Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium

Last updated

Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
Sarusajai Stadium
Sarusajai2.jpg
Interior of the stadium in 2017
Guwahati locator map.svg
Red pog.svg
Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
Location in Guwahati
India Assam location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
Location in Assam
Location Sarusajai, Guwahati, Assam
Coordinates 26°06′56″N91°45′37″E / 26.11556°N 91.76028°E / 26.11556; 91.76028
Owner Government of Assam
OperatorSports Authority of Assam
Capacity 21,600 [1]
Record attendance32,844 (20 October 2016, Chennaiyin FC vs Northeast United FC) [2]
Field size103 m × 70 m (113 yd × 77 yd)
Surface Grass
Opened2007
Tenants
India national football team (2011–present)
NorthEast United FC (2014–present)
Assam State Premier League (proposed)

Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, also known as Sarusajai Stadium, [1] is a multi-purpose stadium in Lokhra locality, Guwahati, Assam, India. Seating 21,600 people, [1] it is the home ground of NorthEast United FC and is used for athletic events. The stadium was one of the venues for the 2007 National Games, the 2016 South Asian Games, and the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Contents

History

This one-tier stadium was constructed in 2007 to host the 33rd National Games of India with a mostly standing capacity for 35,000 people. Only the main stand had a limited number of seats installed.

The stadium was named to tribute the late Indira Gandhi who was the third Prime Minister of India. An international friendly between India and Malaysia was played at this stadium on 13 November 2011. On 12 March 2015, India played against Nepal for the 2018 World Cup qualifier.

From 2014, it has been the home ground for NorthEast United FC in the Guwahati-based Indian Super League side, and for which it underwent major renovations. The stadium recorded the highest attendance for a football game in Assam when 32,844 spectators came to see the ISL match between NorthEast United and visitors Chennaiyin on 20 October 2016.

It was also used by I-League champions Aizawl FC (2016–17) of Mizoram and Minerva Punjab FC (2017–18) of Punjab as their home ground for AFC group stage matches.

The stadium was the main venue of the 2016 South Asian Games, which was held in both Guwahati and Shillong from 5 to 16 February 2016. [3]

It was one of the venues for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup held in India. Individual seats were installed in 2017, during the preparation for the event, reducing capacity to below 25,000.

The stadium hosted the Assam Global Investors' Summit on 3 and 4 February 2018 and the 65th Filmfare Awards on 15 February 2020. [4] [5]

The stadium was selected as one of the provisional venues for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup that was to be held in India in 2020 where it was expected host the opening. [6] The tournament later got postponed due to COVID-19 and the stadium was dropped from the list of venues.

On March, 2020, the Government of Assam constructed isolation wards during the COVID-19 pandemic in India in the premises. [7]

Major Football Matches

As well as local matches, the stadium has also hosted major national and international matches.

India national football team matches

13 November 2011International friendly India  Flag of India.svg1 - 1Flag of Malaysia.svg  Malaysia Guwahati
Nabi Soccerball shade.svg88' Report Safiq Soccerball shade.svg42'Stadium: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
Attendance: 20,092
12 March 2015 World Cup Qualifier India  Flag of India.svg2 - 0Flag of Nepal.svg    Nepal Guwahati
19:00 UTC+5:30 Chhetri Soccerball shade.svg53', 71' Report (FIFA)
Report (AFC)
Stadium: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
Attendance: 11,209
Referee: Aziz Asimov (Uzbekistan)
7 June 2016 Asian Cup qual. – PO India  Flag of India.svg6–1Flag of Laos.svg  Laos Guwahati
19:00 UTC+5:30 Lalpekhlua Soccerball shade.svg43', 74'
Passi Soccerball shade.svg45+1'
Jhingan Soccerball shade.svg48'
Rafique Soccerball shade.svg83'
Cardozo Soccerball shade.svg87'
Report
Goal.com
Sihavong Soccerball shade.svg16'Attendance: 2,721
Referee: Jansen Foo (Singapore)
5 September 2019 (2019-09-05) 2022 AFC WC Q India  Flag of India.svg1–2Flag of Oman.svg  Oman Guwahati
19:30 IST Chhetri Soccerball shade.svg24' FIFA Al-Alawi Soccerball shade.svg82', 90'Stadium: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
Attendance: 22,798
Referee: Mooud Bonyadifar (Iran)
26 March 2024 (2024-03-26) 2026 WCQ / 2027 ACQ India  Flag of India.svgvFlag of Afghanistan (2013-2021).svg  Afghanistan Guwahati
--:--  UTC+5:30 Stadium: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium

2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup matches.

