The historic Nehru Stadium in Guwahati has been closed from today to begin a large redevelopment project, leaving many coaches, training centres and young athletes unsure about where they will now practice. The closure follows an instruction to all sports bodies to immediately vacate the RG Barua Sports Complex, where the stadium is located.
The move comes after the Assam Cabinet approved the redevelopment of the stadium at an estimated cost of Rs 765 crore. The project aims to convert Nehru Stadium into a FIFA Category-2 international-standard football ground, which the government says will give a major boost to sports infrastructure in the state.
The Board of Sports of Assam issued a formal notice stating that the existing stadium complex will be demolished by the Public Works Department to make way for the new structure. As a result, more than 30 sports associations and coaching centres have had to move out. Many of them say they have not been provided with any alternate training facility. 
On Wednesday, several coaches and players were seen packing their equipment and office materials, unsure where they would shift next. Some said the sudden move had disrupted regular training schedules, especially for school-going athletes and players preparing for competitions.
For decades, Nehru Stadium has been regarded as one of the main centres for sports in Assam. It has hosted national and international matches and has been training ground to several well-known sportspersons, including footballers and cricketers such as Riyan Parag. Thousands of athletes across different sporting disciplines were using the facilities daily until the shutdown.
While many agree that a modern, international-level stadium will benefit Assam in the long run, there is growing concern over the transition period. Coaches worry that without proper arrangements, several promising young players may be forced to discontinue training.
