KOCHI: “Kochi is very close to our heart,” says Joy Bhattacharjya. The project director, for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, said this shortly after the city was officially ratified as one of the six cities that will host the mega event next year. The fact that the organisers deemed it appropriate to announce Kochi ahead of its Metro siblings Navi Mumbai, New Delhi or Kolkata was vindication of this city’s boundless love for the beautiful game as was evident during the Indian Super League.
During the two completed editions and the ongoing season of the ISL, Kochi has arguably hosted the best football fans and the World Cup organisers weren’t shy to highlight the matter as they explained their reason for picking the city. “Football is the main sport here and we’ve seen full stadiums,” said Javier Ceppi, tournament director. “This is your first World Cup so we’re hoping to have full stadium for every match,” said the Chilean.
As the fixtures are yet to be drawn it cannot be confirmed which four among the 24 participating countries will have their group matches in the city. The venues for the semifinals and final are also not decided. However, the organisers have chosen Kochi for the ‘Mascot’ launch and it is understood that the city is also a front-runner to host either a semifinal or the final.
“The mascot for the world cup will be unveiled in Kochi,” said Mr Bhattacharjya. “We cannot tell just yet what he or she looks like, but in the demography of this World Cup, it will be one for India’s future. This mascot has also played a lot of football in many places in the world and it will be unveiled at a colourful ceremony in Kochi very soon,” he added.
Civic infrastructure, a tough goalpost
The Kochi Corporation faces a major test ahead to ensure good infrastructure and decent accommodation for the smooth conduct of FIFA Under-17 championship. Being the host city, the civic body is responsible for basic amenities like roads, drinking water and better connectivity. “All necessary steps will be taken in consultation with district administration and the state government to ensure basic infrastructure for the mega sports event. The city corporation feels it as a privilege to host the championship,” said deputy mayor T.J. Vinod.
A detailed project report will be prepared on the basic infrastructure development and other projects to be taken up to facilitate the games. “The state government has offered support in planning and implementing the preparatory works ahead of the event,” added the deputy mayor. Meanwhile, the GCDA officials told this newspaper that they are hopeful of completing the renovation works of JN Stadium before March.
“Of the nine works mandated by the FIFA, tenders have been floated for eight works. In addition, there are many other general works which have to be finished. We are trying to complete maximum repairing works before March,” said Jeby John, superintending engineer, GCDA. Preparation of the turf, renovation works of players’ room plumbing, toilet renovation works, electrical, fire fighting, sewage and drainage are the major works to be completed before the deadline.
The development authority is facing a fund shortage to take up the remaining works and needs additional funding from the state government. Meanwhile, Muhammad Haneesh, nodal officer for FIFA-2017 said that 90 per cent of the tenders were floated. “In case of other tenders we intend to do it in the next 15 days. We expect the work on every aspect inside the main stadium and the four training sites to begin by November 15 latest. All the work will be completed by the last week of February 2017,” he said.
