India U-20 head coach Mahesh Gawli announces 23-member squad for SAFF U20 Championship 2026

India U-20 to face Pakistan in tournament opener on March 26

The India U-20 men’s football team has landed in Maldives ahead of the SAFF U20 Championship, with the tournament kicking off in Malé on Monday, March 23, 2026.

The Blue Colts arrived in the Maldives capital on Monday, and will face Pakistan (March 26) and Bangladesh (March 28) in Group B.

Both matches will kick off at 16:15 IST at the National Stadium in Malé. Group A consists of hosts Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals that will take place on April 1. The final will be held on April 3. All matches will be streamed live on the Sportzworkz YouTube Channel.

The challenge begins for Mahesh Gawli

The squad reached Male in positive spirits, eager to make a strong start in the competition.

India U-20 head coach Mahesh Gawali highlighted the importance of the tournament and the team’s readiness.

“This is a very important and prestigious tournament for us. All teams are very competitive. We have to perform well,” he said upon arrival.

Of the 23-member squad, 15 players have landed in Malé, while the other eight – Md Arbash, Suraj Singh Aheibam, Samson Ahongshangbam, Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam, Prashan Jajo, Rohen Singh Chaphamayum, Yaipharemba Chingakham and Bungson Singh Takhellambam will join on Tuesday.

The team has also begun adjusting to the local conditions, with humidity and coastal weather expected to test all participating sides.

Gawali said, “It’s not that we are the only team that is going to play in such conditions. So, we have to be ready.”

With preparations underway and a positive atmosphere in the camp, India will aim to deliver disciplined performances in Group B and push strongly for a place in the semi-finals.

India’s 23-member squad for SAFF U20 Championship 2026

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.

Midfielders: 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.

Head coach: Mahesh Gawali

SAFF U-20 Championship 2026 schedule of India

16:15 IST, March 26: India vs Pakistan

16:15 IST, March 28: Bangladesh vs India

16:15 IST or 21:00 IST, April 1: Semi-final

20:30 IST, April 3: Final

Live stream: Sportzworkz YouTube Channel

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