New Delhi: The anger that followed Diljit Dosanjh’s concert in Oct 2024 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN) was visceral. Athletes spoke of damaged equipment, compromised training spaces and a growing fear that sport was being treated as collateral damage in the rush to monetise iconic venues. As India’s concert economy expands and large-scale live events become a regular feature at major venues, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has moved to ensure that sport doesn’t lose primacy. The concerts scheduled at the JLN stadium this Feb are unfolding under a recalibrated regime. Non-sporting events are permitted only after it is established that international competitions, national events and training programmes remain unaffected.
The Field of Play (FoP), including the newly-laid MONDO track, is classified as a zero-load, restricted-access zone. Comprehensive armouring is installed to prevent surface stress; sensitive areas are barricaded, and any layout that risks damage to tracks or turf is rejected at the planning stage.A scientific system has been put in place ahead of the two major concerts this month on 14th and 28th. All load-bearing areas are being provided a four-layer protection system comprising foam, ply, carpet and armour decking so that no pressure from staging, seating or heavy equipment transfers to the track or field. These systems distribute weight evenly, prevent point pressure, allow ventilation, and ensure that synthetic tracks remain unaffected even during high-footfall events.The stadium has been divided into three zones based on load classification: zero-weight, low-weight and heavy-weight areas. Crucially, the MONDO track and other sensitive non-MONDO synthetic zones fall under the zero-weight category, with strict barricading to prevent access by fans or equipment.Under the current framework, event organisers assume full accountability for the condition of the venue. The state of the stadium is documented before handover and assessed again once the event concludes. The venue is not released back to athletes until it is restored to its original sporting condition. Any damage is repaired at the organiser’s cost, backed by enforceable financial guarantees.Training continuity has been safeguarded as well. Throughout concert periods, athletes continue to train within the stadium complex at the warm-up track and throwing areas, football field and gym facilities remain fully operational. The main arena is restored and handed back for elite training within 24 hours of event closure, once safety and surface integrity are formally certified.
