DHAKA, May 6, 2025 (BSS) - The Bangladesh U-19 national football team left for India today (Tuesday) to participate in the 7th edition of the SAFF U-19 Championship, scheduled to be held in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh from May 9 to 18.

Bangladesh, the defending champions, won their maiden title by defeating Nepal 4-1 in the final last year.

Six South Asian nations, split into two groups, will take part in the tournament. 

Bangladesh has been placed in Group A alongside Maldives and Bhutan. Group B includes Nepal, Sri Lanka, and host India, the most successful team in the tournament's history, having won the title in 2019, 2022, and 2023.

Bangladesh will begin their campaign against Maldives on May 9 and play their final group stage match against Bhutan on May 11.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the cross semi-finals, scheduled for May 16. The final will be held on May 18.

All matches will take place at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia.