India's Men's Football Team Triumphs Over Myanmar in Hero Tri-Nation Series
India, 5 January 2026 — The Indian men's football team secured a decisive 2-0 victory against Myanmar in their opening match of the Hero Tri-Nation Series, held in Imphal. The match, which took place on 4 January 2026 at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, saw goals from Anirudh Thapa and Sunil Chhetri, propelling India to the top of the standings.
This victory marks a positive start for the Indian team under the coaching of Igor Stimac, as they aim to use the series as preparation for upcoming international fixtures. The Hero Tri-Nation Series features India, Myanmar, and Lebanon, providing a platform for these teams to test their skills ahead of larger tournaments.
Anirudh Thapa opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a well-placed shot, followed by a second-half strike from veteran forward Sunil Chhetri, who continues to lead by example. The win was witnessed by a packed stadium, showcasing the growing support for football in the northeastern region of India.
The next match in the series will see India face Lebanon on 7 January 2026, in what is expected to be a competitive encounter. The Hero Tri-Nation Series offers India a chance to fine-tune their strategies and assess player performances against regional rivals.
The ongoing series is a key opportunity for India to improve their international rankings and gain momentum as the team eyes qualification for future AFC and FIFA events.