Baichung Bhutia Extends Support To Demand For Football Grounds In Guwahati

Guwahati: Ace footballer and former captain of the Indian national football team Baichung Bhutia has come out in support of the demands for football grounds in Guwahati in Assam.

A fierce protest had been staged by several players in Guwahati on February 20, where they demanded that the state government should not neglect and instead work towards prospering the sport in the state.

The charismatic striker took to his official Twitter handle to share his sorrow regarding the ongoing situation of football in the state.

It is to be noted that at least 500 footballers from across the state had participated in the protest rally held in Guwahati on February 20. The protestors are seeking a few fields that can be made available for playing football.

Hem Das, President of the All Assam Football Players' Association, has said that not a single field is left in Guwahati for playing football. He also added that football coaching has suffered a setback and has nearly stopped with no tournaments being organized in the city.

Das stated that reputed soccer games like the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Trophy, Guwahati Super Division League, and others could not be hosted due to the non - availability of grounds.

He also urged the government to dedicate the Nehru Stadium for football rather than cricket as there are sufficient grounds for cricket in the city. He cited the examples of Latasil field, Judges field, Maligaon stadium and Barsapara stadium, all of which are dedicated to cricket.

One of the demands put forward by the protestors is the re-opening of Nehru Stadium and Judges Field for playing the game.

As per information published on the All India Football Association website regarding its Assam affiliate body, the total number of registered footballers in the state stands at 2016 with 195 players renewing their registration this year.

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