MELAGHAR: A traditional gymnasium adjacent to Melaghar School ground, which has produced numerous state and national-level athletes over the years, now stands in a severely dilapidated condition due to prolonged neglect and lack of renovation, according to local residents.
Sources said even light rainfall causes water to seep through the roof, while nearly half of the ceiling has reportedly collapsed. Valuable training equipment inside is said to be rusting and deteriorating due to persistent moisture and waterlogging on the floor.
Despite the hazardous conditions, local youths are reportedly continuing to train at the facility daily, with many describing entering the building as risky. The gymnasium, which once trained athletes who went on to represent the state and country, now faces an uncertain future, residents said.
Local athletes and area residents have demanded that the administration urgently carry out necessary repairs and provide new equipment to support sports-loving youths in the region.