Sahil Nazir,Bandipora,CNS,16-Sep; The sports ground Hajin,has become a bone of contention for aspiring cricket stars and talented footballers who want to make their career in the sports field. The playground lacks basic facilities to groom and chisel the talent of young talented players. .Scores of cricketers, footballers told CNS that the callous attitude of the administration towards this play ground has left it outdated and has hampered the talented players to showcase their talent. The senior ace players of the area added that many a times the officials of the administration visited this ground and assured us that the ground shall be transformed into a stadium, but it all seemed like cotton candies .The sorry state of sports infrastructure here is such that the only playground in the town since last 30 years has been neglected by the concerned administration.Nazir Ahmad, a senior footballer said that the sports ground lacks a drainage system. It needs experts to frame a strategy to drain out the water from the sports ground in order to make it playable for local youth during rainy seasons.He said that many great cricketers and footballers across Kashmir have played here in this beautiful sports ground but they are reluctant to enter into this stadium now as water logging, and uneven fields are some of the salient features of this solitary sports ground .He said that there is lighting arrangement in the ground, like other sports grounds have. We urge the government to install flood lights so that we can conduct night football matches in this beautiful sports ground where every player likes to play in this ground.Players are suffering immensely. Many promises were made to repair this beautiful ground but none has been fulfilled till date. Nazir ahmad Said“We have conducted exhibition matches in which we have invited high officials just to catch the attention of the administration so that a mini sports stadium will be announced in this area, however all has proven futile and fruitless till date.” said Aijaz. a footballer.He further added that there is no proper drainage system in the ground as rain causes water logging in the ground; hence, we have to clear the water with buckets.Zubair a local a player added that they have been conducting football tournaments every year to keep the youth engaged with the sports activities so that they might not choose the wrong path such as drugs etc. He further added that we are organising such events on our own expenses and keep youth busy with the sports activities.We have been demanding the sports stadium for the last many years now but it seems our woes reach to the deaf ears. Now our last hope is Deputy Commissioner Bandipora and secretary Sports Council as either of them has assured that our genuine demand would be fulfilled very soon.The locals have appealed to the deputy commissioner Bandipora to intervene personally and announce the sports stadium in Hajin.Official from sports council assured CNS that Sports ground Hajin will be upgraded very soon Added that the ground will be maintained properly and drinking water will be made available and also a dressing room for players will be given to the sports ground Hajin very soon.(CNS)
