New Delhi, Aug 31 - India retained the Nehru Cup football won in 2007, defeating Syria 6-5 via a shootout after the two teams played goalless in the regulation time and 1-1 in the extra time at a packed Ambedkar Stadium here Monday.

Goalkeeper Subrata Paul was the hero of the match, making as many as three saves in the penalty shootout, including the last shot from Hamzeh Al Aitoni, triggering celebrations among the crowd.

After the match was goalless in the regulation time, Renedy Singh scored through a free-kick in 24th minute of extra time. But Syria's Ali Dyab equalised in the last minute of the match to take the game to a tie-breaker.