Anantnag indoor stadium in ruins after floods, athletes demand urgent attention
Anantnag: More than three months after the devastating floods of September 2025, the Indoor Stadium near Wazir Bagh in Anantnag continues to remain in a state of neglect, triggering growing concern among athletes, sports lovers, and local residents.
The floods caused extensive damage to the stadium’s interiors, rendering the facility unusable and leading to the loss of costly sports infrastructure, including table tennis tables, mats, and other indoor equipment.
What was once a vibrant centre for nurturing sporting talent, particularly during the harsh winter months, now presents a grim picture of decay. Broken fixtures, damaged flooring, and missing equipment bear testimony to prolonged inaction by the concerned authorities.
Local athletes say the closure of the stadium has dealt a severe blow to their training schedules and morale. “This stadium was our only proper indoor space to train during winters,” said Adil Ahmad, a district-level table tennis player.
“After the floods, everything was damaged, but what hurts more is that no serious effort has been made to restore it. Many young players have been forced to abandon practice,” he added.
Residents allege that the absence of security has further worsened the situation. With no night chowkidar or supervision, the abandoned complex has allegedly become vulnerable to theft and anti-social activities.
“Electrical fittings, sports gear, and even basic installations have been stolen,” said Farooq Ahmad, a local resident. “This has created fear among people living nearby, especially after dark.”
Female athletes, in particular, say the loss of the facility has narrowed their already limited opportunities. “For girls, safe indoor spaces are crucial,” said Nusrat Jan, a budding badminton player. “The stadium gave us confidence and a secure environment. Its closure has pushed many girls away from sports.”
Social activist Basheer Ahmad Najar described the neglect as deeply unfortunate. “The Indoor Stadium was not just a building; it was a constructive space that kept youth away from drugs and crime,” he said. “Its revival will automatically curb illegal activities and restore a sense of purpose among young people.”
Locals and sports enthusiasts have jointly appealed to the district administration and the Department of Youth Services and Sports to take immediate steps for restoration. They have demanded urgent repairs to the damaged structure, reinstallation of sports equipment, deployment of proper security staff, and a clear timeline for making the stadium functional again.
“The youth of Anantnag do not need empty promises; they need facilities,” said another athlete. “Reviving this stadium can change lives.”
Residents warn that continued delay may result in irreversible damage to the facility, while timely intervention could once again transform it into a beacon of health, discipline, and positive engagement for the district’s youth.
