ALLAN D’CRUZ
PANJIM: The state athletes are toiling daily to prepare for the National sporting events. However, their efforts are facing a hurdle, a unique problem at the Peddem Sports Complex, where the synthetic track is laid out for them to practise and hone their skills. The track faces the risk of wear and tear given that it is heavily used by locals for leisure activities.
The synthetic track is currently utilised by the athletes of the Mapusa — Peddem Regional Coaching Centre (RCC) and by the Sports Authority of India Hostels girl athletes as well as boys – and also by the probables for the upcoming National Games.
It has been learnt that locals have been using the track for their evening walks and jogging while some even get their children to skate on the surface which has been creating, not only a damage to the track but also disturbing athletes’ practice schedules.
“The condition here is a bit weird. While training, we have people coming around and using the track for walking and jogging which is actually prohibited. They don’t wear proper footwear while running and this can damage the track,” said an official, speaking to Herald on the condition of anonymity.
“Damage is one thing, but they are also disturbing the practice sessions as the athletes can’t express themselves on the track as it is also used by the locals at the same time,” added the source.
The track is currently used by the aspiring athletes as allocated by DSYA from 4.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. There has been a demand from these athletes that due attention be given to ensure that the quality of the track remains in best condition and moreover, they do not have to spend their evenings receiving flak from the public, when the athletes request them not to use the track during the time they are training.
“The authority concerned should make sure they prohibit locals using the synthetic track for walks or jogging. These activities don’t allow us to practise properly and many a time we have to face insults and abusive words when we ask the locals to clear the track,” said a student of the SAI girl’s hostel.
While at the other end, the locals claimed that lack of jogging and walking track forces them to use the synthetic track and the authority concerned should pay heed to their demands of constructing one for their jogging and walk purpose as well.
