Ancient public gymnasium in Dabhoi currently in dilapidated condition

According to reports, the years-old public gymnasium located near Motibag in Dabhoi town is in an extremely poor condition due to neglect by the administration and authorities. At one time, hundreds of youths used to cultivate fitness here through wrestling, gymnastics, and physical exercises, but due to lack of maintenance, this sacred place has now become like a ruin. Currently, piles of garbage and liquor packets are seen here.

According to the old board fixed at the entrance of this building, this school is associated with the donation and memory of the late Maganlal Motilal Contractor. The walls and the entrance arch of this historical building, which bears witness to the period of Vikram Samvat 1900, have peeled off and bricks have come out. The existence of this heritage is at risk due to lack of proper repair.

Local elders and sports enthusiasts stated that, in the past, this centre kept Mallavidya, desi exercises, and akhada culture alive, through which many youths brought glory to the town. Seeing the current plight of this historical building, a sense of great sadness and anger is being observed among the townspeople.