India Qualifies for AFC U20 Asian Cup After 20 Years

India has secured qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup, ending a 20-year absence from the continental championship. The "Blue Colts" achieved this milestone with a decisive 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in their final Group B qualifier, held on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Dostlik Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The win propelled India to second place in Group B with six points from three matches, behind group winners Uzbekistan, who finished with nine points. The qualification for India as one of the seven best runners-up across the eight qualifying groups marks their return to the tournament after last featuring in 2006. Danny Meitei Laishram opened the scoring in the 25th minute, capitalizing on a defensive turnover forced by India's pressing. Vishal Yadav doubled the advantage on the hour mark with an acrobatic finish following a long throw into the penalty area. Substitute Md Arbash sealed the victory in the 79th minute, striking powerfully into the roof of the net to complete the 3-0 scoreline. India's campaign in Tashkent included an opening 1-0 win against Syria and a subsequent 0-4 loss to hosts Uzbekistan.