FIFA team inspects artificial turf laying work
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 24 2011:
Apart from slow pace of drain works around the site selected for laying of artificial turf at the RAU ground near Lamlong bridge, the ongoing bandh/strike on both the highways have been identified as the main impediment throttling completion of the first ever artificial football pitch in the state.
A three-member delegation of world football governing body FIFA comprising its Development Officer David Boya from Zurich, Asian Football Federation's Development Officer Chrysanthan Perera from Colombo and All India Football Federation (AIFF) representative Col (Retd) BMR Mehta today arrived in the State to assess progress of the ongoing project.
During an inspection visit at RAU ground, David expressed dissatisfaction on the slow pace of drainage construction and instructed State officials, including representatives of Sports Department and AMFA to ensure completion of the drain works after which the artificial turf laying work could commence.
Drainage system around the playing field has been pointed out by the FIFA official as an important component of the artificial turf project, the same instruction also given to State officials during a visit about five months back.
After the field visit, the FIFA delegation also discussed on various football development projects being taken up in the state with officials of Youth Affairs and sports and AMFA at Classic Hotel.
In response to David Boya's comment that laying of artificial turfs in Bangalore and Mumbai is nearing completion compared to slackness in the Imphal, Shillong, Goa, Pune and Punjab projects, Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Director H Deleep Singh assured that on completion of the monsoon season the project would be expedited.
further confiding that the state's Sports Minister is taking keen interest in the project and necessary financial provision has been sanctioned, he further contended that some materials for the artificial turf are on the way and is expected to reach here once the ongoing agitation is called off/suspended.
The Director also asserted that in case the ongoing agitation persist the Chief Minister and the DGP would be approached to provide security cover for transportation of the materials.
On the otherhand, David asked the State officials to ensure project related works are completed at the earliest so that more football development projects could be implemented in Manipur .