Chennai Clinch U-17 Don Bosco Inter-Province Football Title in Kochi

29 April 2026

News reported by: Bastin Nellissery (INK)

Highlighting the Salesian commitment to youth development through sport—fostering discipline, teamwork, and national-level sporting aspirations among young players—the Chennai Province emerged champions of the All India Don Bosco Inter-Province Football Championship 2026 (U-17 Boys), defeating Bangalore Province 2–0 in a spirited final held at Panampilly Nagar Stadium in Kochi.

Organised by the Don Bosco Sports of the Bangalore Province, the two-day tournament brought together nine teams representing Salesian Provinces across India on April 28–29. The final witnessed a tightly contested first half that ended goalless, before Chennai broke the deadlock in the second half with two decisive goals to secure the title.

A brief spell of rain towards the end of the first half cooled the conditions but intensified the game's tempo, adding to the encounter's competitive edge.

In the third-place playoff, Shillong Province claimed the second runner-up position with a convincing 2–0 victory over Goa Province.

Individual honours reflected Chennai’s dominance in the tournament. Nayan of Chennai Province was adjudged Best Player, while Yogesh, also from Chennai, secured the Golden Boot. Paulson of Shillong Province earned the Best Goalkeeper award, and Jackson of Bangalore Province was named Best Defender.

Fr Josh Kanjoorparambil, National Coordinator of Don Bosco Sports, highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative. “We are cultivating a love for sports, especially football, so that the talents of young people are recognised. Through these efforts, we aim to form a National Don Bosco Team to participate in various national and international tournaments,” he said.

The final match was attended by several distinguished guests, including Shushen Vashisth, Chief Operating Officer of Kerala Blasters FC, and Karim Benarif. Other dignitaries present were Fr Patrick Lepcha, Fr Varghese Edathichira, Fr John Muttathuparambil, Fr Jitto Kunnath, and Fr Gilton Rodriguez.