The Committee, formed to oversee track-laying work, held a meeting on Thursday evening and informed the DYSS that the main track was ready for use despite impending minor works like grass-levelling expected be completed next week. But with no communication from DYSS whatsoever, athletes on Friday were still seen practising on the muddy tracks outside the stadium.

“We knew about Thursday’s meeting,” said a coach while putting his wards through the paces on the gallery stands. “However, we haven’t received any formal information from DYSS or stadium authorities. I tried checking with the officials at the stadium but there wasn’t anyone in the administrative office.

“There is no signboard or message saying the track is open for practice. How can we use it then?” questioned the coach.

A member from the technical committee said the final say on when to throw the track open rested with the DYSS. “The ball is now in DYSS’ court,” he added.

A DYSS source said a decision on when to allow athletes to make use of the new track would be taken in a day or two. “There probably is some confusion on whether a puja is necessary before throwing the track open,” he said.