A.G. Maharashtra successfully defended its title at the Indian Audit & Accounts Department (IA&AD) West Zone Football Tournament 2026, winning all four league matches to secure the championship with a maximum 12 points.
The tournament was conducted by the Office of the Accountant General (Audit–II), Maharashtra, Nagpur, under the patronage of Mr. Dattaprasad Shirsat, IAAS, Accountant General. Matches were played on a round-robin basis at the South East Central Railway Stadium, Motibagh, Nagpur.
A.G. Rajasthan finished as runners-up with seven points, followed by A.G. Gujarat with five points. A.G. Madhya Pradesh secured fourth place with four points, while A.G. Chhattisgarh finished last without scoring any points.
With their top-two finish, hosts A.G. Maharashtra and A.G. Rajasthan have qualified for the Inter-Zonal Football Tournament 2025–26, scheduled to be held in Kolkata, West Bengal, from March 23 to 27, 2026. They will compete against the winners and runners-up from the North, East and South Zones.
Match Highlights
In the final day’s fixtures, A.G. Maharashtra defeated A.G. Gujarat 4–0, while A.G. Madhya Pradesh blanked A.G. Chhattisgarh 3–0.
In the decisive league match, A.G. Gujarat began aggressively, needing a win to qualify for the Inter-Zonal tournament. However, A.G. Maharashtra took an early lead in the second minute when Anirban Paul converted a corner taken by Nachiket Palav to make it 1–0. Despite Gujarat’s efforts, strong defensive play by Sumit Pundir kept them at bay.
The hosts dominated the second half. Zahid Akhtar doubled the lead with a solo field goal in the 55th minute. Aakar Dhanu made it 3–0 in the 72nd minute with a well-executed lob over the goalkeeper, and Jang Bahadur Singh sealed the victory with a field goal in the 76th minute. Sumit Pundir was named Player of the Match.
In the earlier encounter, A.G. Madhya Pradesh took the lead against A.G. Chhattisgarh through Faiz Ansari in the fifth minute. Ravindra Kharab added another goal in the 28th minute. Rathee consolidated the lead in the second half with a goal in the 45th minute, ending the match 3–0. Saurabh Rawat was adjudged Player of the Match.
Individual Awards
Abdul Khalique, former international footballer and Guest of Honour, presented individual awards. Alim Sheikh of A.G. Maharashtra was named Best Goalkeeper, Vishal Chahar of A.G. Madhya Pradesh received the Best Defender award, Rohan Kachhap of A.G. Gujarat was declared Best Midfielder, and Ajay Saini of A.G. Rajasthan was named Best Forward. Akbar Siddique NP of A.G. Maharashtra was awarded Player of the Tournament.
Prize Distribution Ceremony
Dr. Sibichen K. Mathew, IRS, Director General, National Academy of Direct Taxes, Nagpur, was the Chief Guest and presented the championship trophy to A.G. Maharashtra. In his address, he emphasized the importance of sports in fostering a healthy mind and body, noting that such qualities enhance workplace performance.
Shri Dattaprasad Shirsat, IAAS, Accountant General (Audit), Nagpur, presented the runners-up trophy to A.G. Rajasthan and congratulated both teams, wishing them success in future competitions.
Andrew Shekhar (PAG, Karnataka) officiated as the departmental referee, while R. Johnson (PAG, Tamil Nadu) and Satish Kumar Bagga (PAG, New Delhi) served as selectors. Medical assistance was provided by Max Super Specialty Hospital, Nagpur.
Ms. Meghna Jain, DAG, introduced the Chief Guest. Rasik Suryawanshi, Assistant Audit Officer, presented the tournament report. The proceedings were conducted by Ms. Nayana Issar and Ms. Vandana, while Hemant Dhondrikar, Senior Audit Officer, delivered the vote of thanks.
Senior officials, including Ms. Bhavika Joshi Lathe, Sr. DAG; Dr. Bhushan Bhirud, Sr. DAG; Shri Devendra D. Waghela, Director; and other officers and staff members were present. Various committees, including reception, ground management, transport, accommodation, publicity, food and support staff, contributed to the successful organization of the tournament.
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