After massive backlash over the mess left at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium following Diljit Dosanjh’s two-day concert, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which manages the venue, confirmed it has been cleaned and is ready for its next event on October 31. The concert drew nearly 40,000 fans each night, leaving behind litter and damaged athletic equipment, upsetting Delhi-based athletes who regularly train there.
Diljit Dosanjh Dil-Luminati Tour
This isn’t the first time the stadium has hosted large-scale events, having previously seen concerts by international stars like Bryan Adams and Ricky Martin. However, the aftermath of Dosanjh’s concert received significant criticism, especially from athletes who noted broken equipment and littered grounds. Middle-distance runner Beant Singh, who trains at the stadium, posted images and videos of the damage, expressing frustration over how the venue, crucial for training, was left in disarray. "This is where athletes train," Singh commented, "yet people have left it filled with garbage and damaged equipment."
Backlash after Diljit Dosanjh Delhi concert
SAI responded by stating that the venue has been restored to host an ISL football match on October 31, adding that the concert organizers were responsible for returning it in the same condition. Athletes have been told to train on outdoor tracks until then, disrupting their schedules with national competitions approaching. Some athletes are even requesting compensation for damaged hurdles and equipment, which are essential and costly to replace.
Originally built for the 1982 Asian Games and renovated for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the stadium is part of SAI’s 'Come and Play' program, allowing children and beginners to use the facilities for training. However, repeated post-event disarray has left athletes feeling unsupported in their training environment.