Mukhtar Dar,
Budgam:Contrary to the government’s claims of promoting sports in Jammu and Kashmir, numerous villages in central Kashmir’s Budgam district lack basic playing facilities, compelling youth to resort to playing in paddy fields.
The absence of proper playgrounds has forced hundreds of players to use unsuitable paddy fields during the winter season in Budgam.
Munzoor Bhat, a sportsman, highlights the potential dangers of playing in such fields but emphasizes that athletes have no alternative.
In response to the government’s lackluster approach, individuals like Tariq Ahmad Magray from Hukhlatri have stepped up voluntarily, organizing and providing his paddy land for cricket tournaments. He has even leveled the fields for a smoother playing surface.
Tariq states that 36 teams from various areas participate annually, demonstrating the community’s passion for cricket.
Ghulam Rasool Parray notes the substantial turnout at the tournaments, underscoring the people’s love for cricket.
Tariq urges the government to provide basic sports facilities, asserting that Kashmir has the potential to produce players of international caliber.
Critiquing the Youth Service and Sports Department, Arif Sultan, a renowned cricketer from Budgam, claims the department’s contributions are minimal, criticizing its lack of tangible impact at the grassroots level.
Firdous Ahmad, a teacher, emphasizes the role of sports in combating drug abuse and criticizes the government’s apathy towards promoting sports.
Officials acknowledge the limited sports infrastructure in Budgam, with only one stadium, two playgrounds, and no training hall. Cricketer Munzoor Bhat expresses concerns about the high cost of playing in other districts due to the lack of facilities.
Local residents in Budgam call for urgent intervention from Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, requesting basic sports facilities to nurture local talent and enable the district to produce players capable of competing internationally.
