India under-19 will look to begin their campaign on a winning note when they lock horns with hosts Russia in their opening game of the Granatkin Memorial Tournament in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday.
The tournament held in memory of first FIFA Vice-President Valentin Granatkin will see 12 teams including Argentina, Armenia, Turkey, Greece, Iran, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan fight for the top honours.
India have been clubbed with Russia, Bulgaria, and Moldova in Group A.
Head Coach Floyd Pinto said he will use the platform to give every member as much game time as possible.
“We have travelled with an 18-member squad. Our primary target will be to give every member as much game time as possible,” Pinto said.
“This is a fresh squad with a mix of the boys from Indian Arrows, boys from the U-16 team who had qualified to quarterfinals of AFC U16 Championship (in 2018), and a new group of boys who have made it through the trials,” Pinto added.
India will play three matches in the group phase followed by two play-off matches depending on the group standings.
“Our primary lookout will be to acclimatise as soon as possible, and play to our true potential,” Pinto said.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Niraj Kumar.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Muhammed Rafi, Sumit Rathi, Shabas Ahammed, Jitendra Singh.
Midfielders: Sanjeev Stalin, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Ninthoinganba Meetei Khumanthem, Givson Singh Moirangthem, Vikram Partap Singh, Ricky John Shabong, Lalchhanhima Sailo, Muhammed Basith Parathodi, Robin Yadav.
Forwards: Harmanpreet Singh, Rohit Danu.
(PTI)
