P. Sudhakar
Dilapidated concrete benches in the galleries have been replaced by new ones
TIRUNELVELI: A refurbished V.O.C. Stadium at Palayamkottai will greet those descending on the facility for Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday, since the dilapidated concrete benches in the galleries have been replaced by new benches, thanks to the efforts of Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, T.P.M. Maideen Khan.
After reports on the pathetic condition of this 41-year-old stadium appeared in newspapers in the wake of Mr. Maideen Khan assuming office as Minister for Environment, Pollution Control, Sports and Youth Welfare, he announced that the galleries would be renovated at a cost of Rs. 10 lakh.
Owing to its age and poor maintenance, cement benches in the galleries on the eastern and western sides of the hockey ground were crumbling gradually and hence wooden supports had to be provided whenever functions such as Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations were organised.
Following newspaper reports, complaints and requests from the sports lovers and the public, who visit the stadium for morning stroll on the need for carrying out immediate renovation and restoration work, Mr. Maideen Khan had promised that availability of funds would not be a problem for refurbishing the stadium.
Following the allocation of funds by the Minister, the Corporation floated tenders and the bidder has completed the work in a phased manner.
More needed
“If you can workout 30 minutes in the evening after the end of a weary day, you’ll be energized phenomenally. The Minister has also taken initiative to establish a full-fledged gym on the southern side of the stadium. The renovated and well-equipped sports arena will attract more visitors,” says K. Murugan, a regular visitor.
However, people here want some more facilities. A three-feet-high separation and a new track around the hockey ground for walkers and joggers may be provided with high-mast lights.
Since a temporary dais has to be erected on the west side of the hockey ground whenever sports events are conducted, a permanent elevated stage should have been constructed when the renovation work was taken up. A good number of rooms for players and toilet facilities may also be established, sportspersons here feel.