AIFF observers arriving on crucial visit to Kashmir tomorrow

Srinagar, Dec 17 (UNI) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is once again rushing its two observers here tomorrow to inspect the infrastructure required for granting the next edition of Santosh trophy to Jammu and Kashmir after nearly 30 years.

The visit is considered crucial as the two observers would submit their report on the condition of grounds and other required infrastructure put in place for hosting the event in Srinagar to the AIFF, which was expected to take a final decision on the 62nd edition of the national football tournament on December 23.

Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) president Zamir Ahmad Thakur told UNI that AIFF vice president Subrotta Dutta and member Nasir Ali would arrive tomorrow to inspect the infrastructure put in place so far for hosting such a big national event.

He expressed the hope that the AIFF would grant the 62nd edition of Santosh Trophy to Jammu and Kashmir.

Thakur said two venues -- Bakshi Stadium and Polo Ground -- have been earmarked for hosting the national football tournament in the Kashmir valley. GGM Science College in Jammu is the venue for the trophy in the winter capital.

The JKFA president said the TRC Ground has been kept ready as an alternative venue while Amar Singh College and S P College grounds made available for practice purposes.

During their last visit in November, the AIFF observers announced that only 50 per cent work had been completed till then, he added.

''Later, we along with the AIFF observers met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who assured us that the pending work would be completed well in time to host the event.

We are hopeful that the AIFF observers will be satisfied this time as almost the pending work has been completed,'' Thakur said.

He said the AIFF would take a final decision on the venue for hosting the 62nd edition of the national Santosh trophy at its crucial AGM meeting in New Delhi on December 23.

UNI