Robert Royte unveils FIFA-funded Mizoram Football Association Ground

The ground unveiling was attended by MFA and District FA delegates, forward Mizoram footballers as well as special invited guests.

The new Mizoram Football Association Ground (FIFA Forward Project) at Sairang Dinthar was unveiled by Sports Minister Robert Romawia Royte. The ground has been constructed as part of the FIFA Forward Project funded by the international governing body of football.

Grassroots and Veteran Football

The unveiling of the new MFA Ground was celebrated with a Grassroots Football Festival prior to the inauguration programme where 50 children from the AIFF-MFA Grassroots programme took part in showcasing their skills in an exhibition match.

A Veteran Exhibition Football Match also took place where former footballers who have represented the state in competitions took part as homage from the MFA for their past sacrifices and endeavours. Former Mizoram football stars played a fantastically jovial match to celebrate their part in being the torch bearers of football in Mizoram.

Sports Minister's Message

Sports minister Robert Romawia Royte expressed his gratitude saying, "As a football lover myself, I am elated that I am able to unveil a ground constructed through the aid of FIFA. For this I am grateful to the AIFF and FIFA. I am also delighted that this kind of backing from FIFA is earned only through the work of the MFA, the District FAs' and the successes of our footballers."

"We will ensure that proper grounds are laid in every district headquarters and in several sub division headquarters. The demand for artificial turfs might not be visible to some, but it is an objective for us to built proper football grounds without prompting additional strain on the state's finances. We have a target of 24 artificial turfs in Mizoram, which will be a record in India."

Message from the MFA

MFA President Lal Thanzara welcomed the esteemed guests at the inauguration as he thanked the efforts laid by all the necessary personnel in the fruition of the MFA Ground. He stated that the MFA Ground is a result of the collaborative effort of the MFA, DFA, Zone FA, players and every essential personnel in football.

The MFA Honorary Secretary Lalnghinglova Hmar gave a detailed account of how the new ground came into completion and he remarked, "As we unveil this new ground, we remember all the efforts of our predecessors at the MFA, our past players and coaches. We are now reaping the benefits of their hard work and sacrifices, and for this, this ground is truly a result of our collective effort and this is a ground for the people."

The Honorary Secretary also thanked the people of Sairang Dinthar for their support; as well as mentioning the support of the government who aided the efforts of the MFA with Rs. 80 lakhs in cultivating the site of the rocky ground.

Message from FIFA and AIFF

FIFA's South Asia Development Officer Prince Rufus, who has been instrumental in the execution of the ground also attended the unveiling and he commended the efforts of the MFA in constructing a world class football ground in a hilly region with tropical weather.

Praful Patel, President, All India Football Federation in his message said: “All India Football Federation is delighted to be part of the development process in helping out the Mizoram Football Federation with the artificial turf under the FIFA Forward Programme. The AIFF is committed to the growth of the sport in every corner of the country and is aware of the passion for the ‘Beautiful Game’ in the state.”

“Over the years, Mizoram has unearthed so many talents – some of whom have gone on to earn laurels for India as an International footballer, and so many at the domestic level. I am confident that the artificial turf will help the Mizoram FA to further broad base the sport in the state, and allow a training ground for the future stars in the sport.”

“AIFF appreciates and is thankful to FIFA for all their help and look forward to the support and cooperation all throughout.”

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das also sent a message saying, “The passion for football in Mizoram is unparalleled. There have been so many talented players from the state who have played with much repute at various clubs all over, and also at the International level. The artificial turf under the FIFA Forward Programme which the AIFF has granted to the Mizoram FA will go a long way in providing an additional practice base for stars of the future.”

“The AIFF is indebted to the FIFA for their help and support to Indian Football. I wish good luck to the Mizoram FA and look forward to them carrying on the good work at the Grassroots, and building on from there to take Indian Football Forward Together.”

The MFA Ground unveiling was attended by MFA and District FA delegates, forward Mizoram footballers as well as special invited guests.

Some facts about the new ground :

• Playing area is 105x68 Metres
• Turf covered area is 111x74 Metres. (Includes an extra metre on each side.)
• It is surrounded by 4 metre high steel wire mesh on all sides with a 6 metre mesh behind each goals.
• A 15x10 ft concrete store-room is also constructed by the main entry.
• Substitute bench, goal post (with additional two mobile goal posts), corner flags are all set up coming from FIFA.
• A tractor for maintenance of the artificial grass as well as several maintenance equipment have all been provided by FIFA.
• Issued by Information and Publicity Committee, Mizoram Football Association