India to open its campaign against Sri Lanka on May 13
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: In a huge sporting spectacle and a significant step to take the State further forward in the sports sector, Arunachal Pradesh is hosting the third edition of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-19 Championship, scheduled to be held at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia from May 9 to 18.
Host India was drawn alongside Nepal and Sri Lanka in Group B of the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 in the draw conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal, today.
Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh were drawn in Group A. For the draw, the teams were seeded in three pots based on the latest FIFA Men’s Rankings as of December 2024.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals that will be played on May 16. The final will be staged on May 18.
The Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, will host the third edition of the regional U-19 men’s tournament from May 9 to 18, 2025. The venue had also hosted the Santosh Trophy Final Round in March 2024.
India will take to the turf with its opening match against Sri Lanka on May 13. The host nation, in its second match, will be pitted against Nepal three days later, on May 16.
It requires a mention here that Arunachal Pradesh successfully hosted the Santosh Trophy Final Round in March last year.
In the meantime, an elated Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of the State, has expressed his sheer exhilaration in pronouncing the hosting of the prestigious tournament in Arunachal Pradesh.
Khandu, in his social media post, said: “Exciting news for football fans! The groups for the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-19 Championship 2025, to be held in Arunachal Pradesh on May 9-18, 2025 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia, have been officially announced!”
He further shed light on splitting of the teams, saying: “Here are the official groups: Group A: India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Group B: Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh”
Ending on a similar note, the CM said: “With top young talents competing for regional glory, the stage is set for thrilling football action! Get ready to cheer for your favorite team! #SAFFU19 #FootballInArunachal #SAFFChampionship”