India’s U-16 team, which consists of 23 players, was unveiled by the AIFF on Sunday for the next SAFF Championship, which will be played next month.
Ishfaq Ahmed, the head coach of India’s men’s U-16 team, has picked Rohit, Aheibam Suraj Singh, and Arush Hari as the team’s goalkeepers for the competition, which will take place in Thimpu, Bhutan, from September 1 to 10.
India’s defence team will include Ngariyambam Abhijit, Mohammed Kaif, Yaipharemba Chingakham, Usham Thoungamba, Vumlenlal Hangshing, Chingtham Renin Singh, and Karish Soram.
A number of players have been named for the midfield, including Newton Singh, Kangujam Yoihenba Meitei, Levis Zangminlun, Bobby Singh, Abdul Salha, Ngamgouhou Mate, Vishal Yadav, Manbhakupar Malngiang, and Md Arbash.
Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, Ahongshangbam Samson, Lairenjam Bharat, and Airborlang Kharthangmaw will power India’s forward line. Group A includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and India, while Group B includes Pakistan, the Maldives, and Bhutan.
Each group’s top two teams will advance to the semifinals.
After thorough reconnaissance throughout the country’s five zones—East, West, North, South, and North-east—more than 50 probables were selected for the training camp, which got underway in Srinagar in July, according to AIFF.
“The final list of 23 was chosen by Ahmed after over a month of training in Srinagar,” the statement continued.
India Squad:
Goalkeepers: Rohit, Aheibam Suraj Singh and Arush Hari.
Defenders: Ngariyambam Abhijit, Mohammed Kaif, Yaipharemba Chingakham, Usham Thoungamba, Vumlenlal Hangshing, Chingtham Renin Singh and Karish Soram.
Midfielders: Newton Singh, Kangujam Yoihenba Meitei, Levis Zangminlun, Bobby Singh, Abdul Salha, Ngamgouhou Mate, Vishal Yadav, Manbhakupar Malngiang and Md Arbash.
Forwards: Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, Ahongshangbam Samson, Lairenjam Bharat and Airborlang Kharthangmaw.
