KOCHI: Here is good news for football fans.
The Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kaloor is all set for a major facelift, thanks to the forthcoming prestigious FIFA Under-17 World Cup. The work on elevating the stadium infrastructure to international standards ahead of the global sporting event has shifted to top gear.
“More than 32,000 new chairs will be installed at the stadium soon. Tenders for all preparatory works have been floated,” said A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, the government’s nodal officer for the high-profile event.
According to Mr. Hanish, fire safety works, electrical system, and a sewage treatment plant at the stadium will be completed according to schedule. “In line with the revised plans, we will hand over the stadium to FIFA by May 15,” he said.
Works at four training grounds, including parade ground, Fort Kochi-Veli football ground, Maharaja’s College ground, and Government Boys High School ground at Panampilly Nagar, are in progress. He added that they were expected to be over by April 15.
The government has plans to call a meeting of tourism and hospitality industry representatives in an effort to tap the tourist potential of the event. Sports enthusiasts from across the world are expected to fly down to Kochi to watch the league matches involving four of the nearly 24 participating teams.
The organisers are also planning a series of ‘popularisation events’ to step up excitement among football fans in the run-up to the event. Students will be part of educational programmes on football.
The Kochi Corporation, which has agreed to support the event, will focus on key areas like transportation, infrastructure (roads), and waste collection and management. Tourist desks will be opened to provide information on major destinations, hotels, and bus timings to visitors.
