Sports fraternity flays SSC for allowing exhibition in TRC ground

Abid Khan

Srinagar, Mar 21: Sports fraternity of the Valley flayed J&K State Sports Council (SSC) decision to allow J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board to hold exhibition in the Tourist Reception Center Ground.
 Terming the decision as unfortunate, J&K Football Association (JKFA) spokesman said it would make condition of already dilapidated field worse.
 “The condition of the ground is already miserable and exhibition will make it worse,” said JKFA official, Fayaz Ahmad Sofi.
 Two years back government was contemplating to convert the ground into Tulip Garden. But the decision was later revoked after JKFA and other sports organizations of the Valley launched agitation against it.
 “That time the government assured that the field would be maintained like Polo Ground central and spectators stands would be erected. Also it was promised that no exhibition, parking and political rally would be allowed in the ground” Fayaz said.
 “But the promise proved a hoax. Holding of exhibitions will turn it into a cesspool and now it would require huge money to restore it to playing condition,” he added.
 Fayaz alleged that SSC is allowing exhibitions in the ground for monetary benefits.
 The JKFA official warned SSC that they would launch an agitation against the decision.
 Sports Fraternity of Dalgate (SFD) that organizes cricket and football tournaments in the Ground accused SSC of playing with the future of players. 
 “Two days back when we saw poles being erected in the Ground, we were shocked to see permission by SSC to organize 10-day exhibition,” said chairman, SFD, Umer Hayat.
 “Already our tournaments have been halted due to the water logging in the field and as the weather improved they have erected exhibition tents and space for parking,” he added.
 Players from Dalgate, Sonwar, Rajbagh, Khayam, Nehru-Park, Kohna Khan depend entirely on TRC ground.
 “The exhibition organizers have dug huge lanes in and around the tents and they have made arrangements of parking inside the field which will make the condition of the field worse. I’m sure that SSC will have to spend more amount of money than they earned from exhibition,” he said.
 Brazilian football coach, Marcos also was sad to see ground being used for other than sporting purposes. “Playing fields should not be used for other activities at any cost.”
 Sports Officer, Kashmir, MS Baba while defending the decision, said, “We have allowed exhibition on non-playing area and it will not affect the main ground. We charge Rs 15,000 per day which is a department to department transaction.”

Published in Greater Kashmir on Mar 22-2009..link:  http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=22_3_2009&ItemID=3&cat=4