Trainees at Silchar Football Academy in Assam demonstrated against the conversion of their practice facility into a commercial fairground, staging a one-hour silent protest with black cloths tied across their mouths.
The young athletes claim their natural training ground faces serious damage after Silchar Sporting Club granted permission for a commercial fair on the premises. The decision has sparked concerns about the preservation of the facility and its suitability for regular football practice.
"We want to play; we cannot allow the playground to be turned into a fairground," the protesters maintained during their peaceful demonstration held at the academy's main gate.
The trainees argue that allowing commercial events threatens both the natural environment and the playing surface quality essential for their training. They contend that the sporting facility should remain dedicated to athletic development rather than revenue-generating activities.