Host of sports persons as well as morning walkers are sore over statement given by sports minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu in Vidhan Sabha relating to Randhir Verma Stadium in reply to question raised by MLA Raj Sinha.Raj had raised issue of maintenance of this stadium that is located in heart of town  besides other issues.

The minister in his reply stated that the stadium is being utilized for hosting sporting events in the coal capital.

While this statement of the minister reached common persons and sports via media they were shocked over the minister's statement.

An elderly person residing next to the stadium Srikant ji said, " in over the last one decade I have not seen any district level sports events being organised here bearing political rallies, some paid events and programmes on January26 and August 15. "

A senior member of Dhanbad Cricket Association (DCA) who requested not to be quoted said, DCA has an office in this stadium but when it comes to organise district level tournaments one has to depend on BCCL for hosting such events. The condition of this stadium is not conducive for hosting cricket or as matter of fact any sports events due to poor ground conditions. Though boys can be seen holding practice in some corners, there is a difference between holding practice and hosting a tournament."

Even morning walkers are sore over the condition of this stadium that has been named after SP Randhir Verma who laid down his life fighting Khalistan terrorists.

One of them, AK Sinha in his late sixties said since the municipal corporation has constructed a walking path on one side of the stadium has reduced. Stadium is full with stone dust that is spread often while holding any rally or events organised by district authorities.

Mukesh Pandey said, morning walkers in want of a fresh morning though pay Rs 100 a month, taken by municipal corporation but in lieu are greeted with stone dust in air here. Town does not have a single ground where one can have quality air at least for a few hours in the morning.   

Football enthusiast Zubair Allam said, "It's shocking that the minister is not aware of the poor condition of this stadium. It is not in condition to host any district level sports  tournament.