CM FIFA Fan Park at Lakhimpur as World Cup fever grips Assam
Guwahati, July 15
Football frenzy continues to sweep Assam with the Chief Minister's FIFA Fan Park initiative reaching Lakhimpur after successful editions in Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Jorhat, reflecting the Northeast's enduring passion for the sport during the FIFA World Cup, officials said on Wednesday.
The Lakhimpur Fan Park, set up by the district administration under the patronage of local MLA Manab Deka, will allow football enthusiasts to watch late-night World Cup matches on giant screens, recreating the atmosphere of a stadium for thousands of fans.
The initiative is expected to draw youngsters, families and football lovers from across the district, who traditionally stay up through the night to follow the biggest football tournament despite the time difference.
The expansion of the Fan Park to another district underlines football's unique cultural significance in the Northeast, where the sport commands a following unmatched in most other parts of the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Deka said that football has always occupied a special place in the hearts of people in the region.
"In India, cricket is undoubtedly a religion. But at the same time, in the Northeast, football is the heartbeat," he added.
He said that football transcends borders, languages and cultures and has the power to unite communities through a shared passion.
According to Deka, the CM FIFA Fan Park is aimed at enabling fans to experience the excitement of the World Cup together in a festive atmosphere closer to home while strengthening the spirit of community participation.
The initiative comes at a time when excitement surrounding the tournament has reached its peak with the World Cup entering the knockout stage.
Fans geared up for Wednesday night's high-voltage semi-final between France and Spain, while the second last-four clash between England and Argentina will follow.
The third-place play-off is scheduled for July 18, while the World Cup final will be played on July 19, promising several more nights of football celebrations across Assam.
The Fan Park initiative has emerged as a popular community event in the state, bringing together supporters of different teams and age groups under one roof and reaffirming the Northeast's reputation as one of India's strongest football bastions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the effort, but isn't this just a photo-op for the local MLA? 🤔 Spending taxpayer money on giant screens when Lakhimpur still has basic infrastructure issues seems a bit off. Yes, football is huge here—I grew up playing it—but I'd rather see this energy go into building proper grounds for local talent. The World Cup excitement is real, but let's not forget the grassroots.
This is amazing! As someone from the US who's been living in Assam for work, I can see how much football means here. In my hometown, people barely care about the World Cup, but here in Lakhimpur, the streets are buzzing. The Fan Park is a smart way to build community spirit. I'll be there tonight cheering for England—hope the locals don't mind! 😄⚽
Cricket ka zamana gaya, bhai! 🏏⚽ I'm from Lakhimpur but now in Pune—wish I could be there for the semi-final vibes. The Fan Park is a fantastic idea. People here don't understand how football runs in our blood in the Northeast. Manab Deka sahab ne sahi kaha—yeh hamari dhadkan hai. Any Messi fans coming tonight? Let's make some noise! 🇦🇷🔥
It's wonderful to see the World Cup being celebrated across Assam! I visited Guwahati during the last Fan Park event and the energy was contagious. The fact that they're expanding to smaller towns like Lakhimpur shows real inclusivity. Northeast's love for football is unmatched—reminds me of my hometown in the UK where everyone gathers in pubs. This is our desi version! 🍻⚽
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