New Delhi

Manipur’s T.G. English School won the Junior Boys title in the 63rd Subroto Cup International Football Tournament by defeating Meghalaya’s Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School 4-3 in a sudden death shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Namdigong scored for Manipur in the 32nd minute, but Meghalaya’s Banpliebok Khongjoh equalized with a penalty in the 64th minute. Despite playing the last 20 minutes with 10 men, Manipur held on and eventually secured the title when Meghalaya’s Wanpli Malang missed in the sudden death shootout, giving Manipur their first title in 43 years.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, along with 2022 Asian Games double silver medalist Harmilan Bains, presented the trophy to the champions. Chaudhari praised the tournament as a key platform for nurturing young talent and expressed hope that some players would go on to represent India at higher levels.

Despite dominating much of the match, Meghalaya struggled with finishing. Their standout player, Banpliebok, was named Player of the Tournament. In penalties, Manipur’s Phonis scored the decisive goal, while Wanpli missed for Meghalaya, sealing the win for Manipur. The champions received a prize of ₹5,00,000, while the runners-up took home ₹3,00,000. Harmilan Bains praised the young athletes for their talent and sportsmanship, encouraging them to continue pursuing their dreams.