Melaghar Gymnasium in Tripura, a sporting institution that once helped shape athletes for state and national competitions is now struggling to remain functional. The decades-old Gymnasium faces severe infrastructure problems, while athletes continue their training despite unsafe conditions and a shortage of usable equipment.

Key Takeaways

• Melaghar Gymnasium, established in 1972, now suffers from serious structural damage and poor maintenance.
• Leaking roofs, a damaged ceiling and inadequate equipment are affecting athletes’ training.
• Athletes and local residents have urged the government to renovate the facility and provide new equipment.

Melaghar (Tripura) August 18 : Over five-decade old Melaghar Gymnasium in the Sepahijala district in Tripura has fallen into a dilapidated condition, prompting athletes and local residents to seek urgent government intervention.

Located near the Melaghar School ground, the gymnasium has reportedly remained without adequate renovation for years. Its deteriorating roof and ceiling have created serious problems for athletes who use the facility regularly.

Rainwater enters the building through the leaking roof whenever it rains. Nearly half of the ceiling has also reportedly collapsed, raising concerns about the safety of athletes and coaches.

1972 Legacy Faces Neglect

The gymnasium has been part of Melaghar’s sporting landscape since 1972. Shri Gopal established the facility, which later became a training ground for several generations of athletes.

According to the gymnasium’s weightlifting coach, many students trained at the centre before securing jobs and building careers in different services.

The facility has also produced athletes who competed at state and national levels.

Its trainees have participated in powerlifting, weightlifting and strengthlifting events. Some have also won championships in Punjab.

The coach said athletes continue to work hard despite the challenges.

“Despite facing several difficulties and restrictions, we have continued our work,” he said.

Leaking Roof and Damaged Ceiling

The condition of the gymnasium has now become a major concern for the local sporting community.

Rainwater enters the facility through the damaged roof. Water then accumulates on the floor, making the training area difficult to use.

The ceiling has suffered extensive damage. Nearly half of it has reportedly collapsed.

The damp environment has also damaged several pieces of training equipment. Metal equipment has developed rust, while other items have deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to moisture.

Athletes nevertheless continue to practise at the facility.

Equipment Shortage Hampers Training

The athletes face another major challenge due to the shortage of functional training equipment.

The coach said the gymnasium had collected equipment earlier. Years of regular use, however, have left much of it damaged.

“Students practise here regularly, so the equipment gets damaged over time. At present, we do not have enough equipment,” he said.

The lack of adequate equipment makes it difficult for coaches to provide proper training in different disciplines.

Athletes preparing for competitions therefore have to work with limited resources.

Athletes Continue Despite Difficulties

The poor condition of the gymnasium has not reduced the determination of local athletes.

The centre’s trainees have continued participating in competitions and achieving success in different events.

The coach expressed hope that improved infrastructure and equipment would help them perform even better.

A district-level gathering was recently held at the gymnasium, bringing together students and athletes.

The coach used the occasion to highlight the facility’s problems and appeal for government support.

He said the gymnasium has a valuable sporting legacy that needs to be protected.

Athletes Seek Government Intervention

Athletes, coaches and local residents have called for urgent steps to restore the facility.

They want the authorities to repair the damaged roof and ceiling and improve the overall condition of the building.

They have also sought new training equipment to help athletes prepare for state and national competitions.

The coach said Shubhangkar Sarkar of Sepahijala district had recently indicated that steps would be taken to improve the gymnasium.

The athletes now hope that the assurance will translate into concrete action.

For Melaghar’s sporting community, the demand is not simply for the renovation of an ageing building. The gymnasium has supported athletes for more than five decades.

Restoring the facility could preserve its legacy and give young athletes a safe and properly equipped space to train and pursue higher-level sporting careers.