New Delhi: India ended a 20-year wait for a place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup after the Blue Colts defeated Bangladesh 3-0 in their final Group B qualifying match in Tashkent on Sunday.
The victory gave India six points from three matches, but their qualification was confirmed only after Syria lost 0-3 to hosts Uzbekistan later in the day. India finished second in Group B and secured one of the seven best runner-up spots across the eight qualifying groups.
India last featured in the AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament in 2006. Their return to the continental stage marks a significant achievement for the country’s youth football setup.
Uzbekistan topped Group B with nine points, while Syria finished third with three points. Bangladesh ended the campaign without a point and were relegated to the Development Phase.
India entered the final game knowing that victory was essential. Danny Meitei Laishram gave the team the breakthrough in the 25th minute, putting the Blue Colts in front after a strong opening period.
Vishal Yadav then doubled India’s advantage around the hour mark with an acrobatic finish. Substitute Md Arbash completed the scoring in the 79th minute with a powerful strike, securing a convincing 3-0 victory.
India had begun their qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Syria on August 31 before suffering a heavy 0-4 defeat against Uzbekistan on September 3. The team therefore needed maximum points against Bangladesh and a favourable result in the Syria Uzbekistan fixture.
Once qualification was confirmed, the young Indian players celebrated their achievement by dancing outside their team hotel.
The AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament will be held in China from March 24 to April 10, 2027.
