Only sport activities at Birsa stadium: Amar Kumar Bauri

RANCHI: To maintain the quality of the ground at the

Birsa Munda Football

stadium,

sports

minister Amar Kumar Bauri on Tuesday decided to not hold any non-sports activities in the premises from now onwards. The agreement for not causing any kind of damage to the ground, was signed by private and government parties, and will strictly be adhered to by the sports department.

“We will not allow people to organize any non-sports activity on the ground of Birsa Munda Football stadium for hassle-free performance of the players,” Bauri said, during the 68th National Cadet Corps (NCC) Day, held at the football stadium on Tuesday.

The tents set up during various events often create holes on the ground. Also, the nails used in setting them up are left on the ground after the programme is over. Water is rarely sprinkled on the surface.

The athletes from athletic, football, volleyball and archery disciplines residing in the

Sports Authority of India

(SAI) Ranchi hostel, attached to the stadium, complained of the problems they faced during their practices. A Simdega-based athlete, who recently represented India in the last held junior national athletic meet, said, “We are allowed to practice in the Birsa Munda athletic stadium, Hotwar, thrice a week. The remaining days are spent here, where we are unable to practice properly, due to the poor condition of the ground.”

A football player from Dumka said, “The ground lacks proper leveling. Few months ago, the entire ground was covered with mud. We need a grassy land for performance.”

Following such complaints, the sports department decided to maintain the ground by laying a synthetic turf and make running tracks on the sides of the turf. “We are aiming to lay the synthetic turf at Birsa Munda Football stadium and

Bariatu Hockey

centre within eight to ten days. Also, the track will be laid on the sides in the same period,” Bauri told TOI.

However, he said, the department will consider holding of government programmes, like foundation day celebrations or recruitment drive of Indian Army, on the ground.

Sushil Verma, the Jharkhand coordinator of SAI, said, “Frequent programmes or other government functions should be avoided since the ground is nearly damaged.”