ONCE renowned nationwide for its cycling identity, Jabalpur’s Ranital Velodrome is now a picture of disrepair and neglect. Built at a cost of about Rs 2.5 crore, the national-level cycling track is now broken in places and the pride of ‘Cycle City’ is seemingly buried in its cracks. Built nearly 20 years ago, nearly 400-meter-long velodrome once served as a regular place for cyclists to practice. At the time of its construction, a promise was made to host nationallevel competitions, but over time, due to lack of maintenance, the condition of the track deteriorated. Today, the track is riddled with large cracks and several sections are damaged. Cycling practice halted within three years:For the first three years after the velodrome’s construction, local cyclists practiced regularly here. Subsequently, due to cracks in the track and lack of maintenance, athlete activity gradually declined. Now, the velodrome is being used for other activities, including cricket, rather than cycling. National-level claims,but no competitions: The velodrome was built with the hope that national-level cycling competitions would be held in Jabalpur and the city’s athletes would have better practice facilities. However, no major national competition has been held there since its construction. This sports complex, built at a cost of crores of rupees, appears to be far from its original purpose. Athletes’ safety also raises questions:The damaged track is also a concern for the safety of athletes. In a sport like cycling, a safe and level track surface is crucial.

 

Cracks and wear and tear pose a risk of accidents as athletes practice on it. Therefore, the Sports Department and responsible agencies are expected to renovate the velodrome. Velodrome transforming into a cricket ground: Currently, the velodrome is being used for cricket competitions and practice. This raises the question of why a facility built to promote cycling has become so far removed from its original sport. This velodrome played a key role in Jabalpur’s recognition as a ‘Cycle City’. If scientifically renovated and regularly maintained, cycling activities could resume here. This would provide a better platform for local athletes to practice and pave the way for hosting national-level competitions. The need is not just for repairs, but for restoring the sporting identity for which Jabalpur was once known as the ‘Cycle City’. Repair proposal sent, but no action taken yet: Rajput B K RAJPUT, General Secretary, Madhya Pradesh Cycling Association said, “We had sent a p r o - p o s a l to the Sports Department for the repair of the Velodrome but no action has been taken on it yet. Due to the poor condition of the Velodrome, the players of the city have to go to other cities, this is a big problem.” Mayank Patel urges Govt to repair Velodrome, provide better training to riders MAYANK Patel, National Coach, Indian Cycling Team said, “There’s no shortage of talent in Jabalpur and Madhya Pradesh. Many athletes have already won national and international medals. Unfortunately, proper training and a strong Velodrome are not available here. I’m from Madhya Pradesh, and I want the Government and public representatives to step up and repair the Velodrome and provide better training for riders.”