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What’s the story?
The Karnataka High Court has questioned the Karnataka State Government for using Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru for football activities.
A group of athletes have filed a PIL demanding an explanation as to why an athletics stadium is mainly being used for football. The athletes have also complained that their training regime is being compromised by structures put up inside this 20-year-old stadium.
In case you didn't know...
Bengaluru FC have used the Kanteerva Stadium as their home ground in I-League till last season, and now they are doing the same in ISL as well. Ashwini Nachappa is one of the athletes to have filed the petition and has explained that Kanteerava was made for athletics only but other activities like football have disrupted their training badly.
The heart of the matter
The athletes have mentioned that despite having another football stadium in the city, Kanteerava is suffering along with the athletes. SD Eshan, an international shot-putter, said that for football, the lawns have to be maintained.
Bengaluru FC, owned by JSW group, also received a notice from the High Court. The Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports had given permission to the club to use the track and field area for three years, and a deal was signed in 2014 with a renewal being on the cards.
Sources close to the club have stated that they are yet to receive a confirmation on a possible shift and said they are looking into the matter as it could be a potential issue.
What’s next?
Anupam Agarwal, the director of the Youth Empowerment and Sports said that the final decision is yet to be taken as the matter is under inquiry. The ISL is currently going on, and Bengaluru FC are playing their home matches at the Kanteerava. It would be interesting to see how they deal with this new crisis.
Author’s take
The points mentioned by the athletes are very justified and they have suffered for years now. The state government should come up with an ideal solution, one that aids both football and athletics.
