4 yrs on, no clarity on Chandigarh's Sec 17 football stadium

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 22

The question haunting the city football lovers these days is whether the newly constructed Sector 17 football stadium would be able host a national or international competition.

Though the stadium is yet to be handed over to the UT Sports Department officially, it has been thrown open to the players on trial basis.

The stadium, which has been under construction since 2017, still lacks many facilities.

The officials looking after the project now realise that a steel fencing is needed behind the goal posts to stop the ball from going out of the playing arena. Also, the sitting area needs a minor modification.

“A tender has been floated to install 20 foot-long steel (chain linked) wire fencing behind both the goal posts to stop the ball from going out on the road. It will be installed soon. There are few other minor demands raised by the UT Sports Department which will be completed in the coming time,” said an official of the UT Engineering Department.

Questions have also been raised on the structure of the ground, which has been built into an open arena.

Before refurbishing the ground, claims were made to host national/international matches there. However, it may be difficult, considering the open layout of the ground and allied security reasons.

The other football grounds in the city have been built inside the sports complexes.

The ground has been developed as a part of the ‘Urban Park’ multipurpose facility.

As per the approved plan, the UT Engineering Department had planned to make a multipurpose ground, badminton courts, cycling and skating park along with the football arena.

Underground changing rooms, permanent sitting stands, a huge screen, a commentary room, big hall for players and officials and other facilities were also expected.

It was also proposed to have three entry gates for the fans, besides a players’ entry.

“We will surely try to conduct national level matches at the venue once we get the possession of the ground,” said Sunil Rayat, Joint Director, Sports, UT Sports Department.

“The condition of the playing arena is pretty good. The only problem is the open structure of the ground. I think covering the area behind the goal posts will solve a majority of the purpose. It will be interesting to see if this ground gets approval to host any major championship,” said Harpinder, a former footballer.

“Only the direction of the field has changed and there has been a remarkable improvement in gym facilities,” said a senior football coach. “However, I have my doubts regarding the space to make team dugouts, area to hold ambulances right on the sidelines of the ground, spectators stand and other facilities,” the coach added.

“The department will host their annual sports event – the UT Administrator’s All India Cup – at the venue. It is an invitational championship. However, getting clearance for hosting national or international events may be a difficult task,” said another official.