Assam Celebrates Successful Return as Seven-Time Host of the Santosh Trophy

Assam has successfully hosted the final round of the 79th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy, marking the seventh time the state has organized this prestigious tournament. The 2025–26 edition saw matches spread across the northern banks of the Brahmaputra, specifically in the football-loving regions of Dhakuakhana and Silapathar. By bringing the “Final Round” to these remote locations, the Assam Football Association and the AIFF effectively expanded the game’s reach, drawing massive crowds that filled stadiums to capacity and even occupied surrounding trees and walls to catch a glimpse of the action.

The tournament concluded on February 8, 2026, with Services clinching their eighth Santosh Trophy title after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over seven-time champions Kerala. The decisive goal was scored by Abhishek Pawar in the 109th minute of extra time at the Bisturam Doley Sports Complex in Dhakuakhana. Although the host team, Assam, was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Kerala, the event was hailed as a grand success for the state’s sporting infrastructure and culture. This edition reaffirmed the tournament’s deep-rooted legacy in India, showcasing high-intensity football and a passionate fan base in one of the country’s most vibrant footballing hubs.