SHILLONG: Shillong known for its huge football passion has every reason to host the matches of the Indian Super League (ISL) but it is the infrastructure which probably hinders Shillong’s chances of hosting such national-level tournament.
Speaking to reporters, Sports and Youth Affairs minister Zenith Sangma asserted that tournament of ISL standard should be held in Shillong but it is the infrastructure which is required at the moment to match up to the norms of the tournament.
However, the State Government is going ahead with the renovation work of the Jawaharal Nehru stadium in Polo to improve its infrastructure.
He informed that the sitting capacity of the stadium is being raised by atleast 3000-4000 seats, besides other infrastructures such as cafeteria and proper wash rooms would also be added in the stadium.
The improvement work is being taken at an estimated budget of Rs 9 crore.
“We even plan to construct hostels for boys and girls within the place,” Sangma said .
The stadium has seen a bit of improvement in the last few years since synthetic turf and flood lights were installed in the stadium but much more needs to be done to bring its infrastructure to a national standard.
It may be mentioned that the co- owner of the North East United John Abraham had earlier expressed his keen interest to organize few matches of the North East United in Shillong probably next year or in 2016 edition of the Indian Super League.
The JN Stadium in Shillong has hosted many matches of Indian League besides many local tournaments.