🏆 SAFF U‑17 Women’s Championship: Spotlight on South Asia’s Rising Stars[edit | edit source]

What It Is & Why It Matters[edit | edit source]

The SAFF U‑17 Women’s Championship is a biennial under‑17 national team tournament organized by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF). Since its inception in 2017, it has served as a vital platform for youth talent development in South Asian women's football.

A Brief History & Past Winners[edit | edit source]

Founded: 2017
Participants: Up to 7 SAFF member nations including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Top Champions: Bangladesh and India have both lifted the trophy twice.

2023 Highlights — Bangladesh Triumphs[edit | edit source]

Hosted in Dhaka from 20–28 March 2023 at BSSS Mostafa Kamal Stadium.
Bangladesh reclaimed the championship, topping a round-robin format with five teams, including guest entrant Russia, who finished unbeaten as runners‑up.
The tournament featured ten matches, 49 goals, and was attended by nearly 5,800 fans.

India & Future Trends[edit | edit source]

India and Bangladesh remain the most successful teams in competition history.
Guest nation participation, like Russia in 2023, added competitiveness and visibility.

🔮 Looking Ahead: The 2025 Championship in Bhutan[edit | edit source]

Tournament Details[edit | edit source]

Dates: 20–31 August 2025
Host: Bhutan, staging the seventh edition at Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu.
Format: Four teams—including host Bhutan, defending champions Bangladesh, India, and Nepal—will contest in a double round-robin league to determine the champion.

Teams & Schedule[edit | edit source]

Participating nations: Bangladesh (defending champions), India, Bhutan (host), and Nepal.
Fixtures were announced on 9 July 2025; each team will play the others twice.

📈 Impact & Growth of Women’s Youth Football in South Asia[edit | edit source]

The growth in participation reflects broader regional investment in women’s football.
Bangladesh and India have both made significant strides in international women’s football, including qualifying for continental championships.
The rise of youth and senior programs underscores long‑term development strategies, including national campaigns to empower women through sports.

📝 Why It Deserves Attention from Fans & Stakeholders[edit | edit source]

Talent pipeline visibility: Offers a platform for young prospects to shine internationally.
Regional pride: Builds national support and inspires the next generation of players.
Growth leverage: Encourages further investment, grassroots development, and media attention.

📚 Key Points[edit | edit source]

SAFF U‑17 Women’s Championship
2025 SAFF U‑17 Women’s Championship
SAFF women’s football
Bangladesh women U17 champions
South Asia U‑17 girls football
Bhutan football host 2025
Youth women’s football South Asia

✅ Summary Table[edit | edit source]

Year	Host	Champions	Format	Notes
2023	Bangladesh	Bangladesh	Round-robin	Included guest nation Russia
2025	Bhutan	TBD	Double round-robin	4 teams play each other twice

Bottom Line:

The SAFF U‑17 Women’s Championship continues to be a cornerstone event for nurturing women's football in South Asia. With the 2025 edition taking place in Bhutan, the stage is set for rising stars to showcase their talent and for the region to further strengthen its presence in global women's football.