Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Disarray After Diljit Dosanjh Concerts
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, a premier sports venue in New Delhi, has been left in a deplorable state following two concerts by Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh. Despite claims by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) that the stadium was cleaned after the event, a visit by IANS on Tuesday revealed a different story.
The makeshift structure used for the concert remained partially dismantled, while the athletic track and surrounding areas were littered with trash, alcohol containers, and other debris. The sand pit for long jump was also in disarray, raising concerns about the stadium’s readiness for Punjab FC’s upcoming ISL match against Chennaiyin FC on Thursday.
SAI’s initial statement on Monday night claimed that the stadium was booked until October 28 and that the organizers were responsible for leaving the venue in its original condition. However, the current state of the stadium contradicts these claims.
Track and field athlete Beant Singh first brought the stadium’s poor condition to public attention through social media videos. He expressed concern about the damage to the track and the presence of alcohol in the stadium, which he considers a sacred place for athletes.
An anonymous Asian Games medallist athlete echoed Singh’s sentiments, stating that concerts should not be allowed in stadiums dedicated to player development. They also condemned the presence of alcohol in the stadium.
SAI has declined to comment on the latest developments, leaving questions about the stadium’s readiness for upcoming events unanswered. The condition of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement of venue usage to ensure that sports facilities are maintained for their intended purpose.
