Regional youth football tournament to be held in August, says Khawaja Asif
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Web Desk
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Pakistan has officially been awarded the hosting rights for the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Boys Under-17 Championship, scheduled to be held in August 2026.
The development was confirmed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), terming it a significant milestone for Pakistan’s sports landscape.
Pakistan will host the SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) Boys U17 Championship in August 2026, a landmark moment as multinational football returns home. An excellent achievement by the Pakistan Football Federation. Encouraging to see Pakistan steadily emerging as a credible…
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) December 24, 2025
The regional tournament will feature under-17 national teams from across South Asia, providing a competitive platform for emerging football talent and promoting youth development in the sport.
Officials believe the event will play a key role in revitalising football activities in Pakistan, while also attracting international attention to the country’s growing capacity to host major sporting events.
Khawaja Asif commended the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) for successfully securing the championship, describing it as a reflection of increasing international confidence in Pakistan as a host nation.
The championship is expected to further enhance Pakistan’s standing within the global sports community, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable and capable venue for international tournaments.
