In a significant development for Tamil Nadu football, Sethu Football Club is all set to play their home matches at Chennai’s iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the upcoming 2024-25 season of the Indian Women’s League (IWL). As the sole representative of Tamil Nadu in the IWL, Sethu FC eagerly anticipates the opportunity to once again play in front of its loyal home supporters after a season spent in Goa due to unforeseen circumstances.
The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) has granted the club permission to use the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, providing a significant boost to the team as it prepares for the upcoming season. This move is expected to provide a major boost to the club and offer the football fans of Tamil Nadu football an opportunity to support their only women’s club from the state in the Indian Women’s League (IWL).
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, also known as the Marina Arena, is no stranger to hosting high-profile football matches. It has been the home ground of the Chennaiyin FC since the inception of the Indian Super League in 2014. Chennaiyin FC has consistently enjoyed strong support from the Chennai crowd, and the Sethu FC management is also expecting similar home support.
In addition to Chennaiyin FC, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has also hosted matches for other prominent clubs. Chennai City FC, the former I-League champions, played their first I-League season at this stadium. After the recent renovation, the stadium appears to be more aesthetically pleasing, with improved facilities for players, officials, and spectators.
Expressing his gratitude, Club Chairman and Owner, Mr. Seeni Mohaideen, said:
“We express our sincere gratitude to the Government of Tamil Nadu for its pivotal role in the holistic development of sports across various disciplines in the state. Our special thanks go to the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister, Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, for granting permission to utilize Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as the home ground for Sethu FC in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2024-2025 season. His continued support for women’s football is deeply valued.”
“We are also immensely grateful to the SDAT officials, particularly Thiru Meghanatha Reddy, IAS, the Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT). Despite his busy schedule, he was instrumental in approving our request to play at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Providing this facility to Sethu FC, the only women’s football club from Tamil Nadu in the IWL, will help elevate the quality of the league, distinguish Tamil Nadu as a leader in promoting women’s football, and foster the growth of the sport in the region. After a challenging season in Goa, we are relieved and excited to be back in Chennai.”
With teams from all over India participating, this prestigious event shines a spotlight on Tamil Nadu, highlighting its growing significance in women’s football. The support of our local fans will provide a tremendous boost for the ladies. Having previously won the league and consistently performed at the highest level since the IWL’s inception in 2016, the team is poised to make a strong impact in the 2024-25 edition.
