Team Herald
BAMBOLIM: New Zealand are the first team to arrive in Goa and for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The Kiwis are one of eight teams to feature in two groups to be played in the state – all at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Fatorda, Margao.
As the clock ticked away to the start of the tournament on October 11, the Sports Authority of Goa was set to hand over the PJN Stadium and four training venues to FIFA.
This was revealed by Ajay Gaude, Executive Director, SAG, during a media conference at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Saturday.
He also revealed a first for the country — a hybrid pitch would be laid out at the PJN Stadium about which Gaude said, “The sports minister approved the first hybrid pitch in India and work is on at the venue. It’s a historical moment that Goa would have the first hybrid pitch,” he added.
This initiative, he said, was taken by FIFA who also did the same in Qatar with eight pitches being converted to the hybrid variety (a mix of mostly grass and a bit of synthetic ingredients).
The Dutch contractors are working around the clock with the aid of equipment for the past five days to complete the operation in another five, he revealed. Practice sessions will commence from October 6, Gaude added.
FIFA has embarked on the “stadium filling” programme in tandem with the Goa government. Gaude said: “They want children to watch the games at the stadium. As many as 16 matches (out of a total of 32) will be hosted by Goa between October 11 and 26.
The state will provide transport to school children from schools to the stadium and back. Food will be provided. All free of charge.”
With matches scheduled at 4.30 pm and 8 pm starts, the organisers are aiming for maximum attendance.
“A simple mail to the Director Sports would ensure everything would be taken care of,” he explained. “Tickets for anyone else would cost either Rs 99 or 199.”
Bruno Coutinho, former international and Arjuna awardee, said: “As a player, I know that footballers would not enjoy playing in front of empty stands.”
“Around 6,000 kids should be part of the experience. There would be zones for infotainment to build the excitement before the match,” he said.
