Draws held for SAFF women's events

Defending champions Bangladesh will start their SAFF U-15 Women's Championship campaign against Pakistan at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan on August 9.

The draw for the second edition of the championship was held at the BFF House yesterday, with holders Bangladesh being placed in Group B alongside Nepal and Pakistan while Group A features India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

Top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals before winners of semifinals will play the final on August 18.

Meanwhile, the draw for the inaugural SAFF U-18 Women's Championship was also held at the same place yesterday, with Bangladesh pitted against Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan in Group B while India, Sri Lanka and Maldives were placed in Group A. The event is likely to take place in India from September 28 to October 7.

SAFF general secretary Anwarul Haque Helal informed that they would hold two more tournaments during this calendar year.  The SAFF U-15 Boys' Championship will be held in Nepal from October 25 to November 12 while SAFF Women's Championship will be held in Sri Lanka from December 17 to 26.