Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh – In a historic move for football in the Northeast, Arunachal Pradesh will host its first-ever international football tournament as the SAFF U-19 Championship comes to Yupia from May 8 to 17, 2025.
The Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) secured the hosting rights for the prestigious youth tournament, which will feature top U-19 teams from South Asia, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and other SAFF member nations.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed his excitement over the achievement, calling it a *landmark moment for the state’s sporting history. “It is an opportunity to showcase our sporting spirit, upgrade football infrastructure & promote sports tourism. Let’s make the most of it!” Khandu posted on social media.
The Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, near state capital Itanagar, will serve as the venue for the championship, marking a significant step in Arunachal’s football infrastructure development.
The tournament is expected to boost the footballing culture in the region and pave the way for future international sporting events. Traditionally a football-strong region, the Northeast has rarely hosted major international competitions, making this a pivotal moment for sports in Arunachal Pradesh.
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