Ahmad bin Ali Stadium awaits Blue Tigers' roar in AFC Asian Cup 2023

Indian Football Team to grace Qatar's iconic stadium built with Indian craftsmanship

The Ahmad bin Ali Stadium stands tall in Qatar, a testament to the collaborative efforts between Qatar's Al Balagh Trading & Contracting and India's premier construction firm, Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T). With a seating capacity of 40,000, this architectural marvel is not just a stadium; it's a symbol of the robust Indo-Qatari partnership.

Qatar, with a population of over 700,000 Indians, has embraced the diversity and vibrancy of Indian culture. This mutual admiration is most evident in the football arena. Indian football fans, a significant chunk of Qatar's multicultural tapestry, have never missed an opportunity to flaunt their fervour.

From rallying behind the Indian Football Team during their commendable 0-0 draw against Qatar in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers to cheering for heavyweights like Brazil and Argentina during the World Cup, their passion is palpable.

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 is on the horizon, and the Indian diaspora in Qatar is buzzing with anticipation. Set to unfurl from January 12th to February 10th, 2024, this tournament holds special significance. For the first time, the Blue Tigers will grace the pitch of a stadium constructed for the World Cup 2022.

Their campaign at the AFC Asian Cup 2023 will witness the Indian team clashing with Australia and Uzbekistan in two Group B matches at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. This arena has witnessed footballing giants; it was the battleground for the Argentina Vs Australia Round of 16 and a semi-final match during the FIFA World Cup 2022. The team's final group showdown will be against Syria at the Al-Bayt Stadium, a venue that hosted pivotal matches during the World Cup, including those featuring the runners-up, France.

Tickets can be purchased online through the official ticketing website with a starting price of Rs. 570. Spectators from outside Qatar can also purchase tickets from the same website. Hayya will not be a mandatory prerequisite to enter stadiums.

Venue Manager of Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Ahmad Al Qatami, is brimming with enthusiasm. In a conversation with Khel Now, he stated, "We are super excited to host the Indian Football Team matches. Given that Indians were among the top ticket purchasers during the FIFA World Cup, we're gearing up for a full house, utilizing the stadium's 100% capacity."

L&T's role in constructing the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium marked a historic first – it was the inaugural involvement of an Indian company in World Cup infrastructure development. This feat becomes even more commendable considering the stringent health and safety benchmarks they achieved. The construction site celebrated the landmark of 20 million working hours on two occasions without any Lost Time Injury (LTI). Such accolades underscore the firm's commitment and expertise.

Furthermore, the stadium's design prioritizes sustainability. This commitment has been recognized with several Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) awards. The meticulous design focuses on reducing carbon footprints, a testament to the future-forward vision of the constructors.

Ahmad Al Qatami lauded L&T's efforts, saying, "They've delivered impeccable work, ensuring the stadium met all the critical Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards."

As the Blue Tigers prepare for their face-off against Australia in the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup on 13th January 2024, they carry with them more than just the hopes of a nation. It will be a sight to behold as the stadium, built with Indian craftsmanship, resonates with the cheers of 40,000 Indian fans supporting their team on foreign soil. The Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, a testament to L&T's legacy, awaits the Indian football team's moment to further this legacy on the field.