Football players, coaches, parents and supporters have voiced strong opposition to the proposed redevelopment of one of Mumbai’s dedicated football grounds, arguing that the city cannot afford to lose another valuable open space. Mumbai Football Association (MFA) President Aaditya Thackeray also backed the campaign, calling for the preservation of the playground.
Protesters maintained that the proposed project could be shifted to an alternative site instead of replacing an existing sports facility. They expressed concern that converting the ground into a concrete structure would deprive aspiring footballers of one of the city’s limited dedicated playing venues.
Aaditya Thackeray questioned the rationale behind sacrificing a football ground for construction, stating that the move sends the wrong message to young athletes who depend on such facilities to pursue the sport.
The ground, inaugurated in 2018, was developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to FIFA-standard specifications. Named after Neville D’Souza, the first Asian footballer to score a hat-trick at the Asian Games, the venue regularly hosts Mumbai’s local football league matches and youth tournaments, making it an important centre for the city’s football ecosystem.
According to the protesters, nearby land parcels are available for the proposed development, making it unnecessary to utilise an existing playground. They warned that Mumbai has already witnessed a steady decline in open spaces and urged authorities to safeguard the ground for future generations.
Highlighting the enthusiasm of young footballers, MFA Secretary Sudhakar Rane praised the turnout at the protest.
“The World Cup final is tonight, and the third-place play-off was played early this morning. Many of these children may not have slept, yet they are here to save this ground. Their determination shows how important football is to them.”
The football fraternity said preserving sports infrastructure is essential for nurturing talent and ensuring that Mumbai’s young athletes continue to have access to quality training and competition venues.
Source: Mid-day
