Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan, long cherished as a hub for youth sports, is drawing growing concern from parents and coaches over unsafe playing conditions. With pitches uneven, littered with loose stones, and reduced in size, the historic grounds have increasingly posed risks to young athletes, prompting calls for urgent restoration and maintenance by city authorities.
Parents of footballers at multiple local schools have formally communicated their concerns to the sports ministry, emphasising that children are exposed to avoidable injuries during regular practice and inter-school tournaments. “The surface is sandy, uneven, and scattered with debris. Kids have suffered abrasions and twisted ankles repeatedly,” noted a senior coach overseeing teams from three Colaba-based schools. The maintenance challenges are compounded by administrative and infrastructural issues. The Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA), which previously managed the pitches, has been unable to intervene since its lease expired in 2016. “Without a legal framework, we cannot upgrade or restore the grounds,” an MSSA official explained, highlighting the limbo in which the city’s premier sports space currently exists.
Adding to the strain, the ongoing Mumbai Metro Aqua Line construction has encroached on portions of Azad Maidan. Only about two-thirds of the land has been returned for recreational use, forcing nine-a-side matches instead of standard eleven-player games, restricting both competitive fixtures and practice opportunities. Spectator stands, too, remain in urgent need of renovation. In response, parents have flagged proposals from private companies willing to deploy Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to refurbish the pitches at no cost to the state. “A timely public-private partnership could ensure safe and modern playing surfaces while preserving Azad Maidan’s historical significance,” said an urban planning expert.
Historically, Azad Maidan has been a training ground for generations of athletes, providing both competitive and recreational opportunities. Its continued neglect, experts argue, not only undermines youth sports development but also diminishes equitable access to safe, open recreational spaces within Mumbai’s dense urban fabric. For city officials, the situation underscores the need for a coordinated restoration plan that addresses safety, historical preservation, and inclusivity. Experts suggest integrating sustainable landscaping and durable turf options, ensuring the ground remains safe, eco-friendly, and accessible to all young residents.
While Youth Welfare and Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate did not comment on the concerns at the time of reporting, parents and coaches hope the combination of public awareness and potential CSR support will catalyse meaningful action to restore Azad Maidan as a safe sporting landmark for Mumbai’s youth.
Mumbais Iconic Azad Maidan Sees Unsafe Grounds Parents Appeal For Quick Restoration
