Assam to Host 79th Santosh Trophy Final Round from January 21

Assam is preparing to host the Final Round of the 79th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy from January 21 to February 8. With 12 teams competing, including the host Assam facing Tamil Nadu in the opening match, excitement is building among local fans. The Assam Football Association has completed all arrangements, and the team is confident in its performance. The tournament will feature knockout rounds leading to the final on February 8. This event marks a significant occasion for Assam, which last hosted the Santosh Trophy Final Round in the 2010-11 season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 18, 2026, 11:39 IST

Exciting Football Championship in Assam

GUWAHATI, Jan 18: Assam is gearing up to host the Final Round of the 79th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025-26, with matches taking place in Dhakuakhana and Silapathar from January 21 to February 8.

This Final Round will showcase 12 teams, split into two groups of six. The opening match will see the host team Assam face off against Tamil Nadu, a matchup that has already sparked significant enthusiasm among local football supporters.

The Assam Football Association (AFA) has finalized all arrangements for this esteemed tournament, thanks to the collaboration of local associations, organizers, and the community.

AFA secretary Sangrang Brahma expressed pride in hosting the championship and is optimistic about the level of football that will be displayed. He stated, “I believe spectators will enjoy high-quality football during the tournament. It’s a significant honor for Assam to host this event.”

Brahma also mentioned that the Assam team is well-rounded. “I am confident that Assam will perform admirably. The squad includes talented players in all positions, from attack to defense. I have high hopes,” he added.

AFA treasurer Hiren Gogoi confirmed that all preparations are complete and expressed gratitude to Assam's education minister Ranoj Pegu, Lakhimpur MP Pradan Baruah, AFA president Naba Kumar Doley, and Jonai MLA Bhuban Pegu for their support.

In Group A, Assam will compete alongside West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Nagaland, and Rajasthan. Group B consists of Kerala, Services, Punjab, Odisha, Railways, and Meghalaya.

As hosts, Assam received direct entry into the Final Round, while West Bengal and Kerala qualified as the winners and runners-up of the previous edition. The other nine teams secured their places by topping their respective groups in the earlier Group Stage held this month.

The top four teams from each group will progress to the knockout stage, with quarterfinals set for February 2 and 3, semifinals on February 5, and the final match on February 8.

Additionally, the AFA has revealed the final roster of 22 players who will represent the Assam senior men’s team in the championship, selected based on their performances during the preparatory camp in Dhemaji from January 7.

Goalkeeper Satyajit Bordoloi, who played for Karnataka during their Santosh Trophy victory in 2023, will be part of Assam's squad this time.

The last occasion Assam hosted the Santosh Trophy Final Round was during the 2010-11 season, where West Bengal triumphed over Manipur in the final held in Guwahati. Assam also hosted group stage matches of the national championship in Kokrajhar in 2023.

Team:

Goalkeepers: Satyajit Bordoloi, Navajyoti Ayan

Defenders: Dipu Gohain, Sudem Wary, Didwm Hazowary, Ambar Chetri, Nabin Rabha, Danswrang Basumatary, Rustom Brahma

Midfielders: Timothi Narzary, Rituraj Mohan, Jangminlun Kuki, Pragyan Sundar Gogoi, Rishiraj Boruah, Subham Chetry

Forwards/Wingers: Sudeepta Konwar, Akrang Narzary, Dipu Mirdha, Ggwgmsar Goyary, Anupom Borgohain, Pranjal Bhumij, Mayukh Gogoi.