Nagaland today got its first Astro Turf Football Pitch at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima on the occasion of 100th Birth Anniversary of the legendary footballer, Dr. T. Ao .<br />''Inaugurating the Astro Turf Football Pitch today, Nagaland Chief Minister Mr. Neiphiu Rio said it is a landmark occasion for the state to have its first Astro Turf Pitch and a dream come true.<br />''<br />''The Chief Minister expressed hope that the installation of the first Astro turf stadium will begin the process of sports development in regard to football in Nagaland.<br />''<br />''Mr. Rio said the State Government is working on strategic sports infrastructure development plan whereby every district will have quality sports facilities. For this, the chief minister said that the government is engaging proven sports consultant. <br />''<br />''The Chief Minister also said the state government is partnering with the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools for a game development plan beginning with young footballers in which under-16 footballers from all over the state will get an opportunity to be part of this program which will include exposure events and junior leagues.<br />''<br />''Mr. Rio said that his government has taken concrete steps to bring back development of sports and games on track again.<br />''<span style="color: #222222;"><br />''The project was conceived in the year 2013-14 with a total cost of 498 lakh rupees. The Astro turf has been installed following specifications and norms of FIFA. The size of the play field is 105×66 meters. </span><br />