2016 AFC U-16 Championship

The 2016 AFC U-16 Championship was the 16th edition of the Asian Football Confederation’s U-16 tournament, held from September 15 to October 2, 2016, in India. This event marked India's first hosting of the championship, showcasing the country's growing role in Asian football. The tournament featured 16 national teams from across Asia, competing in various venues, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi and the Balewadi Stadium in Pune. The championship served as a qualifier for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, with the top four teams earning spots in the World Cup. The tournament highlighted emerging talent in Asian football, including several players who would later make significant contributions to their national teams.