Top 5 Football stadiums in India
Do you remember Sunil Chhetri's exploits in the SAFF Championship at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, in 2011? Or Baichung Bhutia's goal-scoring feats for the National Blue at home turfs? Have you skipped beats and felt tremors within you, watching Indian football's glory? Then this is for you.
We take you to the five best atmospheres of Indian football, which could see the crest rising. The advent of ISL has already given a shimmer of hope, and we wish the light flickers at the end of the day.
The home advantage is a bonus for any team, anywhere in world football. Sir Alex Ferguson has always said that the fans’ support at Old Trafford has been ethereal and very integral to their last-minute victories, as they added to the self-belief of the home team and demolished the confidence of the opposition.
Thus, we take a look at India’s finest football stadiums which have seen some memorable responses from the crowds. With the advent of ISL and the increased competitiveness of I-League, the home support is bound to grow in the years to come. Here, we help you to spot the finest footballing atmospheres in the country.
5. Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
Home to the North East United FC, the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium is one of the finest football atmospheres in the country. Opened to the public in 2007, the stadium boasts of a strong capacity of 35,000.
The North-East faithful are known to create amazing atmospheres when their team is in action. Similar to the Thessaloniki Stadium in Greece in its build-up, the venue is one of the seven selected stadiums in India which will host the U-17 World Cup in 2017.
The ground has been home to World Cup winning star Joan Capdevilla and compatriot Koke, an attacking midfielder.
The franchise claims to be representing 8 Indian States, namely – Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Mizoram, and hence, the crazy support. The NEUFC has thrown a lot of talented youngsters on the National roaster and is sure to contribute to Indian football in the years to come.