India to Host the 2023 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship

India, 23 December 2025 — The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced that India will host the 2023 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place from December 20 to December 31, 2023, across multiple venues in Kerala. This marks the first time the SAFF Championship will be held in India since 2015. The SAFF Championship is a biennial competition that brings together national teams from South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. The event serves as a significant platform for regional teams to compete and showcase their talents. India is the most successful team in the tournament's history, having won the title eight times. Hosting the championship is seen as a crucial step for India as it continues to promote football and improve its infrastructure for the sport. This event is expected to draw significant attention from football fans across the region and provide a boost to local economies through tourism and associated activities. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey expressed optimism about the event, stating that it would enhance the development of football in India and strengthen regional ties through sports. Preparations are already underway, with the AIFF coordinating with local authorities to ensure a successful tournament. In the lead-up to the championship, Indian national football team coach Igor Stimac has been focusing on building a competitive squad. As the host nation, India is aiming to leverage home advantage to secure another title win in the prestigious regional tournament.