India Secures Historic Win in South Asian Football Federation Championship

India, 25 December 2025 — The Indian national football team recorded a historic victory in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship, defeating Nepal 3-1 in the final held in Kathmandu on Thursday. The win marks India's eighth title in the regional tournament.
The match took place at the Dasharath Rangasala Stadium, where the Indian team displayed a dominant performance, with captain Sunil Chhetri scoring two goals and Anirudh Thapa adding another. Nepal managed to score only once, courtesy of a goal by Anjan Bista.
The victory is significant as it reinforces India's dominance in the SAFF Championship, having previously won the title in 2021. This triumph also provides a morale boost ahead of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Coach Igor Stimac praised the team's efforts, highlighting the strategic gameplay and teamwork that led to the victory. The Indian squad's success is seen as a positive step towards enhancing football standards in the country.
The SAFF Championship, which concluded on Thursday, featured teams from across South Asia, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, making it a key regional competition for fostering football development in the area.