Shiliguri to stage event

Hosts India confirmed to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) that the 4th SAFF Women's Championships would be held in Shiliguri, West Bengal on Tuesday, said SAFF general secretary Anwarul Helal yesterday.

The championship will be held from December 26 to January 4.

Of the Eight participating nations, four nations -- India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka -- confirmed their participation while Pakistan refused to take part although they hosted the previous edition in 2014. The SAFF secretariat now awaits confirmation from last edition's runners-up Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives as the deadline for sending entries has been fixed on November 10.

“After getting the confirmation of the participating teams, we may hold the draw of the championship either in India or Bangladesh,” said Helal.

Hosts India will be given one lakh US dollars for hosting the championship while participating teams will receive US 10,000 dollars as participation money, informed Helal.

The Bangladesh women's team will have high hopes after having reached the semifinal twice in 2010 and 2014.