Indian U-17 Football Team Gears Up for SAFF Championship in Sri Lanka
The Indian U-17 men’s football team is all set to defend their title at the SAFF U17 Championship 2025 in Sri Lanka. Head coach Bibiano Fernandes announced a strong 23-member squad on Friday, September 12, 2025, in New Delhi. The young Blue Colts have been sweating it out in training camps in Goa for nearly two months, ever since trials kicked off in July.
The team heads to Colombo on Saturday afternoon, ready to take on tough competition. India finds itself in Group B, facing off against Maldives on September 16, Bhutan on September 19, and Pakistan on September 22. If they advance, semi-finals happen on September 25, with the grand final set for September 27. All the action unfolds at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo.
As defending champions, India enters with confidence after beating Bangladesh 2-0 to clinch the SAFF U17 title in Bhutan last year. This tournament is a big step toward their bigger dream: qualifying for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026. The qualifiers for that prestigious event start in November 2025 right here in Ahmedabad, India.
The squad packs a mix of talent across positions, showing depth in defense, midfield, and attack. Here’s the full 23-member Indian U17 team for SAFF U17 Championship Sri Lanka 2025:
Goalkeepers: Manashjyoti Baruah, Maroof Shafi, Rajrup Sarkar.
Defenders: Houlungou Mate, Indra Rana Magar, Konthoujam Korou Meitei, Md Aimaan Bin, R Lawmsangzuala, Shubham Poonia, Thanggoumang Touthang, Yumnam Madino Singh.
Midfielders: Abrar Ali Baba, Dallalmuon Gangte, Thokchom Diamond Singh, Wangkhem Denny Singh, Yengkhom Nitishkumar Meitei.
Forwards: Aazim Parveez Najar, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Kamgouhao Doungel, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed.
Coaching Staff:
- Head Coach: Bibiano Fernandes
- Assistant Coach: Chandam Chitrasen Singh
- Goalkeeping Coach: Parshuram Salwadi
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Karan Mane
Football fans in India, keep an eye on these young stars—they’re carrying the nation’s hopes for more glory in South Asian football!
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