Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 03 2009:
To oversee development programmes being initiated in the State under the world governing body, a three member FIFA delegation would arrive in the state during which structural development for laying an artificial turf would also be inspected.
According to secretary of All manipur Football Association L Ranjit Roy, the FIFA team will be in the State from September 14 till 20 and their visit is not only to assess progress of the football development programme but to oversee feasibility of laying the artificial turf under the its project called 'Win in India with indian Football'.
The latest FIFA project to be implemented here in the State is said to be out of five such ventures in India Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka and Meghalaya, being the other States.
It is informed that compared to the other States, manipur is well ahead in terms of Government interest in the project as the playing field near Lamlong Thong (bridge) also known as RAU ground has already been identified for the artificial turf in addition to presenting relevant documents to the All India Football Federation on June 11 this for further conveyance to the FIFA.
Completion of paper works, not only demonstrates keenness of the State Government to implement yet another FIFA project in Manipur but is a positive sign that the FIFA initiative to promote the world's most popular sport would be sustained here in Manipur, opined Ranjit Roy.
He further exuded confidence that filling up of the pond adjacent to the proposed field where the artificial turf would be laid and other works such as ground levelling would be taken up by the state Government on priority basis to impress the FIFA delegates.