Baghpat FC Triumphs in I-League 3, Secures Promotion to I-League 2

Baghpat FC Crowned Champions

In a thrilling conclusion to the I-League 3 for the 2025-26 season, Baghpat FC emerged victorious, clinching the title and earning a spot in I-League 2 for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The decisive playoff matches took place in Imphal on Sunday, where FC Raengdai also secured promotion as the runners-up.

Baghpat had already secured the championship ahead of their final match, which they lost 0-1 to Sunrise Club Orissa at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, as reported by a Media House release.

The only goal of the match came from Faslurahman Methukayil in the 54th minute, but it was insufficient for Sunrise Club Orissa to rise to second place, leaving them in third despite an unbeaten season.

Finishing at the top of the league table, Baghpat FC accumulated 10 points, edging out FC Raengdai on head-to-head results, who also finished with 10 points.

Notably, Baghpat FC was the highest-scoring team in the league, netting 23 goals throughout the season. Meanwhile, at the SAI Stadium in Imphal, FC Raengdai secured their promotion by defeating KLASA FC 1-0, thanks to a goal from Kamei Langanglung Kabui in the second half.

In another match at the SAI Stadium, TRAU FC and Chhaygaon FC ended in a 2-2 draw. TRAU initially led with goals from Lairellakpam Dhananjoy Singh and Dhanachandra Mutum, but Chhaygaon fought back with second-half goals from Tridip Marak and Midul Doley to earn a point.

Sunrise Club Orissa finished third with nine points, while KLASA FC ended fourth with six points. TRAU FC placed fifth with three points, and Chhaygaon FC rounded out the standings in sixth with just one point.

Ningombam Engson Singh of Baghpat FC and Midul Doley from Chhaygaon FC were the joint top scorers of the league, each netting six goals. Faslurahman Methukayil from Sunrise Club Orissa followed closely with five goals, while Moirangthem Diya Singh of TRAU FC and Aimso Chithung from Baghpat each scored four.

The I-League 3 featured 19 teams divided into four groups, with the top teams and the two best second-placed teams advancing to the playoffs.

Sunrise Club Orissa topped Group A with nine points, while FC Raengdai qualified with seven points as one of the best second-placed teams. TRAU FC led Group B with 10 points, KLASA topped Group C with nine points, and Chhaygaon FC advanced from Group D with six points.

The two teams promoted, Baghpat FC and FC Raengdai, will take the places of the relegated NEROCA FC and SAT Tirur in the next season's I-League 2.