Nepal to host first U-19 SAFF

KATHMANDU, June 29: Nepal will host the first edition of U-19 SAFF Championship to be organized by South Asian Football Federation (SAFF). According to All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), the tournament will be held from August 20 to 29 in Kathmandu.

All eight members of the SAFF - Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Maldives and Sri Lanka - have confirmed their participation in the tournament. However, the date of draw is yet to be finalized. Two matches have been schedule each day during group stage and semifinal matches.According to ANFA CEO Indraman Tuladhar, the tournament was organized as part of preparation for the AFC U-19 Qualifiers scheduled to be held in September and October at various countries of Asia.

SAFF shall provide subsidy of US $ 50,000 to ANFA to conduct the tournament. "The amount will be used for the management of tournament including accommodation, feeding and other cost."

Though the venue is yet to be confirmed, ANFA has decided to host the event in capital. "The tournament could be hosted at the Dasharath Stadium or other venues of the capital including ANAF Academy- Satdobato, Army ground-Lagankhel or APF ground-Halchowk."

"We have talked to National Sports Council (NSC) for using Dasharath Stadium, but NSC has told us they could decide about the stadium only after technical study of the stadium," Tuladhar said.

The parapet and walls of the Dasharath Stadium were badly damaged by April 25 earthquake and aftershocks following that.

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