U-17 World Cup: Goel unhappy with lack of progress in Kochi

Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Friday expressed disappointment over the delay in completion of works at the main stadium and training grounds here for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

“We are much behind the schedule. We were supposed to complete the work by March 31,” he said after reviewing the preparations works at Jawaharlal Stadium, one of six venues selected for hosting matches, and the training grounds.

FIFA’s inspection team had last month expressed deep concern over the pace of work at the stadium, and set May 15 as deadline for completing work. “Though I am disappointed over delay in completion of various works, the officers have promised me that most of the works, especially that at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, will be completed by May 15,” Goel told a press conference here.

The Local Organising Committee of FIFA U-17 World Cup had earlier this month asserted that Kochi was on its way to complete preparation work by May 15.

“I have told them that I am going to play football after May 15 in this ground. So you have to be ready, we will have a demonstration football show there (Kochi),” Goel said.

“My Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) wants world-class arrangements for hosting the international event,” the minister said.

Indian Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli ended her campaign on a high note with a win against Jakob Pfreundt of Germany at the Reykjavik Open here. The world number 11 Indian had to toil for a little less than four hours to eke out a victory against her German opponent in her last game of the tournament. She ended the tournament with six wins, two draws and two losses to finish 17th with seven points in the 10-round Swiss tournament which saw 267 players from across the globe competing for the coveted crown.