Athletes demand completion of indoor sports stadium Shopian
Shopian: Even after passage of around five years the indoor sports stadium at Arhama area of south Kashmir’s Shopian is awaiting completion.
The athletes from different villages of the area said that they were hopeful that the government will prioritize upgrading sports facilities in the area and engage youth in different sports activities.
“Unfortunately, despite the passage of around five years, the project seems nowhere near completion,” they said.
They said the construction work on the stadium was going at snail’s pace which has discouraged the sports lovers.
“The project was given a deadline of two years, however, four years have now passed but the project is yet to get completed,” said Rouf Ahmad, a local resident.
He said the early completion of the stadium will prove beneficial for budding talented players.
“Our valley is facing the nuisance of drug addiction which is due to lack of recreational opportunities given to our youth and such projects are very important to keep them away from drugs,” said Owais Ahmad, a well known social activist of the area.
He said that indoor sports lovers are facing problems as authorities have failed to complete the stadium in the area.
Locals said that they have brought this issue to the notice of concerned authorities but so far nothing has changed on ground.
They urged the authorities to complete the project at an earliest so that youth will be engaged in sports activities and will not fall prey to drugs.
Pertinently, the project is being executed by JKPCC with an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore.
Meanwhile, officials said that 90 percent of the work has been already completed while the rest will be completed soon.
Jahangeer Ganaie
