THE badminton courts at Swavalambi Nagar’s NIT Krida Sankul, have become a safety concern for the shuttlers as water leaking from the ceiling has turned the court into a potential injury zone. Players and coaches have expressed their alarm over growing number of wet spots on the court which can cause slips and falls posing serious risk of injury. “We can’t play safely under these conditions. The water on the court can lead to accidents,” said a regular player at the sports complex who wished not to be named. “It can be dangerous,” added another. The leakage has prompted calls for urgent repairs. According to the players and their parents despite repeated complaints to Ghate & Kawre Associates, who are managing the courts, the issue remains unresolved.

 

“We’ve reported this problem several times, but nothing has been done. It’s frustrating and worrying.” Parents of young athletes are particularly concerned as they fear for their children’s safety during practice sessions and matches. “We want our kids to enjoy the sport and stay active, but not at the cost of their safety,” remarked one parent. The facility’s management has acknowledged the problem but cited logistical challenges as reasons for the delay in repairs. “The centre was built somewhere in 2011, so its quite old. Nagpur is witnessing huge rains for the last two years. The leaking problem is there at almost all the venues including the Divisional Sports Complex. I am not giving excuses but citing facts.

 

“We will try to fix the problem as soon as possible from our side. But it is very risky to repair the over 40-foot high roof measuring about 6000 square feet in these times (rainy season),” said one of the directors Shailendra Ghate while talking to ‘The Hitavada’. He went on to add, “Moreover, the players and parents are also to be blamed to some extent. They bring wet raincoats and umbrellas inside the hall which also adds to the wet patches near the playing area.”