The football governing body also laid the foundation stone for 3,000-seater parapet with an aim to complete the project by the next eight months. Both the artificial turf and parapet are part of the development projects funded by world football governing body Fifa.

According to Anfa spokesperson and vice-president Lalit Krishna Shrestha Anfa received $5,00,000 to prepare the artificial turf. Italian company Rimonta had overseen the project. Minister for Youth and Sports Purushottam Poudel inaugurated the newly completed artificial turf. The minister also laid the foundation stone for the construction of the parapet.

Anfa president Ganesh Thapa informed that the construction of the 3000-seater parapet will be completed within the next eight months. He also informed the costs of the project at Rs 45 million. “The parapet and the sophisticated changing rooms will be completed in eight months,” said Thapa.  

Minister Poudel said the new ground will help ease the football venue problem for a time being. “We do not have good infrastructure and this ground will help address the scarcity we face,” minister Poudel said. “The government is also looking for a potential sites to build more stadia.”

On the occasion, Anfa announced Rs 5,00,000 assistance to Sahara Club of Pokhara for their endeavour in helping develop the game. Anfa handed Rs 2,50,000

with another remaining sum to be present in a separate programme later. “They (Sahara Club) have put on commendable work and this is just a way of appreciating their good work,” said Thapa.

To mark the occasion, Anfa office bearers and former national team players teamed up to play a friendly match against the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum.