Maldives, 24 March (H.S.):

Indias U20 mens team arrived in the Maldives capital Monday ahead of the SAFF U20 Championship underway since March 23 with the Blue Colts set to launch their Group B challenge against Pakistan March 26 and Bangladesh March 28 both at National Stadium 4:15 pm IST.

Hosts Maldives headline Group A with Sri Lanka Nepal Bhutan while top two from each group advance to April 1 semifinals and April 3 final. Of the 23-member squad 15 players reached Male with eight more MD Arbash Suraj Singh Aheibam Samson Ahongshangbam Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam Prashan Jajo Rohen Singh Chaphamayum Yaipharamba Chingakham Bungson Singh Takhellambam joining Tuesday as the team adapts to humid coastal conditions.

Head coach Mahesh Gawli called it a crucial prestigious tournament against tough rivals stressing solid preparation since all face the same weather. The squad arrived upbeat aiming for disciplined Group B showings and semifinal spot with goalkeepers Alsabith ST Pranav Sundarraman Suraj Singh Aheibam defenders Bungson Singh Takhellambam Jodric Abranches Karish Soram Malemngamba Singh Thokchom Mohammed Kaif Roshan Singh Thangjam Usham Singh Thoungamba Yaipharamba Chingakham midfielders Aniket Yadav Danny Meiti Laishram Gurnaz Singh Grewal MD Arbash Rishikant Meiti Laishram Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam and forwards Omang Dodum Prashan Jajo Rohen Singh Chaphamayum Vishal Yadav Samson Ahongshangbam Tanbir De.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar