In a significant move that brings a wave of optimism to Indian football, I-League champions Inter Kashi FC have announced ambitious plans to construct a dedicated home stadium in Varanasi. This development comes at a time when the sport's ecosystem in the country has been facing considerable uncertainty.
A Permanent Home and a Statement of Intent
The club has formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with C.M. Anglo Bengali College for the use of its ground in the Bhelupur locality. This agreement, facilitated by the Uttar Pradesh government, paves the way for the creation of an international-standard football facility. Inter Kashi is poised to invest a substantial Rs 60 crore to ensure the venue meets the stringent compliance standards set by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
"When the football ecosystem was uncertain and people were asking where Inter Kashi would play, we chose to answer with action," the club stated. They emphasized that a permanent home is not just infrastructure, but a statement of intent and belief in the future of Indian football.
Ceremony and Strategic Importance
The MOU signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Varanasi Cantonment MLA Saurabh Srivastava, Varanasi Nagar Nigam Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal, college principal Anurag Mishra, Laxman Award winner Mushtaque Ali, and Inter Kashi President Prithiijit Das.
This project is strategically crucial as it will place Varanasi firmly on India's football map. The ground is being developed to host top-tier domestic matches and potentially international fixtures. With this initiative, Inter Kashi becomes only the second club in India, after Jamshedpur FC, to own a dedicated home ground capable of hosting elite-level competition.
Boosting Confidence and Ecosystem
The club highlighted the broader impact of this venture. For players, supporters, and young aspirants across Uttar Pradesh, the stadium represents far more than just bricks and mortar. It is seen as a project that restores confidence during a period of prolonged disruption and doubt in Indian football.
A stable home venue is expected to bring clarity to essential areas like player development, fan engagement, and creating grassroots pathways. It reinforces the vital idea that clubs can and should build sustainable, long-term football ecosystems.
Inter Kashi also expressed gratitude to the Uttar Pradesh Football Sangh (UPFS) for its steadfast support, specifically acknowledging the leadership of Secretary Md Shahid and President Arvind Menon.
Having won the previous I-League season, Inter Kashi is now set to compete in the upcoming edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), India's premier football competition. This new stadium project marks a foundational step as the club prepares for its top-flight journey.
