Athletes demand face lifting of sports stadium Sail Awantipora
Pulwama: The athletes in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have demanded face-lifting of a sports stadium at Awantipora noting that the ground was in dilapidated condition for years together.
The athletes from different villages of the area said they were expecting government attention for upgradation of the facilities at the sports ground and engage youth in different sports activities.
“Unfortunately, despite being a historical ground, the stadium has been a victim of official neglect,” the athletes said.
They said players from nook and corner of Kashmir participate in cricket tournaments.
“Our valley is facing the nuisance of drug addiction which is due to lack of recreational facilities. Development of such grounds is very important to keep youth away from drugs,” Mushtaq Ahmad a local player said.
The locals said the officials visited the ground a number of times and assured that the ground will be transformed into a stadium.
“But the infrastructure of the ground depicts how serious the government is in upgrading this ground,” he said.
They said the locals conducted exhibition matches in which they invited high officials just to catch the attention of the administration.
“But all our efforts proved futile till date,” said another player of the area.
He said that the ground is lying in dilapidated condition with no toilet and washroom facilities. “The ground has no fencing and proper levelling is yet to be done,” he said.
The Players said the up gradation of the ground will help athletes to nourish their talent and prove their mettle at mega stages.
Locals said they have brought this issue into the notice of concerned authorities but nothing was done so far.
The locals urged the authorities to develop this ground at an earliest so that youth will be engaged in sports activities and will not fall prey to drugs.
Jahangeer Ganaie
