football legacy.
East Bengal signed off their championship-winning season with a convincing 2-0 victory over Sribhumi FC in Kolkata. Fazila Ikwaput and Sulanjana Raul found the net as the champions controlled the match with authority and confidence from start to finish.
The win completed a superb campaign for the Kolkata giants, who had already secured the title with a game to spare. But the final whistle on the last day still carried enormous significance because it symbolised the rise of a team that has steadily become one of the strongest forces in Indian women’s football.
Ugandan striker Fazila Ikwaput once again emerged as the star attraction. Her penalty goal against Sribhumi took her tally to 20 league goals for the season, underlining her extraordinary consistency in front of goal. Earlier in the campaign, she had also become the highest goalscorer in Indian Women’s League history, overtaking Sabitra Bhandari’s long-standing record.
East Bengal’s success, however, was built on far more than individual brilliance. Their midfield remained organised throughout the season, the defence showed composure under pressure, and the squad consistently displayed tactical discipline in crucial matches.
The trophy presentation ceremony added to the celebratory atmosphere. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, FIFA Regional Office South Asia Lead Prince Rufus, and senior East Bengal officials were present as the players lifted the championship trophy amid loud applause from supporters.
This triumph is particularly significant because women’s football in India continues to grow rapidly in visibility and competitiveness. East Bengal’s success is expected to inspire more investment, larger crowds and stronger grassroots participation in the women’s game across the country.
The season also brought heartbreak elsewhere. Sribhumi FC and Sesa FA were relegated to IWL 2, while Garhwal United managed to survive after a crucial final-day victory.
For East Bengal supporters, though, the night belonged entirely to their champions. The club’s women’s team has now firmly established itself among the elite sides in Indian football, carrying the famous East Bengal identity into a new era.
And as the celebrations echoed across Kolkata, one thing became clear — this team is not simply enjoying a successful season. They are building a legacy.
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