The negligence of the multi-crore sports complex was apparent during the Asia Cup Table Tennis Championship last November when unseasonable rains left the venue water-logged two days prior to the meet.

The poor maintenance of the roof now left the wooden floor damaged as well. The makeshift venue of the gymnastics hall was no better, further exposing the authorities. The flooring was uneven and matches had to be interrupted due to the seepage.

Assurances were promptly made to repair the affected areas.

Officer-in-charge Salima Khan said that ``the roofing had outlived its life'' and assured then that it would replaced within three months.However, there has been no change in the depressing scenario. Salima now says: ``The sanctions have come through. Thework of laying the precoated sheets of the indoor stadium is expected to begin in two weeks and will be completed in a couple of months.''

Top officials in the Directorate of Sports believe that the pathetic state of the complex is due to the frequent change of Sports Directors, hampering the execution of maintenance work. Since the complex was completed in 1993, four directors and two stop-gap officials have been changed.

Six of the seven tennis courts -- including the centre-court -- have been idle since 1993. As a result, grass has grown wildly at the entrance and on the courts. The one which is presently in use, is being used for training markers, opines Salima.

``We are not giving it priority since it requires total renovation,'' says Salima, and blames the myopic planning and lack of manpower for the present condition.

She said proposals for laying a synthetic court have been submitted by former Davis Cupper Nandan Bal and Anand Tulpule of Deccan Gymkhana to the Directorate.