Diwali firecrackers reduce football turf in INR 13 crore stadium to ashes

In a case of sheer negligence, a fire on the turf football ground at Jaipur’s Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium has destroyed a portion of the synthetic grass.

The ground was approved by FIFA and was incidentally, the second turf football ground in India, with the first having been laid out in Hyderabad.

INR 13 crores stadium

This international-standard football ground in Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium was built at a cost of INR 13 crores.

Although the grass is artificial, it meets FIFA standards, with an installation cost of over INR 4 crores.

The grass, imported from Belgium, had been laid on a field that can accommodate around 3,000 spectators, with arrangements for approximately 20,000 standing spectators.

FIFA had issued an international certificate for the ground which is said to remain valid until July 12, 2027.

Football fixtures in jeopardy

Dilip Singh, secretary of the Rajasthan Football Association (RFA), after reviewing the development, has announced repairs.

Both the Rajasthan United Football Club (RUFC) and RFA are responsible for its maintenance.

The fire itself is expected to have originated from firecrackers and talks are currently being held with the company that installed the artificial turf to determine the possible cause for the fire.

Recently, the Rajmata Jijabai National Women's Competition was held on this ground. Furthermore, Rajasthan has secured the hosting rights for the Santosh Trophy and I-League Football Championship.

However, due to the fire, organizing matches has become problematic.

Currently, this stadium serves as the home ground for United Football Club, where players practice.