On May 9, 2025, the 7th edition of the SAFF U-19 Championship kicked off in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, marking the first time India hosted the regional youth football event in the Northeast. Organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in collaboration with the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), the tournament is being held at the Golden Jubilee Stadium and will run until May 20.
Six teams—India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka—are competing in the biennial championship, which acts as a proving ground for the region’s football talent. The opening ceremony featured traditional Arunachali performances, and Indian football icons like Sunil Chhetri sent video messages to inspire the youth.
India’s U-19 squad, led by coach Floyd Pinto, is considered a strong contender. Their opening match against Bhutan ended with a convincing 4-0 win, showcasing promising young talent like striker Aryan Biju and midfielder Sahil Noor. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey emphasized the strategic importance of promoting football in the Northeast, which has historically produced top-tier players for the national team.
The tournament is also being used to promote sports tourism and infrastructure development in Arunachal Pradesh. The state government has invested significantly in upgrading facilities and improving accessibility to the stadium.
Broadcast live on DD Sports and streamed globally, the championship is expected to boost youth engagement in football across South Asia. Several foreign scouts are attending, and AIFF has hinted that top performers may be shortlisted for trials in European clubs