NEW DELHI: India won the AFC Challenge Cup 2008 on Wednesday after defeating defending champions Tajikistan 4-1 in the final at Ambedkar Stadium.

The goals for India were scored by Sunil Chhetri (9, 23, 75) and Baichung Bhutia (18) while Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev (44) pulled a goal back for the losing side.

The result also helped Bob Houghton's side book their place in the 2011 Asian Cup, their first appearance in the continent's showpiece tournament since 1984.

The final was shifted to New Delhi after heavy rains made the pitch at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad unplayable.