Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) has been awarded the hosting rights for the prestigious South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-19 Championship 2025.
This will be the first-ever international football tournament to be held in the state.
The Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia will be a battleground for South Asia’s finest young soccer stars as they vie for the championship.
Six teams from South Asia will compete for the title during the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025, which will be held from May 8 to 17.
Arunachal Pradesh gears up for big football⚽spectacle!
Congratulations to Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) on securing the hosting rights of the prestigious South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-19 Championship 2025, first-ever international football tournament… pic.twitter.com/XSdkDdKyfw
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) February 7, 2025
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said, “It is an opportunity to showcase our sporting spirit, upgrade football infrastructure & promote sports tourism.”
“This is a huge milestone for our state, putting us on the global football map and providing an incredible opportunity to boost local football infrastructure, inspire our youth, and promote sports tourism,” Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said.
He further said, “With collaboration from the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association, AIFF, and local authorities, I am confident this tournament will be a huge success. Looking forward to this historic event!”
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The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), comprising seven member nations — India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka — organizes the annual youth competition to promote emerging football talent in the region.
