The national youth team squad for the SAFF U-20 tournament, scheduled to be held in Nepal from August 18 - 28, has been finalised.

Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, India and Maldives will compete in the SAFF U-20 tournament. Pakistan also participated in the tournament but have withdrawn their name from the tournament.

Maldives will compete in Group B in the SAFF U-20 tournament. Bhutan and India will next be in the group.

The Maldives has prepared for the tournament under the guidance of coach Ahmed Shakir. Shakir is the most successful coach in youth tournaments. The team's assistant coaches are Mohamed Areef and Ismail Asif. The goalkeeper will be coached by senior national team experienced coach Aslam Abdul Raheem along with the team.

The Maldives' team has been playing a number of friendly matches leading up to the tournament.

Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu met with the national youth team last night and encouraged them. The Minister also urged the players to play with courage for the country and work towards bringing a good name to the country. The meeting was also attended by Commissioner of Sports Mohamed Tholal.