Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 12: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially announced the 23-member India U-17 men’s national team squad for the upcoming SAFF U-17 Championship 2025 to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from September 16 to 27.
The squad, led by head coach Bibiano Fernandes, has been in intensive training in Goa for nearly two months, following nationwide trials that began in July. The team is set to depart for Colombo on Saturday afternoon.
India, the defending champions after a 2-0 win over Bangladesh in last year's final in Bhutan, are placed in Group B alongside Maldives (Sept 16), Bhutan (Sept 19), and Pakistan (Sept 22). All matches will be hosted at the Racecourse International Stadium. The semi-finals are scheduled for September 25, with the final on September 27.
Long-Term Vision: AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026
Coach Bibiano emphasized that while the immediate focus is on defending the SAFF title, the broader aim is qualification for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026, with qualifiers set for November 2025 in Ahmedabad.
India U-17 Squad – SAFF Championship 2025
Goalkeepers:
• Manashjyoti Baruah
• Maroof Shafi
• Rajrup Sarkar
Defenders:
• Houlungou Mate
• Indra Rana Magar
• Konthoujam Korou Meitei
• Md Aimaan Bin
• R Lawmsangzuala
• Shubham Poonia
• Thanggoumang Touthang
• Yumnam Madino Singh
Midfielders:
• Abrar Ali Baba
• Dallalmuon Gangte
• Thokchom Diamond Singh
• Wangkhem Denny Singh
• Yengkhom Nitishkumar Meitei
Forwards:
• Aazim Parveez Najar
• Azlaan Shah Kh
• Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam
• Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi
• Kamgouhao Doungel
• Lesvin Rebelo
• Rahan Ahmed
Coaching Staff:
• Head Coach: Bibiano Fernandes
• Assistant Coach: Chandam Chitrasen Singh
• Goalkeeping Coach: Parshuram Salwadi
• Strength & Conditioning Coach: Karan Mane
India heads into the tournament with confidence and continuity, aiming to retain their SAFF crown and build momentum ahead of their Asian campaign.