Guwahati gets Fifa nod, becomes fifth Indian city to host U-17 World Cup | Football News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Guwahati gets Fifa nod, becomes fifth Indian city to host U-17 World Cup

ByPTI, Guwahati
Oct 24, 2016 01:54 PM IST

Earlier, Kochi, Navi Mumbai, Goa and New Delhi had got Fifa’s nod. The 23-member delegation will travel to Kolkata on Tuesday to visit the last venue of its inspection trip.

Guwahati became the fifth Indian city to be ratified as a venue for next year’s Under-17 football World Cup after a Fifa inspection team gave its thumbs-up to the venue’s preparedness and facilities on Monday.

Guwahati’s Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium served as the venue for the opening ceremony of the third edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).(Photo: @FIFAcom Twitter handle)
Guwahati’s Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium served as the venue for the opening ceremony of the third edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).(Photo: @FIFAcom Twitter handle)

The Fifa delegation along with members of the Local Organising Committee visited the site and had a comprehensive look at the stadium and the training facilities.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Tournament Director of the LOC, Mr Javier Ceppi said, “We have a very good understanding with the newly elected state government and that has certainly helped to push matters forward in Guwahati.”

“They realise the importance of hosting the Fifa U-17 World Cup India 2017 and have given us their complete support, which has had an immediate impact on the pace of work in the last 45 days. We also believe, as the state government does, that this event will be critical in the Chief Minister’s vision of making Assam the sports hub of India.”

Also present at the press conference was Ajay Tiwari, Sports Secretary for the Government of Assam.

Pleased with the prospect of being one of the host venues for the event, Tiwari said, “The state government has been putting in a lot of efforts to upgrade the stadium as well as the practice sites.”

“I am elated at the recognition being bestowed upon us by Fifa and at the prospect of the state hosting a football World Cup.”

Delegates from football’s world governing body were satisfied with the conditions in Guwahati, both on the pitch as well as in the training facilities of IGAI training ground, Nehru Stadium, LNIPE Ground and SAI Regional Centre.

Event manager for the U-17 World Cup, Ms Marion Mayer Vorfelder remarked, “From what I am being told, the enthusiasm for the sport here in this part of the country is unmatched.

“Football is like a religion here and considering how passionate people are about the sport here, this ratification denotes a win not just for the state of the Assam but the entire North East.”

Earlier, Kochi, Navi Mumbai, Goa and New Delhi had got Fifa’s nod. The 23-member-strong delegation will travel to Kolkata on Tuesday to visit the last venue of its inspection trip and assess the situation in the capital of West Bengal.

Catch all the Latest Football matches score updates alongwith EPL 2024 Schedule , ISL 2024 Schedule and other related updates on ISL 2024 Points table on The Hindustan Times website and App
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Saturday, March 09, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On