Proposal to change Mumbai’s first indoor stadium name

Mumbai: The first indoor stadium of Mumbai, being built by National Sports Club of India (NSCI), is supposed to be named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the icons of freedom struggle. Board at the entrance of the stadium site in South Mumbai has Patel’s name on it. But, in a recent meeting of the NSCI office-bearers, its Chairman Bipin Mehta proposed to name the upcoming complex after B C Chawla, President of Mumbai region of the club, according to an affidavit filed in the Bombay High Court. “Thankfully, they have not taken any decision yet,” said advocate Vibhav Krishna, who is representing one of the warring factions within NSCI before High Court.According to Krishna, NSCI Secretary has filed an affidavit before the High Court, stating that in a recent meeting Mehta proposed that stadium be named after Chawla. The construction of the sports complex is entangled in allegations and court cases. As the expenditure so far (Rs 174 crore) has overshot initial estimates (Rs 67 crore), and construction is yet to be completed, there have been allegations of misappropriation of funds. NSCI Executive Committee last month suspended Shyam Nichani, a member, and removed Rakesh Malhotra, Regional Secretary, from his post. Both moved the High Court, saying the decision was arbitrary. High Court yesterday said both can avail of benefits of membership till the matter is finally decided. Bureau Report