Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh – May 18, 2025:
In a dramatic finale at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, the Indian U-19 football team emerged victorious over Bangladesh in the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025, securing the title after a tense penalty shootout.
The closely fought final ended 1-1 in regulation time, pushing the match into penalties where India triumphed 4-3. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showing resilience, skill, and tactical discipline throughout the 90 minutes.
India drew first blood with a well-placed goal in the first half, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. However, Bangladesh equalized midway through the second half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to bring the match level. Despite several close chances in the closing minutes, neither side managed to break the deadlock.
In the penalty shootout, Indian goalkeeper Aryan Singh emerged as the hero, saving two crucial spot kicks and keeping his composure under pressure. The winning goal was calmly slotted in by captain Raghav Mehta, who was later awarded the “Player of the Match” for his leadership and pivotal performance.
This victory marks India’s fourth SAFF U-19 Championship title, reinforcing the nation’s growing dominance in South Asian youth football. The triumph was particularly special as it came on home soil, with fans in Arunachal Pradesh providing electric support throughout the tournament.
Speaking after the match, Head Coach Suraj Bhowmik praised his team’s character. “The team displayed incredible determination, focus, and resilience. Securing the win on home turf makes this achievement all the more meaningful. We’re proud to bring the trophy back for our fans.”
The SAFF U-19 Championship has not only highlighted India’s promising young talent but also showcased Arunachal Pradesh as a capable host for international sporting events, with the final attracting record attendance.
As the nation celebrates this hard-fought win, the focus now shifts to nurturing this talent for future international competitions, including the AFC U-20 qualifiers and beyond.
