Say Govt should translate its ‘sports revolution’ slogans into words
Pulwama : The playgrounds in Bajwani, Tral, and Sail areas of Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district are in dilapidated condition, with sportspersons seeking administration’s attention for their renovation.
What do sportspersons from Sail Awantipora say?
Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the sportspersons from Sail Awantipora said, “Everywhere there is talk of sports being promoted across Jammu & Kashmir. Even Lt Governor and authorities from the Sports Council boast of having created a sports revolution here. For us, these are just slogans. The ground situation is right before our eyes. This historical ground, where players from various areas of the valley used to come, is lying in shambles.”
“After seeing the administration’s enthusiasm towards promoting sports culture in J&K, we were hopeful that this ground will be renovated. But unfortunately, it is being ignored despite being a renowned sports field. Youth are now much more interested in sports than ever before. They have talent which needs to be channelised in the right direction by providing them facilities,” they said.
A local player, Lateef Ahmad, touched upon a different aspect of promoting sports. “Our valley is grappling with the challenge of drug abuse which is the result of the lack of recreational activities for youth. Developing playgrounds is a vital step in curbing the menace and keeping the youth at bay from drugs.”
The locals said the officials of the administration have visited the ground several times in the past and only made assurances. “They promised us that the ground will be transformed into a stadium, but their assurances have remained just assurances,” he said.
Another player said that “several local youths on their own somehow manage this ground to make it able for playing”. “We have conducted exhibition matches in which we invited higher officials just to seek their attention. However, all such attempts proved futile,” he said.
The players said the ground has no levelling or fencing and lacks water, electricity, and toilet facilities. “We appeal to the Secretary Sports Council to pay a visit to the ground and see its condition. Renovating this ground is inevitable,” they said.
Tral sportspersons echo similar concerns.
The sportspersons from Tral said that lakhs of rupees have been spent on Bajwani ground “but its condition has not improved a bit”.
“The government must investigate as to what money was spent on the ground as there is no change visible,” they told KNO.
They also called for repairing the dilapidated road leading to the sports field. “If this ground is developed on modern lines, it would help players nourish their talent and prove their mettle at mega stages,” they said. “Providing sports facilities to the youth is the only option to prevent them from falling prey to all kinds of evil.”—(KNO)
