U-17 WC: New Delhi all but ready to host India’s feel-good story

NEWDELHI: The FIFA U-17 World Cup is barely two months away, meaning that cities hosting it should be in advanced stages of their preparations.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi will be hosting all of India’s group games and expectations from the organisers are undoubtedly high.

“Organising is a challenge. We have to deal with multiple chief ministers across states and multiple sports ministers too.

Things like demonetisation and GST implementation added to the challenge.

But preparation is going well,” Javier Ceppi, the tournament director of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), said on Friday.

“We are about 95 percent done with preparations. The stadium is a beautiful venue that will be made even more beautiful (during the tournament).”

Ticket sales have been a cause of concern at many venues and Ceppi admitted it was no different in the national capital.

“Ticket sales improved after New Delhi was confirmed as the venue for India’s games, but we expected better.

We appeal to all fans of Indian football to ensure this ground is full for India’s group games,” added Ceppi.

“This will be the first time the Indian national anthem will be played out loud at a FIFA tournament. That should be enough to get you excited.”

Ceppi believes that fan support could go a long way in ensuring that players give it their all.

“If thousands of Indians are singing the national anthem inside the stadium, it will create an atmosphere that will spur the players on and motivate them to do better,” he said.

But despite concerns, Joy Bhattacharjya and Ceppi were optimistic that both the venue and the fans will be ready for the tournament when it starts.

ATK SIGN KEANE

KOLKATA: Former Ireland and Tottenhan Hotspur striker Robbie Keane will play in the Indian Super League this season after signing with Kolkata-based franchise ATK.

Keane will join former Spurs teammate Teddy Sheringham at the club, with the latter being roped in as the head coach of the club for this season.

“To join the current Indian Super League champions is a great pleasure and through hardwork I hope to bring the ATK fans more success. In addition to this, also bring enjoyment over the course of the 2017/2018 season,” Keane said in a press release.

We are about 95 percent done with preparations. The stadium is a beautiful venue that will be made even more beautiful. JAVIER CEPPI, on the preparations in New Delhi