Arunachal Pradesh to Host First-Ever International Football Tournament Tonight
First Published: 9th May, 2025 16:45 IST
The tournament marks the first-ever international football event in the state, promising an exciting showcase of emerging talent from across South Asia.
The Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, will come alive today, as India faces Sri Lanka in Group B of the SAFF U19 Championship. The tournament marks the first-ever international football event in the state, promising an exciting showcase of emerging talent from across South Asia. In the tournament opener, Bangladesh will take on Maldives in a Group A clash at 4:00 PM, followed by the much-anticipated India vs. Sri Lanka match in Group B at 7:30 PM.
“We started our preparations two months ago. The players have worked really hard, and we will make sure to give our best in every game,” India’s head coach, Bibiano Fernandes, said in the pre-tournament press conference.
Fernandes has appointed 18-year-old midfielder Singamayum Shami as the team captain. Shami recently made history as the youngest goalscorer in Indian Super League history, scoring for Punjab FC in a 3-1 victory over Hyderabad FC just two months ago. This tournament will mark Shami’s debut for the national team at any level.
“The preparation has been good for us. We’ve been working hard in training, and I believe we can do well in the match. I’m excited to lead the team and ready for the challenge,” Shami said.
India, the defending champions, won the previous edition of the SAFF U19 Championship in 2023, defeating Pakistan 3-0 in the final. Despite this success, Fernandes dismissed the notion of being tournament favorites, emphasizing the team’s focus on one match at a time.
“There is no pressure. We know there will be expectations from the fans, but we are focusing on our strengths. This is a talented group, and I am proud of the work the scouting department has done to identify these players,” said the 48-year-old coach.
India’s opponents, Sri Lanka, have also prepared extensively, holding a one-month training camp under head coach Imran Mohamed. The Sri Lankan squad includes four overseas-based players, adding experience and strength to the team.
Captain Omith Edirisinghe, who plays in Australia, will lead the Sri Lankan side. Despite the challenge of facing India in the opening match, Edirisinghe remains optimistic.
“India are a strong team, but we have prepared well. We have a good mix of local and overseas players who have bonded well over the past month,” said Edirisinghe.
Also Read: Arunachal Sees Major Infrastructure Boost with 21 Projects Inaugurated Under BRO
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Brother of BSF Jawan Deepak Chingakham Who Died in Cross-Border Firing by Pakistan in Jammu Appointed ASI in Manipur Police on Compassionate Grounds
11th July 2025
Live Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery
11th July 2025
Live Chhangur Baba Received Rs 500 Crore in Foreign Funds for Illegal Conversions: Anti-Terror Squad
11th July 2025
Live Taiwan Detects 9 Chinese Warships, 1 Aircraft Breaching ADIZ Amid Rising Tensions
11th July 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Mob Storms Police Station in Arunachal, Drags Youth Accused of Raping Around 20 Girl Students Out, Lynches Him
As per inputs, the youth was accused of raping at least 20 students and molesting over 3 others aged between 6-8 years from Mount Carmel School, Roing.
11th July 2025
SIFF Opposes PMO-Level Meeting on Siang Upper Multipurpose Project to be Held in New Delhi
The impasse over the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is not ending anytime soon. The project affected families are now strongly opposing the proposed PMO-level meeting to be held on July 15 in New Delhi. The meeting will chaired by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr P.K.Mishra. The Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), a […]
11th July 2025
Why Do Monks Burn Herbs on Mountain Peaks? Here’s All About Arunachal’s Sacred Smoke Ceremony
The ritual also served to invoke protection for the remote borderland and foster well-being for all.
11th July 2025
Former Arunachal MLA Kapchen Rajkumar Dies In Wild Elephant Attack in Tirap
According to family members of Rajkumar, the attack took place in the early morning hours between Namsang and Deomali area
09th July 2025
Arunachal Govt Holds High Level Meeting with AAPSU on Chakma-Hajong Refugee Issue
The talks follow AAPSU’s protest rally held on June 16, during which a memorandum was submitted to the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah
09th July 2025