MARGAO
Sports Minister Govind Gaude on Saturday inspected Nehru Stadium, Fatorda and expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing renovation works at the venue.
The stadium will host 16 matches of the Oct 11-30 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The venue will host two quarterfinal and two semifinal matches.
Talking to the media, the Sports Minister said that FIFA has allotted 12 crores for infrastructure and additional 2.5 crores will be spent on air conditioning and other accessories. He enquired about practice facilities and said till now work orders of 12 crores were sanctioned. The works at practice grounds -- Holy Trinity Ground, Tilak Maidan Vasco and Utorda ground, were completed and fire service nod has been obtained, he said. One ground has been kept for standby, he added.
Gaude inspected the work site and expressed his satisfaction with the progress and assured that the works of western stand of Nehru Stadium will be completed within the stipulated time. Gaude said he is expecting a positive report from the inspection team. "It appears to me that members of the FIFA are happy with the progress of the work. We expect to have a very good World Cup," Gaude said.
Gaude said that the State government is making available tickets for school children to boost women's football. According to sources, Sports Authority of Goa will hand over the ground to FIFA on September 27.
“Goa is emerging as a leading sports destination and hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 is a momentous opportunity for our State. This is an important milestone which also signifies the progress of women’s football," the Sports Minister said. “We are excited to host the best young female footballers from across the world at Fatorda."
Gaude urged the people of Goa to show their support to the women's game by attending the matches in strong numbers at the stadium.
