Sports Ministry’s Media List

Instead of boasting, the aim should be to develop sports in the state

Qayoom Shiekh

The sports ministry in Jammu and Kashmir has few menus in the list. The Rs 100 crore package from central government, RS 18 crore project in Baramulla and sports academy in each district of the state.

Wherever the sports ministry makes its presence, it makes sure to mention the already stated menu.

The media also gave ample space to ministry’s menu list, never questioning the wish list of the minister.

However, things need to set right in the field. Sports ministry instead of taking it as a final call to brag each time about the wish list should focus on the development of the sports in the state.

                                  

There are numerous problems that sports lovers face.  In schools, the infrastructure is very dismal. Students are not encouraged to excel in sports. Ritual sports tournaments to drive out money has become a norm.

In schools, physical education teachers, if they have let students themselves to learn things. They don’t provide regular training for which they are employed to students. They woke up in time of sports events, do some mock drills and rest once the event is over.

In addition, the students who are interested in the sports do not get monetary sport from the sports ministry. Providing some meals and congested accommodation during ritual tournaments is not enough.

The sports ministry has failed to develop sports a fully-fledged subject in schools or colleges.   

Most sports persons turn to other fields for livelihood, as they do not get necessary financial support from the government.

A kayaking and canoeing player who had played two internationals for the state rides shikara to earn living for his family.

A cyclist draws no support from the government, a private company sponsors him.

Sports is not cricket and football only. Similarly selection of Parvez Rasool in the Indian national team does not mean all is well below the line.

We also don’t have enough budget allotted to sports activities. Football which is very much famous among Kashmiris’ has only six lakh annual budget. The football in Kashmir has produced players like Majid Kakroo, Ishfaq Ahmad, Mehraj-ud-Din Wadoo. These stars were the product of different private culbs that are run by former football players. The private clubs manage everything themselves and draw no monetary support from the government. 

The condition of grounds is not also satisfactory. A 1000 kanal ground which was devoted by villagers to sports activities in Qaziabad area of north Kashmir has not caught eye of the sports ministry. In the spacious ground which has potential to become a perfect sports destinations no sports activities takes place till peak summer of July, because the ground is not leveled properly and lacks drainage system. The water gets logged in the ground and finds no way to get dried till peak summer.

Similar is the case of other areas. At some places youth play between boulders, risking themselves to injuries.

The 100 crore package played by the sports ministry needs to be invested strategically. The aim should be to develop sports in the state. It should not be consumed on photo sessions and feasts.

This time instead of boasting, things need to be changed in ground. The priority should be development of sports infrastructure. The players who day and night work hard to excel in their field need to be encouraged and accommodated.