RAJSHAHI. July 6: The Group Four qualifiers of the 32nd Asian Youth (under-19) Football Championship begin at the local district stadium here tomorrow.

This is the first major international football extravaganza to be held here since the Asian Under-16 qualifiers way back in 1992.

Although this time the tourney offers better teams, magnificent floodlights and a more competitive football, local soccer buffs here in the northern headquarters showed half the Interest they showed 20 years ago.

"In 1992. football was at the peak of everything. We could not accommodate crowd here at this stadium and lot of spectators had to remain outside the stadium that time after not being able to manage tickets." said Rafius Shams Paddy, the acting general secretary of Rajshah i District Sports Association (DSAl. to The Dally Star Sport this afternoon. "But the whole scenario has now been changed. Football has lost Its charm In the whole country as

well as in Rajshahi."

"The tickets have put on sale from today. But there Is hardly any response so far." lamented Shams, adding that they would be able to give the exact figure of the sale of tickets after the opening day.

Shams was however counting on charm of floodlights. "Still. I am hopeful of a full house because the people of Rajshahi will

successful.

Favourites Iraq will take on Nepal in the opener at 5 pm while hosts Bangladesh will face Maldives in the next match at 7 pm.

Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will provide live coverage of the proceeding till July 1 1.

Three foreign teams -- Iraq. Maldives and Nepal -- are staying at the Parjatan Motel while Bangladesh team checked in a local hotel.

The DSA general secretary also revealed they have estimated a budget of Taka 39 lakh for the tournament, which includes a 45-minute colourful opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony starts at 4 pm Commerce Minister Abdul Jalil will attend occasion as chief guest.

Meanwhile, a meeting of four mangers of the participating teams was held at the stadium this evening with Match Commissioner Alexander Rego in the chair.