Did Bibiano Fernandes Reveal the 23-Member Squad for the SAFF U17 Championship?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India U17 squad is set for SAFF Championship.
- Defending champions ready to showcase their skills.
- Intensive training program in Goa has been successful.
- Matches to be held at Racecourse International Stadium.
- Aiming for qualification in AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026.
New Delhi, Sep 12 (NationPress) The head coach of the Indian U17 men's football team, Bibiano Fernandes, has officially announced a 23-member squad for the SAFF U17 Championship set to take place in Sri Lanka in 2025.
The Blue Colts, who have been undergoing rigorous training in Goa for nearly two months since the trials began in July, are scheduled to arrive in Colombo on Saturday afternoon. They are placed in Group B and will compete against the Maldives on September 16, Bhutan on September 19, and Pakistan on September 22. The semi-finals are slated for September 25, culminating in the final match on September 27, with all games held at the Racecourse International Stadium. India is entering this tournament as the defending champions, having secured victory against Bangladesh with a score of 2-0 to clinch the SAFF U17 title in Bhutan last year.
The overarching ambition of the Blue Colts is to qualify for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026, with the qualifiers scheduled for November 2025 in Ahmedabad.
Here is India's 23-member squad for the SAFF U17 Championship in Sri Lanka 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.
Head Coach: Bibiano Fernandes
Assistant Coach: Chandam Chitrasen Singh
Goalkeeping Coach: Parshuram Salwadi
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Karan Mane