The newly upgraded Gachibowli Stadium is all set to host the Intercontinental Cup

Built in 2002, this multipurpose stadium has hosted numerous significant international matches.

New Delhi: The revamped Gachibowli Athletic Stadium in the historic city of Hyderabad is set to host the three-nation Intercontinental Cup, kicking off on September 3.

Since its construction in 2002, this multipurpose venue has been the stage for numerous prestigious international events. Notable among them are the 2003 Afro-Asian Games and the thrilling AFC Challenge Cup, where the Blue Tigers’ victory over Myanmar in the semi-finals secured their path to the final rounds of the 2011 Asian Cup.

International football returns to Gachibowli, thanks to the efforts of All India Football Federation president Kalyan Chaubey and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. A passionate sports enthusiast, the Chief Minister has provided all necessary support to ensure the successful hosting of the Intercontinental Cup.

The Telangana government has invested over Rs. 15 crore to enhance the facilities at Gachibowli Stadium ahead of the tournament. Renovations are in full swing, with new dressing rooms, officials’ rooms, and 18,000 new bucket seats being installed to welcome players, officials, and spectators as India, Syria, and Mauritius arrive in Hyderabad for the FIFA-window competition.

Syria, ranked 93rd in the FIFA standings, is the top-ranked team in the tournament, followed by India at 124 and Mauritius at 179. India, the reigning champions from the 2023 edition in Bhubaneswar, are eager to defend their title. The Indian squad will arrive on August 31 for a preparatory camp led by head coach Manolo Márquez.

This Hyderabad edition marks the fourth Intercontinental Cup. India won the inaugural tournament in 2018 in Mumbai and reclaimed the title in 2023. North Korea claimed the trophy in 2019 in Ahmedabad.