New Delhi, March 31 The India U23 men's national team lost 0-1 to Tajikistan in the deciding match of the 2026 U23 Tri-Nation Championship at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday.
A first-half goal by Tajikistan midfielder Khaitov Azizbek (9') proved to be decisive, as the Blue Colts, despite creating several chances and applying sustained pressure, were unable to equalize.
With this result, Tajikistan won the U23 Tri-Nation Championship with two wins from two matches, maintaining a clean sheet in both outings. India finished second with one win, while Bhutan finished third with no points.
The Blue Colts started strongly, pressing high and putting early pressure on the Tajikistan defense. Suhail had an early opportunity in the eighth minute, capitalizing on a precise through ball from Mohammed Sanan, but rushed his shot wide.
However, Tajikistan took the lead a minute later. Azizbek's long-range shot took a deflection off Pramveer Singh's shoulder, wrong-footing India goalkeeper Mohan Raj, who could not do much to stop the ball from going into the net.
India responded positively and continued to create chances, but were unable to score.