Sports

Preparations for the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Championship have been completed, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) confirmed on Friday.

The seven-team championship will take place at Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu from September 6-19. ANFA, the local organiser of the competition, has estimated the organisation cost of the event at Rs35 million.

Bir Bahadur Khadka, senior vice-president of ANFA and tournament coordinator, said that the regional football governing body SAFF would contribute $250,000 for the tournament. 

ANFA has sold the tournament's broadcasting rights, digital marketing, and ticketing to Hundred Sports for Rs6.2 million. The ticket prices for the matches have been fixed at Rs 300 and Rs500.

Confirming the completion of all preparations for the tournament, Khadka expressed the belief that the tournament will further the popularity of women's football in the region.

Bhutanese and Pakistani teams have already arrived for the tournament, while the rest of the teams will arrive in Kathmandu by September 4, according to ANFA.

Defending champions India are pitted against Bangladesh, Maldives and Pakistan in Group A. Hosts Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka are in Group B. Top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. The final will be played on September 19.