Rio de Janeiro sports venues face concession concerns as Niterói arena opens

Former sports minister Ricardo Leyser warned that the exclusive concession of the Rio Olympic Park arenas to Rock World S.A. could force athletes to compete with concerts, noting a lack of public‑policy vision for the complex and the risk that training and lower‑level competitions may be sidelined.

Meanwhile, the city of Niterói inaugurated its new indoor arena with a performance by Brazil’s champion rhythmic gymnastics team. Designed for volleyball, futsal, handball, basketball and cultural shows, the venue is part of the municipality’s bid to host the Pan‑American Games and aims to boost local sports and economic activity.