Punjab FC Players Shine in Indian U-20 National Team for SAFF Championship

Six talented players from Punjab FC have been chosen to represent the Indian national team in the ongoing SAFF U-20 Championship in the Maldives. This selection underscores Punjab FC's reputation for excellence in youth development. The team, led by Coach Mahesh Gawali, will kick off their campaign against Pakistan on March 26. Each player has a notable background, having contributed to the club's previous successes. Technical Director Giuseppe Cristaldi expressed pride in their achievements and confidence in their potential impact on the international stage. Read on to learn more about these rising stars and the tournament details.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 00:05 IST

Punjab FC's Representation in National Team

A total of six athletes from Punjab FC have been selected for the Indian national football squad participating in the ongoing SAFF U-20 Championship in the Maldives. This selection highlights Punjab FC's reputation for having one of the premier youth development programs in the nation. The team, as announced by Head Coach Mahesh Gawali, features Karish Soram, Usham Singh Thoungamba, Rishikanta Meitei Laishram, Aniket Yadav, Omang Dudum, and Vishal Yadav.

Tournament Schedule and Historical Context

India's first match is scheduled for March 26 against Pakistan, followed by a game against Bangladesh on March 28. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals on April 1, with the championship match taking place on April 3. Notably, India clinched the last SAFF Championship, which was an Under-19 event held in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh.

Spotlight on Punjab FC's Talented Players

All six selected players were integral to the Punjab FC U-17 team that triumphed in the AIFF U-17 Youth League, with Aniket serving as captain.

Player Profiles

Karish Soram

Karish is a reliable defender who has previously represented India at youth levels and was part of the victorious AIFF U-17 Youth League team.

Usham Singh Thoungamba

Usham has been involved in the national youth setup and played a crucial role in Punjab FC's U-17 championship success, showcasing his defensive versatility.

Rishikanta Meitei Laishram

Rishikanta, a composed midfielder, has consistently performed well within Punjab FC's youth ranks, providing balance in the midfield.

Aniket Yadav

Aniket, who captained the AIFF U-17 Youth League-winning team, is recognized for his leadership and influence in the midfield.

Omang Dudum

Returning from India's previous championship-winning squad, Omang scored three goals in last year's tournament and aims to maintain his impressive attacking performance.

Vishal Yadav

Vishal has already made his debut in the ISL for Punjab FC, becoming one of the youngest players to participate in the league.

Commitment to Youth Development

Giuseppe Cristaldi, the Technical Director of Punjab FC's Youth Program, expressed pride in the selection of these six young players for the national team at the SAFF U-20 Championship. He emphasized that this achievement reflects the strength of their youth development initiatives and the dedication of both players and coaching staff. Cristaldi is optimistic about their potential impact and growth on both domestic and international stages.