Haveri district stadium cries for attention

Haveri: The Haveri district stadium, named after freedom fighter Hosamani Siddappa, situated in the heart of the city is crying for attention. The poor condition of the stadium has affected the activities of school children and sportsmen in the city for many years now in the absence of facilities.
When the education department conducts cluster and taluk-level sports meets at the stadium, the students are forced to change their clothes in open space as they don’t have separate rooms for boys and girls.
“I had participated in 1,500 meter running event in taluk-level high school sports, but I couldn’t complete even 1,000 meter as it has no proper running track. I had injuries caused by sharp stones,” said Swapna Ramannavar, a high school student, who participated in the annual sports meet recently. She said the district stadium is worse than any local ground. “I did not expect it could be in such a sorry state,” she added.
Ramesh Talavar, another student from Karjagi said he couldn’t find a rest room to put on his tracksuit at the stadium. Finally, he participated in Kabbaddi event in his regular dress. “It wasn’t comfortable at all. How can one change dress in an open space? I didn’t have any options. My teachers were helpless too,”” he rued.
“We have been facing such problems since many years, but the authorities have not taken any necessary action to provide basic facilities here. Sports and youth welfare department must provide at least separate rest rooms for girls and boys immediately,” urged Mahammad Rafiq, a physical instructor in privet education institution in Shiggavi.
When contacted, assistant director in charge department of youth empowerment and sports Raju Kuler said he had sent a proposal for the development of stadium and construction of a synthetic track at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore, to the governement. “We will check and resolve the problem soon,” he assured.
Photo: Sorry state of Hosamani Siddappa District stadium Haveri