Madikeri district stadium in a shambles

Synthetic track remains elusive at Gen Thimmaiah stadium

The very mention of Madikeri conjures up the images of serenely flowing Cauvery amidst amazing rolling hills and the sprawling coffee estates. And of course the sounds and sights of hockey. In fact, the Kodavas have the passion for sports, hockey in particular. The district has produced many hockey legends and top notch athletes including the Olympian Ashwini Nachappa.

But these days, the hilly district has stopped churning out the top quality athletes. No, there is no dearth of talent in the district. But lack of proper sporting infrastructure and indifferent attitude of the officials concerned in maintaining the existing stadium and facilities are proving stumbling block in producing top quality sportspersons.

General Thimmaiah District Stadium in Madikeri (see pics) looks at best like a piece of abandoned agricultural land during the rainy season.

The authorities concerned not even bothered to clear the grass and weed grown on tracks. The facility was used for a few sports meets including Dasara sports meet, in the recent past. Several athletes sustained injuries due to the poorly maintained track and field.

Two years back, synthetic track was sanctioned to the stadium and the process to lay the track started then and a proper drainage system was put in place. But the drainage system is now in a deplorable condition as the slabs laid on the drainage have broken. No arrangement has been made for the smooth flow of rainwater.

 The gallery in the stadium is uninviting. One could find garbage strewn all over the place. At several spots, the concrete of the gallery has eroded.

As if this isn’t enough, the stadium has become a safe haven for the anti-social elements at night, who use the arena for drinking and gambling adda.

The athletes and the sports buffs have demanded the authorities concerned to provide good lighting system in the stadium. They further pressed the DYES officials to increase the height of the compound wall of the stadium and take necessary steps to develop gallery at volleyball court  and mini hockey ground.

Sandya, an athlete in Madikeri said “My practice session is affected without proper track in the stadium. I can not practice for six months in a year during rainfall. It would be beneficial if the synthetic track is laid in the ground.”

Speaking to DH, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports Assistant Director K R Saroja Bai said “It has been planned to lay a synthetic track, hockey turf and walking path at the district stadium along with developing football ground at Junior College ground. The Nirmithi Kendra has been asked to prepare an estimate. Synthetic track is a need of the hour for the district. Once the estimate is ready, the work is likely to be completed within a year.”