This will be the largest open stadium in Ladakh with a capacity for 30,000 spectators. Source: Twitter
The construction of a FIFA-certified astro-turf football stadium with an open synthetic track in Ladakh, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme of 2022, will help nurture local sporting talents, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has said.
"This modern football stadium in Ladakh will also have a synthetic track with eight lanes. Apart from this, there will also be a hostel facility with 1,000 beds. This stadium has also been certified by FIFA," Modi said in a ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio broadcast on January 30.
The stadium is being built at a height of more than 10,000 feet and its construction is going to be completed soon, the Prime Minister said in his address. This will be the largest open stadium in Ladakh with a capacity for 30,000 spectators, he added.
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"Whenever such a big sports infrastructure comes up, it brings great opportunities to the youth of the country. Tourism gets promoted and many employment opportunities are created along with such arrangements. The stadium will also benefit many of our youth in Ladakh," the Prime Minister said.
The AIFF has thanked Modi for this gift to the union territory and said that the country’s soccer federation will be looking forward to utilizing the facility for identifying and nurturing local talents. The facility, the AIFF said, will also be used for training of the national team in the future.
“The new football stadium in Ladakh can play a vital role in helping the development of local talent which in turn will benefit Indian football,” AIFF deputy general secretary Abhishek Yadav said.
Astro-turf is an artificial grass-like turf which is not only aesthetically appealing but also designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily sporting events.
Union minister for youth affairs and sports, Anurag Thakur has also hailed the initiative and said that such initiatives will bring a revolution in the field of sports.
“There is a revolution in the field of sports, at an altitude of more than 10,000 feet in Ladakh," tweeted Thakur.
FIFA is the highest governing body for football in the world. The stadium in Ladakh is expected to meet all the international standards, given the fact that it is certified by FIFA.