Male (Maldives), March 24 The Indian Under-20 men's football team has arrived here for the SAFF Championship and will play against their traditional rivals, Pakistan, in their opening match here on Thursday.
After this match, the Blue Colts will face Bangladesh on March 28 in Group B of the tournament, which began on Monday.
Both matches will be played at the National Stadium here.
Group A consists of the hosts, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, which will take place on April 1. The final will be held on April 3.
"This is a very important and prestigious tournament for us. All teams are very competitive. We have to perform well," said India U20 head coach Mahesh Gawali.
The 23-strong squad has also begun training to adapt to the humidity and coastal weather expected to challenge all participating teams.
"It's not that we are the only team that will be playing in these conditions. So we have to be prepared," Gawali said.
India's squad for the SAFF U20 Championship:
Goalkeepers: Alsabith ST, Pranav Sundarraman, Suraj Singh Aheibam.
Defenders: Bungson Singh Takhellambam, Jodric Abranches, Karish Soram, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Mohammed Kaif, Roshan Singh Thangjam, Usham Singh Thoungamba, Yaipharemba Chingakham.
Mid-fielders: Aniket Yadav, Danny Meitei Laishram, Gurnaj Singh Grewal, Md Arbash, Rishikanta Meitei Laishram, Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam.
Forwards: Omang Dodum, Prashan Jajo, Rohen Singh Chaphamayum, Vishal Yadav, Samson Ahongshangbam, Tanbir Dey.