Akhil Rawat
AIFF Media Team

YUPIA, ARUNACHAL PRADESH: Amid plenty of local interest, Arunachal Pradesh's first-ever international football tournament will kick off on Friday, May 9, as India take on Sri Lanka in Group B of the SAFF U19 Championship at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia at 19:30 IST. Bangladesh will face Maldives in the day's opening match of Group A at 16:00.The tournament will be streamed live on the Sportzworkz YouTube channel. The tickets can be purchased on slotallot.in.

"We started our preparations two months ago. The players have worked really hard to prepare for this competition and will make sure we give our best in every game," said India head coach Bibiano Fernandes, who has won three SAFF age-group titles in the past.

Fernandes named Singamayum Shami as the team's captain. The midfielder created history two months ago by becoming the youngest goalscorer in Indian Super League history when he netted in Punjab FC's 3-1 win over Hyderabad FC. While this will mark his debut for the national team at any age group, the 18-year-old is fully ready to take on the leadership role.

"The preparation has been good for us. We've been working hard in training. I believe we can do well in tomorrow's match. I feel very good that I'm leading the team in the tournament. I'm happy and excited," Shami said in the pre-tournament press conference on Thursday.

India won the previous edition of the SAFF U19 Championship in 2023, defeating Pakistan 3-0 in the final. Fernandes, however, dismissed the favourites tag and stated that his boys are not under any pressure to play in front of what is expected to be a great home crowd in Yupia.

"There is no pressure. We have been focusing on this competition, and I know there will be expectations from the fans, but we will make sure that we take every match seriously and give our best efforts in every match, step by step.

"When it comes to competition, every team is tough, and it's about who wants it more on that day. We don't see any team that is not competitive or tough. We will be focusing on our strengths. I'm very happy with the scouting department as well because this is a talented batch of players and I'm not surprised by it," the 48-year-old said.

India's opponents, Sri Lanka, held a one-month training camp, according to their head coach Imran Mohamed. They have also incorporated four overseas-based players in the squad, led by captain and defender Omith Edirisinghe, who comes from Australia.

While Sri Lanka have never progressed beyond the group stage of the tournament, Mohamed relishes a chance to create history, albeit it might be a big ask facing fancied hosts India in the first match.

"All the overseas-based players are our blood. These boys coming in with the local boys is a big advantage for us. The training has been going in a positive way. India are too strong, but we have some plans. So we'll focus on that and be ready," said Mohamed.

Concurring with his coach's words, Edirisinghe added, "Obviously, we view India as a strong team. All the boys are working hard together and building connections. We've become like a really big family together, and that's the big thing in our team."