The Bangladesh Under-19 national football team departed for India on Tuesday to compete in the 7th edition of the SAFF U-19 Championship, set to take place in Arunachal Pradesh from May 9 to 18.

Bangladesh, the defending champions, secured their first title last year with a 4–1 victory over Nepal in the final.

Six South Asian nations will compete in the tournament, divided into two groups. Bangladesh has been drawn in Group A alongside Maldives and Bhutan. 

Group B features Nepal, Sri Lanka, and hosts India, who have won the title three times — in 2019, 2022, and 2023.

Bangladesh will open their campaign against Maldives on May 9, followed by a match against Bhutan on May 11.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for May 16. The final will be played on May 18.

All matches will be held at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia.

SMS/