Veteran forward Grace Dangmei has retired from international football following a successful 13-year career with the Indian women’s football team. Her retirement was announced after India’s 3-1 victory over Bangladesh in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Grace, who made her senior debut in 2013, played 95 international matches and scored 24 goals for India.
The emotional moment came as the final whistle blew, with Grace embracing her teammates amidst celebrations within the Indian camp. Her retirement marks the end of a remarkable journey for one of the most influential players in Indian women’s football. Grace’s international career included three SAFF Women’s Championship titles and two South Asian Games gold medals, establishing her as a key figure in the national team setup.
Having participated in significant tournaments like the Asian Games, AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and Olympic qualifiers, Grace’s contributions were pivotal to India’s success on the international stage. She also garnered acclaim for standout performances in events such as the 2016 South Asian Games and the SAFF Women’s Championship, where she played a crucial role in India’s victories. Grace’s club career saw her excel with teams like KRYPHSA, Sethu FC, and Gokulam Kerala, earning accolades such as the Emerging Player Award in the 2018 Indian Women’s League.
During her time with Gokulam Kerala, Grace served as vice-captain and played a significant role in the club’s historic participation in the AFC Women’s Club Championship. In 2022, she made history by becoming one of the few Indian women footballers to secure a professional contract abroad with Uzbek club FC Nasaf Karshi, contributing to their league and cup triumphs. Grace’s final international match culminated in a memorable victory as India clinched the SAFF Women’s Championship title, with goals from Pyari Xaxa, Sanfida Nongrum, and Lynda Kom Serto securing the win. India emerged unbeaten in the tournament, winning all four matches, scoring 18 goals, and conceding just once.
