The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has launched a new soccer stadium in the Darjeeling hills.
Anit Thapa, the chief executive of the GTA, inaugurated the Garlang Stadium spread over two acres at Rangli Rangliot, under Lamahata panchayat of Darjeeling district, on Saturday.
The work for the sports arena had started in 2018 when Thapa had been nominated as the chairperson of the board of administrators in the GTA.
“We are working for the development of sports infrastructure in the hills. We want the young generation to gain from such infrastructure,” said Thapa after opening the stadium.
A sum of Rs 6 crore was spent by the GTA on the stadium, said sources.
“In the hills, this happens to be a one-of-its-kind soccer ground which is 105 metres long and 65 metres wide. The new football ground meets international standards and can also accommodate 15,000 spectators at a time,” said a source.
The stadium premises also have a swimming pool, a community hall, and separate courts for badminton and basketball.
“Many youngsters play football across the hills. But the lack of suitable infrastructure poses a hurdle for talented youngsters to practise. That’s why this new facility will be a major boost for soccer players here,” said a veteran footballer based in the hills.