Akhil Rawat

AIFF Media Team

THIMPHU, BHUTAN: The Indian men's U17 team are halfway through their SAFF U17 Championship campaign with a perfect record of two clean sheet victories so far. Two more to go - the semi-final against Nepal on Saturday before the all-important final on Monday as the Blue Colts look to defend their title in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Thimphu is a beautiful city at this time of the year, the backend of the monsoon season, the kind of weather head coach Ishfaq Ahmed describes as perfect for football. On September 23, Bhutan celebrated the 'Blessed Rainy Day', known as 'Thrue Bab' in the Dzongkha language - the holiday marking the end of the monsoon season.

Let's take a look at a few snaps from the Blue Colts' trip to beautiful Bhutan so far.

The match venue - the majestic Changlimithang Stadium, undoubtedly one of the most picturesque stadiums in the world. At the centre on the opposite side is the King's Box, used exclusively by the King of Bhutan to watch matches.

India's training venue isn't any less pretty. Built in 2022 as the home of the Bhutan Football Federation on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu river, the Changjiji Football Academy houses the dreams of thousands of young footballers in the nation.

It's been raining almost every day in Thimphu and the Blue Colts have mostly been training in pleasant conditions in the morning.

Ngamgouhou Mate attempts a spectacular overhead kick during training! The midfielder wore the captain's armband in India's opening game win over Bangladesh.

Rohit plucks the ball from the Thimphu sky.

Yaipharemba Chingakham during a shooting drill. The right-back has one of the most powerful shots in the squad!

Sumit Sharma practices headers during a warm-up session. The centre-back scored two match-winning headed goals against Indonesia in a friendly last month and Bangladesh in Thimphu last week.

'India!' - Blue Colts form the customary team huddle before kick-off.

Levis Zangminlun kisses the ball before placing it down to take a free-kick. The midfielder is one of the primary set-piece takers of the team.

Karish Soram offers a quick prayer before stepping inside the training pitch.

All systems go! Manbhakupar Malngiang is one of the fastest players in the squad.

There's no bigger moment of pride in international football than singing the national anthem before the match.

Skipper Mohammed Kaif drinks in the feeling of leading the national team out for the match against Maldives.

Scenes at full-time as India beat Maldives under pouring rain at the Changlimithang Stadium.

Levis Zangminlun lends a helping hand to a Bangladeshi player down with cramps.

Agony of a miss! Manbhakupar Malngiang makes his frustration evident after seeing his shot go wide of the target.

The Blue Colts indulge themselves in a group activity in training.

Pushing the limits! - Midfielder Banlamkupar Rynjah does passing drills with resistance bands.

Buddies! - Head coach Ishfaq Ahmed with his trusted striker Bharat Lairenjam.

A goal is a goal! Md Arbash and Levis Zangminlun celebrate a goal in a small-sided training game. The duo are no strangers to celebrating international goals as well, having each scored three goals for India in their young careers so far.

Sometimes you need to train your hands as well! The Blue Colts play a fun game of handball in a warm-up session.

Cleaning up! - The boys carry the portable goal net off the pitch at the end of the training session.

Sumit Sharma and Nandan Roy take a dip in the chilly waters of the Thimphu Chhu river post training.

When the clouds clear away, the Buddha Dordenma Statue can be clearly seen from the Changlimithang Stadium. Made of bronze and gilded with gold, the 54-metre tall statue overlooks the entire city of Thimphu.

(Text and images: Akhil Rawat)