Delhi Shines in U20 Men's National Football Championship with Dominant Victory

Delhi and Tripura Lead Group D

The defending champions, Delhi, kicked off their Group D journey in the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship 2025-26 with a resounding 5-1 win over Sikkim. This match took place on May 12, 2026, at Ground 1 of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.

Delhi took an early advantage when Parth Subhash Salunke scored in the first half. However, Sikkim's Sujal Bhujel managed to equalize shortly after halftime. The balance was short-lived as Kanish Rawat netted two quick goals around the 60-minute mark, restoring Delhi's lead. Thongbam Lanchenba Singh and Kanak Raj Vohra each contributed to the scoreline, sealing a significant victory for the champions.

In another Group D match, Tripura triumphed over Himachal Pradesh with a 3-0 scoreline at the same venue. Arma Jamatia scored twice, once just before halftime and again during injury time in the second half, while Kishan Debbarma added another goal, ensuring a comfortable win for Tripura.

Following their impressive performance, Delhi tops Group D, with Tripura closely trailing in second place due to goal difference. Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim occupy the third and fourth spots, respectively. Only the leading team from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.

Narrow Victories for Punjab and Maharashtra in Group H

In Group H, Punjab secured a 2-1 victory against Goa at Ground 2 of the RKM Ashrama. An own goal by Jodric Abranches in the sixth minute gave Punjab an early lead, but he later equalized for Goa in the 36th minute. Saqlane Sajid then scored the decisive goal for Punjab just before the hour mark.

Maharashtra also claimed a narrow 1-0 win in their match, which followed a scoreless first half at Ground 2. Nirvaan Bhatt scored the only goal shortly after the second half began.

With this win, Punjab currently holds the top position in Group H with 3 points, while Maharashtra is right behind them, also with 3 points but trailing on goal difference. Goa and Assam are positioned third and fourth, respectively.