India's Dominant Performance in the SAFF U-19 Championship

India, 26 December 2025 — The Indian U-19 football team secured a commanding victory over the Maldives, advancing to the finals of the SAFF U-19 Championship. The match, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, saw India win 5-0, with forward Vikram Pratap Singh scoring a hat-trick. This performance marks India’s third consecutive appearance in the tournament’s final.

India dominated the match from the start, with Singh opening the scoring in the 12th minute. The team maintained pressure throughout, with additional goals by midfielder Rohit Danu and defender Sumit Rathi. The Indian defense also stood out, denying the Maldives any significant scoring opportunities.

The SAFF U-19 Championship is a key platform for young South Asian football talent, and India’s consistent performance highlights the country’s growing prowess in youth football. The Indian team's focus now shifts to the final, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal match between Nepal and Bangladesh.

Coach Shanmugam Venkatesh expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of such tournaments in developing future senior team players. The final is set for December 28, 2025, promising an exciting conclusion to the championship.

The Indian team’s journey in this tournament underscores the potential of the nation’s youth football program, aiming to establish India as a competitive force in the international football arena.