Jaipur: A major controversy has erupted in Rajasthan’s athletics community after the Jaipur District Athletic Association decided to organize a district-level athletics competition on a mud track despite the availability of modern synthetic tracks in the city. The decision has triggered strong objections from national and international medal-winning athletes, coaches, and sports experts, who claim the move could adversely affect athletes’ performance and increase the risk of serious injuries.
The district athletics competition scheduled for May 13, 2026, is set to be conducted at the Rajasthan University ground in Jaipur using a traditional मिट्टी (mud) track, even though world-class synthetic tracks are available at Sawai Mansingh Stadium and the Vidyadhar Nagar sports facility.
Alleged Violation of Rajasthan Athletics Association Rules
The controversy intensified after athletes alleged that the decision directly violates the mandatory guidelines issued by the Rajasthan Athletics Association in 2021. According to the association’s rules, districts where synthetic tracks are available must organize official athletics competitions exclusively on synthetic surfaces to ensure athlete safety and maintain competitive standards.
Athletes and sports officials claim that despite the rule being in force, the Jaipur District Athletic Association failed to seek proper permission from the Sports Council and instead opted for the mud track venue allegedly to avoid paying approximately ₹15,000 in track rental charges.
The decision has drawn criticism from players who believe financial considerations are being prioritized over athlete welfare and sporting standards.
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National Medalists Express Anger
Several prominent athletes and experts, including Olympian Shri Ram Singh, have reportedly expressed serious concern over the issue.
Sports experts argue that athletes who train throughout the year on synthetic tracks face significant difficulty when suddenly asked to compete on mud surfaces. Such abrupt changes not only affect timing and overall performance but also increase the possibility of ligament injuries, ankle damage, muscle strain, and other sports-related injuries.
Athletes have warned that running on a mud track may prevent many competitors from achieving official qualification standards required for higher-level state and national competitions.
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Written Complaint Submitted to Sports Council
Upset over the decision, several athletes and coaches have submitted written complaints to the Sports Council, demanding immediate intervention. In their representation, they reportedly stated that conducting official competitions on outdated surfaces would negatively impact the future of emerging athletes and undermine years of professional training.
Players have also questioned why modern facilities built with public funds are not being utilized for important district-level events.
State Association Issues Instructions
Following the growing controversy, sources indicate that the Rajasthan Athletics Association has directed the district association to strictly follow established rules and avoid decisions that could jeopardize athletes’ careers and safety.
Sports circles in Rajasthan are now debating the larger issue of sports infrastructure management and the need for transparent administrative decisions in athletics events.
The matter has become a significant talking point among athletes preparing for upcoming national competitions, with many demanding accountability from district sports administrators.
