Athletes have approaches Secretary Sports demanding to open Sector 46 Sports Complex so that athletes can start practicing again.

The local athletes alleged that they were not allowed to practice at the complex due to non-availability of a coach and also blamed it on the lack of interest of the authorities.

The athletes from north district practice at the Sector 7 complex, those from south practice at the Sector 46 complex. However, since the Sector 46 complex is closed, they either go to Sector 7 or Panchkula.

“There are three sanctioned posts for coaches, but the department has not bothered to fill-in all. We have been asked to practice at the Sector 7 complex, which already remains full to its capacity. A few athletes managed to go to Panchkula (Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Sector 3), but Covid-19 made things difficult for them,” said Anuj, one of the athletes.

 “Players of field events, especially throwing, have nowhere to go. Due to other sports played in the arena, they are sometimes asked to shift as throwing discus, hammer and javelin may cause injuries. We have several veterans who brought laurels to the city in national championships,” said Amarjit Singh, president, Chandigarh Masters’ Association.

He said: “We don’t even need coaching, but a place to practice. We have to have a proper place to practice. All other sports have been allowed in the arena, why not athletics?”

Meanwhile, the District Sports Officer (DSO) said that the matter would be resolved soon.