Services Santosh Trophy 2026: Discover how Services Football Team defeated Kerala 1–0 in extra time to win the 79th Santosh Trophy at Dhakuakhana Stadium, Assam. Key insights, historical context, and exam-focused takeaways included.

🔥 Services Snatches Santosh Trophy Title from Kerala in Thrilling Extra‑Time Finale (2026)

Indian domestic football witnessed an exhilarating climax as the Services Football Team clinched the 79th edition of the Santosh Trophy, defeating Kerala 1–0 in a gripping final held at Dhakuakhana Stadium in Assam. The deciding moment came deep in extra time (109th minute), when Services’ striker **Abhishek Pawar calmly converted a crucial cross to puncture Kerala’s otherwise solid defence and secure the title.

The match was a compelling encounter between two of India’s most competitive teams in the national football championship. Kerala, known for its resilient approach and creative attacking play, applied sustained pressure throughout the match but fell short of breaching the Services defence after conceding the lone goal.

Services’ goalkeeper and captain, Gagandeep Singh, played a vital role in marshaling the backline, showcasing leadership and composure under pressure. His crucial saves and command in the box prevented Kerala from making a comeback in the dying minutes of extra time.

With this win, Services lifted the Santosh Trophy for the eighth time, reinforcing their position among the elite institutional teams in Indian football history. Interestingly, this victory replicated their success from the 2023–24 edition, where they also beat Kerala in the final — underlining a budding rivalry between the two sides.

The Santosh Trophy, established in 1941, is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious senior football championships. Historically, it has served as a vital platform for players from various states and institutional outfits to display their footballing talents at a national level.

🧠 Why This News Is Important

📘 Importance for Competitive Exam Aspirants

For students preparing for government exams — such as SSC, Banking, Railways, Teaching, Defence, and especially Civil Services (PCS/IAS) — understanding key national sporting events is beneficial for sports current affairs sections. Sporting achievements like the Santosh Trophy final result, standout performers, and tournament significance often appear in general awareness sections of these exams.

This particular news highlights several themes that are commonly tested: the importance of domestic sporting tournaments, institutional teams’ achievements, and regional sports culture in India. Knowing that Services claimed the title after a hard‑fought match against Kerala and made history with their eighth title can add valuable content to your answers in descriptive and objective‑type questions.

Furthermore, this victory reflects broader trends in Indian football — with institutional sides like Services continuing to demonstrate consistent performance, which students can connect to discussions about sports infrastructure, talent development, and competitive structures in India.

📜 Historical Context of the Santosh Trophy

🏆 Origins and Evolution

The Santosh Trophy is one of India’s most venerable football competitions. First held in 1941, it was initially a premier national championship for senior men’s inter‑state football teams. The tournament was named after Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhary of Santosh, the then Maharaja of Santosh, whose generous donation made the competition possible.

Over the decades, the Santosh Trophy has evolved into a platform where state teams and institutional sides — like Services and Railways — compete for national glory, contributing significantly to the grassroots development of Indian football. Though the emergence of professional club competitions (like the Indian Super League and I‑League) has shifted some attention away from it, the Santosh Trophy still remains a prestigious tournament in the domestic football calendar.

🧠 Legacy and Influence

The competition has a rich history of producing talented players who have gone on to represent India in international football. For decades, the tournament provided one of the few national‑level platforms for players outside the professional club ecosystem, helping identify promising talent from smaller states and lesser‑known regions.

Teams like West Bengal have traditionally dominated the trophy with the most titles, but recent seasons have seen spirited challenges from Kerala, Services, Railways, and others — reflecting a more competitive landscape.

📊 Key Takeaways from Services Clinches Santosh Trophy 2026

S. No.	Key Takeaway
1.	Services Football Team won the 79th Santosh Trophy by defeating Kerala 1–0 in extra time (109th minute).
2.	The deciding goal was scored by Abhishek Pawar with a clinical finish.
3.	The final was held at Dhakuakhana Stadium in Assam.
4.	Services now have eight Santosh Trophy titles, showcasing their domestic football strength.
5.	The Santosh Trophy is one of India’s oldest football championships, first played in 1941.

Services Santosh Trophy 2026

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who won the 79th edition of the Santosh Trophy in 2026?

Answer: Services Football Team defeated Kerala 1–0 in extra time to win the title.

2. Who scored the winning goal in the final match?

Answer: Abhishek Pawar scored the decisive goal in the 109th minute of extra time.

3. Where was the 79th Santosh Trophy final held?

Answer: The final was held at Dhakuakhana Stadium in Assam.

4. How many times has the Services Football Team won the Santosh Trophy?

Answer: Services have won the trophy eight times as of 2026.

5. When was the Santosh Trophy first held?

Answer: The Santosh Trophy was first held in 1941.

6. Why is the Santosh Trophy important for Indian football?

Answer: It provides a platform for state and institutional teams to showcase talent and has historically contributed to the development of Indian football.