Indian U-16 boys claim 4th Position in International Youth Tournament

All India Football Federation (AIFF) under-16 Regional Academy Boys have done the country proud by finishing 4th at the International Youth Tournament held in Heemskerk Holland while competing for the coveted trophy in their first ever appearance.

The future of Indian football looks more optimistic if we take into account the impressive performances put up by the teenagers.

The boys conceded in the first half to a penalty against Maccabii Tel Aviv in the cross-final match where the winner would progress into the finals. They were trailing 1-0 until towards the end of the second half as Bodo Baoringdao scored one to equalize.

The match went on to direct penalties where the Indian boys lost by a narrow 3-2 margin with conversions coming from Prosenjit Chakraborty and Krishna Pandit.

Winners of the 2013 SAFF U-16 Cup, the Indians also had a good group stage as they won against Deportivo Saint Maickol and SBV Excelsior 1-0 and drew against defending Champions FC Volendam 2-2 as they came behind to secure the draw.

This 4th place finish to the Indian youngsters suggest that our youngsters are in sync with the rest of the World and could see themselves taking part in more international tournaments.