Probe initiated into synthetic track at Nepalgunj Rangasala

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Aug. 21: The National Sports Council (NSC) has initiated a probe into the construction of a synthetic track in Nepalgunj Rangasala as the track was damaged before it was handed over to the authorities.

A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the track as it got cracks in less than a month of its construction by the contractor.

The committee is being led by NSC board member Lekh Bahadur Chhetri and comprises of former national athletics coach Chandra Bahadur Gurung and NSC’s engineer Purna Bahadur Sundas.

“We have started the investigation based on technical issues. We are asked to submit a report in three days,” said Chhetri.

According to Gurung, the damage to the track was a result of a lack of inspection from the authorities despite concerns raised during its construction process. 

“The track is damaged without any athletes getting a chance to run on it. There has been negligence from many stakeholders leading to the issue,” said Gurung.

The NSC was informed of the poor track when the provincial officials saw cracks on the track while planning to train provincial athletes for the upcoming 10th National Games.

Provincial athletes have also requested the authorities to solve the issue at the earliest and prepare the track. As per the contract, the track will be the responsibility of the contractor for a year after its completion.

Shree Panchakanya Sincoats JV of Kupondole was awarded the contract for the construction of the synthetic track at Nepalgunj Rangasala in 2023 under a budget of Rs. 100 million.

Meanwhile, there are concerns related to other sports infrastructure in Banke district as well. The stadium in Nepalgunj, Banke, alongside other infrastructure prepared and used during the 8th National Games was in a dire situation in lack of proper repair and conservation over the years. 

As per the local athletes, the infrastructures could be of great support in improving their abilities were they in good condition.