The Indian U-16 national team will open their account against Sri Lanka in the second edition of the SAFF U-16 Championship at the Army Ground in Kathmandu on Sunday.
Apart from India and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh are the third team in Group B. In the other group, reigning champions Pakistan have been clubbed with hosts Nepal, Bhutan and Afghanistan.
India play their second match against Bangladesh on July 25, 2013. The semifinals are slated for July 27 and 28 while the final is on July 30.
At the Pre-Tournament Press Conference head coach Goutam Ghosh said: “The SAFF Championships are a great opportunity for us to study our progress. At this age, more than winning, such exposure is more important. I am glad that the boys have got it and we are raring to go.”
“We have been preparing for the tournament since April this year and have played some friendlies too. We want to lap up this opportunity and give the boys a feel of a tournament,” he added.
Both the matches kick-off at 16.15 IST (12.45 CET / 11.45 GMT).
(Edited AIFF Media Report)