By Rajarshi Chakrabarty
Football grounds are much like places of worship. Where ardent followers follow their faith (teams), pray for success and live on hopes during rough times. India is blessed with diverse geographical attributes and it adds to football grounds at some strikingly beautiful places to witness the flowing passion of football fans to witness the stories heroic success and failures.
So here is a list of 5 most beautiful grounds to watch football but remember some of them are just grounds and not conventional stadium as they say "Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder"
10.Tilak Maidan, Vasco da Gama(Goa)
The 6000-capacity stadium located in the heart of Vasco da Gama offers excellent views of the Arabian Sea and adjacent fishing villages.
If the football isn't good enough to catch your eyes the view of floating small fishing boats on the turquoise blue water will definitely set you in a relaxed mode. Enjoy the laid back Goan culture, excellent local seafood from the restaurants around and a weekend game featuring local team Churchill Brothers can set the mood for your perfect weekend.
9.Kanchenjungha Stadium, Siliguri
Established in the 1980's the 40,000 capacity stadium located in the town of Siliguri has hosted important matches of I-League, Federation Cup, Santosh Trophy and International friendlies features Indian National team.
The stadium creates an electrifying atmosphere due to the close proximity of the spectators stands to the pitch.This humble looking stadium can surprise you on a clear day as you might be lucky to catch a glimpse of Mt.Kanchenjungha(8586m) the third highest mountain in the world while watching your local team play over weekends...not a bad deal right?
8.Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal
Built during 1999, the 35000 capacity stadium is the home ground of Manipur side NEROCA FC.Known for passionate and raucous fan support the stadium located in Imphal valley which is surrounded by nine-hills offers excellent views of the field and the blue rolling hills around.The stadium garbs an atmosphere of festivity on match days and if you are headed to Imphal do make sure you catch the local side in action in this beguiling stadium with stunning views around.
7.Lebong Football Ground, Darjeeling
Darjeeling is synonymous with tea, spectacular views of mountains, picturesque villages dotting the slopes of hills and pristine woods of pine and cryptomeria trees.But a bit off the radar lies the Lebong football ground, behold..it's not a conventional stadium with a lush green turf to play.But don't let the dusty surface distract you from the mesmerizing view it offers as you can watch local teams battle it out in competitions.The football ground host matches from Darjeeling Premier League and Darjeeling Gold Cup much to the excitement of the local fanfare.So if you are around Darjeeling grab a cuppa of Darjeeling tea and head to Lebong football ground for an engaging experience.
6.Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl
The home of Aizawl FC who did a "Leicester City" during the 2016-17 winning the I League in the season following they were saved from relegation offers pristine views and has been witness to several dramatic turns of events of Aizawl FC's campaign.The footballing loving Mizos throng the stadium in their traditional attires on match days with beating drums adds to the atmosphere of the adorable 20,000 capacity stadium located on a hilltop overlooking Aizawl town.
5.Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium(Polo Ground) , Shillong
The Britishers named Shillong "The Scotland of the East" due to its glaring resemblance with the Scottish Highlands and this beautiful part of north-eastern India is home to one of the most beautiful stadium in India known as the Polo ground.The 27000 seater stadium is the home of Shillong Lajong FC in I League and hosts regular matches of I League and Shillong Premier League.The astroturf under lights engulfed by foggy and misty whimsical weather of Shillong creates a surreal atmosphere to watch football.
4.TRC Polo Ground, Srinagar
Srinagar located in Jammu and Kashmir which is the northernmost state in India often been compared to heaven due to its snowy mountains, lush green grasses, forest and pristine lakes and river.Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is home to one of the exquisite football grounds in India-the TRC Polo Ground.
The artificial turf stadium is the home of Lonestar Kashmir FC, with the field dimension of an international standard of 115 meters by 70 meters in size.The 15000 capacity stadium built on the backdrop of Zabarwan mountain ranges and surrounded by majestic Chinar trees is a beauty to behold especially during autumn when the trees are turned into flaming red offers excellent views while watching your favorite game...straight outta heaven.
3.Upper TCV Football Ground, Dharamshala
Upper TCV Football Ground in Dharamshala hosted tournament involving 8 teams from exile Tibetan communities in India, Nepal, North America and Europe in the 21st Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup located at beautiful Dharamshala doesn't fit into the conventional stadium definition.With its dusty playing field and stands made on the slopes of mountains, it offers majestic views of the mighty Dhauladhar range.
Mostly used by the local footballers from exiled Tibetan community, the monks in their bright red robs fills the white stone galleries is a uniquely endearing sight.
2.Palzor Stadium, Gangtok
Known as the Polo ground, named by the former Monarch of Sikkim (Chogyal) around 1943 because Britishers and few members of the aristocratic family of Sikkim played Polo at the Polo Ground is now a 30,000 capacity stadium which is the home ground of United Sikkim FC and Gangtok Himalayan FC.The stadium located in the city of Gangtok offers beautiful views of mountains and distant villages in the small Himalayan state.Palzor Stadium offers remarkable footballing spectatorship experience for fans. But take note, you might be often distracted from the game by the breathtaking views the stadium offers of the mystic Himalayan ranges.
1.Ladakh Football Ground, Leh
Imagine a football ground located at 11,480 feet where people struggle to breathe under low oxygen levels and a little physical activity causes substantial physical exertion. Battling these adverse conditions the local football clubs from Leh plays football tournaments under these challenging conditions to withstand extreme altitude at this picturesque football ground which offers views of the awe-inspiring views of the Karakoram range and cold desert like geographical conditions.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) organizes High Altitude Football Tournament which is dubbed as one of the world's highest tournament is attended with great excitement by the local football fans. Not a traditional stadium but the sheer panorama this ground offers added to the elevation is a spectacle for football lovers.
No comments:
Post a Comment