Early Times Report
Srinagar, Sept 22: As the valley continues to remain under clampdown, the sports activities have halted across the places with almost every stadium closed from last one month. The football, cricket, hockey and game stadium are giving a desert look. Moreover, the constructions at many grounds are also shut. There were many sports event that were running and buzzing before 5 th August, the day Centre abrogated Article 370, which used to special status to the resident of the Jammu and Kashmir including separate constitution and flag. The valley cricketer were practicing at the Sher-e-Kashmir ground Sonwar, but are now practicing outside the state under the leadership of Parveez Rasool and former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket team are preparing for national event and Ranji matches.
While on the other hand, no football match has taken place at the SRTC Turf ground Srinagar. Every year, many national and local football matches take place at SRTC Turf ground. And, the ground also is used by the local and national football team Real F.C Kashmir.
Prior to that, the construction at the Bakshi Stadium has also been halted from last one month.
The Bakshi Stadium was going under construction as it was be made into world class football ground with more than 20,000 intake capacity and flood lights.
Other than that Indoor Stadium also gives a deserted look. The stadium always used to be buzzed with many sports activities including badminton, basketball and other games. "I am not able to contact my players, who live in different parts of Kashmir and we cannot practice. It has been a month since we had practice, what else can we do except waiting", said Aqib, a coach.
He added, "Once the communication blockade is over, only than we can think doing something big. It is the toughest time for athletes around the valley, with no practice and nothing. We can only hope that situation gets normal very soon so we that can continue our sports activities.
Aqib added, "The valley has given many athletes to the country including some world class sport players but to continue in producing such more athletes. We need to practice and we cannot do it these days". |
