Bhaichung Bhutia slams Paljor Stadium authorities for hosting musical concert within playing arena

What's the story?

Former Indian football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia took to Twitter to express his disgust regarding the use of the playing arena at the Paljor Stadium in Sikkim for musical concert purposes. The former Indian football team captain posted two photos from his social media handle which shows that the stadium is being readied for a musical concert.

WHEN WILL THIS STOP!!! Playing area (surface )in the stadium is only for sports. We hardly have grounds to play and the ones we have are being used for non sporting purposes. This should change across the country. #SUPPORTSPORTS #stadiumforsports pic.twitter.com/SAXgyEhkfV

— Bhaichung Bhutia (@bhaichung15) January 8, 2018

In case you didn't know

Incidentally, just before the start of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi was embroiled in a controversy as the shop owners refused to close down their outlets which were in the stadium compound during the mega event. Fortunately the issue was resolved in time.

Also, during an I-League game last year between Mumbai FC and Bengaluru FC, marriage pandals were seen on the practice pitches of the Cooperage Stadium in Mumbai which drew a lot of flak from all corners.

The heart of the matter

In his tweet, the legendary footballer has rued the fact that the minimum number of football grounds which are there in India are used for non-sporting purposes. He has indirectly requested the Paljor Stadium authorities to stop hosting non-sporting events and wished that the same happens all over the country.

What next?

Whether the authorities follow the advice of the state's most loved son remains to be the seen in the recent future. Bhutia is now expected to raise this issue with the concerned authorities.

Author's take

Bhutia has always been vocal about the issues pertaining to the state of football in the country and problems regarding his home state, Sikkim. Not so long ago, Bhutia had criticised Bollywood superstar Priyanka Chopra for her ignorance in some of the statements that she made about Sikkim at a film festival. Chopra had stated back then that Sikkim was currently 'troubled with insurgency' which drew a lot of flak from the former Indian captain.

We can just hope that Bhutia's message brings about a change in the attitude of the stadium authorities in India.