SAI and AIFF sign agreement to develop JLN Stadium as football hub

New Delhi, October 5, 2011: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and All India Football Federation (AIFF) have signed an agreement to develop the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium as football hub in the country. The agreement was signed by Gopal Krishna, Secretary, SAI and Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF in presence of Ajay Maken, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports and Praful Patel, President of AIFF and Minister for Heavy Industries.

As per agreement, SAI will enable use of the stadium by AIFF including the main pitch for a maximum period of 40 days per year. SAI will also provide AIFF the outside practice ground of the stadium free of cost for 50 days in a year along with other necessary facilities available in the stadium for the smooth conduct of national and international football tournaments.

AIFF on its part of obligation will repair/re-lay the turf on the main pitch at JLN Stadium at its own cost. The agreement also mentions that AIFF will provide events wise calendar to SAI indicating the requirements of other facilities.

AIFF will hold SAFF Football Tournament in December, 2011, Nehru Cup Football Tournament 2012, international matches, domestic tournaments and for the remaining period out of 40 days, it will hold coaching camps and clinics related to football.

The agreement will be valid for one year and can be extended further for 2 years on the basis of review and mutual understanding.

While speaking on the occasion after signing of an agreement, Praful Patel described this event as an important step to improve the standards of football in the country by providing best sporting infrastructure. He said this agreement will go long way to improve the ranking of the game, which slipped considerably in the last few years because of lack of availability of good sporting infrastructure at every level.

He also requested Sports Minister to explore the possibility of providing residential accommodation to AIFF so that it can set up a football academy also.

In his response, Ajay Maken said with the signing of an agreement today, the foundation has been laid for developing Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium into hub of the football. He said that installation of retractable seats can also be explored by SAI to enhance the seating capacity of the stadium. Maken further stated that National Institute of Sports Science, which will be going to set up also in the stadium will take up 2.50 Lakh sq. feet to 4 lakh sq feet of space and it will be the best in the world.

Press release