Karnataka sports minister Ravi pulls up officials for delay in Kanteerava stadium track work

BENGALURU:

Sports minister CT Ravi

on Tuesday pulled up officials for the delay in re-laying the synthetic track at the

Sree Kanteerava stadium

.


Ravi, who was at the stadium to attend the Olympic Day run organised by

the Karnataka Olympic Association

, visited the outdoor athletics facility and expressed displeasure over the delay, which has left athletes with no place to train in the DYES-run arena. The 200m warm-up track, which is being used by a few athletes, is worn out as well.

Speaking to TOI, Ravi said, “To remove the track before the new one had arrived was uncalled for. I told the officials concerned that they had blundered. With the

Covid-19 situation

, we can’t be sure when the raw material will arrive and hence a date for completion too cannot be fixed. I really feel for the athletes who have returned to training after almost three months.”

Ravi also pointed out that it was a lesson learnt the hard way. “I have instructed the officials concerned that going forward, stadium upgrades will be done in a phased manner. The focus has to be on development without causing much inconvenience to sportspersons.”

During his visit, the minister also spoke to a few athletes, who told him about the lack of facilities and about policemen in the quarantine centre within the premises who have been going for evening walks.

NO CCC AT KANTEERAVA YET

Ravi also allayed apprehensions about a Covid Care Centre at the

Kanteerava indoor stadium

. “We have suggested that Palace ground is a better option as it has readymade basic infrastructure to house a CCC when compared to the indoor stadium. That said, if the situation demands, we will have to house a CCC at the Kanteerava. If and when that happens, all stakeholders will be duly informed.”