Defending champions Delhi launched their Group D campaign at the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men’s National Football Championship 2025-26 with a dominant 5-1 win over Sikkim on May 12, 2026, at Ground 1 of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh. Parth Subhash Salunke scored first, Sujal Bhujel equalized early in the second half, but Kanish Rawat's quick double restored Delhi's lead, followed by goals from Thongbam Lanchenba Singh and Kanak Raj Vohra. This result positions Delhi atop the group, where only the winner advances to the quarter-finals.
Group D Takes Shape with Tripura's Clean Sheet
Tripura secured second place in Group D after a 3-0 victory against Himachal Pradesh on the same ground. Arma Jamatia struck in the first half's final minute and again in second-half injury time, sandwiching Kishan Debbarma's goal. Delhi leads on points, Tripura follows on goal difference, with Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim trailing. These early matches highlight Delhi's title defense strength and Tripura's efficiency, setting a competitive tone as teams vie for the single knockout spot.
Punjab Edges Goa as Group H Heats Up
On Ground 2, Punjab claimed a 2-1 win over Goa in Group H, taking an early lead via Jodric Abranches' own goal in the sixth minute. Abranches equalized before halftime, but Saqlane Sajid's strike just before the hour sealed Punjab's victory. Punjab tops the group with three points, Maharashtra sits close behind after a 1-0 win over Assam, where Nirvaan Bhatt scored shortly after the break. Goa and Assam languish in third and fourth.
Youth Championship Spotlights Emerging Talent
The Swami Vivekananda U20 event, hosted by the All India Football Federation, gathers top under-20 teams from across India to nurture future national stars. Matches like Delhi's rout and Punjab's resilience reveal tactical depth and individual flair in regional football development. With group winners only progressing, pressure mounts on young players, fostering skills vital for senior competitions and professional pathways in India's growing football ecosystem.
