A fresh controversy over the installation of artificial turf at a public football ground has erupted in Bengaluru, mirroring recent protests at Nandan Ground. The plan to alter the surface at the historic Sir Ground in Jeevanahalli, east Bengaluru, has drawn strong opposition from local residents, veteran footballers, and para-athletes who fear it will privatize and restrict access to a vital community sports facility.
Grassroots Opposition to Artificial Turf
Users of Sir Ground have formally written to Sarvagnanagar MLA and minister KJ George and Bangalore Central MP PC Mohan, urging them to intervene and help retain the accessible, natural nature of the ground. The ground is named after former ITI employee and football coach Mukundan and is situated next to the Jeevanahalli railway line near Cox Town.
Veteran football player Ramakumar V, who trained under Mukundan, voiced strong objections. He highlighted the ground's legacy of nurturing talent from socio-economically disadvantaged sections, many of whom went on to play at state and national levels and secured jobs in government departments and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
"Such children will not be able to pay in case the ground is handed over to private management," Ramakumar warned. He also pointed to growing global concerns, noting that artificial turf is increasingly being discouraged as a potential health hazard.
A Legacy of Sporting Excellence Under Threat
The emotional and historical connection to Sir Ground runs deep. Narayanaswamy R, a retired administrative officer from DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment, began his training there in class 8 and later captained the Bangalore University football team for four years.
He emphasized that the ground has been a livelihood generator, with at least five players securing positions in the Indian Army via the Madras Engineering Group. "Many people have been able to make a livelihood because of their sporting talent nurtured at Sir Ground," he stated, adding that the ground serves about ten surrounding localities and is crucial for producing the city's next football generation.
Concerns from the Para-Sports Community
The protest isn't limited to footballers. National- and international-level para-athlete S Balaram, who competes in shot put, wheelchair racing, tennis, and cricket, told sources that Sir Ground is the only nearby facility suitable for athletes with special needs. Balaram recently helped his team secure a third-place finish at the Asian Para Throwball Championship in Cambodia.
Local resident Satish Kumar revealed that a gallery and sports complex built at a cost of Rs 8 crore are yet to be inaugurated. While happy with these new facilities, the community insists the natural mud ground must be retained. "We are happy with these facilities... However, the mud ground must be retained," Kumar remarked.
Official Response Awaited
When contacted, Bengaluru North city corporation commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar said he had received no formal intimation from the MLA or MP's office regarding the planned changes. "Objections from residents have not yet come to my notice. We have to discuss the matter with the minister (KJ George) as it involves a plan that is already in place," he explained, indicating that the issue is set for further administrative discussion.
The standoff at Sir Ground underscores a growing conflict in Indian cities between modernizing sports infrastructure and preserving accessible, community-driven spaces that have historically served as nurseries for sporting talent across all sections of society.
