Location: New Delhi
Capacity: 20,000
Home Team: AIFF XI
Named in honour of the great dalit leader and the chairman of the Indian constituent assembly Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, The Ambedkar Stadium in Delhi is one of the most prestigious multi use stadiums of the country developed by the Government of Delhi. The stadium maintained by Delhi Soccer Association is mainly used as a football stadium and will now be a home ground for the National Federation’s newly launch club AIFF XI. Adjacent to Ambedkar Stadium is another famous cricket stadium- The Feroz Shah Kotla.
With a sitting capacity of just 20,000, the stadium is small comparing it with others in the country. However the facilities within the stadium for the officials and the public make it a good stadium. Availability of drinking water, public toilets and a canteen caters to the convenience of the spectators. The stadium has a separate enclosure for the VIPs though designated media box is still absent. For the players it has a gym and several modern amenities.
Home to a Division-II club New Delhi Heroes, it is a venue where domestic football tournaments like the Durand Cup, I-League Division- II and Delhi State League are majorly held. Upcoming clubs like Amity United, New Delhi Heroes and Shimla Youngs are often seen playing in the Stadium. It is also a home ground to India’s international striker Sunil Chhetri.
However, till 2007, before undergoing a renovation, the stadium was never in contention to host international matches. Just the domestic tournaments and few cultural events and exhibitions were held here. With renovation, the overall condition of the stadium were improved, flood lights install to able to host night matches. Two giant electronic scoreboards were also put up as part of the renovation undertaken. Post renovation, the stadium continuously witnessed several international football actions.
Playing host to international tournament like the ONGC Nehru Cup in 2007 and 2009, where India won in both the occasions, the stadium has become a lucky hunting ground for the Indian Football Team. In 2008, when it hosted the final of the AFC Challenge Cup, after incessant rain in Hyderabad forced the venue to be shifted, the Bhangra Boys emerged winner, giving them a direct entry to Asia’s prestigious football tournament AFC Cup 2011. It also hosts several international friendly matches involving the Indian Team.
Located in the heart of the city, the stadium is easily accessible from all corners of the city using public transport like buses, taxis and autos. Using the blue line of the Delhi metro, one can reach Ambedkar Stadium by getting down at Pragati Maidan Station and taking a walk. It is about 25 KMs away from the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
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