Itanagar, March 26:
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently shared details of a meeting with Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, held in the presence of members of the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association and representatives of football clubs from across the state.
The meeting signals a deliberate push by the state leadership to strengthen football at both grassroots and institutional levels. By engaging with experienced figures and local stakeholders, the initiative reflects a coordinated effort to develop the sport in a structured manner.
Sunil Chhetri is currently in Arunachal Pradesh to attend the opening ceremony of the U-23 Tri Nation Championship being held at the Yupia Outdoor Stadium in Itanagar. On the opening day, the Chief Minister also announced that a ₹200 crore FIFA-standard football stadium will be constructed in the state capital.
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| Pema Khandu meets Sunil Chhetri with APFA officials and football club owners in Itanagar. |
The stadium will be developed under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), with construction expected to commence within this year. The proposed facility aims to host national and international-level matches while significantly strengthening football infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh.
Arunachal Pradesh, with its strong sporting culture and youth participation, is increasingly being seen as a region with significant untapped football potential. The emphasis on collective collaboration points toward long-term planning focused on talent development and improved infrastructure.
