India, Nepal Open SAFF U17 Women’s Championship in Thimphu

The SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025 is underway in Thimphu, Bhutan, featuring India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh competing in a double-round-robin format, with the team accumulating the most points crowned champions. India, led by coach Joakim Alexandersson, who recently guided the India U20 Women’s team to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after nearly two decades, is favored to start strong against Nepal in their opening match on August 20 at Changlimithang Stadium. This tournament serves as a crucial preparatory platform for India ahead of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers in October. Nepal, the 2022 champions, seek to rebound from a disappointing previous year marked by only one win and group-stage elimination, aiming to improve their performance and morale. Both teams will field their full squads, with India eager to set a positive tone and capitalize on their attacking talent, while Nepal prepares to leverage their potential to challenge the favorites. The matches are live-streamed on the Sportzworkz YouTube channel, providing fans free access to follow the tournament.