Guru Nanak stadium after recovery is under danger of being damaged yet again

THE JOURNEY OF MINERVA PUNJAB in its debut season in the I-League has been a tough one. Firstly they had to come in as a corporate entry despite being eligible as the runners up of last year's second division and Dempo pulling out of the tournament.

Minerva had to struggle to assemble a top division side after being informed late about their inclusion in the I-league. They began the season in less than ideal form, losing four of their first five games. But later hit an upward form and started getting decent results after some good performances.

The team from Punjab went on a run of being unbeaten in the next six games. Minerva were criticized by many for the poor quality of pitch that was used for their home games. Recently, even Sunil Chhetri complained about the poor quality of the pitch that Minerva had to offer. Minerva are a team based out of Chandigarh were forced to play in Ludhiana for the lack of bucket seats in their preferred stadium.  The pitch was marred by the Republic Day parade practices and incessant rain that damaged the pitch beyond repair in time for the I-league games.

But the authorities, using the long break from their home games, did get the pitch done up and it was in a much better state from the last time around.

We're greatful to our management & those who have put in alot of efforts to revamp the surface of Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana ! pic.twitter.com/ft2js6tjMH

— MINERVA PUNJAB FC (@Minerva_AFC) March 18, 2017

There have been no matches due to the international break and the pitch that was ready an I-league game is being used for a music concert happening today evening. Ranjit Bajaj expressed his concern and helplessness on this on social media and requested the authorities to intervene.

@VijayGoelBJP HELP US!THEY ARE RUINING the only Stadium in north india🙏🏽@Minerva_AFC @ILeagueOfficial @capt_amarinder @praful_patel pic.twitter.com/fVOPBSBQhr

— Ranjit Bajaj (@THE_RanjitBajaj) March 23, 2017

When a lot has been said about developing infrastructure for the growth of Indian football, emphasis must be laid on putting efforts to look after its safeguard and maintenance as well. Whether the concert, which is happening tonight, will still happen is not known but it if does it is certainly doing damage to not just the pitch but also to the efforts put in for growing football in the country.

Minerva Punjab FC host Mohun Bagan in the I-League on April 15.