Indian Sports Wrap, March 4: India U-17 beats hosts Myanmar in first friendly match

FOOTBALL

India U17 beat hosts Myanmar 2-1 in the first friendly match

The India Under-17 men’s national team defeated Myanmar U-17s 2-1 at the Thwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, in the first friendly match on Tuesday.

Washington Singh Ngangom (11′) and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (24′) put India ahead by two goals in the first half. With Myanmar mounting a comeback after half-time and Myint Myat Ko Ko (54′) getting on the scoresheet, the Blue Colts held on for the win.

India relied on counter-attacks to open up Myanmar’s defense to both goals, with Gunleiba playing a key role on the left wing on both occasions.

In the eleventh minute he broke onto the counter on the left before feeding it through the center to Washington, who had only the goalkeeper to beat. The latter finished his chance at the first post.

Gunleiba turned from provider to goalscorer in the 24th minute, when captain Dallalmoun Gangte gave him a through ball that set him free behind Myanmar’s defense. From a rather tight angle, Gunleiba’s snap shot into the side netting and doubled the Blue Colts’ lead.

Myanmar tried to regain control in the second half, but could only respond through a set piece. Captain Ant Htoo Paing curled a free-kick from long range into the Indian penalty area, and Myint headed the ball home.

India held firm despite the second-half setback to register its first win in Myanmar as they prepare for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 to be held later this year.

-Team Sportstar

GOLF

Gill and Gautam emerge joint leaders after round two of Phillaur Open

Sukhraj Singh Gill and Rajesh Kumar Gautam held the joint lead with a total of five-under 137 after round two of the DP World PGTI Phillaur Open.

Gill (70-67) and Gautam (70-67), both ranked ninth overnight, followed up their first-round scores of one-under 70 with scores of four-under 67 in round two to move into the joint lead.

Aditya Raj Singh Chahal, Pankaj Maandiya, Shaurya Sharma and Md Muaj were all tied for third place with a total of four under 138.

The cut went to three over 145. The top 42 professionals made the cut for the third and final round.

– PTI

Published on March 4, 2026