Guwahati: Assam is abuzz with activity as preparations are underway for an upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying football match between India and Afghanistan on March 26. The state government is extending support by providing food and lodging for the event, Business North East has learned.
Both the Indian and Afghanistan teams are expected to reach Guwahati on March 24 and are likely to have practice sessions on March 25 before the kickoff. While India is ranked 117th in the latest FIFA rankings, Afghanistan is ranked lower at 158th.
The Assam Football Association (AFA) is allocating a budget of around Rs 50 lakh for decoration, branding, and other official expenses, an official informed this media outlet. Tickets for the event are already available on BookMyShow, with an anticipated turnout of approximately 24,000 spectators.
"Hosting an international football match in Guwahati or any Northeastern state is a source of immense pride for the host association", Sangrang Brahma, Secretary of the Assam Football Association (AFA) told BNE. Brahma highlighted the region’s historical significance as a football hub and expressed gratitude for the support from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's office in facilitating such events.
Recently, the government sanctioned Rs 600 crore for the demolition and reconstruction of the old Nehru Stadium, aiming to transform it into a dedicated football stadium within two years.
The Assam Chief Minister has often spoken about the need to develop and popularize sporting disciplines in the state, with a particular emphasis on football.
In 2022, the Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs 150 crore for a state-of-the-art sports stadium in Kokrajhar stating it would help “nurture and recognize” sporting talent in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The same year, Assam Sports Minister Bimal Bora announced that the state government had allocated Rs 1,000 to develop sports infrastructure in the state.
According to Biswa Sarma said that these initiatives are being undertaken in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “vision” to establish India as a great sporting power and achieving this is our collective goal.
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