Top three Indian players from the 2026 U23 Tri-Nation Championship campaign

The Blue Colts lost the final match against Tajikistan

The India U-23 side suffered ultimate heartbreak in the 2026 U-23 Tri-Nations Championship campaign, suffering a disappointing loss in the final match against Tajikistan U-23. It was a rather topsy-turvy tournament for Naushad Moosa’s side, who tried their hardest to win the championship but ended up coming just short in the final stages.

Irrespective, the Blue Tigers showed a lot of heart with their performances, working hard to put on entertaining displays for their home fans in Yuppia. India U-23 men’s team are actually scored the most goals in the tournament, only going down because of an unfortunate goal conceded in the final game against Tajikistan.

There were definitely some positives to take away from the U-23 Tri-Nations Championship campaign, especially in terms of the performances from a few individuals in the team. There were a few players who produced some really eye-catching performers, showcasing their ability to torment foreign opposition with their unpredictable, smart work on the pitch. Here, we look at the three best Indian players from their 2026 U-23 Tri-Nations Championship campaign.

3. Lalremtluanga Fanai

Lalremtluanga Fanai has had a pretty solid start to the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign for Bengaluru FC and was able to maintain his good work in the 2026 U-23 Tri-Nations Championship for the Blue Tigers. He was particularly exciting in the opening match against Bhutan U-23, being a menacing threat in the midfield area for India. Fanai was able to help create some major chances in the U-23 Tri-Nation Championship for the Indian side, and was a positive energy in their midfield line.

He tormented the Bhutanese midfielders with his movement and execution, but ended up being benched in the match against Tajikistan. Irrespective of that, after coming on in the second half against Tajikistan, Fanai raised the energy levels for the Indian side with his hard-working nature and ball-winning capabilities. The young midfielder definitely proved himself capable of going toe-to-toe with foreign players at the international stage and is likely to get more appearances for the U-23 India side going forward.

2. Tomba Singh

Tomba Singh actually made his debut for the India U-23 national team in the 2026 U-23 Tri-Nations Championship and he definitely justified Naushad Moosa’s decision to call him up. The Inter Kashi midfielder was called up as a substitute in the 5-0 thrashing of Bhutan, playing a key role in helping the Indian side push their way to sealing a big win over them with their plethora of goals in the second half. Tomba scored his first goal for the Blue Tigers in the second half against Bhutan, finishing off a move with a slick finish and he also helped create some chances in the second half frenzy in that game.

Singh was awarded a starting role in the game against Tajikistan U-23 and was he was able to hold his own against the formidable international players. He was a proactive presence in the midfield line, working hard by covering a lot of space and also being fluid with his forward passing. He might’ve come out on the losing side in the final, but Tomba’s spirited performances and ability to get amongst the goals made an exciting prospect to watch for the Indian side.

1. Suhail Bhat

There were a lot of expectations from Suhail Bhat heading into the 2026 U-23 Tri-Nations Championship, with fans eager to see him perform after failing to see him in Mohun Bagan colors at the start of the 2025-26 ISL campaign. Bhat might not have gotten any playing time in the ISL for the Mariners, but he proved to have not missed a step with some highly energetic performances in the Tri-Nations Championship. The young forward was at his spirited best in the opening game against Bhutan U-23, as he tormented their defenders with his movement and execution.

Bhat scored a brace in the game against Bhutan, producing some quality finishing – as well as bagging a stellar assist as well. Suhail did try his best in the game against Tajikistan, carving out some chances for himself – but lady luck didn’t favour him on the night at all. Irrespective, with three goal contributions, Bhat was the most prolific player of the tournament and looks in line for a promotion to the Indian national team soon.

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