8 October 2017 U-17 World Cup – Group Stage New Caledonia  New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg1–7Flag of France.svg  France Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
17:00 UTC+5:30 Report
Attendance: 12,640
Referee: Hamada Nampiandraza (Madagascar)
8 October 2017 U-17 World Cup – Group Stage Honduras  Flag of Honduras.svg1–6Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
20:00 UTC+5:30 Report
Attendance: 13,285
Referee: Anthony Taylor (England)
11 October 2017 U-17 World Cup – Group Stage France  Flag of France.svg2–1Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
17:00 UTC+5:30
  • Gouiri Soccerball shade.svg13', 71'
Report
Attendance: 9,575
Referee: Gery Vargas (Bolivia)
11 October 2017 U-17 World Cup – Group Stage Honduras  Flag of Honduras.svg5–0New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg  New Caledonia Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
20:00 UTC+5:30
Report Attendance: 11,002
Referee: Mehdi Abid Charef (Algeria)
14 October 2017 U-17 World Cup – Group Stage France  Flag of France.svg5–1Flag of Honduras.svg  Honduras Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
17:00 UTC+5:30
Report
Attendance: 12,831
Referee: Muhammad Taqi (Singapore)
14 October 2017 U-17 World Cup – Group Stage Mexico  Flag of Mexico.svg0–0Flag of Chile.svg  Chile Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
20:00 UTC+5:30 Report Attendance: 15,794
Referee: Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)

Major events

Bihu Dance Performance

On a 14 April 2023, on the occasion of Bohag Bihu, over 11,000 dancers and musicians gathered at the stadium to perform the traditional Assamese Bihu dance, setting two world records. This performance achieved the world record for the largest Bihu dance performance and the largest performance by folk musicians. [8] The event lasted for 15 minutes and showcased the talents of more than 7,000 dancers and over 3,000 dhol drummers and other musicians. [9] [10]

The event was attended by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Himanta Biswa Sarma also received a Geographical Indication registration certificate for the Gamosa, the traditional Assamese scarf, which was given in December 2022. [11] [12]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bihu dance</span> Indigenous folk dance from Assam, India

The Bihu dance is an indigenous folk dance from the Indian state of Assam related to the Bihu festival and an important part of Assamese culture. Performed in a group, the Bihu dancers are usually young men and women, and the dancing style is characterized by brisk steps and rapid hand movements. The traditional costume of dancers is centered around the red color theme, signifying joy and vigour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nehru Stadium, Guwahati</span> Multi purpose stadium

Nehru Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Guwahati, Assam, India. It was built in 1962 and can host 15,000 spectators. Radha Govinda Baruah supervised, constructed and named it as Nehru Stadium. The stadium is operated by the Board of Sports of Assam, Government of Assam. It has been mainly used for football and cricket.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">News Live (Indian TV channel)</span> Assamese TV channel

News Live is a 24-hour Indian Assamese-language satellite news channel broadcasting news, current affairs and infotainment programmes. It is owned by Pride East Entertainments Pvt Ltd, a Guwahati based media group whose majority stake is owned by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. News Live has the highest viewership among all Assamese news channels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Assam Cricket Association</span> Cricket organization in Assam, India

Assam Cricket Association (ACA) is the governing body of the Cricket activities in the Assam state of India. It is affiliated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The headquarters of ACA is at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Barsapara, Guwahati. It administers Assam cricket team, Assam women's cricket team and its junior state teams.

The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup was the 17th FIFA U-17 World Cup, a biennial international football tournament contested by men's under-17 national teams. Organised by FIFA, the tournament took place in India from 6 to 28 October 2017, after the country was awarded the hosting rights on 5 December 2013. The tournament marked the first time India hosted a FIFA tournament and the second Asian country to host U-17 World Cup after United Arab Emirates in 2013. The attendance for this World Cup was a record 1,347,133, surpassing China's record in 1985 with 1,230,976.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Himanta Biswa Sarma</span> 15th and current Chief Minister Of Assam

Himanta Biswa Sarma is an Indian politician and lawyer serving as the 15th and current Chief Minister of Assam since 2021. A former member of the Indian National Congress, Sarma joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on 23 August 2015 and soon was made convenor of NEDA. He is a five time Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly from Jalukbari, having been elected since 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati</span> Cricket stadium

The Assam Cricket Association Stadium, also known as ACA Stadium, Barsapara Cricket Stadium) and officially named Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium, is a cricket stadium in Barsapara, Guwahati, Assam, India. It is the home ground of the Assam cricket team and is owned and operated by the Assam Cricket Association. The stadium has a maximum capacity of 55,000 spectators.

