Kalyan Chaubey, at a media conference after visiting the senior national football camp in Bengaluru on Friday, has emphasized that Bengaluru should be a football hub and the city deserves an exclusive stadium for football.
“Bengaluru definitely needs a football-exclusive stadium. The last time we had the Santosh Trophy in Saudi Arabia, Karnataka won it after a 54-year hiatus. Football is a very popular sport in Bengaluru and even urban girls come to play this game in large number.”
He added, “The climatic conditions in Bengaluru are suitable. Bengaluru has considerable potential for the growth of football. AIFF is planning to build a football-exclusive stadium in Arunachal Pradesh, and we might soon have one in Bengaluru too.”
Further reflecting Bengaluru’s growing football landscape, the Indian senior football team recently held a camp in the city ahead of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. Bengaluru FC, in partnership with the Centre of Sports Excellence, also unveiled modern training facilities in Yelahanka, including India’s first hybrid training ground and a 9-a-side grass turf.
India returned to the competition in 2022 at Hangzhou after nine years, but a round of 16 defeat to Saudi Arabia ended their campaign. With the 2026 Asian Games in Japan ahead, India is eager to script a revival.
Earlier, Chaubey had spoken about a “crash course” for Indian strikers, which drew criticism. He clarified that it will instead be a structured finishing school program to sharpen players’ skills.
