Demolition of Controversial Yuva Bharati Statue Marks Shift in Sports Administration
Controversial Yuva Bharati statue linked to Mamata Banerjee’s vision demolished

Image: Mathrubhumi English
The football-themed statue outside Yuva Bharati Stadium in Salt Lake, West Bengal, was demolished following Sports Minister Nishith Pramanik's announcement. Installed in 2017 under former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the structure faced criticism for its design, prompting calls for a more fitting tribute to football legends.
- 01The statue was part of a redevelopment project for the stadium ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017.
- 02Nishith Pramanik criticized the statue, stating it did not match the stature of an international venue.
- 03The statue featured an abstract design with a large sphere displaying the Biswa Bangla logo.
- 04Demolition occurred shortly after Pramanik's announcement, marking a significant change under the new administration.
- 05Fans are now advocating for a statue honoring legendary footballers from Bengal or India to replace the demolished structure.
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The controversial football-themed statue outside Yuva Bharati Stadium in Salt Lake, West Bengal, has been demolished following an announcement by Sports Minister Nishith Pramanik. The structure, which was installed in 2017 during the stadium's renovation for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, faced years of criticism for its design, which many football fans deemed inappropriate for such a historically significant venue. The statue featured an abstract football design, including a large sphere with the Biswa Bangla logo and footballs inscribed with the word 'Joyi' (victorious). After attending the ISL Kolkata Derby, Pramanik stated that the statue did not fit the stature of an international-standard venue and called for a more meaningful landmark. The demolition was carried out swiftly, within days of his remarks, and is viewed as a significant change under the new sports administration. Following the removal, attention has shifted to what will replace the statue, with fans expressing a desire for a tribute to one of Bengal's or India's football legends.
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The demolition of the statue reflects a shift in the sports administration's approach to honoring the legacy of football in Bengal.
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