Rain Delays Ludhiana Basketball Championship Kickoff
The 75th Junior National Basketball Championship is set to commence in Ludhiana, but the newly constructed indoor courts at Guru Nanak Stadium are still not fully ready due to ongoing construction delays. Heavy rainfall has exacerbated the situation, causing water seepage and further postponing the completion of the facilities. Despite these challenges, officials are determined to ensure the championship proceeds smoothly.
Construction Delays and Weather Challenges
The indoor basketball courts, part of the Smart City Mission, were originally scheduled for completion months ago but have faced multiple setbacks. Continuous heavy rain has not only delayed the finishing touches but has also led to water leaking through the ceilings of the new courts. Teja Singh Dhaliwal, general secretary of the Punjab Basketball Association, confirmed the leakage issues and mentioned that waterproof tenting has been installed to protect the court floors from further damage.
In addition to the new courts, the older facility is also struggling with rain-related issues. Dhaliwal reassured that despite the challenges, “Nothing will stop this championship,” emphasizing that arrangements are in place to ensure the games can continue without interruption. Teams from across the country have already begun arriving, with the tournament scheduled to run from September 2 to 9. This championship marks the inaugural event at the new courts, featuring 58 teams—31 men’s and 27 women’s—competing in a total of 160 matches throughout the week.
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District sports officer Kuldeep Chugh reported that workers are now on-site around the clock to expedite the final touches. “We have instructed them to speed up the final touches. To counter the impact of rain, we are coordinating with the corporation and getting full support,” he stated. Lodging facilities have been arranged for the teams, and transportation will be provided to ensure players can move safely between the stadium and their accommodations, even in inclement weather.
Project Timeline and Political Scrutiny
The timeline for the project has been significantly extended, with completion dates shifting from June 2024 to December 2024, then to March to May 2025, and ultimately spilling over to July. Earlier this year, the Ludhiana municipal corporation imposed a penalty of ₹10 lakh on the contractor due to the slow progress of the work. The project has also attracted political attention, with Union minister of state for railways Ravneet Singh Bittu criticizing the civic body for the ongoing delays.
Officials have cited the installation of maple wood flooring as a primary reason for the holdup, indicating that it required more time than initially anticipated. As the championship approaches, all eyes are on Ludhiana to see how the city will manage these challenges and deliver a successful event for athletes and spectators alike.
