Manipur Defeats West Bengal 3-1 to Retain Junior Boys' BC Roy Trophy Title in Bengaluru

Defending champions Manipur retained the Junior Boys' National Football Championship for the Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy 2026-27 after securing a 3-1 victory over West Bengal in the Tier 1 final played at the Bengaluru Football Stadium on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The triumph marked Manipur's third overall title in the historic tournament and made them the first side to successfully defend the crown since Mizoram achieved the feat in the 2019-20 season. Manipur set the tempo early in the match with fluent passing and sustained pressure on the West Bengal defense. Team captain Jogesh Singh Heikrujam broke the deadlock in the 26th minute with a beautifully executed free-kick from outside the penalty box that beat diving goalkeeper Arpan Mitra. Thiyam Jenson Meitei doubled Manipur's advantage in the 39th minute after cutting inside from the left flank and unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the net. West Bengal attempted to claw back into the contest during the second half and reduced the deficit when Debraj Das successfully converted a penalty in the 52nd minute. However, Manipur maintained composure and sealed the victory in the 88th minute through a late goal from substitute Muskan. The triumph replicates Manipur's 3-0 final victory against West Bengal in the previous season and reaffirms the state's growing dominance in youth football across the country.