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The Hindu
Footballers, coaches protest BMC proposal to turn Bandra ground into convention centre
A significant protest took place against a proposal to transform the Neville D'Souza Football Ground in Bandra into a convention center, as community members expressed concerns about losing an essential venue for youth football. Over 14,000 players utilize this ground regularly for training and matches. Coaches fear the lack of training facilities could hinder the development of football in India, complicating future sporting endeavors.
MonitorConfidence: HighShort term horizon
Published 24 Aug 2026, 05:35 UTC5 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Protest attracted hundreds of footballers, coaches, and parents.
- Local coaches emphasized the importance of the ground for training and competitions.
- Concerns raised about the diminishing number of available football grounds in Mumbai.
- Former football professionals joined the protest to support community efforts.
- Political figures expressed their support for preserving sports facilities.
Interesting facts
- The ground has been in continuous use since 2018.
- Many players from various age groups rely on this single ground for their training.
- There are calls for increased football infrastructure in Mumbai instead of reducing existing facilities.