Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
New Delhi, The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and former long jumper Anju Bobby George minced no words in criticising the manner in which stadiums meant for athletics are being taken over by the Indian Super League (ISL) football tournament.
AFI secretary general CK Valson said the federation was forced to shift the Federation Cup from New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to NIS Patiala because of ISL matches. “Football is taking over all our athletics stadiums, in Delhi, Kochi, Bangalore and others, and athletes are struggling to even find space to train,” Anju said. “I have raised this issue many times with the Sports Ministry and SAI. Even at SAI Bangalore, they tried to develop a football field inside the track but my repeated letters and opposition ensured it did not happen. Where will we go if ISL takes over everything?” Anju added.
‘Football’s monopoly’
“There is no space for training or competitions. We are struggling at all the venues. Only Patiala is available for us,” Valson said. “We had to move the Federation Cup this year also (like last year) but our first preference was Delhi. But it is not available. ISL has taken over all stadia across the country by bulk booking for 6-7 months. There can be no throwing or field events because we are not allowed.”
“We want to give the best possible facilities to our athletes but the best venues are not available. There is not enough cooperation from the authorities. If there had been support then one sport or competition would not have monopoly over all venues. Football can be played anywhere but we need a proper track and field for athletics, we cannot just go and organise tournaments anywhere,” he added.
