Athletes, coaches seek high-mast lights for district stadium

Mahatma Gandhi Stadium (district stadium) in the city has witnessed many a state and national level events in the past and continues to host big-ticket events. However, the 36-year-old stadium is still devoid of the basic amenities.

Hundreds of athletes come here in the morning and evening to practice. Also, members of public visit the stadium for morning and evening walks. The venue is also used to hold events for national and state festivals.

But the stadium and its surroundings lack proper lighting facility.

The sportspersons and the coaches have complained that the lack of proper lighting facility in the stadium is affecting practice. Also, installing hi-mast light will prevent misuse of the stadium at nights, they said.

The lighting facility in the stadium now is insufficient for the athletes to take up practice sessions in the evenings. The authorities should install a hi-mast light which would cover the entire stadium, says Pradeed, a certified coach.

Repeated pleas to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports and the elected representatives to provide lighting facility in the stadium by the sports clubs and voluntary organisations have failed to yield the desired results.

The assistant director of DYES has urged MLA to take necessary measures to instal a hi-mast light in the stadium.

"The hi-mast light will cover the 400 metre-long track, spectators gallery, walking path, kabaddi, basketball courts and skating rink.

Also, it would provide sufficient light to University Arts College grounds, district sports school premises and the hostels and hospitals located on either side of stadium road," she added.