U-17 WC preparation: Goel expresses satisfaction

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, May 23: Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel, accompanied by Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal, visited Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium at Sarusajai today and took stock of the preparations for the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup. Guwahati is selected as one of the six venues in the country and will host the first match on October 8.

Goel took stock of the ground condition, dressing room, conference hall, media centre, seating capacity and other sporting are and expressed satisfaction over the quality of works put in place so far. Later talking to the media person the sports minister said,“ After FIFA raised concern on the preparation in Kochi I have decided to inspect all six venues of persolly to check the preparation and it is the reason that I am here today.  Apart from the LNIPE complex at Sopur, one of the practice ground, the progress of work at the other venues, including three other practice grounds, are quite satisfactory. LNIPE authority assured me that they will complete the remaining work by June 15. ”

It may be mentioned here that the installation of chairs at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium is now in progress. Goel informed that 12,000 more chairs will be installed before the work come to an end.

Sonowal also expressed satisfaction over the progress of work. He said, “Assam Government has taken all possible steps to complete the work as per the schedule. We will also make the event a grand success with the help of sports loving people of the State.”

Meanwhile Goel today informed that Sports Ministry is trying its best to change the scerio of sports in the country through U-17 World Cup. “We have already taken several steps to promote football. At the same time we are giving equal attention to the other disciplines too. Apart from providing quality training facilities, we will also introduce annual scholarship of Rs five lakh to the promising players who will be selected by our panels. We have already launched a portal where budding talent can put their video and bio data.”

Union Sports Minister today congratulated Aruchal Pradesh mountaineer Anshu Jamsenpa for climbing Everest for record fifth time. In a brief reaction Sports Minister said,“ It’s a great achievement.” He, however, evaded a straight reply when asked if his ministry would do anything for the feat by the Aruchal climber. He just said that he would let it known only after discussion with official in the ministry.

Meanwhile replying to a query Goel today made it clear that the government won’t allow Pakistani players to compete in any sporting event on Indian soil unless the neighboring country stops “sponsoring terrorism.”