With Arunachal Pradesh preparing to host its first-ever international football tournament, excitement is building as the Indian U-19 team readies itself for the SAFF U19 Championship. At the helm of the young Blue Colts is Bibiano Fernandes, a seasoned youth coach who has expressed both confidence and pride in the squad’s preparation and potential.
Speaking after a warm felicitation at Hotel Dassang in Naharlagun, Fernandes praised the local authorities for their hospitality and reflected on the significance of the event. “There’s no doubt that there is talent in India. I’ve been working with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the past seven years, and I believe in our players,” he said. “We’ve prepared well and one thing we can promise is that we will give our best in every match and aim to reach the final.”
The Indian U-19 team has been undergoing intensive training at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. According to Fernandes, the month-long camp has helped forge unity and sharpen skills, aided in part by player participation in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). “We didn’t need much time to get them ready,” he shared. “India always has talent—you just need to go out and look.”
The coach also confirmed that 25 players and 7 staff members have travelled to Arunachal Pradesh, with the final 23-man squad to be finalized soon. Among those is Omang Dodum, a promising local talent. “I’m really happy for him. I’ve worked with him during the U-17 qualifiers in Thailand. He’s a talented player and has been with the national team for a while. It will be special for him to play in front of his home crowd,” Fernandes remarked.
While tight-lipped about the team’s tactics, Fernandes assured fans of a committed performance. “Of course there is \[a tactical plan], but I won’t say it publicly,” he quipped. “I believe in this team, in the players, and in the staff. They will put up a good show.”
With the SAFF U19 Championship not just a tournament but a milestone for Indian football in the northeast, Fernandes ended by urging local fans to support the team: “This is my second time here. It’s completely different from the big cities. No fancy buildings, but there is nature, and it’s beautiful. I’m happy to be back.”
As May unfolds, all eyes will be on the Blue Colts as they chase regional glory in front of a historic home crowd.
