Itanagar Mayor felicitates India U-19 football team ahead of SAFF championship

The Mayor of Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC), along with IMC Corporators, felicitated 25 members of the India U-19 men’s football team upon their arrival in the Capital Region ahead of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-19 Men’s Championship.

The Indian squad, including head coach Bibiano Fernandes and team officials, was warmly welcomed in a special ceremony organised to honour their presence and encourage their performance in the upcoming international tournament.

During a media interaction, Coach Bibiano Fernandes, who has been associated with India’s youth football setup for the past seven years, praised the talent and potential of the young players. Fernandes, who famously scored against Brazil Legends and had a 15-year football career with a single appearance for the senior national team, is now focused on building a competitive U-20 team aimed at future World Cup qualification.

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The SAFF U-19 Men’s Championship is scheduled to be held from May 9 to May 18 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. Six nations—India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka—will compete in the prestigious tournament.

This is a major sporting event for the state, and the capital region is abuzz with enthusiasm as it prepares to host teams from across South Asia. The Mayor lauded the organising committee and expressed hope that the event will further inspire local youth to pursue sports at the highest level.