Indian Men’s Team finished Runners-up in 2026 SAFF Futsal Championship at the Hua Mak Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, which was played from 14 to 26 January 2026. The tournament was played on a round robin format. India finished Runners-up collecting 11 points with three wins and two draw and one loss. Both India and Nepal finished on 11 pints, but with better goal difference, India finished second. Maldives won the inaugural edition.
In the first match, India played a 4-4 draw with Bangladesh. Anmol Adhikari 12’, Lalsawmpuia 20’, K Roluahpuia 27’, 36’ scored the goals for India.
In second match, India played a 3-3 draw with Nepal. Vincent Laltluangzela 6’, Anmol Adhikari 39’, Nikhil Mali 40’ scored the goals for India.
In third match, India lost to eventual champion Maldives 0-5.
In fourth match, India defeated Bhutan 11-3. Jonathan Lalrawngbawla 4’, Jignam Seltob Dorji 6’ og, Vincent Laltluangzela 9’, 39’, Lalsawmpuia 15’, Anmol Adhikari 17’, 32’, Seaon Dsouza 34’, Nikhil Mali 40’, 40’, 40’ scored the goals for India.
In fifth match, India defeated Sri Lanka 4-1. Seaon Dsouza 3′, 20′, Lalsawmpuia 10′, Nikhil Mali 12′ scored the goals for India.
In sixth and last match, India defeated Pakistan 4-1. Vincent Laltluangzela 6’, Lalsawmpuia 25’, 40’, Nikhil Mali 32’ scored the goals for India.
India’s Brief Journey in International Futsal
India made their International Debut on 12 August 2023 against Bahrain in a friendly match at Khalifa Sports City Hall in Isa Town, which India lost by 0-3. India lost the second friendly by 0-4. Next, India was drawn in Group E of the Asian Cup 2024 qualification where they faced Tajikistan, Myanmar and Palestine, which was played from 2 to 13 October 2023. In the first match against Tajikistan, India lost 3–6 to the host. David Laltlansanga scored all the goals, thus becoming the first ever goalscorer, as well as scoring the first ever hat-trick for the national team. India lost the next two matches by 2–5 to Myanmar and 5–6 to Palestine. In 2025, India played two friendlies against Lebanon, both of which they lost by 2-7, 4-7. Then in 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualification, India lost to Kuwait by 1–4, Australia 1-10. However, in the third match India finally registered its first ever win, a 3–0 victory against Mongolia.
India’s squad for the SAFF Futsal Championship 2026
Goalkeepers: Aleef Rahman Mollah, Ozen Vivian Silva.
Fixo: Lalsangkima, Lalsawmpuia.
Ala: Anmol Adhikari, K Roluahpuia, Lalrinzuala H, Nikhil Mali, Seaon D’souza, Vincent Laltluangzela.
Pivot: Hafis AM, Jonathan Lalrawngbawla, Palash Barber, Tijo Job.
Head coach: Reza Kordi
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media
