ITANAGAR, May 9: Hosts India started its SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 on a tremendous note at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia in Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh today, giving a sound 8-0 hammering to its rival, Sri Lanka.
Playing its opener under the floodlights, the Blue Colts went on a rampage from the word go, finding the nets four times as they led 4-0 at the breather.
Danny Metei led the Blue Colts with a hat-trick, while Prashan Jajo scored a brace. Md Arbash, local boy Omang Dodum, and skipper Singamayum Shami netted a goal apiece.
Striker Daniel Meitei led the charge with a hat-trick, while Prashan Jajo netted twice. Captain Shami Singamayum and local lad Omang Dudum contributed a goal each, as India dominated the match from start to finish.
The Indian team, coached by Bibiano Fernandes, showcased their offensive prowess early on, establishing a 4-0 lead by halftime. They maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to complete the rout.
India, placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka and Nepal, will next face Nepal on May 13. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.
Earlier in the day, defending champions Bangladesh were held to a 2-2 draw by the Maldives in their Group A opener.
The SAFF U-19 Championship 2025, featuring six South Asian nations, is being hosted in Arunachal Pradesh from May 9 to 18.
Earlier in the first match of the championship, title holders Bangladesh were engaged in a 2-2 deadlock with Maldives.
In the meantime, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who is also the president of Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA), saw the Blue Colts demolishing their opponents from Sri Lanka.
“Witnessed history in the making as we hosted the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-19 Football Championship 2025 for the very first time in Arunachal, at the iconic Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia,” said Khandu, in his social media post.
The CM further said: “Happy to have cheered for our young champions during the exciting India vs Sri Lanka match. The energy, the talent, and the passion on the field were truly electrifying!
With teams from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, this championship is a shining testimony to Arunachal’s growing capabilities to host international events and promote youth sports.”
He went on to add, saying: “Pleased to have presence of Hon’ble DyCM Shri Chowna Mein ji, Hon’ble Minister Shri Kento Jini ji, former CM Shri Nabam Tuki ji, and Hon’ble MLAs Shri Laisam Simai ji and Kumar Waii ji, and other dignitaries.”