India kick off SAFF Championship defence against Pakistan

Dhaka, Nov 4 (UNI) The Indian football team will begin its title defence against arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening match of the SAFF Championship 2026, which is scheduled from November 5 to 17, at the National Stadium here in Bangladesh. The 15th edition of the SAFF Championship football tournament will see six teams - hosts Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka - competing for the title, according to olympics.com. Defending champions India will field a second-string squad with several first-choice players set to feature in two international friendlies against New Zealand later in the month. India U23 men's…