Holders Bangladesh and former champions India were placed in the same group alongside Pakistan during the draw of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 at the organization’s Ordinary Congress in Dhaka Saturday.
The tournament featuring seven countries of South Asia is scheduled to be held in Nepal from October 17 to 30.
Bangladesh, India and Pakistan make up Group A while Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Bhutan feature in Group B.
The previous edition in 2022 won by Sabina Khatun and Co for the first time ever was also held in Kathmandu.
The 2024 meet was projected to take place in Bangladesh but due to the under-construction Bangabandhu National Stadium the venue shifted to Nepal.
The draw of the men’s SAFF Under-20 Championship 2024 and SAFF U-17 Championship 2024 was also held at the Ordinary Congress.
Bangladesh got Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in their group of the U-20 tournament, scheduled to be held in Nepal from August 16-28.
India, Maldives and Bhutan are in Group B.
Meanwhile, India are Bangladesh’s Group A rivals along with the Maldives in the U-17 competition, set to take place in Bhutan from September 18-28.
Group B comprises Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and hosts Bhutan.
The SAFF Ordinary Congress 2024 was graced by the presence of its president Kazi Salahuddin who, in the opening remarks, reiterated SAFF's commitment to work for the betterment of football in the region by upgrading the existing competitions and adding new ones as per the need of the changing times.
Representatives from the member associations of SAFF also expressed their solidarity to work united for the development of the game in South Asia, said a media statement.
The congress held at InterContinental Dhaka was also attended by representatives from Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
The Maldives and Pakistan representatives joined virtually.
