Hubballi: One batsman said he has six more runs to score. Another player said: "One more over, please!" No, these were not said during any on-field meeting. They were directed towards HDMC commissioner Siddalingayya Hiremath , who along with the Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited HDSCL ) special officer struggled to get the attention of sports enthusiasts at the Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday.Needless to say, a citizens' interactive meeting organized by the HDSCL received a poor response initially.Hiremath and the HDSCL special officer tried in vain to draw the attention of sports enthusiasts through the microphone. With thin attendance at the session, a member of the audience suggested that the organizers make the announcement in English and Hindi as most of those playing inside the stadium were non-Kannadigas. Hiremath, who is also the managing director of HDSCL, followed the suggestion, but his efforts still went in vain.Dressed formally, Hiremath decided to personally invite the groups playing inside the stadium. Amid improper responses, he told the sports enthusiasts that they are the main stakeholders of the project and informed them about the session.While a college student sought to know the time it will take for the meeting to end, another player asked if tea or breakfast is served at the session. When he approached another team, a bowler said he does not want any development as officials are expected to fix entry fee at the stadium.Hiremath patiently responded to the responses, and assured that there is no proposal of entry fee. He said that the stadium will be developed under Smart City project Ankesh Jain, a civic rights activist, recognized the HDMC commissioner and joined him in bringing all the players to the meeting. Finally, Hiremath could invite about 100 enthusiasts. He explained about the project and sought suggestions from the audience.Venkatesh Gundapalli said that crores of rupees had been sanctioned to develop the stadium, but nothing has changed on the ground. He wanted the authorities to ensure that the ground is not waterlogged during the rainy season.Gautam Kamat, an official of Tata Consultant Engineering, explained the proposed development in the stadium. In response, Jain said that setting up courts for all games like table tennis and badminton will not be feasible at one stadium. "It's better to shift some courts to others places of the city so that there is lesser burden on Nehru Stadium," he said.Jain also suggested formation of a committee involving some members of the audience. Sakkargouda Abbigeri and Jagadish Kumbar also shared their opinion. Corporator Smita Jadhav was present on the occasion.

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