India, Feb. 25 -- Putting to rest fears of sports enthusiasts and regular football players of plans of an astroturf being installed at the Colaba Back Garden, which could shrink the existing playing field and eventually restrict public access, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar on Tuesday announced that the ground's mud surface will remain unaltered. He also clarified that the size of the playground will not be reduced.

The recreation ground, formally called the Sabina Chandrashekhar Memorial Municipal Garden and Playground, is considered the only full-sized natural football field available to youth in the area. Over the years, it has produced players who have represented the country at national and international...