Guwahati: Historic Nehru Stadium Shut for Renovation, Coaches and Players Left Without Alternatives

The historic Nehru Stadium in Guwahati has been closed from today to facilitate a major redevelopment project, leaving several sports associations, training centres, coaches and athletes in distress due to the absence of alternative arrangements.

As part of the renovation plan, all sports bodies and training centres operating from the RG Barua Sports Complex have been instructed to vacate the premises immediately. The directive follows a formal notice issued by the Board of Sports of Assam (BSA), citing urgent demolition work ahead of new construction.

The Assam Cabinet has already approved the redevelopment of Nehru Stadium at an estimated cost of ₹765 crore. The project aims to transform the venue into a FIFA Category-2 international-standard football stadium, marking a significant upgrade to Assam’s sports infrastructure.

According to the BSA notice, the existing complex will be demolished by the Public Works Department (PWD) to make way for the new stadium. More than 30 sports associations and coaching centres have been forced to leave the complex, many of them without any officially allotted alternative training venues.

As bulldozers prepare to move in, coaches and athletes are seen packing sports equipment and furniture, desperately searching for substitute locations to continue training. The sudden closure, without prior rehabilitation or contingency planning, has triggered concern and frustration among the sports community.

For decades, Nehru Stadium has been the backbone of Assam’s sporting ecosystem. It has hosted numerous national and international events and has produced several prominent athletes, including Alen Deori, Francis Baruah and cricketer Riyan Parag. Until recently, thousands of athletes across multiple disciplines were training at the stadium on a daily basis.

While the promise of a world-class football stadium has generated optimism, the transition phase has created uncertainty. Coaches warn that disruption in training facilities could adversely impact the careers of young and aspiring athletes.

As Nehru Stadium prepares to enter a new chapter, many associated with it fear that the lack of immediate alternatives may cost Assam’s sports fraternity dearly.

Also Read: “Write About Lachit, Not Aurangzeb”: Amish Tripathi’s Message from Assam