Naina Pulwama residents demand upgradation of stadium
Pulwama: The residents of Naina Batpora village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have demanded up-gradation of the stadium in the area.
The residents of the area said that they are thankful to the government for taking state land from encroachers and transforming it into a stadium.
The sports stadium as per locals became a hub for various sporting events and put a positive impact on the lives of young people.
The athletes of the area said that they earlier had to go to other places to play different games as there were no such facilities available in the area.
They said that government has identified the state land and cut down the trees on it and transformed it into stadium.
They, however, said that the land taken wasn’t enough to be developed it into a full fledged stadium but there is more state land available, that must be taken from encroachers so that it can be transformed into a full fledged stadium.
Sameer Ahmad, a local cricket player said that he had to go for about 15 kms to play cricket as there was no such facility available in the area.
He said that they are happy as such a facility has been made available in the locality now as the young players are able to practice well and helping them to showcase their talent wherever they get an opportunity.
Rameez Ahmad, another local resident said that the area is known for drug abuse and peddling as well, however, due to the stadium, we were able to engage our young generation in sports activities and to great extent we will able to keep them away from drug addiction.
“We believe that investing in a playground is an investment in the future of our community. It’s not just about swings and slides; it’s about creating a space where kids can learn, grow, and build lasting friendships”, he said.
Locals said that their demand was met after repeated reminders to the authorities as for decades no such facilities were provided to them.
They said that the fresh work on the stadium has been started but more land needs to be retrieved so that it can be transformed into a playing area.
They requested higher ups to look into the matter at an earliest and take immediate steps in this regard so that local athletes won’t face any problem.
