Track trouble dogs Kanteerava Stadium

The Sree Kanteerava Stadium is the venue for the second meet of the AGP series this year on June 5, with the first meet scheduled at Chennai on June 1.

The Kanteerava stadium track was thrown open to athletes on November 1 last year and has been hosting competitions since then. But in the adjacent warm-up area, little work has been done after the base was laid months ago.

Officials had promised that the work would be completed quickly but with the Asian Grand Prix -- to be preceded by the Indian Grand Prix on June 4 -- at touching distance, it looks unlikely that all the formalities with regard to a new surface would be finished on time.
“We are hopeful that the work would be completed by May-end,” said an official of the Department of Youth Services and Sports, stating that the delay in importing additional synthetic material for the warm-up area had held up the work.

Shiv Naresh, the Indian agency responsible for laying the surface manufactured by Swiss company Conica, had promised to lay the warm-up area with the material it had brought for surfaces in New Delhi but DYSS insisted on material meant specifically for Bangalore should be used here.

“We had material in Bangalore but then they wanted a six-lane track and more material was needed. We are laying tracks in Delhi and was prepared to us

e that material in Bangalore but DYSS insisted on fresh supplies. I can confirm that it is on the way and by May-end we will lay the warm-up area,” said Shiv Naresh, Director of the company.

A track has to get certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations before it can host a continental competition and while the DYSS confirmed that the process was under way, it remains to be seen whether it would be completed on time.
“Without certification of both the tracks, we don’t want to host the Asian Grand Prix,” said Satyanarayana, secretary of the Karnataka Athletic Association.

Meanwhile, the long jump runway in the main stadium has started showing signs of deterioration already, with bubbles developing near the take-off area. DYSS officials said it wasn’t cause for concern as the track had a seven-year warranty.

Shiv Naresh also brushed aside the worry. “It can happen due to moisture content on the surface. If there is any problem, we will rectify it,” he said.