India’s youth football team, widely regarded as pre-match favourites, fell short in the tournament final against Tajikistan after conceding an early goal and failing to recover. Midfielder Khaitov Azizbek struck in the ninth minute, putting India on the back foot. Despite controlling stretches of the match and creating multiple opportunities, the Indian side struggled with cohesion in midfield and inefficiency in attack. Tajikistan, while missing chances to extend their lead, held firm defensively.