JOIN US The Karnataka Amateur Athletics Association has to decided to approach Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appealing to him not to renew the contract between the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports and JSW Group on the usage of the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
“Close to 500 athletes are finding it difficult to train on a daily basis due to the football activities happening on a consistent basis in the stadium. This is the only stadium in the city dedicated to athletics and the stadium has successfully hosted many national events in the past. Due to the presence of football activities, it has been difficult for the athletes to practice javelin throw, discus throw and shot put,” said a memorandum to this effect.
Ashwini Nachappa, KAAA vice-president, also spoke out strongly in favour of athletics regaining its prime position at the Kanteerava.
“This hasn’t happened anywhere else in the country. A stadium meant primarily for athletics is fighting for its rights. BFC need to find their home ground instead of encroaching into other discipline. Training young athletes has become difficult thanks to the consistent football activities happening in the stadium,” said Ashwini at a press conference here.
The memorandum, signed by coaches, officials and athletes, urged that the BFC need to get back to the Bangalore Football Stadium, their previous home ground.
“For the bright future of the emerging athletes of the State, we request the State government to intervene in the issue and provide a solution,” the memorandum said.