The National Open Athletics Championships 2024 concluded at Bengaluru's Kanteerava Stadium on September 2, with Vithya Ramraj making headlines by shattering PT Usha's decades-old 400m hurdles record on the final day. While Ramraj's achievement was undoubtedly a highlight, the 63rd edition of this prestigious event faced significant criticism for a range of issues that overshadowed the competition.
Athletes and coaches expressed dissatisfaction with the stadium's infrastructure, pointing out outdated equipment, an under-maintained track, and inadequate facilities. Reports of sand on the track and other logistical oversights further fueled concerns about the overall quality of the event. Despite its importance as the season-ending championship, the tournament's organization fell short of expectations, leading many to question whether the conditions were truly conducive to top-tier athletic performances.
In addition to infrastructure concerns, there were complaints about the lack of proper amenities for both participants and spectators, such as poor seating arrangements and insufficient support services. These issues marred what should have been a showcase of India's best athletic talent, leaving many in the athletics community calling for significant improvements in future editions of the tournament.
