Major works at Kochi stadium to be over by May 15: Minister AC Moideen

Kochi: Kerala government on Sunday assured that all major works at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium and training grounds in the city, for the FIFA U-17 World Cup will be completed by May 15.

"There is no any need for any concern. All important works will be completed by May 15," Industries minister AC Moideen said, after inspecting preparation works at the stadium here, one of the six venues for hosting U-17 World Cup matches.

During his visit to the stadium last month, Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel had expressed disappointment over the delay in completion of works at the main stadium and training grounds for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

FIFAs inspection team had expressed deep concerns over the pace of work at the stadium, and had set 15 May as the deadline for completing the work.

"Though I am disappointed over the delay in completion of various works, the officers have promised me that most of the work, especially at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, will be completed by 15 May," Goel had said at a press conference.

The Local Organising Committee of FIFA U-17 World Cup had earlier this month asserted that Kochi was on its way to complete preparation work by 15 May, rubbishing speculations that the venue could be dropped.