Athletes’ Training Hindered by Diljit Dosanjh Concert at JLN Stadium
Athletes’ Training Disrupted by Diljit Dosanjh Concert at JLN Stadium
Athletes training at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN) in New Delhi are facing significant disruptions due to the preparations for Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming concert. The main stadium has been closed for the past ten days as organizers set up the stage on the track.
On Friday evening, the situation escalated when hurdles and other equipment belonging to athletes were allegedly damaged. The equipment, which was stored near the warm-up area, was reportedly flung aside and locks were broken.
“These hurdles and equipment belong to the athletes who purchased them with their own funds,” said a Delhi coach. “We stack them near the warm-up area, but when we returned after the stadium was closed for the concert, we found them damaged.”
The JLN Stadium, managed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), is a premier athletics facility in the country. Athletes from the National Capital Region, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana regularly train there, with many residing in nearby rented accommodations.
Coaches have expressed concern over the frequent disruptions to training during the winter season, as SAI often rents out portions of the stadium for events and festivals. “Private parties are organizing numerous events in the stadium under the guise of public-private partnerships,” said an official. “Athletes and competitions seem to be a low priority.”
For the Dosanjh concert, the main track has been closed for over a week. “State athletes preparing for the Junior National Championships were forced to train in the warm-up area,” said another coach. The championships were later postponed due to a cyclone, but athletes continue to prepare for the upcoming season.
The damaged equipment has raised concerns about the organizers’ responsibility. “The organizers should compensate for this damage,” said a coach. “Is this the appropriate way to host an event?”
Athletes and coaches are urging SAI to prioritize their training needs and ensure that such disruptions are minimized in the future.