The lust for revenue never seems to end for the State Government, which is busy minting money from private parties allowing them to host cultural programmes on rent at Birsa Munda Football Stadium at the cost of the main practice area for Sports Authority of India (SAI) Ranchi centre players. This not only creates disturbance for players but also makes the area filthy and non-conducive for practice.
Official sources mention that the football ground, known among the best sports infrastructure in the state, can be used for non-sports activities by paying an amount of Rs 75,000 for each day. However, no charges are required for organizing a sports tournament under the Government norms.
“Since March to September around seven days have been used for private programmes. Each day’s charge of Rs 75,000 has been deposited directly in the account of Sports Authority of Jharkhand (SAJHA). Any private party or company can deposit the amount after verifying documents from Deputy Commissioner with an IPRS licence,” a SAJHA official said on the condition of anonymity on Tuesday.
The dates when such private functions were organised are March 21 to 23, June 13 to 15 and September 14 respectively. SAI players who ought to wake up early morning for routine practice fail to have a sound sleep because of the noise in the party celebrations. They had been complaining their concerned authorities regularly who in turn are incapable to find a solution because of government’s rule.
“Stage shows of celebrities like Mika Singh and other prominent singers are always organised at our campus. Obviously, it continues till 10 pm causing troubles for us. We cannot sleep and reach late for practice session,” said a senior athlete staying in the centre for past two years. Similarly, another senior player said, “Workers deployed to clean the ground often fail to collect shattered nails used for putting up tents of programmes. As a result, we fall prey to nail bits while practicing our game. We also have to pick the thrown food wastes. Why are such programmes are not organized in football stadiums of other StateIJ”
Both junior girls and boys at this centre are trying to get habituated to the tension. “We have to stay and practice anyhow,” two junior hockey players said. As many as 116 players out of a total strength of 125 players are presently accommodated here belonging to sports disciplines involving Archery, Athletics, Volleyball, Hockey and Football.
“Yes, we receive complains from our players on such problems. Unfortunately, we cannot help them. Afterall, it is state government’s property and not ours,” a coach said. Sports Director Dadan Choubey hesitatingly said that he was busy and remained out of reach for his comments.
