Guwahati selected to host the ISL 2016 opening match
AFTER HOSTING THE Federation Cup final, the AFC Cup home games of Mohun Bagan and the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers playoff match between India and Laos, the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati will once again get to take the centre-stage in Indian football as it gears up to host yet another showpiece event.
The ground, situated in the Sarusujai Sports Complex just outside the town, has been selected to host the opening match of the upcoming ISL 2016 edition, to be played between NorthEast United and last year's champions Chennaiyin FC. The match will be preceded by a glittering opening ceremony.
The stadium - with a capacity of around 30,000 - has emerged as one of the most happening venues in the Indian Super League, with the NEUFC franchise drawing support from a diverse bunch of residents in North-East India. Recently, ground also hosted an international friendly between India and Nepal that saw a decent turnout. And in the recently held South Asian Games, it served as the chief arena for football and certain athletic events.
Guwahati is also one of the six venues scheduled to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017.
With clubs and players from North-East India playing a central part in the national team as well as Indian football, it seems like a fitting recognition to award such important events to Guwahati.
