Even after the municipal commissioner Vijay Nehra stressed on developing multiple sports facilities, the existing sporting arenas in the city are found not up to the mark and needs maintenance. The draft budget earmarked more than Rs 160 crore for the upcoming sports facilities, but the reality seems far different from what's been said.
There are three sports complexes own by civic body – Vir Savarkar Sports Complex, Memco, Raipur Sports Complex and Kankaria Sports Complex. The Kankaria Sports Complex is an international arena developed under the public private partnership mode.
The remaining two are in very bad shape. When the Vir Savarkar Sports unit was dedicated to public in 2010, the civic body had decided to operate this by its own. Similar was the case with the Raipur Sports Sankul which is been operated by the civic body only.
When DNA visited the two sports complexes, they were in bad shape. These complexes are in dire need of maintenance even for the basic use. At Memco, the only usable space was VIP gallery which was used by the competitive exam aspirants as reading room. The badminton and tennis were defunct too.
At the Raipur Sports Complex, the only pay and park zone was operational. The grasses took over the basket ball ground, and the net from the volleyball court was found missing. The security guard informed us that no one so far has come here for playing.
Anil Nair, one of the local in disagreement said, "I used to play here. The tennis court here is not maintained. The RCC surface is smooth and which is why one struggles to play here. However, the net and everything is broken and damaged too."
Similar condition is found at the Raipur Sport Complex. The sporting arena was kept open only for the Khel Mahakumbh event. Rest of the year, the the complex was being used as a parking plot, the locals here inform us. "The sports complex do not have proper courts and facilities for the players. There was a time when I used to play, but not anymore. The area can be used for training the underprivileged staying in the nearby area. But unfortunately the place is in shambles," said Bilal Nagori, a Judo player.
MLA Imran Khedawala said that he had raised questions regarding maintenance of the complex during coordination meeting with the civic body. "I have asked the officials to fix the problem. These complexes can be used by the students for their training in sports. Those who can afford go to private courts. Despite the facility the civic body is not maintaining it," said Khedawala.
Mayor Bijal Patel said, that the two complexes are being operated by the civic body. "I am aware about the condition. We will take it up to repair it and I will make sure that these complexes are maintained regularly. It may take some time for recruiting coaches."
It is to be noted that Khokhra Sports Complex which is under the Gujarat Sports Authority was comparatively good.
SORRY STATE OF AFFAIRS IN CITY
- The draft budget earmarked more than Rs 160 crore for the upcoming sports facilities.
- At Memco, the only usable space was VIP gallery which was used by the competitive exam aspirants as reading room. The badminton and tennis were defunct too.
- At the Raipur Sports Complex, the only pay and park zone was operational. The grasses took over the basket ball ground, and the net from the volleyball court was found missing.
- Khokhra Sports Complex which is under the Gujarat Sports Authority was found comparatively good state.
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