Rajbiraj, October 29

The only stadium in Sagarmatha zone that has hosted a number of national-level sports events is lying in a state of neglect, thanks to the apathy of the concerned authorities.

The stadium popularly known as Raj Stadium has now turned into an open defecation zone for the locals and a popular stamping ground for pigs.

The stadium with a capacity to accommodate as many as 7,000 people has been standing precariously.

As the stadium is in a dilapidated state, no sporting event has been held here for the past five years. “The facility built around four decades ago was already in pathetic condition due to lack of timely repair since its construction.

On top of it, the earthquakes last year made its condition worse,” said a local Anil Gyawali.

The District Sports Development Committee informed the National Sporting Council and concerned ministry about the condition of the stadium, but to no avail.

“We have frequently informed the concerned authorities about the condition of the stadium but we have only received assurances so far,” said committee chief Laxman Mandal.

He, however, added that lately he had been a little hopeful after hearing that the ministry had started necessary process to repair the stadium.

“Though earlier we thought of doing it ourselves, we couldn’t due to lack of fund. Now that I’ve heard that the process has started, I am optimistic,” he remarked.