PANAJI
Shock and outrage erupted over the condition of the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium in Navelim after it was used for a wedding reception last Saturday.
Photos and videos shared with The Goan reveal extensive damage and disarray, especially on the badminton court with scratches on the flooring, waste strewn around, and a carpet hastily laid over the court.
The sports complex, primarily intended for athletic events, has been controversially leased out for various non-sporting events, including weddings.
Eyewitnesses provided The Goan with disturbing footage of the venue after the wedding. These visuals depict the aftermath of the event, with event organizers and decorators seen cleaning up and removing decorations the following day.
Concerned sports enthusiasts and local residents had voiced their opposition to this practice arguing that using sports facilities for such events compromises the quality and safety of the sports infrastructure.
In response to these concerns, The Goan had reached out to Sports Minister Govind Gaude who had assured of strict protocols. He had stated that double-layered mats are installed to protect the flooring, and engineers and supervisors are present to oversee the safety and condition of the facilities. Despite these assurances, the current state of the Manohar Indoor Stadium raises questions about the effectiveness of these measures.
Oscar Silveira, a local sportsman, expressed his frustration about the state of the stadium. “It is pathetic,” Silveira said. “The damage is clear, and it’s disappointing to see how things were handled. The process of removing the decorations and carpet was poorly managed”, he said.
Silveira also criticized the cleanup process, noting that the carpet was removed before the other materials. “They could have removed the furniture and decorations first and then taken out the carpet. Instead, they removed the carpet and left everything on the wooden floor, which is designed for sports and is quite expensive”, he lamented.
The damage included scratches on the wooden floor, which Silveira pointed were caused by metal stage equipment being placed directly on the wood. The cleanup left scratches on the badminton court, which is unacceptable," he said.
Silveira also mentioned that a notice was pasted informing the public of its closure due to the event. “It was closed from August 23 to August 25. We went to check it on the morning of the 25th, and it was in a horrible state,” he said.
Silveira and other concerned individuals are planning to file a Public Interest Litigation. They will also submit formal complaints to the Sports Minister and stadium authorities. “We want to ensure that such events do not damage our sports facilities in the future”, he said.
