Dhaka, April 3 -- Bangladesh emerged champions of South Asia's Under-20 football for the second time, defeating India 4-3 in a gripping penalty shootout in a tense final in Male.

On Friday, the match at the National Stadium yielded no breakthrough over 90 minutes, with both sides locked in a tactical battle before the title was decided from the spot.

The shootout swung on moments of nerve and precision as goalkeeper Ismail Hossain Mahin set the tone early, diving to deny Rishi Singh and handing Bangladesh the advantage.

That edge nearly slipped when Samuel Raksam's fourth kick rattled the crossbar, moments after India goalkeeper Suraj Singh went down injured, allowing India to level at 3-3.

With the pressure mounting, Omang Dodum fire...