As global attention remains fixed on rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Bangladesh's U-19 footballers have kept their eyes firmly on the fast-approaching SAFF U-19 Championship.

Bangladesh will open their campaign against Maldives on Friday. The venue, in Arunachal Pradesh, is more than 2,500 kilometres from the India-Pakistan border.

"I heard about the India-Pakistan tensions from hotel staff this morning, but I'm not sure if the players are even aware of it," Bangladesh head coach Golam Rabbani Choton told The Daily Star over the phone on Wednesday.

"Security at the hotel and practice ground has been thorough."

Six nations – Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and hosts India – are set to compete for the regional title.

Choton reported that spirits were high as the squad shook off travel fatigue during their first training session. "We've stayed focused on our work, and the boys looked lively today. We're optimistic about our chances."

"We had a good first session in pleasant weather today," said central defender Ashikur Rahman in footage shared by Bangladesh Football Federation.

"We focused on tactics from the outset and are aiming to start strong against Maldives, then take it match by match towards the final."