[ Taba Ajum ]
ITANAGAR, Jan 16: Giving the much-needed fillip to the aspirations of budding football stars of the state, the Directorate of Sports is all set to launch its first ever Astroturf football ground at Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy (SLSA), Chimpu.
Funded by the Government of India under the Khelo India scheme, the work for laying the Astroturf has been completed and the ground is ready for its formal inauguration.
For a state which is unpopular for messing with government funds, the construction of the world-class Astroturf ground at the academy is an achievement on its own. But there is urgent need for constructing a drain and a gallery for the spectators. The lack of a drain has the potential to cause damage to the newly-laid Astroturf.
Talking to this daily, Khelo India Mission Director, Gumnya Karbak informed that the stadium is ready for use.
“Once this stadium is inaugurated, future football events organized by the department will be held here. This facility will definitely help to improve the standard of football in the state. However, there is a pressing need to construct a drainage system for the betterment of the ground. There is also a proposal for constructing galleries to offer the best view to the spectators. The process for it is going on in the right direction,” said Karbak.
Adjacent to the football ground, an Astroturf hockey ground is coming up. The work for the hockey ground is expected to be completed soon, and it is also being funded under the Khelo India scheme.
Karbak said that the Government of India has also sanctioned fund for construction of an indoor hall under Khelo India scheme at Tirbin in West Siang district, and another at Wakro in Lohit district.
