Goa : In a thrilling conclusion to one of India’s premier grassroots football tournaments, Jharkhand FA and Punjab FC emerged victorious in the Dream Sports Championship Football 2025 National Finals, held at the historic RAIA Sports Ground in Goa on April 15.
The high-stakes double finale drew widespread attention, not just for the skill on display but also for the platform it provided to young footballers across the country. Attended by Indian football icons Bhaichung Bhutia and Subrata Paul, along with several esteemed dignitaries from Goa, the event showcased India’s burgeoning football talent in full flow.
Jharkhand Edge Out Odisha in Girls’ Final Thriller
In a nail-biting clash, Jharkhand FA clinched the girls’ title, defeating a resilient Odisha FA side 1-0. The lone goal came in the 20th minute, courtesy of Anamika Sanga, whose calm finish proved to be the decider. Despite Odisha’s valiant attempts at an equaliser, Jharkhand’s defensive line, led by captain Chandani Kumari, held their ground to secure a famous win.
“Winning this championship was so important for us. Our strategy to keep pressing forward really helped us protect the lead,” said an ecstatic Chandani.
She also praised the tournament’s organisation: “From the arrangements to the environment, everything was top-class. Tournaments like this push us to be better and bring us closer to our dream of representing India.”
Punjab FC Retain Title With Dominant Performance
The boys’ final saw Punjab FC defend their crown in style with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Subham Gurung gave Punjab the lead in the 10th minute, and Ashish Lohar doubled it in the 64th minute, sealing the championship and extending Punjab’s unbeaten run through the tournament.
“This win is a result of months of hard work and team unity,” said Punjab skipper Aniket Yadav.
“We stayed unbeaten, played against international teams like Norwich City FC, and showed that our academy’s foundation is rock solid. Tournaments like DSC are so important for Indian football’s future.”
Legends Laud the Championship
Football legend Bhaichung Bhutia, speaking at the prize distribution ceremony, applauded the initiative:
“It’s always special to be in Goa, the heartland of Indian football. The Dream Sports Championship is a huge step forward in identifying and nurturing talent. The quality of football, the dedication of these young players—it gives me great hope for the future of Indian football.”
Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included Shri Rohan Khaunte (Minister for Tourism, IT & E&C, Goa), Shri Mauvin Godinho (Transport Minister, Goa), Shri Digambar Kamat (MLA and former Goa CM), Smt. Varsha Sharma, IPS (DIG, Goa Police), and Dr. Caitano Fernandes (President, Goa Football Association).
A Stepping Stone to National Glory
The Dream Sports Championship, now in its second edition, has already established itself as a vital pipeline for youth football in India. Last year’s inaugural edition saw 17 players selected for India’s U-17 national camp, underlining the tournament’s value as a talent incubator.
About Dream Sports Foundation
The Dream Sports Foundation (DSF), the philanthropic wing of Dream Sports—the parent company behind Dream11, FanCode, and DreamSetGo—has been instrumental in organising this national-level competition. With a mission to “make sports better,” DSF uses data-driven initiatives to promote youth talent, support elite athletes, and empower sports professionals through education and development.
So far, DSF-supported athletes have won over 200 national and 107 international medals, including appearances at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games. The Foundation also partners with legendary athletes such as Mary Kom, Bhaichung Bhutia, Karnam Malleswari, and Dilip Vengsarkar to deliver world-class youth training programs.
With inspiring performances, packed stands, and dreams in motion, the Dream Sports Championship Football 2025 once again reaffirmed its place as one of India’s most exciting platforms for nurturing the next generation of football stars.
