A young footballer shortlisted for Pakistan’s junior squad for the SAFF Under-20 Football Championship has been seriously injured in a traffic accident.
Ahmed Raza Khan from Mianwali was shortlisted for the national junior training camp after two-day trials held at Jinnah Stadium.
According to reports, Ahmed Raza was riding a motorcycle when he collided with another bike and fell onto the road. A dumper truck subsequently ran over him, resulting in multiple fractures. He is currently under treatment at a local hospital and is said to be out of danger, with doctors confirming that he is recovering steadily.
Head coach Shahzad Anwar and members of the coaching staff of the Pakistan national under-20 football team visited the hospital to inquire about his health and offer support.
The SAFF Under-20 Football Championship 2026 is scheduled to be held in Maldives from March 23 to April 3.
Seven teams will participate in the tournament. Group A comprises hosts Maldives national under-20 football team, Nepal national under-20 football team, Sri Lanka national under-20 football team and Bhutan national under-20 football team. Group B includes defending champions India national under-20 football team, Pakistan national under-20 football team and Bangladesh national under-20 football team.
Pakistan will open their campaign against Bangladesh on March 24, followed by a clash against traditional rivals India on March 26. India and Bangladesh will face each other on March 28.
Both semi-finals are scheduled for April 1, while the final will be played on April 3.
Following the recent trials, a pool of probable players has been selected for the junior training camp, during which the final national squad will be announced.
