Mangaluru: Yenepoya University, Mangaluru, emerged champions of the AIU South East Zone Inter-University Football Championship 2025–26, organised by Woxsen University, with the tournament concluding here on Saturday. The emphatic triumph once again underlined Yenepoya University’s growing stature and consistency in Indian university football.
With this zonal title, Yenepoya University has qualified for the All India Inter-University Football Championship, scheduled to be held at Kolkata from January 30 to February 8, 2026. The qualification marks yet another milestone in the University’s sustained footballing excellence at the national level.
Sustained dominance since restructuring of AIU football
Since the 2022–23 season, following the restructuring of Association of Indian Universities football competitions from four zones to eight zones, Yenepoya University has consistently qualified as zonal champions for the All India Inter-University Football Championship. This achievement reflects not just a single successful campaign, but a sustained programme of player development, disciplined preparation, and competitive performance.
Sports observers noted that maintaining such consistency across multiple seasons in a highly competitive university circuit is a significant accomplishment, particularly given the increasing depth and quality of teams participating from across the country.
Convincing quarterfinal victory
Yenepoya University’s campaign began with a commanding performance in the quarterfinals, where the team defeated St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru by 3–0. The clean-sheet victory secured Yenepoya a place in the league stage and set the tone for what would follow.
The quarterfinal match showcased the team’s defensive organisation and clinical finishing, with the players displaying composure and tactical awareness throughout the contest.
Dominant league stage performances
Yenepoya University produced a series of dominant displays during the league stage, asserting control over every match and leaving little doubt about their superiority in the zone.
In their first league match, Yenepoya registered an emphatic 5–1 victory over Osmania University, Telangana. The match highlighted the team’s attacking depth and ability to convert chances under pressure.
The second league match saw Yenepoya overcome Hemchand Yadav Vishwavidyalaya, Chhattisgarh, with a solid 2–0 win, reflecting disciplined midfield play and a well-organised defensive structure.
In the final league match, Yenepoya delivered a stunning performance, recording a 12–0 victory over Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Chhattisgarh. The massive scoreline stood out as one of the highlights of the championship and underlined the team’s attacking prowess, fitness levels, and collective coordination.
League standings and qualification
At the end of the league stage, Yenepoya University topped the table with nine points from three matches, having won all their encounters convincingly. Hemchand Yadav Vishwavidyalaya finished second with four points, followed closely by Osmania University, which also ended with four points. Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University finished fourth.
As per tournament rules, all four teams qualified for the All India Inter-University Football Championship 2025–26, ensuring representation from the South East Zone at the national stage.
Strong support staff and management
The Yenepoya University football team was guided by Mr Biby Thomas, Head Coach, whose tactical planning and match management played a crucial role in the team’s success. The squad was supported by Mr Nithin, Physiotherapist, who ensured player fitness and recovery during the demanding seven-day competition.
Team management responsibilities were handled by Mr Sujith K V, Physical Director and Head of the Department of Physical Education at Yenepoya University, who served as the Team Manager. Officials credited the seamless coordination between coaching, medical, and administrative staff as a key factor behind the team’s consistent performances.
Successful conclusion of the championship
The seven-day championship, hosted by Woxsen University, Hyderabad, concluded smoothly on January 10, with organisers receiving appreciation for effective scheduling, infrastructure, and match management. The tournament brought together strong university teams from multiple states, highlighting the competitive nature of zonal football under the AIU framework.
Looking ahead to the national stage
With qualification secured, Yenepoya University will now shift focus to the All India Inter-University Football Championship in Kolkata. The team is expected to build on its zonal momentum as it prepares to face the best university sides from across the country.
University officials expressed confidence that the experience gained from successive zonal victories will serve the team well at the national level, while also inspiring younger students to take up competitive sports.
The championship win not only adds another trophy to Yenepoya University’s sporting achievements but also reinforces its reputation as a strong centre for university-level football in India.