Arunachal Pradesh has made a significant leap in sports history by hosting the SAFF South Asian Football Federation U19 Championship 2025, welcoming six nations to its shores for the first time. The championship kicks off tonight with an exciting inaugural match between the host nation, India, and Sri Lanka at 7:15 PM at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, located near the state capital of Itanagar. Along with India and Sri Lanka, the tournament will feature participating teams from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives, running from May 9 to May 18.
Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Kento Jini has urged local residents to come out and witness the thrilling action of international football live. To support the event, the Arunachal Pradesh government has allocated a budget of Rs 3.5 crore to the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) for its successful organization.
“It’s a matter of pride for all Arunachalees to host such an international tournament in our state,” emphasized Kipa Ajay, Secretary of APFA and Treasurer of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). He noted that the Indian team arrived today at Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar, where they were warmly welcomed by local officials.
Under the guidance of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the APFA is committed to promoting the development of football in the region. Indian team coach Bibiano Fernandez arrived earlier to assess the facilities and logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth tournament experience. Officials have confirmed that, despite the ongoing monsoon season, the matches will be unaffected due to the modern turf facilities available at both the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium and Golden Jubilee Stadium.
Fans can enjoy the matches with tickets priced at Rs 550 for covered seating and Rs 250 for open seating. Each ticket permits entry to two matches, and they can conveniently be purchased online through the “Slot Allot” app available on mobile app stores.
The championship is also providing invaluable experience to over 200 local youth who are actively involved in organizing and supporting this prestigious event. Local authorities have engaged with district administration and police officials to ensure comprehensive security arrangements for the seamless conduct of the tournament.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/video/arunachal-hosts-first-ever-saff-u19-championship-starting-today-1211056-2025-05-09?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-05-09 15:47:00
