Anantnag, Apr 18: Athletes from south Kashmir’s Anantnag and Pulwama districts have raised concerns over inadequate sports infrastructure. They have called on authorities to urgently upgrade facilities at local stadiums to support the region’s growing sporting talent.
Players from Anantnag said the existing ground in the main town is too small to accommodate multiple sports, leading to frequent clashes between cricket and football activities. They said hundreds of athletes, including those involved in cricket, football, and volleyball, rely on the same limited space.
“This stadium has been undergoing construction for a long time, due to which athletes are unable to play their games there,” Shakeel Ahmad, a local cricketer said.
He said whenever football matches are held at the ground near Lal Chowk, cricket players are left with no space to practice, he said. “The stadium is too small and cannot even cater to one sport properly, let alone multiple games.”
The sportspersons sought dedicated infrastructure for each sport. “Either this ground should be reserved for one game, or separate facilities must be developed so that all players can train without disruption,” Shakeel added.
Echoing similar concerns, Sameer Ahmad, a football player from Anantnag, said the lack of proper infrastructure is not only affecting sports but also social well-being. “Our youth are talented, but without proper facilities, their energy is not channelled. More sports infrastructure can help keep them away from drugs and other harmful activities,” he said.
Athletes claimed that the issue has been brought to the notice of authorities several times, but no concrete action has been taken so far.
Meanwhile, players from Pulwama also demanded separate facilities for separate games so that athletes can practice well and perform well.
They acknowledged that in recent few years the government has taken many steps in this regard, but said more needs to be done in this regard.
The athletes from both districts appealed to the government to take immediate steps to address these issues. They said that with proper infrastructure, local talent can excel and represent the region at national and international levels.
“South Kashmir has immense sporting potential. All we need is the right support and facilities to prove our mettle,” the athletes said—(KNO)
