India Qualifies for AFC U-23 Asian Cup with Victory over Maldives

India, 24 December 2025 — The Indian under-23 football team secured their place in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup with a decisive 3-0 win over the Maldives in their final qualification match. The match took place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday night. This victory marks an important milestone in India's football development program by ensuring participation in the prestigious continental tournament.
The Indian team, led by coach Igor Stimac, dominated the game from the onset, with goals from Vikram Pratap Singh, Anwar Ali, and Rohit Danu sealing their win. This result puts India at the top of their qualification group, ensuring automatic entry into the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.
India's qualification comes as a significant achievement amidst a challenging group stage, demonstrating the progress of the nation's youth football infrastructure. The tournament provides a platform for young players to gain international exposure and experience, crucial for the development of Indian football.
The upcoming AFC U-23 Asian Cup is scheduled for early 2026, where India will compete against the best teams across Asia. The Indian team aims to build on this success and further enhance their international reputation in the sport.
With this qualification, Indian football continues to make strides on the international stage, reflecting the growing investment and interest in the sport within the country.