Synopsis
The India U20 men's football team will compete in the Mandiri U20 Challenge Series 2025, a four-team tournament in Indonesia from January 24 to 30. The squad, coached by Biby Thomas Muttath, includes young talents as they prepare for the SAFF U19 Championship in May.Key Takeaways
- India U20 men's team participating in the Mandiri U20 Challenge Series 2025.
- Coached by Biby Thomas Muttath with a focus on youth development.
- Matches scheduled against Syria, Jordan, and Indonesia.
- Preparation for the SAFF U19 Championship in May.
- Games will be held at Gelora Delta Stadium, Sidoarjo.
New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) The India U20 men's team is gearing up to compete in the Mandiri U20 Challenge Series 2025, a friendly tournament featuring four nations, taking place in Indonesia from January 24 to 30. The participating teams include Syria, Jordan, and the host nation Indonesia.
The All India Football Federation has announced that Biby Thomas Muttath will lead as head coach, alongside Mileswamy Govindaraju Ramachandran as assistant coach and Dipankar Choudhury as goalkeeper coach.
On Monday, Thomas unveiled a 23-member squad comprised of players aged 17 and 18 (born in 2007 and 2008), who are currently training for the upcoming SAFF U19 Championship scheduled from May 8 to 18.
India will kick off the tournament with a match against Syria on January 24, followed by games against Jordan on January 27 and Indonesia on January 30. All matches will be held at the Gelora Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo. The opposing teams are using this tournament as a preparatory platform for the AFC U20 Asian Cup taking place in February.
After a training camp in Goa, the Indian team will travel to Sidoarjo on Tuesday. Following the tournament, the squad will take a break before regrouping for an extended training camp as part of their preparations for the SAFF U19 Championship.
India U20 squad for the Mandiri U20 Challenge Series, Indonesia:
Goalkeepers: Suraj Singh Aheibam, Alsabith Sulaiman Thekkekaramel, Karan Makkar.
Defenders: Yaipharemba Chingakham, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Afinmon Baiju, Mukul Panwar, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Jodric Abranches.
Midfielders: Md. Arbash, Mahmad Sami, Levis Zangminlun, Manbhakupar Malngiang, Ahongshangbam Samson, Ninghthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, Jajo Prashan, Ngamgouhou Mate, Gurnaj Singh Grewal, Danny Meitei Laishram.
Forwards: Bharat Lairenjam, Lemmet Tangvah, Sujin S, Mohd. Zulkif.
Head Coach: Biby Thomas Muttath
Assistant Coach: Mileswamy Govindaraju Ramachandran
Goalkeeping Coach: Dipankar Choudhury
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Chelston Pinto
