Sports launchpad in Old City faces neglect

Uppuguda: Once a top sporting facility in Old City catering to aspiring sportsmen and known as launching pad for many budding sportspersons, who later played at national level and made the city proud, has been facing official apathy. Neglecting it for over a decade, the GHMC has also stopped supplying sports equipment for the past three years.

The Phool Bagh ground has been providing opportunities for youth interested in boxing, volleyball, netball, basketball, skating, badminton, ball badminton, karate, yoga, cricket, cycling, bodybuilding, Kushti (traditional wrestling) and also small walking track for locals.

According to locals, hundreds of residents who were availing of the facility were disappointed by the continuous neglect faced by the ground. Balraj, a former senior coach and ground in-charge, says, "Lack of support from the GHMC is proving to be a damper, as the number of youngsters who showed keen interest in sports was dwindling by each year. Over 200 children used to get trained in different types of sports during summer camps. Now, the situation has changed."

Can bring laurels to Telangana

"At the moment there are two workers in the ground and part time coaches provide training for games. If the authorities increase the staff and extend regular job to coaches, then the Phool Bagh ground could once again bring trophies and contribute immensely for Telangana sports at national level," he added.

Another coach on condition of anonymity says, "In the past, L Venkat Ram Reddy (Former Director at GHMC) and Narsing Rao (Inspector at GHMC VPG Ground) used to regularly inspect the ground. For many years, we have been receiving Rs 8,750 per month from government. There was a promise of hike, but since last two years no one is talking about it. It is very difficult for us to live in such a low salary."

Joshua, a sportsman says, "There is no proper infrastructure facility in Phool Baug Ground Gym. This Gym was established in the year 1923, but the amenities are yet to be upgraded and remain outdated."

K Thara Bai, Falaknuma Corporator, said, "Currently, there is no fund allotted from GHMC for sports material and ground development and when GHMC releases we would distribute equally to all grounds."