India beats Bangladesh to win SAFF U-16 Title

Indian boys U-16 football team won the SAFF U-16 Championship 2023, defeating Bangladesh 2-0 in the final held at the Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu, Bhutan on 10 September 2023 .

Bharat  Lairenjam  and Levis Zangminlun were the goal scorers for the Blue Colts . The India junior football team also known as Blue Colts and the senior football team is known as Blue Tigers.

Guided by head coach Ishfaq Ahmed, the Blue Colts finished top of Group A, defeating both Bangladesh and Nepal . In the semi-final the Blue Colt defeated Maldives by 8-0. The Indian team did not concede a single goal in the whole tournament.

Teams participating in the 2023 SAFFU-16 championship 

The SAFF(South Asian Football Federation) cup was held in Thimpu, Bhutan from 2-10 September 2023. Six teams from South Asia; India,Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Maldives participated in the tournament . 

Afghanistan did not send its team while Sri Lanka cannot participate in an international football event as it has been suspended by FIFA.

Awards at the 2023 SAFF U-16 Championship

Best Goalkeeper: Suraj Singh (India)

Most Valuable Player (MVP) :Mohammed Arbash(India )

Highest Scorer: Mohammed Arbash(India )