The SAFF U-19 current champions Bangladesh football team, made their first practice session on the 2nd day at the RG Stadium in Nahariagun in the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh Wednesday afternoon amid huge tension between two rival nations – India and Pakistan. 

The day's session focused on light recovery, ball work, and tactical drills as the players made their on-field preparations with high spirit and determination.

The SAFF U-19 Championship will be held from May 9 to 19 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia, in Arunachal Pradesh. 

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Bangladesh youth team, studded with two Bangladesh-origin foreign footballers, reached Arunachal Pradesh Tuesday noon via Kolkata to compete in the six-nation SAFF U-19 Men's Championship 2025 in a hope of clinching the title.

Left winger Abdul Kadir of Italy and USA forward Farzad Syed Aftab were included in the Bangladesh U-19 side for the first time. 

Bangladesh team is in Group A of the regional youth soccer meet with Bhutan and the Maldives, while the Group B team comprises hosts India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Nazmul Huda Faysal is named as the captain of the 30-member Bangladesh team, which consists of 23 booters and seven officials.

Bangladesh team reach Arunachal Pradesh for SAFF U-19 C'ship, hoping to clinch title

"Our countrymen desire the tournament's title from us, and we have also the same target of winning the title," Bangladesh coach Golam Rabbani Chotan said in a press conference on the eve of the departure.

Bangladesh will play the Maldives in the opening match on May 9 at 4 pm, while hosts India will encounter Sri Lanka in the other opening day's fixture at 7:30 pm.

In the remaining group match, Bangladesh will face Bhutan on May 11, also at 4 pm at the same venue.

The top two teams from each of the two groups will play in the semifinals on May 16, while the final match is billed for May 18.