India U23 men football team dominate Bhutan, take command of Tri-Nation table

The India U23 men’s football team put on a dazzling display of attacking football, hammering Bhutan 5‑0 in the U23 Tri-Nation Championship 2026 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh.

The Blue Colts were relentless from the first whistle, with Suhail Ahmad Bhat stealing the show with a brace in the 51st and 81st minutes. Ricky Meetei Haobam (44’), Tomba Singh Haobam (79’), and Muhammed Ajsal (85’) also found the net, ensuring a comprehensive victory.

India’s domination was clear from the start. In the 23rd minute , a threatening cross from Adison Singh Thokchom rattled the crossbar, signaling Bhutan’s early struggles to contain the home side. Minutes before half-time, Ricky Meetei Haobam opened the scoring with a precise strike from outside the box, giving India the lead.

The second half saw the Blue Colts intensify their attack. Within six minutes of the restart, Suhail doubled the lead, calmly finishing a pass from Adison. Despite several close calls where Bhutan’s defense, including captain Pema Zangpo , made crucial goal-line clearances, India’s substitutes made their mark.

Tomba Singh Haobam blasted home a third in the 79th minute, followed by Suhail’s fourth goal shortly after. Suhail then assisted Ajsal for the fifth, completing a well-deserved rout.

This victory propels India to the top of the Tri-Nation table, level on points with Tajikistan, who had defeated Bhutan 1‑0 earlier in the week. Coached by Naushad Moosa, the India U23s now look poised to continue their winning momentum in the tournament.