Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Pokhara is set to host the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Football Championship from January 31 to February 7.
The tournament will be held at the Pokhara Stadium and will feature four South Asian teams: Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.
According to the organisers, necessary preparations for the championship have entered the final stage. Teams, including players, coaches, and officials, have already arrived. Training facilities have been arranged at the Gostheghat ground in Lamachaur.
This will be the first time a SAFF women’s football tournament is being held outside Kathmandu.
South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) General Secretary Purushottam Kattel said the decision reflects growing confidence in Pokhara’s capacity to host international sporting events.
The championship will be organised under a round-robin league format, with each team playing one match against the others. The top two teams from the league stage will advance to the final, scheduled for February 7.
ANFA CEO Indraman Tuladhar said the tournament would help further establish Pokhara as an important national and international sports destination.
Similarly, Kaski District Sports Development Committee Chairperson Milan Gurung said upgrading works at the football ground, including improvements to the pitch and construction of player boxes, have been completed.
