CG fall short as Bengal take football crown

Raipur: West Bengal emerged champions in the men's football final of the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, edging past hosts Chhattisgarh 1-0 in a tightly contested summit clash at the Swami Vivekananda Athletic Stadium in Kota on Friday.In a match defined by discipline, structure and fine margins, West Bengal capitalised on a first-half breakthrough and held firm under sustained pressure to secure the gold medal, while Chhattisgarh settled for a well-earned silver.The decisive moment came in the opening half when West Bengal found the back of the net, making the most of a rare opportunity in an otherwise evenly matched contest. The early lead allowed them to dictate the tempo.Chhattisgarh, backed by a vocal home crowd, responded with urgency and cohesion. The hosts displayed impressive coordination and swift transitions, frequently pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Their attacking unit created multiple chances in the second half, but a combination of resolute defending and missed finishing kept them at bay. The final whistle confirmed West Bengal's triumph.