PANJIM: Goa is gearing up for the FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament to be held next year in October 2017, across the country.
The Nehru Stadium, Fatorda is among one of the six venues selected by All India Football Federation and FIFA to host the prestigious event.
A total of 24 teams will participatee with current champions Nigeria looking to clinch their sixth championship title.
With just over a month left for the FIFA deadline for completion of works of the Stadium, the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) informed the work is on schedule.
SAG Chief Engineer J.N. Chimulkar, said that the work is going on in full swing and approximately 65 per cent of work has already been completed.
He, however, promised that the entire work will be completed as per the deadline given to them.
“All additional referee, conference, changing, medical, federation and media rooms are being constructed as per the latest FIFA regulations,” Chimulkar told Herald.
Further, he said, in addition to this, the floodlights will also be upgraded as per the latest specifications by FIFA.
“Two additional high mast poles will be erected as the LUX capacity is being increased from current 1500 to 2000,” Chimulkar said adding that there will be two additional gates, an increased parking capacity for 250 cars.
He also stated, the VIP seating capacity is being increased to 250 seats and there will also be an additional media tribune zone for the press to cover the matches.
“The total cost for the entire upgradation work is expected to cost around Rs 8 crore,” the chief engineer mentioned.
He also hinted that the west side of the roof will also be changed after the tournament is over.
