PATTAYA, Thailand – Hosts Thailand kicked off their campaign in the 2025 AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over India on Thursday night, March 20, 2025, in the headline match of Day One at Jomtien Beach Arena. The tournament, held in front of the bustling Yaimak Market in Pattaya, drew an enthusiastic crowd with free admission offered daily.
The match, which began at 8:30 PM local time, saw Thailand assert their dominance over a determined but inexperienced Indian side making their return to the tournament after an 18-year hiatus. The first period ended goalless, with India holding their own against the hosts, creating several scoring opportunities but failing to convert. However, Thailand’s experience shone through in the second and third periods. Jake Stoten broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, followed by Ratthaphong Nadee in the 29th, and Komkrit Nanan in the 33rd, sealing a convincing win for the home team in this three-period, 36-minute beach soccer showdown.
The AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup, now in its 11th edition, is being hosted by Thailand for the third time and runs from March 20 to 30, 2025. Sixteen teams are competing across four groups, with the top two from each advancing to the quarter-finals. Beyond the title, the stakes are high: the top three teams will secure coveted spots at the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the Seychelles, scheduled for May. Iran, the defending champions, are among the favorites, but Thailand, bolstered by home support, aims to claim their first-ever title in the competition.
India, drawn in Group A alongside Thailand, Kuwait, and Lebanon, faced a tough opener against a Thai squad that reached the quarter-finals in the 2023 edition. Despite the loss, India’s head coach, Mohd Faizal Bin Sood, remained optimistic. “We’ve analyzed our opponents thoroughly, especially Thailand, and focused on defensive organization and quick transitions,” he said prior to the match. “This tournament is a valuable experience for us to grow and develop.” India’s next challenge comes on Saturday, March 22, against Kuwait, who fell 4-5 to Lebanon earlier on Day One.
Jomtien Beach, lined with visitors enjoying free entry, provided a vibrant backdrop to the action. The event’s accessibility—situated near the Yaimak Market—ensured a lively atmosphere, though organizers noted that seating is first-come, first-served, with Thursday’s headline match drawing a particularly large crowd. The Pattaya News highlighted the anticipation, urging fans to arrive early for Thailand’s games, which are expected to be major draws throughout the tournament.
Elsewhere on Day One, Group A saw Lebanon edge out Kuwait in a thrilling 5-4 contest, setting up an intriguing battle for the second quarter-final spot behind Thailand. In other groups, powerhouses like Iran are gearing up for their opening matches on Friday, March 21, promising more high-octane beach soccer action.
For Thailand, the victory was a dream start to their campaign, as noted by the official AFC Asian Cup account on X: “A dominant win for the hosts!” Indian striker Amit Godara, a Rajasthan policeman turned national team player, reflected on the team’s preparation: “We’ve had good coaching to understand international play, but Thailand’s experience was the difference tonight.” India’s last appearance in the competition was in 2007, and their return marks a renewed push by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to develop beach soccer in the country.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Jomtien Beach, where daily matches from 3:30 PM local time offer free entertainment and a chance to witness Asia’s best battle it out on the sand. With Thailand off to a flying start, the stage is set for a thrilling week of competition under the Pattaya sun.
All photos credit Adam Judd, The Pattaya News.
