New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN Stadium) track will remain closed for all athletes until November 15 due to ongoing renovation work, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) confirmed on Friday.
The restriction came to light when some trainees of SAI’s ‘Come and Play’ scheme were denied entry on Friday, leading to a minor protest at the stadium. The matter was later resolved amicably.
“Yes, some athletes were denied entry by security guards as the facility is closed for all till November 15 due to renovation work around the track,” a SAI official told media.
The ‘Come and Play’ scheme is not directly managed by SAI. Participants use the stadium with their individual coaches, paying an annual fee of Rs 100.
“It’s just to encourage budding sportspersons. The trainees who came today were unaware of the closure and staged a small protest. We contacted their coaches and explained the situation. They can access the facility after November 15,” the official added. An official order regarding the closure will be issued on Saturday.
The stadium has recently been in the news over other controversies. Earlier this month, animal welfare activists raised concerns when officials barred the re-entry of stray dogs that had been living inside the complex. The dogs were relocated following two bite incidents during the 12th World Para Athletics Championships, involving Kenyan sprint coach Dennis Mwanzo and Japanese assistant coach Mieko Okumatsu on October 3. Activists argued that this move violated a Supreme Court order from August, which stated that healthy stray dogs should not be relocated.
JLN Stadium Track Closed For Renovation Until November 15; SAI Athletes Denied Entry
