Delhi, November 2024 – Big news for Indian football! The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) has named the high-altitude Tawang stadium in Arunachal Pradesh as a national training center, marking a huge step forward for sports in the Northeast. This win is a point of pride for the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA), which sees it as a major boost for high-altitude training across the country. The stadium has also snagged the “FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf – FIFA Quality” certification from Labosports, a FIFA-approved lab for testing fields worldwide. With Tawang’s elevation soaring over 10,000 feet, the stadium offers a unique training ground to push athletes’ endurance and performance to new heights. APFA’s Kipa Ajay initially proposed
Tawang was a high-altitude hub for national teams, and now, with AIFF’s endorsement, it’s becoming a reality! Adding to the excitement, the nearby outdoor stadium in Jang has also earned FIFA’s “Quality” certification, cementing Tawang’s position as a top destination for high-level football.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu shared his enthusiasm on X, calling the certification “a testament to our commitment to football’s growth in the state” and stressing how great infrastructure can help unlock young talent.
Gallant Sports and infra, the driving force behind the stadium upgrade, has installed the state-of-the- art Superb 52 13PU turf in both venues. The turf’s advanced cushioning and weather-resistant backing promise a better, safer experience for players, keeping up with international standards.
Nasir Ali, CEO of Gallant Sports, shared his excitement: “This is a proud moment! At Gallant Sports, we believe in providing world-class facilities that empower athletes. The selection of Tawang’s stadium as a national training centre, along with its FIFA certification, is a transformative step. We’re thrilled to see this vision come to life, inspiring and nurturing young talent in challenging and inspiring settings.”
With its world-class certification and an upcoming marathon, Tawang is quickly shaping up as a hotbed for high-altitude sports and endurance training in India.