Former India cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir on Thursday (July 8) made it clear that the archery ground at the Yamuna Sports Complex has only been upgraded and not being converted into a cricket field.
Gambhir’s clarification came after some top Indian archers, including World No. 1 Deepika Kumari, expressed concerns over the same.
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While reacting to a video of the ground posted by the BJP MP Gambhir, Deepika and her archer husband Atanu Das said the facility should not be altered as it is one of the best in Asia.
"I became Deepika in this ground in 2010 Commonwealth Games. Please do not make this Archery Ground to a Cricket Ground. This is the one of the best Archery Ground in Asia. International Archery tournaments can be happen here. @PMOIndia @KirenRijiju @ianuragthakur @lokesharcher," Deepika tweeted.
In his explanation, Gambhir wrote: "To set the record straight. The Yamuna Sports Ground has not been converted but only upgraded. Archery & other sports will continue like before. Being a sportsman myself, will never let anything hamper the growth of any sportsman!"
On Wednesday (July 7), Gambhir had shared the video of the ground on Twitter with the caption: "Ads can't substitute for intent & hard work. East Delhi ready for Pro Cricket! #DelhiNeedsHonesty."
During the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, the archery events were organized at the Yamuna Sports Complex.
"Please do not make this Archery Ground to a Cricket Ground. We have very few good grounds and this is one of the best Archery ground in Asia. 2010 Commonwealth Games Happened here. Where Should We archers go? @KirenRijiju @ianuragthakur @PMOIndia @lokesharcher," Atanu Das had stated in his reply.
(With PTI inputs)
