Ban on Children Below 10 at Pune’s Sanas Ground Sparks Outrage; Civic Body Cites Track Damage

Pune Municipal Corporation’s ban on children below ten from practicing at Sanas Ground citing track damage has drawn sharp criticism from Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction), calling it unfair and contradictory.

Pune | November 6, 2025:  A controversy has erupted after the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) sports department decided to bar children below ten years from practicing at Sanas Ground, claiming that young kids damage the athletic track. The move has triggered strong opposition from the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction), which has condemned the decision as discriminatory and anti-sports.

Anant Gharat, Shiv Sena’s city publicity chief, questioned the logic behind the restriction, pointing out that MP Murlidhar Mohol’s ‘Khasdar Cup 2025’ allows participation from children under eight. “If they can compete in official tournaments, why can’t ordinary Pune kids even practice on the ground?” he asked. Gharat warned that Shiv Sena would protest on the streets if the decision is not withdrawn.

He accused the civic administration of hypocrisy, saying that while events promoting children’s sports are inaugurated with much fanfare, the same administration keeps young athletes off the field. “Sanas Ground is not the private property of a few; it belongs to all Pune citizens,” Gharat said.

According to PMC officials, the restriction was imposed because “children below ten damage the track surface.” However, the explanation has sparked ridicule. Gharat said the claim was an attempt to hide the administration’s negligence, recalling that the track laid during Suresh Kalmadi’s tenure lasted 15–17 years, whereas the newly built synthetic track costing ₹8 crore has deteriorated twice within two years. He demanded a thorough inquiry into the issue.

The opposition has described the PMC’s stance as a blow to Pune’s sports culture and a contradiction to the Centre’s Khelo India and Fit India initiatives aimed at nurturing young talent.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune