FIFA-certified stadium in Ladakh gets major boost 

FIFA-certified stadium in Ladakh got a major boost as Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for its further development while addressing the nation in his first ‘Man ki Baat’ speech of 2022. The picturesque-venue will get a synthetic track with eight lanes which can accommodate athletic events besides holding a hostel facility for the athletes. “This modern football stadium in Ladakh will also have a synthetic track with eight lanes. Apart from this, there will also be a hostel facility with 1,000 beds. This stadium has also been certified by FIFA,” Modi said in a ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio broadcast.

The stadium is located above 10,000 feet and its construction is expected to be completed in due course. It will be largest open stadium in the country and will be able to hold around 30,000 spectators as per the prime minister of India. 

PM Modi further feels that the stadium will not only open up opportunities for the youth sportspersons in the country but also will promote tourism and employment opportunities in Ladakh. 

“Whenever such a big sports infrastructure comes up, it brings great opportunities to the youth of the country. Tourism gets promoted and many employment opportunities are created along with such arrangements. The stadium will also benefit many of our youth in Ladakh,” the Prime Minister said.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) believes that the stadium will benefit football in India and nurture young talents in the vicinity. The facility will also be used for the training of the national team in near future. 

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“The new football stadium in Ladakh can play a vital role in helping the development of local talent which in turn will benefit Indian football,” AIFF deputy general secretary Abhishek Yadav said.

The astro-turf surface allows to withstand the wear and tear in a better manner than artificial grass. However, it is not as pleasing to the eyes, as the natural grass surface might look. 

Union minister for youth affairs and sports Anurag Thakur also hailed the move and remarked it as a revolution for Indian sports. 

“There is a revolution in the field of sports, at an altitude of more than 10,000 feet in Ladakh,” Thakur said.

FIFA is the highest governing body for football in the world. The stadium in Ladakh is expected to meet all the international standards, given the fact that it is certified by FIFA.