Arunachal Pradesh set to host U-23 Tri-Nation Championship in March
International Football Returns to Arunachal Pradesh
On January 31, Arunachal Pradesh Football Association General Secretary Kipa Ajay, addressing the media at the Press Club in Itanagar, officially announced that the state will host the U-23 Tri-Nation Championship during the upcoming FIFA international window.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 25 to March 31, bringing international football action back to the region and marking another significant step in Arunachal Pradesh’s growing football journey.
With this announcement, Arunachal Pradesh is all set to host its second international tournament, following the successful staging of the SAFF U-19 Championship.
The APFA General Secretary Kipa Ajay at the Press Club, Itanagar said, “This is a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh. After the successful completion of the SAFF U-19 Championship, we are delighted to announce that we will be hosting the Tri-Nation Cup in Arunachal Pradesh, India, during the official FIFA international window.
This will be the second international tournament hosted by the state. It is a moment of immense happiness for all of us, as it truly marks Arunachal Pradesh’s entry onto the world football stage.”
Teams Participating
The U-23 Tri-Nation Championship will feature India, Tajikistan and Bhutan, offering a balanced mix of competitive styles and regional rivalry.
Hosts India will be keen to make full use of home conditions as they continue their long-term preparations and player development at the U-23 level.
The Tri-Nation Championship offers the Indian coaching staff an important platform to assess emerging talents in a competitive international environment, while also working on tactical cohesion and match temperament.
Playing in familiar surroundings and with home support could give the young Indian side added confidence as they aim to build momentum ahead of future continental assignments. The tournament will also serve as a valuable test of depth and adaptability, helping shape the next generation of players pushing for senior national team opportunities.
Tajikistan brings valuable international experience and tactical discipline to the tournament, while Bhutan will view the championship as a crucial opportunity to test their young squad against stronger opposition. With three nations at different stages of development, the competition promises closely contested fixtures and meaningful exposure for all sides involved.
Venue
All matches of the U-23 Tri-Nation Championship will be played at the Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium, Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. The venue has steadily built a reputation as one of the state’s premier football stadiums and previously hosted the Santosh Trophy and SAFF U-19 Championship, earning praise for its facilities and organization.
Surrounded by picturesque hills, the stadium is ready to welcome international football once again, offering players a refreshing playing environment and fans a rare chance to experience top-level action from close quarters. Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia, hosting another global event underlines Arunachal Pradesh’s steady rise as an important destination on India’s football landscape.
Fixtures
| Match number | Date | Team 1 | Team 2 | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 March 2026 | Bhutan | Tajikistan | 7 PM IST | GJ Outdoor Stadium, Yupia |
| 2 | 28 March 2026 | India | Bhutan | 7 PM IST | GJ Outdoor Stadium, Yupia |
| 3 | 31 March 2026 | India | Tajikistan | 7 PM IST | GJ Outdoor Stadium, Yupia |
Ticketing and Live Streaming details
All matches of the tournament will be live-streamed online, allowing fans across the country to stay connected with the action throughout the championship.
For supporters eager to witness the matches in person, tickets can be purchased via the SlotAllot app, offering a convenient booking option, while offline sales will also be available at the stadium box offices on matchdays, making it easier for local fans to be part of the atmosphere in Yupia.
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.