Delhi Dominates Sikkim in U20 National Football Championship Opener

Delhi's Strong Start in Group D

In Narainpur, Chhattisgarh, 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 on May 12, 2026.

Delhi took an early advantage when Parth Subhash Salunke found the net in the first half. However, Sikkim's Sujal Bhujel quickly equalized after halftime. The balance was short-lived, as Kanish Rawat netted two goals shortly after the hour mark, restoring Delhi's lead.

Further extending their dominance, Thongbam Lanchenba Singh and Kanak Raj Vohra each contributed a goal, sealing a convincing victory for the champions.

In another Group D match, Tripura secured a 3-0 win against Himachal Pradesh 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.

With this victory, Delhi tops Group D, followed closely by Tripura, who are second due to goal difference. Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim occupy the third and fourth spots, respectively, with only the group leaders advancing to the quarter-finals.

In Group H action, Punjab edged out Goa 2-1. An own goal by Goa's Jodric Abranches gave Punjab an early lead, but he later equalized 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 victory in their match, with Nirvaan Bhatt scoring the only goal shortly after the second half began.

Currently, Punjab leads Group H with 3 points, while Maharashtra trails closely behind on goal difference. Goa and Assam sit in third and fourth place, respectively.