Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Kolkata prepares for historic India-Brazil friendly with security, gifts
Kolkata is getting ready for a special football match between India and Brazil.
The game will take place at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, October 3.
West Bengal plans to give visiting teams gifts made by local artists.
These gifts include metal Durga idols, tea, traditional stoles and terracotta objects.
India’s players trained hard on passing, shooting and set pieces.
A large police force will protect the stadium and nearby areas.
Fans must pass through three security checks before entering.
Several objects, including umbrellas and selfie-sticks, are not allowed inside.
Stadium workers are also improving the field and other facilities.
West Bengal will present Dokra Durga idols, Darjeeling tea, Nadia stoles and terracotta gifts to visiting teams.
India completed final training under coach Khalid Jamil before facing five-time world champions Brazil.
Around 2,000 police personnel are expected to secure the match, while another report cites 2,500 officers and 20 IPS officers.
Spectators will undergo three security checks, and water bottles, umbrellas, flag poles, selfie-sticks and tripods are banned.
Salt Lake Stadium is being refurbished, with restroom upgrades, pitch re-turfing and new practice-ground fencing.
- Who
- India, Brazil, Uruguay, Russia’s women’s team and thousands of spectators are involved; West Bengal authorities and police are organizing security.
- What
- Kolkata is hosting a historic India-Brazil friendly, with gifts, team preparations and extensive security arrangements.
- When
- Saturday, October 3; final preparations were reported on Friday.
- Where
- Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal.
- Why
- The match is a major occasion for Indian football, while authorities are preparing to protect spectators and visiting teams.
Narrower reported deployment
Broader reported deployment
Police personnel
Narrower reported deployment
Bidhannagar City Police describes a deployment of about 2,000 personnel, supported by CCTV, plainclothes officers and mobile patrols.
Broader reported deployment
A separate report quotes the state police chief as putting the total at 2,500 personnel, including 20 IPS officers; the difference may reflect different scopes.
Playing surface
Narrower reported deployment
The sports department has re-turfed the pitch after heavy rain and back-to-back matches as part of preparations.
Broader reported deployment
Brazil’s inspection team had previously raised concerns about the playing surface, indicating that refurbishment was needed.
- Venue
- Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
- Match
- India versus Brazil men’s friendly
- Gifts
- Dokra Durga idols, Darjeeling tea, Nadia uttariya stoles and terracotta artefacts
- Reported police deployment
- About 2,000 personnel; a separate report cites 2,500 personnel and 20 IPS officers
- Security checks
- Three layers: ticket scan, a second check and final frisking
- Banned items
- Water bottles, umbrellas, flag poles, selfie-sticks and tripods
- Stadium work
- Restroom and facility refurbishment, pitch re-turfing and new practice-ground fencing