India's SAFF U19 2023 winning team: Where are they now?

Part of India’s U19 squad from 2023, Manglentheng Kipgen has gone on to become an integral part of Punjab FC!

The 2025 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U19 championship is set to kickoff in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh on 9th May 2025. Six nations will compete for a chance including the champions from the 2023 SAFF U19 championship, India.

A young and upcoming squad has been picked for the tournament that will kickstart this week as the India U19 team look to replicate their predecessors. Talking about the championship winning squad. Here is where the 23 youngsters from the 2023 SAFF U19 championship are playing at the moment:

India’s squad for SAFF U-19 Championship, 2023

Goalkeepers:

Lionel Daryl Rymmei

The Meghalaya-born goalkeeper currently plays for FC Goa’s youth team and even kept three clean sheets in seven Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 24/25 games.

Divyaj Dhaval Thakkar

He is part of NorthEast United’s U21 side and is contracted with the Highlanders until 2026.

Manjot Singh Parmar

He is currently not employed by any club

Defenders:

Thomas Kanamoottil Cherian

The 19-year-old made three appearances for Churchill Brothers as the Red Machines went on to win the I-League title this season.

Jahangir Ahmad Shagoo

The youngster was part of NorthEast United’s squad in the RFDL League, where he played three games for the young Highlanders.

Vijay Marandi

Having played for Hyderabad FC in the 2023-24 season, Vijay moved to Bengaluru United in I-League 2, representing the southern club in the 2024-25 season

Siba Prasad

He was a part of the Odisha FC youth setup and has also played for the Odisha FA.

Manabir Basumatary

The defender was part of the Kerala United setup in the 2023-24 season. He has since also played for Assam’s Santhosh Trophy team.

Surajkumar Singh Ngangbam

Having represented India in both the U-17, U-19, and U-20 categories, Surajkumar currently plies his trade in Bengaluru FC’s youth team. He has also played for the Blues in the RFDL League and the Durand Cup.

Ricky Meetei

The Bengaluru FC player was on loan at Odisha FC for their 2024-25 campaign but didn’t play any games at the club.

Midfielders:

Manglentheng Kipgen

The 19-year-old represents Punjab FC in the Indian Super League. Kipgen played five league games for the Shers and also got an assist in their 2025 Super Cup campaign.

Ishaan Shishodia

The left midfielder is part of Mumbai City’s youth team and was on loan at I-League 2’s Klasa FC in the 2024-25 football season.

Arjun Singh Oinam

Representing Downtown Heroes in the I-League 3, helping them to the playoffs in the 2024-25 season.

Yash Chikro

Yash is a part of Mohammedan SC’s B team and also represented the club in three Durand Cup games last year.

Ebindas Yesudasan

He is a part of Kerala Blasters’ youth team from 2022. Ebindas got a chance to represent the Blasters in their 2025 Super Cup campaign as well.

Raja Harijan

The 19-year-old plays for Diamond Harbour. He played 4 I-League 3 games and also made an appearance in the 2024 Durand Cup for the club.

Thumsol Tongsin

A part of Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s B-team. Thumsol made seven appearances for the Mariners in their 2024-25 RFDL Campaign, scoring a goal and helping them clinch the title.

Forwards:

Gwgwmsar Goyary

Playing for Delhi FC, the attacker scored one goal in 16 I-League appearances for his side. However, he couldn’t save the club from relegation.

Sahil Khurshid

The Kerala Blasters U21 player was part of the club’s squad in the RFDL 2024-25 championship. He played five games in the tournament.

Linky Meitei Chabungbam

The youngster enjoyed a good season in I-League 2, playing for Neroca FC. Chabungbam scored 7 goals in 14 league games as his side finished seventh in the standings.

Kelvin Singh Taorem

He is a part of Bengaluru FC’s B-team. Kelvin also made his ISL debut this season for the Blues in the 3-0 win over Jamshedpur FC.

Naoba Meitei

The Manipuri attacker played in all 22 I-League games for Rajasthan United this season. Naoba scored 1 goal and provided 2 assists to his teammates in the league.

Dinesh Singh Soubam

Neroca FC’s left winger made 9 appearances and scored 2 goals for his club in I-League 2 this season.

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