Male, March 25 (NationPress) As the Indian men's team prepares to launch their SAFF U20 Championship journey this Thursday, Mahesh Gawali shared insights on enhancing the transition to the senior team, ensuring a unified playing philosophy across various age groups, and leveraging this tournament as a venue to evaluate the mental resilience of a talented group of young athletes.

The Indian U20 squad arrived in the capital of the Maldives on Monday and is set to compete against Pakistan on March 26 and Bangladesh on March 28 in Group B. Gawali, who serves as the assistant coach for the senior men's national team, expressed his expectations from the team during the SAFF U20 Championship.

"We recognize the potential within this group, along with the high caliber of players. Our primary focus now is to observe their performances when faced with pressure. This is critical for gauging their temperament and preparedness for the next level," Gawali conveyed to AIFF.com.

"We encourage them to showcase their skills and maintain consistency. This tournament serves as an excellent opportunity to evaluate how they manage pressure and responsibilities. We urge them to take initiative, communicate effectively on the field, and collaborate as a cohesive unit. It’s crucial at this stage that they develop sound decision-making skills and sustain concentration throughout the match," he elaborated.

On the significance of the tournament for assessing players' readiness for the next stage, Gawali noted, "Competing in matches provides a clearer perspective. While training is essential, actual games reveal how players react in real-life scenarios. This tournament enables us to evaluate their talent, ability to cope with pressure, technical proficiency, tactical understanding, and adaptability—all vital factors in identifying players capable of advancing to higher levels. The insights they gain here will significantly contribute to their growth."

With preparations in full swing and a positive vibe within the camp, India aims to deliver disciplined performances in Group B and strongly contest for a spot in the semi-finals.

Gawali shared the motivating message he imparted to the players ahead of the tournament: "The key is to remain confident and optimistic, believing in our capability as a team. They have exerted considerable effort to be here, and it’s essential for them to trust themselves and each other. If they concentrate on their roles and play with discipline, the results will follow. Simultaneously, we want them to learn from each match and continually improve. This is a crucial step in their journey, and we hope they seize this opportunity."