India has stopped Bhutan in the semifinal match of the 2026 SAFF Championship and won with a score of 2-1, securing their spot in the finals for the 13th time in a SAFF Championship.
India has played in every SAFF Championship final aside from the 2003 SAFF Championship final. They have secured their spot in the final after their win in the first semifinal match in the ongoing 15th SAFF Championship.
Initially named the SAARC Gold Cup in 1993 and then changed to the SAFF Championship, the first edition of the championship was the only one where India did not make it to the final. The tournament was played in Pakistan that time, with India winning by placing first within a league format.
After the championship held in Bangladesh in 2003, India sent their U23 team to every SAFF Championship held in Bangladesh. The youth team played under the instruction of coach Naushad Moosa, claiming control of the match in its early stages.
The match was played in the National Stadium in Dhaka, India midfielder PV Vishnu taking the lead for his team in the 9th minute.
India captain Chinglensana Singh Konsham scored the second goal for the team in the 27th minute, securing the lead for his team as halftime began.
Bhutan reduced their deficit by one in the 2nd minute of the second half. Bhutan forward Kinzang Tashi Tobden's goal was accepted with the use of VAR technology, with this being the first time VAR is being used in SAFF Championship history.
SAFF uses a remote VAR system. The control room was built in Bangkok, Thailand.
India will attempt to win their 10th SAFF Championship during the final match on Tuesday. India will be playing against the team that wins the second semifinal game between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
