The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, a premier sports activities facility, has been left in a state of disarray following a current live performance by Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh which was attended by 35,000 followers. The situation of the stadium has angered native athletes, who depend on the ability for his or her coaching and competitions.
Pictures and movies circulating on social media present the stadium affected by trash, damaged chairs, and broken infrastructure. The athletes have expressed their disappointment and frustration over the shortage of respect proven for the ability.
In a video shared on Instagram, Delhi middle-distance runner Beant Singh expressed his frustration over the state of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium following a two-day live performance by singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh over the weekend.
“Ye aukat hai India mai sports activities ki, sportspersons ki aur stadiums ki (That is the standing of sports activities, athletes, and stadiums on this nation). That is the place athletes practice, however right here individuals had alcohol, danced, and partied. Due to these sorts of issues, the stadium will stay closed for 10-10 days. The athletics gear just like the hurdles have been damaged and thrown right here and there. Medals don’t come within the Olympics as a result of there isn’t a respect and assist for sportspersons on this nation,” he mentioned whereas sharing the movies and pictures of the stadium.
Singh, a silver and bronze medalist on the Nationwide Open Championships in 2014 and 2018, identified how the live performance disrupted athletes’ coaching. He mentioned, “Many athletes have their junior Nationwide championships in 20-25 days, however they have not been in a position to practice throughout this time.”
In response to the criticism, the Sports activities Authority of India (SAI) introduced that the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has been cleaned and is prepared for its subsequent occasion. They confirmed, “The stadium will likely be in prime situation to host the Indian Tremendous League (ISL) match between Punjab FC and Chennaiyin FC on October 31, 2024. The sphere has been restored to taking part in situation in time for the Diwali recreation.”
SAI additionally clarified that their contract with the live performance organizers required the venue to be returned in its authentic situation. “The organizers of Diljit Dosanjh’s live performance had booked the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium till October 28, 2024, masking full rental prices for cleansing,” SAI said.