Bhogeswar Baruah is an Indian former-athlete and coach. He was one of the first Assamese to win gold at an international event, winning a gold medal in an 800-metre running event at the 1966 Asian Games. He also won a silver medal in the 4 x 400 metres relay in the 1970 Asian games. He is a recipient of the Arjuna Award and is the first Assamese to obtain the Arjuna award.

Jorhat Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Jorhat, Assam. This is the oldest stadium of Assam with the capacity of 12,000 spectators. It has earthen galleries which were designed by late Abani Mohan Choudhury. The stadium is a venue for cricket and football tournaments. The first Ranji Trophy match in Assam was held at Jorhat Stadium in 1949/50. The stadium is owned and run by Jorhat District Sports Association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pijush Hazarika</span> Indian politician

Pijush Hazarika is a Bharatiya Janata Party politician from Assam. He has been a member of Assam legislative assembly since 2011. He was elected in Assam Legislative Assembly election in 2011 from Raha constituency and in 2016 and 2021 from Jagiroad constituency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jayanta Malla Baruah</span> Indian politician

Jayanta Mallabaruah is an Indian politician from the state of Assam. He was a two term member of the Assam Legislative Assembly, from 2011 to 2016 and 2021 to present. He has been appointed Cabinet Minister in the Government of Assam headed by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup</span> International football competition

The 2020 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, later postponed and renamed as the 2021 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup before its cancellation, was originally going to be the 7th edition of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, the biennial international women's youth football championship contested by the under-17 national teams of the member associations of FIFA, since its inception in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 pandemic in Assam</span> Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in Assam, India

The first case of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indian state of Assam was reported on 31 March 2020. As of 12 April 2024, the Government of Assam has confirmed a total of 89,468 positive cases of COVID-19 including 67,641 recoveries, three migrations and 234 deaths in the state. The state's as well as northeast's largest city, Guwahati, has been worst affected by coronavirus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guwahati</span> Medical school in Assam, India

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guwahati is a public medical institute and hospital based in Guwahati, Assam under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government Of India ,and one of the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMSs). On 26 May 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Institute. The institute was inaugurated on 14 April 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The institute has an annual intake of 100 MBBS students. The academic activity for the first batch of 50 MBBS students started in January 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sarma ministry</span> Chief minister of Assam

The Sarma ministry is the current council of ministers of the Government of Assam which has been in office since 10 May 2021. The ministry is headed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and consists of 16 cabinet ministers. The chief minister and 14 other ministers were sworn-in into office by Governor Jagdish Mukhi on 10 May 2021.

Riniki Bhuyan Sharma is an Indian business woman from Assam. She is the managing director of Pride East Entertainment, a media house. She is married to Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam.

Neel Pawan Baruah was an Indian painter from Assam. In 2021, he was awarded the Assam Sourav Award, the second-highest civilian honor of Assam by the Government of Assam. Some of his notable paintings include Green Bird, Kaliya Daman, Shankhachakra Gadapadma, Sleeping Man, Victory of Vietnam, Scream, Three Powers, Patchitra and The Three Faces of the Godde.

Nehru Park is an urban park situated in the Pan Bazaar area of Guwahati, India.

References

  1. 1 2 3 AFC Asian Cup 2027 Bidding Nation India. All India Football Federation. 28 December 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  2. The official site of Hero Indian Super League | Matchcentre
  3. Chaudhury, Dipanjan Roy (12 December 2015). "India to host South Asian Games (SAG) in Guwahati and Shillong". The Economic Times. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  4. Singh, Bikash (27 September 2018). "Advantage Assam: Global Investors' Summit has attracted Rs. 8,020.21 crore till now says Chandra Mohan Patwary". The Economic Times. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  5. "Filmfare Awards 2020 All Set To Be Hosted In Guwahati". filmfare.com. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  6. Lokapally, Vijay. "FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup: Guwahati to host opener, final in Mumbai". Sportstar. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  7. "Assam government transforms Sarusajai Stadium into coronavirus isolation facility". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  8. "Assam shatters world records with over 11,000 performers in Bihu Dance extravaganza | TOI Original - Times of India Videos". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  9. "Bihu dance sets world record, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma shares another video of the performance". Hindustan Times. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  10. Time, Pratidin. "Assam Enters Guinness Book Of World Records With Largest Bihu Performance". Pratidin Time. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  11. "Bihu performance with over 11,300 dancers, drummers enters Guinness World Records". India Today. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  12. "PM Modi Attends Mega Bihu Programme At Sarusajai Stadium In Guwahati [WATCH]". TimesNow. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 14 April 2023.