Arunachal Pradesh Hosts Historic First International Tournament India Clinches SAFF U-19 Title
Arunachal Pradesh scripted sporting history by hosting its first-ever international football tournament, the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025, at the iconic Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia. Held from May 11 to May 18, the championship brought together six South Asian nations, host India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives, under the aegis of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF).
A Watershed Moment for Arunachal Pradesh
The successful hosting of this international fixture marks a significant milestone in Arunachal Pradesh’s sporting journey. With extensive infrastructure upgrades and world-class facilities, the event reflected the State Government’s vision of transforming Arunachal into a premier destination for sporting excellence in the Northeast.
The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with fans from across the region filling the stands. The event not only showcased the region’s deep-rooted passion for football but also underlined the Northeast’s emerging role as a powerhouse in Indian sports. Complementing the on-field competition were vibrant cultural performances, ethnic cuisine stalls, and traditional showcases, highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural diversity to a global audience.
India’s Triumph in a Thrilling Finale
In a dramatic final, India edged past Bangladesh 4–3 in a penalty shootout, after the teams were locked at 1–1 in regulation time. The Indian side remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, securing emphatic wins over Sri Lanka (8–0) and Nepal (4–0) in the group stages, and defeated Maldives (3–0) in the semi-final.
The final saw an early breakthrough in the 2nd minute, with India’s captain Singamayum Shami scoring from a sublime free kick. Bangladesh equalized in the 61st minute, forcing the match into a nail-biting penalty shootout. India held their nerve to seal the victory and lift their second SAFF U-19 title, and their tenth overall youth title in SAFF competitions.
Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) flawlessly executed tournament of international standards. “Hosting the SAFF U-19 Championship has not only put Arunachal on the international sporting map but also reflected our preparedness and aspiration to be a hub for national and international events,” Arunachal Pradesh CM, said.
The Arunachal government’s continued commitment to promoting sports through infrastructure development, grassroots engagement, and talent nurturing.
The Road Ahead
The SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 has set a new benchmark in Arunachal Pradesh’s sporting evolution. Beyond the accolades and triumphs, the tournament has demonstrated the state’s capability to host global events, its administrative strength, and the warmth of its people.
Building on this momentum, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh is poised to invest further in sports infrastructure, athlete development, and event hosting capabilities. With the successful culmination of this international championship, Arunachal Pradesh is charting a path toward becoming a vibrant center for competitive sports in India’s Northeast and beyond.
