Lucknow: Cracked tracks, tin sheds leaking rainwater, torn nets, and damaged badminton court planks are the harsh realities for athletes training at Chowk Stadium, KD Singh ‘Babu’ Stadium, Vijayant Khand Stadium, and other government facilities in the state capital. These conditions affect both budding and established sportspersons.
Chowk Stadium in a state of disrepair
Once a prominent sporting venue, Chowk Stadium now presents a grim picture. The weightlifting hall and gymnasium operate from a tin-shed structure fitted with outdated machines. Sportspersons report damp walls, leaking sewer water, and poor ventilation, making the gymnasium unfit for training. The low-height tin roof makes the space unbearably hot.
The badminton hall is equally poor. Courts are badly damaged, and the absence of air-conditioning, cooling systems, or even exhaust fans forces players to struggle in suffocating conditions. Wild weeds have grown unchecked near the hall, reflecting prolonged neglect.
The stadium lacks a proper athletic track, forcing young athletes to train on uneven surfaces that pose a risk of injury. Water supply is also inadequate. In the multi-purpose hall, players practice without fans or air-conditioning.
Coaches express concern
Speaking to TOI, coaches voiced their concerns. One coach, who wished to remain anonymous, said temporary repairs at badminton courts were carried out from time to time, but the condition kept worsening. “We repeatedly brought the issue to higher authorities, but no concrete action followed,” he said.
Another coach noted that the stadium has four national-level athletes and 10 state-level players but lacks equipment and a proper athletic track. “Training on mud tracks full of patches is dangerous for players,” he added.
Similar issues at KD Singh ‘Babu’ Stadium
A similar situation prevails at the badminton arena of KD Singh ‘Babu’ Stadium, where all three courts have deteriorated and wooden planks are in bad shape. A badminton trainee, requesting anonymity, said training had been disrupted for the past six months as damaged courts required repeated repairs every few days.
A coach said senior authorities had been informed about the problems, but action is yet to be taken.
Regional sports officer Atul Sinha stated, “We will take up the issue with the sports department. A proposal has already been sent for the construction of a new weightlifting hall-cum-gymnasium, renovation of the badminton hall and basketball court at Chowk Stadium, and modernization of the badminton courts at KD Singh ‘Babu’ Stadium.”
The Vijayant Khand stadium badminton hall and table tennis hall were also found to be in a bad condition.
Renovation plans announced
Secretary of sports and youth welfare and director general of youth welfare, Suhas LY, said, “An amount of Rs 5.5 crore for the redevelopment of Chowk Stadium and Rs 2 crore for KD Singh Babu Stadium’s renovation has been earmarked. We are waiting for the government order after which renovation work will begin.” He added, “We are aware of the problems and have planned renovation and redevelopment accordingly.”
