LUCKNOW, July 3 -- In an embarrassing situation in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, where the Indian Athletics Series-15 is set to be hosted on August 29, the state government's Kailash Prakash Stadium is not fully prepared even as more than 500 athletes await the season's marquee event.

While the playing surface, especially the track and basic infrastructure may be in place, crucial athlete amenities like washrooms, changing rooms and other essential support facilities remain unfinished.

With the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) having allocated the meet to this venue, the stakes are high for the new-look Uttar Pradesh Athletics Association. Cancellation or relocation at the last minute would damage the state's reputation and disrupt athletes...