Student athletes arriving for a competitive inter-college tennis tournament at Gujarat University (GU) in Ahmedabad were met with a shocking scene of neglect and unhygienic conditions instead of a prepared sporting venue.
A Tournament Marred by Garbage and Apathy
On December 16, participants discovered the university tennis court strewn with piles of garbage, including discarded plastic bags and empty cold drink bottles. The waste was left behind after a private tournament that had concluded on December 14. The private agency that operates the facility on a rental basis had organized the earlier event, which ran from December 9 to 14 and drew large crowds.
Despite the clear schedule, neither the private operator nor the Gujarat University authorities ensured basic cleaning before the student competition. This forced the competing athletes to wait and sit amid the scattered refuse, sparking widespread anger. Many expressed that the scene reflected a profound apathy towards sports and basic campus management.
Official Response Highlights Communication Failure
When students raised the issue with officials from the university's estate department, the response only deepened their frustration. Officials reportedly claimed they were unaware of any tournament scheduled for that day. This admission highlighted serious lapses in coordination and communication within the university administration, suggesting a systemic disregard for student-led sporting events.
The neglect was seen as a sign of disrespect for student athletes and organized sports on campus. The incident quickly moved beyond the courts, prompting political youth wings to take formal action.
Political Outcry and Demands for Accountability
Members of the Indian Youth Congress submitted a memorandum to the university vice-chancellor, alleging that the private agency had effectively turned the tennis court into a dumping ground. They demanded strict action against those responsible for allowing the venue to remain in such a deplorable state.
Leaders from the Youth Congress and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) later condemned the incident, calling it an embarrassment for Gujarat University. They warned that such negligence damages student morale and tarnishes the institution's reputation, demanding immediate disciplinary action against the concerned officials.
The entire episode underscores a critical failure in venue management and prioritization of student welfare at a prominent educational institution in Ahmedabad.
