Athlete exposes official apathy as Delhi stadium littered by Diljit Dosanjh fans

Athlete and trainer Beant Singh has exposed the alleged apathy of officials toward ensuring the cleanliness of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi that hosted the 2010 Commonwealth Games after a two-day concert by singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh.

Singh posted a video on the condition of the synthetic tracks and athletic equipment at the venue owned by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). In Singh's video, the stadium is littered with plastic bottles, food waste, and other garbage left behind by 40,000 people who attended the music show.

“This is the value of sportspersons, sports and stadiums in India,” Singh is heard saying as he showed the condition of the venue. “Stadiums where kids train remain closed for 10 or so days so people can dance under the influence of alcohol. In the end, training equipment like hurdles are left broken,” the Delhite added.

In his viral video, Singh claimed that India's attitude toward sports leads to poor showing in international events. “Every four years, experts cry on social media about India not bringing Olympic medals when our population is so high. They don't bring medals because they don't get the respect and support they deserve.

“If someone still manages to get ahead and wins a medal, people take pictures with him to post on social media and take all the fame. But they won't support kids in the grassroots,” Singh said.

Following the criticism, SAI issued a statement saying the competition area and its surroundings have been restored. “The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Main Arena will be in top shape to host the Indian Super League (ISL) football match between Punjab FC and Chennaiyin FC on October 31, 2024 (Thursday). The turf has been restored to match playing condition before the Diwali game,” SAI said.