JLN Kochi stadium to host award nights, non-sporting events; massive protest follows

KOCHI: The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has decided to give away the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor for non-sporting events. The plan is to raise revenue by letting the stadium out for public gatherings and award nights. However, the news has been received with much chagrin by sports enthusiasts and the public.

For the past five years, Kaloor Stadium in Kochi was used only for football-related events. GCDA's current plan is to allow the stadium for award night and other extravaganza events whenever there happens a break in the football schedule. Kaloor Stadium has a total capacity of 35000 spectators. GCDA complain that the stadium is left dormant for more than half of the year without any events. Also, the turf maintenance to be carried out throughout the year requires heavy splashing of money.

The plan is to install turf protection tiles with a stabilizer system. This allows the sun's rays to pass through and the grass to grow. These tiles can be laid to protect the turf during non-sporting events. Eight crore rupees have been allocated for this purpose in the new budget.

However, sports enthusiasts deplored the decision and also feared the prospect of the football turf getting destroyed if the turf were to stage non-sports events. Former GCDA Chairman N Venugopal also came forward against the decision of the Left affiliated governing Body. GCDA is also planning to seek expert advice before proceeding with the plan.