A bold new chapter for Indian football is underway. In the state capital of Meghalaya, work has officially begun on what will become the country’s largest football-specific stadium — the Mawkhanu Football Stadium. With a planned capacity of 40,000 seats and full compliance with FIFA and AFC regulations, the new venue is set to host top-tier international fixtures.

Cutting-edge design, world-class ambition

The stadium’s foundation stone was laid during a recent ceremony attended by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. The project forms part of the state’s broader sports development strategy, driven by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in partnership with the State Sports Council of Meghalaya (SSCM). The design, led by COLLAGE DESIGN PVT LTD, adheres to FIFA's operational and technical standards while emphasizing sustainability and safety.

Once complete, this will be the largest purpose-built football stadium in India. Designed to be eco-conscious and cost-efficient, the stadium will ensure uninterrupted pitch visibility from every seat, with stands located close to the action for an intense matchday atmosphere.

A new model for indian stadiums

The stadium’s layout respects the natural terrain of the site, helping reduce environmental impact while allowing for the creation of open public spaces. A natural grass pitch has been designed to suit the local climate and maintain excellent playing conditions year-round. The west stand will be the stadium’s core, featuring distinct zones for players, media, VIPs, and fans. It will also house locker rooms, a wellness center, media facilities, offices, skyboxes, and premium suites.

Set to become a new benchmark for Indian football venues, the stadium offers top-tier comfort and sightlines thanks to a parametric seating layout. Over 80% of the seats will be covered by a sleek roof, integrated with lighting that meets global broadcast standards. The stadium will also be fully accessible, meet the highest safety norms, and feature well-distributed food and beverage outlets for fan convenience.

The exterior will be bold and modern, yet rooted in local identity — drawing inspiration from Meghalaya’s traditional bamboo craftsmanship. A dynamic lighting system will allow for animated displays during events, turning the venue into a visual landmark in the city.

A venue designed for more than just matchdays

While football is the stadium’s core purpose, the venue has been conceived as a year-round community hub. Facilities will include a full-service club with a swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, squash courts, billiards, restaurants, and multi-purpose halls. These amenities aim to keep the space active and financially self-sustaining throughout the year. Future-proofed with full digital infrastructure and cabling, the stadium is built to adapt to evolving technologies — ensuring that Mawkhanu Football Stadium isn’t just a venue for today, but for decades to come.