Artificial football turf for IG Stadium still a wish?

Kohima, Aug 6 (EMN): The ongoing construction of the artificial football turf at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima is yet to see its limelight despite the fact that the artificial turf has already been in Kohima for around four years.

Zale Neikha, Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports speaking to this correspondent in the sideline at the inaugural programme of U-17 football coaching camp on Monday said.

On being asked about the ongoing construction of the turf ground, Neikha said he had asked for detailed information of how the previous government had sanctioned the money and utilised it to the concerned engineer.

“The present government has planned to do the artificial turf to be done immediately as soon as we get the details. The present weather situation is not applicable as of now as it requires 15-20 days of dry season after that we can initiate what work can be done. I have asked the detailed utilisation of money and have asked the concerned officer” said Neikha.

On asked if the artificial turf ground can be completed this year, he said we will take the matter to the CM and make it as soon as possible. While assuring that the PDA government under the leadership of CM Neiphiu Rio; two turf ground will be set up, one each in Kohima and Dimapur.

Kohima local ground

With the quality and the standard of the Khuociezie local ground deteriorating,  Advisor for Youth Resource and Sports  said the ground can do some more modification but said it was not possible to put the artificial turf ground because it is not only for football activity but most other activities also take place in the ground.

The politician said that he is planning to pursue the ministry under smart city to renovate the ground in a standard way.

While the football district tournament will be held in the month of September and October under T Ao name and culminate during the Dr. T Ao Memorial Football Tournament, he informed.

Sources said the artificial turf is almost 5 years now but still hasn’t been in use, and mentioned that the turf last for only 15 years. While asked about the ongoing construction work, the source mentioned that it has stopped last year in March, 2017. “It is almost done; it won’t take so much time to complete” said the source.