CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium is undergoing extensive pitch preparation ahead of India’s international football friendly against Brazil on October 3. The preparations intensified after a Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) team inspected the venue and raised concerns about the condition of the playing surface.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) subsequently sought assistance from the CBF, following which Brazilian turf expert Ivan Nascimento arrived in Kolkata. He has spent nearly a month working with the local stadium team to restore and prepare the pitch for the high-profile fixture.
The restoration involved correcting uneven sections of the soil, aerating the surface through drilling, rolling the field to improve its level and carrying out specific agronomic work. Fertilisation was also undertaken, while measures were introduced to control fungus and insects. The grass was subsequently mowed and maintained to improve its density and playing quality.
A significant amount of work was also undertaken to create the familiar light-and-dark green pitch stripes and prepare the field markings. Much of the work involved coordination between the Brazilian agronomic team, the stadium’s local grounds staff and the football authorities.
According to Nascimento, the pitch has reached close to 90% of the targeted condition, with improved levelling, colour and grass density. The remaining work is focused on ensuring the surface is ready for both teams.
India and Brazil are scheduled to train on the main pitch on the eve of the match, with Brazil scheduled for a session from 4 pm to 5 pm and India from 6 pm to 7 pm. The venue is also scheduled to host India’s subsequent international friendly against Uruguay on October 6.
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