Goa likely to host AFC U-16 Championship

A five-member Asian Football Confederation (AFC) team has started inspecting the stadia and hotels for the upcoming AFC U-16 Championship, to be held in the State, and seems to be happy with the facilities.

“So far they have been very happy with the stadia. The team has inspected Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Fatorda before dividing into two groups. One will inspect <g data-gr-id="32">stadia,</g> while another will check the hotels,” Savio Messias, All India Football Federation (AIFF) official, told PTI.

He said the inspection, which began on Wednesday, will be over by on Friday. The state government has already announced a special press conference on Friday in the city to announce about the AFC Cup, which will be addressed by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.

It is learnt that the five-member AFC delegation, who arrived here on Wednesday for their final inspection, first visited the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim along with AIFF members, had a marathon discussion with the SAG officials, who assured all their support in meeting the demands of the visiting officials.

After PNJ stadium, the team is expected to inspect the training grounds -- Tilak Maidan, <g data-gr-id="31">Nagoa</g>, Utorda, Benaulim, Navelim, Raia, Cuncolim, BITS Pilani and Assolna -- of which five will be selected, said Messias, AIFF official.

The AFC delegation comprises JinhoYu (manager Competitions), Darren Stewart, <g data-gr-id="28">Meichiat</g> See, Chandran Kumarason and Chetan Kulkarni, while Javier Ceppi (<g data-gr-id="29">Tournment</g> Director), Suvrat <g data-gr-id="27"><g data-gr-id="30">Thatte</g></g> and Messias are from AIFF.

SAG was represented by Executive Director Sandip Jacques. Goa has been chosen as a provisional venue to host the U-16 AFC Championship Finals 2016 when the team visited last.