26 May,2026 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
Young skaters practise on public roads in Gorai after coaching activities at the Pavan Dham skating facility in Borivli West were allegedly shut down. Pics/Satej Shinde
Parents of skating students in Borivali West have alleged that the closure of coaching activities at the Pavan Dham skating facility has forced children to practise on public roads at odd hours, raising serious safety concerns.
For nearly a year, hundreds of children, including state, national, and international-level skaters, have reportedly been training on roads in Gorai and nearby areas after coaching at the BMC ground was stopped. Parents claim they now wake up as early as 2 am, clean roads, remove garbage and stand like traffic marshals while children practise to avoid accidents.
The skating, basketball and boxing facility near Pavan Dham, developed through former BJP MLA Sunil Rane's funds, has become a major sports hub for children aged between 5 and 20.
>> Coaching activities shut since: May 30, 2025
>> Parents waking up for practice: Around 2 am
>> Families travelling for training: Virar, Palghar, Khopoli, Pune
>> BMC usage fee: Around Rs 134 per hour
Safety concerns
>> Children forced to practise on public roads
>> Parents manually stopping traffic during practice
>> Risk of accidents
>> Lack of professional coaching increases injury risks
>> Extra costs for transport and coaching
>> Working parents adjusting work schedules, sleep cycles
>> Several children reportedly stopped practising
>> Athletes losing access to professional infrastructure
>> Students struggling to balance training, school and travel
Other parents, including Jitendra Chauhan, Bhavin Shah and Vishal Vedwala, said the closure has disrupted training. Parents said they are now travelling to Virar, Pune for practice.
"The BMC allows practice by charging around Rs 134 per hour, but coaches are not permitted. Without proper coaching, children cannot learn professional techniques," parents said.They have appealed to the Maharashtra government, BMC and local representatives to reopen the Pavan Dham skating facility with coaching support.
MLA Sanjay Upadhyay said that the playground was developed using MLA funds with the intention that even the poorest children could benefit from it. However, he alleged that some individuals later turned it into a private commercial setup. He said, "All have equal access. Earlier, large grounds were used for commercial events and later left in poor condition, after which the BMC had to restore them. That is why the system is being revised."
Explaining the current status, he said, "At present, a new policy is being finalised on how BMC gardens and playgrounds should be used cost-effectively and properly. Until that policy is decided, no permanent permissions are being granted. If children want to train, they can use the BMC grounds by paying the prescribed charges. We have no issue with children. The problem arises when some people try to create pressure through different means."
A BMC R South ward official said:
>> A new playground policy is under preparation
>> Skating practice is currently allowed on an hourly payment
>> Permissions will be streamlined after the policy is finalised
The official maintained that facilities can be used "if proper applications are submitted and fees are paid."
Coach Raj Singh said Mumbai lacks dedicated skating infrastructure despite the sport's rapid growth.
Coach's key points
>> Children as young as four are taking up skating
>> Indian athletes are winning world-level medals
>> Maharashtra lacks government support compared to other states
>> Many students train before dawn and go directly to school
"Mumbai lacks dedicated skating rinks, and children are often forced to practise on roads."
Sandeep Rasankute, works in banking sector
His 13-year-old son Advit - a Std VII student - has been skating for the past five years and has already won over 100 medals and 20 trophies at state and national competitions.
"We want authorities to understand the pain parents and children are going through because of the closure of the Pavan Dham playground," he said. "Practising on roads is dangerous. Traffic is beyond anyone's control, and accidents can happen anytime.
A proper skating ground provides safety, discipline and professional coaching."Rasankute added that skating is a technical sport and a lack of proper training can lead to injuries, fractures and long-term health issues.
Nimita Purani, Borivli resident
Her 15-year-old son Rishit has been skating since Std I and has won medals at national and international events, including competitions in Nepal and Thailand. For the past nine years, the family has followed a strict schedule - sleeping early and waking up around 2 am daily for practice.
Purani said parents now clean roads, remove garbage and clear waterlogged patches before children begin training. "There is no world-class skating facility nearby now. Because of the closure of the Pavan Dham rink, we are forced to travel to Mira Road and Charkop for practice," she said.
Alleging that children are suffering because of disputes surrounding the ground, she added: "The children have talent, but they lack facilities and government support. Authorities should resolve their disputes and reopen the facility."
Shalu Mishra, Gorai resident and writer
She reaches practice spots at around 2.30 am with her laptop and works from the roadside while supporting her son's training. Her 12-year-old son, Atharva Agarwal, has won more than 150 medals and represented Maharashtra and India at multiple events.
"Earlier, the skating ground was functioning properly, and children were getting proper support and training," she said. "The facility gave children a professional environment to prepare for competitions at state and national levels."
Year/Date Development
Past 5 years Pavan Dham emerges as major skating hub
Earlier Growel's 101 Mall in Kandivali East also shut
May 30, 2025 Coaching activities allegedly stopped
Since then Students shifted to roads and distant locations
Present New BMC playground policy under preparation
