India Outclass Pakistan! Decimate Rivals 4-1 To Clinch SAFF Futsal Silver On Republic Day

India's men's futsal team delivered a memorable Republic Day moment by outplaying arch-rivals Pakistan 4-1 to secure the silver medal at the SAFF Futsal Championship 2026 in Bangkok.

The emphatic victory

not only capped a strong campaign but also helped India finish second on the table with 11 points from six matches, ahead of Nepal on goal difference, while Maldives lifted the title.

The clash began with high intensity as both teams looked to seize control early. India struck first in the sixth minute when Vincent Laltluangzela capitalised on a loose ball and fired home to give his side the lead. Pakistan responded with urgency and found the equaliser just before halftime, as Ali Agha produced a clever finish to make it 1-1, keeping the silver-medal race wide open.

However, the match turned decisively after the break. India returned with renewed energy and sharper execution, quickly tilting the momentum in their favour. Goalkeeper Aleef Rahman Mollah played a pivotal role in the early stages of the second half, producing a remarkable sequence of saves to deny Pakistan multiple times. That moment proved to be the turning point, draining Pakistan's confidence and fuelling India's dominance.

Soon after, India restored their advantage when K Roluahpuia's powerful effort was initially saved, but Nikhil Mali reacted quickest to slot in the rebound, making it 2-1. India continued to press, and Laltluangzela struck again to extend the lead, giving the team firm control of the contest.

In a desperate attempt to stage a comeback, Pakistan opted for an aggressive powerplay, deploying Ali Agha as a flying goalkeeper. While the move created brief pressure, India held their nerve. In the final moments, Lalsawmpuia intercepted the ball, crossed the halfway line and calmly rolled it into an empty net, sealing the result and underlining India's superiority.

The convincing win over Pakistan marked India's biggest moment of the tournament and highlighted the team's growing stature in South Asian futsal. On a day of national pride, the Indian side delivered a performance that blended resilience, tactical discipline and attacking flair, making their silver-medal finish one to remember.