Locals irked as Pernem sports stadium leased to private company

Speaking to reporters, locals said the stadium was constructed at cost of about Rs 37 crore for the National Games, but the facility remained unused for five years. “The sports department had provided all facilities at the indoor stadium and the aim was to encourage local talent. The government has, however, given this indoor stadium to a company linked to Mopa airport on an 18-month lease. The entire purpose of this indoor stadium has been defeated,” complained a resident.

They claimed that the stadium has been used as a Covid Care Centre for some months during the Covid pandemic and about 100 beds had been placed there to cater to Covid patients. These beds have now been given to the company.

Locals added that Pernem does not adequate sporting facilities in the taluka and high schools in the locality used to organise sports meets and various contests on this playground. However, then Sports Minister Manohar (Babu) Ajgaonkar set up the indoor stadium project for the proposed National Games and the stadium was not inaugurated for five years, despite having all facilities.

“These facilities have not been used even once by any sportsperson and now, the entire stadium has been given on rent to a private company,” said another local.

Taking note of public anger over the leasing out of the Multipurpose Sports Stadium at Pernem to the private company, Sports Minister Govind Gawde and local MLA Pravin Arlekar visited the stadium along with sports officials. Arlekar has assured to support the locals in their protest against the decision to hand over the stadium to a private company.