Berhampur, Oct. 12 (UDN): A prolonged power outage has brought weightlifting training at Mahatma Gandhi Stadium in Berhampur, Ganjam district, to a standstill for more than two months, leaving athletes struggling to maintain their practice schedules despite the availability of modern facilities.
The training centre, which once attracted more than 100 athletes, now remains largely deserted due to the lack of electricity. Poor ventilation and uncomfortable conditions inside the hall have made regular training difficult, forcing athletes to shift to an alternative facility.
Athletes Struggle at Sports Hostel
Several weightlifters have moved to the sports hostel to continue their preparation. However, the limited space there has created fresh challenges for athletes accustomed to the larger training hall.
The stadium facility has 22 practice platforms, along with a separate large platform designed for state- and national-level competitions. Its prolonged closure has disrupted regular training and affected sporting activities.
A district-level weightlifting competition that could not be organised at the stadium was subsequently held at the sports hostel.
Tarun Sahu, a weightlifter from Berhampur, said the absence of electricity had made the training hall suffocating. He added that athletes were now practising in a smaller room where space was insufficient to accommodate everyone comfortably.
Another athlete, Sanjukta Maharana, said restoring the power supply would help weightlifters train under better conditions.
Coaches Seek Urgent Restoration
The disruption has raised concerns among coaches and sports officials, particularly with state- and national-level competitions approaching.
Ramesh Padhi, senior coach and secretary of the Weightlifting Association, called for a permanent solution to the problem. He stressed that athletes needed a proper training facility to prepare effectively for upcoming competitions.
The centre has played an important role in developing weightlifters who have brought recognition to Odisha and the country. Coaches fear that the continued disruption could affect athletes’ preparation and progress.
Works Department Notified
District Sports Officer Biswaranjan Das said the Works Department had been informed about the power supply problem and that repair work would be undertaken soon.
Athletes and coaches are now awaiting the restoration of electricity so that regular training can resume at Mahatma Gandhi Stadium.
With the facility remaining unusable for more than two months, an early resolution is crucial to help weightlifters return to their regular practice routine and prepare for upcoming competitions.
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