The Karnataka Athletics Association has now decided not to install temporary floodlights for the 19th National Senior Athletics Championship at Mangala Stadium. With this, the events will be held in two sessions that is between 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Earlier it had been decided to install floodlights to conduct the events between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to avoid the summer heat. Athletics Federation of India Secretary C.K. Valson spoke to The Hindu on this and other issues related to the championship.
Q: How are the preparations for the championship?
A: The preparations are in full swing. You can see things in good shape by April 24 and 25. The technical team of the federation has given a positive report. I will review the preparations on April 24. There will be no compromise of facilities for athletes and standards for conducting the event.
Q: Any issues that the federation has to deal with?
A: The only issue is regarding floodlights. We expected floodlights, which is a pretty expensive affair.
To have lights with 1200 lux installed on a temporary basis it costs around Rs. 3 crore. Not many dealers are willing to provide such lights on a temporary basis.
Q: Will the absence of floodlights with 1200 lux lighting affect the conduct of the event?
A: It certainly will not. We can conduct the championship with 750 lux lighting. Lighting with 1200 lux is required for better pictures of the event for live telecast.
Q: Will the absence of 1200 lux lights prevent you from using photo finish facility?
A: There is a requirement of good lighting for use of photo finish facility. For the evening events that decide medallists, we will certainly make arrangements for lighting pointing towards the finish line for use of the facility.
Q: Is there support from the centre for conducting national events?
A: An amount of Rs. 1 crore is good enough for holding the National Athletics Championship. (The Karnataka Athletics Association has estimated Rs. 2 crore of which the State government is giving Rs. 1 crore). The Union government will be giving a substantial sum for conducting this championship but I am not aware of the extent of the amount.
