By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) officials were impressed with the efforts of the State Government to improve the condition of football pitch and other facilities at Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex here on Tuesday.
The AFC officials Maksat Klychmamedov and Kim Tae Hyung are in the city to inspect the facilities of the JNSC especially the football pitch which is expected to hold the home matches for Shillong Lajong during the I League.
The AFC officials, accompanied by senior manager I League Sujesh Rajan were happy with the State Government for sanctioning the scheme for laying of the artificial turf in such a short period, official sources said.
The only concern of the AFC officials was whether the laying of the turf would be completed before the I League which is scheduled to start from October 22.
“The AFC officials would like to see the work completed by October 20,” sources added.
Earlier, the AFC had given two month’s time to the authorities for improving the ground and other facilities.
The JNSC does not have in place the infrastructure required for live telecast of matches, system for dope test, medical room and separate VIP and press box in the stadium.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that Shillong Lajong has approached the AIFF to allow them to play their away matches initially in case the JNSC ground is not ready on time.
“Shillong Lajong is still waiting for the response from the AIFF in this regard,” sources said.