Sportspersons miffed over allowing playground to host concert

Shillong, Nov 21 (UNI) Resentment prevails among the sportspersons of the state over the permission granted by the Meghalaya government to host an international Rock concert at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex (JNSC) here.

The government had granted permission to Reliance Mobile to hold the international concert, featuring ttwo international rock bands ''White Lion'' and ''Fire House'' at the JNSC.

JNSC is the only multi-purpose stadium that caters for youngsters pursuing various games and sports in city.

''This decision has come at a time when the State Sports Council has started renovating the athletic tracks and football ground at the complex,'' aggrieved sportspersons, on condition of anoymity told reporters here.

According to them, the State Sports Council had issued a statement in August, pointing out that the Sports Complex would be closed for other purposes to facilitate renovation work.

''The ground condition at the sports complex started deteriorating after international concerts and various church events were held there in the past several years,'' they said.

Besides, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Shillong, has stopped recruiting students for the athletics disciplines due to damage to the tracks at the complex ground.

However, state Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Paul Lyngdoh could not be contacted to ascertain the allegations.

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