Entry of non-players banned at athletics tracks in Rohtak stadium

Ravinder Saini
Tribune News Service
Rohtak, October 5

The entry of non-players has been banned to both athletics tracks at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here leading to resentment among those preparing for Army recruitment tests or routinely exercising there. 

The action has been taken by the police following complaints of coaches and players that non-players disturb them during practice.

“An open recruitment for the Army is scheduled to be held in November, so over 500 aspirants had been coming daily to the stadium for the past over one month. They used to run on the tracks leading to inconvenience to players practising under the guidance of coaches. The youths also used to engage in a verbal duel when the players and coaches asked them to leave the tracks,” said an athlete.

He maintained that this ‘irresponsible’ attitude of the youths forced the players and the coaches to approach the police so that they could practise without any disturbance. 

Rakesh Kumar, an Army aspirant, asked how could they be banned from using the athletics tracks as the stadium was for everyone and they were preparing for Army recruitment. Police personnel had been deputed outside the athletics tracks to restrict them.

“There are two athletics tracks in the stadium. One can be used by the players while the second one should be opened for the general public so that they can also exercise to maintain their fitness,” suggested Krishan, a routine visit to the stadium. 

Shamsher Singh, SHO, Urban Estate Police Station, said except both athletics tracks, the stadium was open for everyone to walk and exercise. “The entry of all persons except sportsmen has been banned following the complaints that they create a disturbance on the tracks. Now, only sportspersons with identity cards are being allowed to go inside,” he added.

Sukhvir Singh, District Sports Officer, said the stadium was maintained by the Haryana Shahri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP), hence the Sports Department had nothing to do with the decision on banning. “A list of coaches who train the players in the stadium has been provided to the police,” he added.