FIFA expresses satisfaction over Guwahati stadium for U-17 World Cup

A delegation of the world football governing body FIFA, accompanied by members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), on Sunday visited the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here to assess the preparedness of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup venue.

The delegation was pleased with the preparations at the venue and the eagerness shown by the Assam government, according to a release.

Addressing the media after the inspection, FIFA Head of Events Jaime Yarza was happy with the progress at the venue.

"The state government is wonderful and their eagerness to be a great venue for the first FIFA tournament in the country is worth lauding. We know how passionate the supporters are in this part of the country and hence, we're very happy to see the developments and preparations here in Guwahati," he said.

"There are minor issues to sort out -- like development of a new hotel for teams but I believe we are well on schedule for the tournament."

Tournament Director of the LOC, Javier Ceppi, was also pleased with the progress shown.

"The state government of Assam has really taken the leadership when it comes to making the World Cup a huge effort in their state. We are already working on all operational and promotional matters to make sure that all the people of Assam and of the neighbouring north-eastern states can enjoy World Cup matches in the north-east," Ceppi reckoned.

Speaking about the venue which includes the stadium as well as training sites, he added: "The development in the stadium is very satisfactory and we are sure that the FIFA U-17 World Cup will do justice to the vision of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal of making Guwahati the sports capital of India."

Also present at the venue were Assam Sports Department Commissioner Ajay Tewari, Assam Football Association President Hemendra Nath Brahma and LOC Project Director Joy Bhattacharjya.

The delegation will finish their weeklong inspection at Kolkata on Monday.

--IANS

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