India U20 Gears Up for SAFF Championship Opener Against Bhutan

The India U20 men's team, backed by months of rigorous training, is set to face Bhutan in their first Group B match of the SAFF U20 Championship, set to be streamed live from the ANFA Complex in Kathmandu. Indian squad embraces both experience and new talent ahead of this crucial match.

The India U20 men's team is gearing up for their first Group B match of the SAFF U20 Championship against Bhutan, leveraging a blend of experience and creativity. The match is scheduled for Monday, August 19, 2024, at 2:45 pm IST, at the ANFA Complex artificial turf and will be streamed live on the Sportzworkz YouTube channel.

The Indian squad arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal, a day after celebrating India's 77th Independence Day, and has since completed two rigorous training sessions. Head coach Ranjan Chaudhuri highlighted their preparation, saying, "We have been training hard in Goa for the last two months, and the time is almost here for the opening challenge. Being the defending champions of the SAFF U20 Championship obviously motivates us a great deal," as quoted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

"The game against Bhutan will be an important outing for us; the first match of a tournament always is," Chaudhuri added. Midfielder Akash Tirkey noted the team's enhanced fitness and chemistry due to their intense training in Goa. "We have practiced hard during our two-month camp, and I can see that all of us are raring to go. We've learned a lot from our coaches, and now it's about playing well and getting the win against Bhutan," Akash said.

Many players from the current squad faced Bhutan in the SAFF U17 Championship two years ago, where they won 3-0. "We have nine players with experience from this tournament at lower age groups, which will be crucial," Chaudhuri commented. Goalkeeper Sahil, who kept a clean sheet in that match, stressed the importance of winning the first game, recalling the confidence it built in 2022.

Forward Thanglalsoun Gangte, who scored twice in the previous encounter, mentioned the challenge despite the comfortable scoreline. Bhutan's U20 captain, Pema Zangpo, acknowledged India's strength but assured that his team is prepared for a tough fight. "India is a strong side but we are ready to challenge them," Zangpo said.

(With inputs from agencies.)