Arunachal Pradesh is officially on the map of international football tonight as the U-23 Tri-Nation International Football Championship kicks off in Yupia. With regional pride at stake and a legendary Indian captain in the stands, the Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium is set to host a week of high-octane sporting action. Here is the latest from the ground.
The hills of Papum Pare are alive with football fever as the U-23 Tri-Nation International Football Championship 2026 officially begins today, Wednesday, March 25. The tournament, featuring the under-23 national squads of India, Bhutan, and Tajikistan, is being hosted at the state-of-the-art Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium in Yupia.
Organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and General Secretary Kipa Ajay, the championship is scheduled to run through March 31. Despite persistent rainfall in the region, the enthusiasm among local supporters remains undamped. Adding a massive boost to the tournament’s prestige, Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri is attending the inaugural ceremony as a special guest, providing inspiration to the young athletes vying for glory.
The Indian squad, led by head coach Naushad Moosa, features a talented 24-member lineup with significant representation from the Northeast. Seven to nine players in the squad hail from the region, including key figures like forward Suhail Ahmad Bhat and defender Dippendu Biswas. In a particularly proud moment for the host state, Arunachal’s own Gumpe Rime is serving as the goalkeeping coach for the national side.
Coach Moosa expressed confidence in his team’s preparation but acknowledged the challenges ahead. Speaking on the eve of the opener, he noted that while the artificial turf and the caliber of sides like Tajikistan and Bhutan present hurdles, the Indian colts are ready for a tough physical contest.
All matches are scheduled for prime-time kickoff at 7:00 PM. For fans unable to make it to Yupia, the tournament is being broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed via SonyLIV. For those looking to catch the action in person, tickets are still available through the Slotallot app.
As the whistle blows tonight, Arunachal Pradesh stands ready to prove it is not just a participant but a premier destination for international football in India.
