The Indian Men’s U-19 Team has arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal, ready for the highly anticipated SAFF U-19 Championship.

They have transitioned from the scorching heat of Saudi Arabia, where they trained intensively under the guidance of Head Coach Shuvendu Panda.

India starts their Group B campaign with a thrilling match against Bangladesh at Dashrath Stadium, scheduled for 13:30 Nepali time. You can catch the live action on the Sportzworkz YouTube Channel.

Completing Group B is Bhutan, with Group A featuring Nepal, Maldives, and Pakistan. The top two from each group advance to the semi-finals. This U-19 Indian squad, primarily born in 2005, has been training together since 2021 in Bhubaneswar. They're eager to make their competitive international debut.

Ahead of the SAFF U-19 Championship, India secured wins in friendly matches against local Saudi clubs, Al-Nojoom FC and Al-Adalah FC, with scores of 2-0 and 3-1. Coach Shuvendu Panda praised their dedication over nearly two years of rigorous practice. Coach Panda extended his gratitude to the AIFF and the Odisha government for unwavering support. He recognized the players' international inexperience and thanked the federation for arranging a vital exposure tour before the SAFF Championship. He wished all teams the best.

The Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar witnessed India's triumph over Bangladesh in the 2022 SAFF U20 Championship final, with a score of 5-2 after extra time. This year's opener promises another thrilling clash. Bangladesh, guided by Coach Rashed Ahmed, has been preparing diligently for four weeks. Their goal is clear: win the opener, secure a semi-final spot, and aim for the tournament final.

Despite limited international experience, India's captain and midfielder, Ishaan Shishodia, expressed confidence in their ability to continue India's SAFF tradition. He noted their successful tour to Saudi Arabia, instilling confidence in the team. India aims to replicate its SAFF success. The stage is set for an exciting showdown between India and Bangladesh in the SAFF U-19 Championship. Football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await this thrilling clash between two giants.