ISL 2017: Karnataka HC asks govt to build 10 stadiums in Bengaluru, BFC to shift from Kanteerava?

The Kanteerava has played host to the BFC home matches and some athletic competitions as well

What's the story?

In a boost for athletics and athletes in Bengaluru, the Karnataka High Court on Monday has suggested the need for ten more stadiums in and around Bengaluru, to foster the growth of athletics and other sports in the city.

With the petitioners arguing that Bengaluru FC's usage of the Sree Kanteerava Stadium is hindering athletes from across other sports, this could well be signalling towards the end of the city-based ISL club's tenure at te iconic arena.

The decisions were taken by a Division Bench during a hearing on a PIL petition which was made by VR Beedu and Ashwini Nachappa, who are both international athlete coaches and were also duly backed up by other coaches and athletes themselves.

In case you didn't know

Earlier this month, the Karnataka High Court questioned JSW-owned ISL franchise Bengaluru FC's use of the Sree Kanteerava Stadium as the home ground, which is actually meant for athletics.

A PIL was filed by some young athletes who complained that their training regime was being affected by the structures which were constructed on order by BFC ahead of their games and were on a three-year contract with the Department of Empowerment and Sports (DES) which gave permission for BFC to use the stadium for three years.

Heart of the Matter

Th petition, which has been signed by coaches and athletes mentions that the routine of the athletes has been affected owing to BFC's use of the stadium for football matches although the Bangalore Football Stadium is generally used to host football matches.

While the court mentioned that no rule disallows athletes from using the stadium, the petitioners shot back by saying that it is the only stadium for them in the city.

In response to this, the bench said, "Build more stadiums. Bengaluru has around 1 crore population and one stadium for athletes is not enough. We need at least 10 stadiums so that number of hospitals are reduced as the sports has a direct impact on health...The government should think in that direction and give the highest priority to build stadiums for athletes."

In addition to this, the bench also asked the government to allow athletes to practice at the stadium while ensuring that competitions held at the stadium do not cause damage.

What's next?

Bengaluru FC will continue to host its home fixtures this ISL season at the Sree Kanteerva Stadium for the rest of the season and it remains to be seen how it will play out for the next season onwards.

Author's Take