Srinagar, July 15: Jammu and Kashmir has only 137 playgrounds against the required 2,500, causing roadblocks in execution of sports plans.
Figures from the JK Sports Council revealed that 103 of these fields are in Kashmir division, while the remaining 34 are in Jammu.
Given the population distribution, Kashmir requires 1,196 playgrounds and Jammu 1,302, the data suggests.
“Srinagar district only has 29 playing fields against the need for 150, Budgam has four against 100, Anantnag 17 against 270, and Pulwama four against 80 (sic),” the data shows.
“Ganderbal has six playing fields to its population of 2,97,446 against the requirement for 20.”
Jammu district only has 17 playing fields available against the need for 175; Udhampur has only two against the requirement for 200 playing fields, it suggests.
An official of JK Youth Services and Sports said the lack of infrastructure has been affecting performance of the players.
“The existing playing fields are also in a bad shape. Only a few have drainage system in place,” the official said.
“There is also dearth of trained coaches almost in every sport,” he added. “Our youth are well talented, but they are not getting a proper training due to the lack of infrastructure.”
The state has produced sports persons who play at the national level, he said.
“In comparison to the other states, the number is very less. But this is because we don’t have a good infrastructure. Sports have been the government’s least concern,” the official added.
Secretary JK Youth Services and Sports, Javed Khan, however, said the government was taking measures to develop the infrastructure.
“Around Rs 20 crore is being spent on sports activities in the current year. Besides Rs 10 lakh will be provided to each block for sports activities,” Khan said.
“People are not aware about sports activities being organised in the state. Sports infrastructure is also been upgraded.”
