In a significant boost to Indian football, the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) has designated the high-altitude Tawang stadium in Arunachal Pradesh as a national training center. This milestone achievement is a testament to the efforts of the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) in promoting high-altitude training facilities in the region.
The Tawang Stadium has earned the prestigious “FIFA Quality Program for Football Turf—FIFA Quality” certification from Labosports, a FIFA-approved testing laboratory. This certification underscores the stadium’s world-class standards, making it an ideal location for national teams to train.
Kipa Ajay, a key figure in APFA, initially proposed utilizing Tawang as a high-altitude training hub for national teams. The nearby outdoor stadium in Jang has also secured FIFA’s “Quality” certification, solidifying Tawang’s reputation as a premier destination for high-level football.
Gallant Sports and Infra, the company behind the stadium’s development, has installed state-of-the-art Superb 52 13PU turf in both locations. This high-quality turf boasts superior cushioning and weather-resistant properties, ensuring optimal playing conditions for athletes and meeting international standards.
“We are proud to have contributed to the development of world-class facilities that empower athletes,” said Nasir Ali, CEO of Gallant Sports. “The selection of Tawang’s stadium as a national training center and its FIFA certification is a transformative step. We are thrilled to see this vision come to life and inspire young talent in such a challenging and inspiring setting.”
This development is expected to elevate Indian football’s stature, providing national teams with a world-class training facility to hone their skills. Tawang’s unique high-altitude environment will offer athletes an ideal setting to acclimatize and prepare for international competitions.