CCl and the State Government’s plan to develop the facilities available at Mega Sports Complex into full-fledged Sports University has made sports’ associations unsure about their players’ regular practice over there. The apprehension has prompted some of the associations to approach the Sports Department to make sure that players’ practice is not discontinued.
“Our players of all the age groups have been practicing in the Thakur Vishwanath Shahdeo Indoor Stadium of Mega Sports Complex over two years. The performances of the players have improved. Though, the Government has not specified whether we would be restricted from practicing at the world class infrastructure when the proposed Sports University comes up. We will definitely approach them and request them not to take such a step,” said Rathin Bhadra, vice president of Badminton Association of Ranchi District.
Similarly, Shailendra Kumar Tiwary, secretary general of Jharkhand State Swimming Association said, “We are yet to discuss with CCl or the State Government about our players’ practice in the stadiums of Hotwar. All the sports associations of the State must be permitted to utilise the facilities of Mega Sports Complex since they are the one who initially promote the players for representing Government and private organisations at State, national or international levels.”
Notably, the Cabinet on May 19 approved the proposal of setting the Sports University with CCl. Also, it sanctioned the plan for 13 other academies of different sports disciplines. As many as 1,400 students are to be admitted in the proposed University providing sports training and formal education. The Government is now looking ahead of signing the MoU with CCl. The day and date would be fixed soon.
The Sports Department on the other side has not yet thought over the issue. Sources in the Sports Department said they would ask CCl to consider allowing the regular practice of the players from various sports associations.
“It is obvious that eligible young players will be taken in the Sports University. As far as the others are concerned, we will discuss about the clause of allowing regular practice of players hailing from registered sports associations on the date of signing the MoU,” mentioned an official.
However, Sports Director Anil Kumar Singh during an interaction with The Pioneer a few days ago had clearly pointed out that the purpose of the Sports University was to promote players without the interference of sports associations.
“Once the MoU of Sports University plan is signed between CCl and Government, we would seek the support of city schools to start a small a sports coaching centre at their level. It will benefit the school going players who would later get direct entry opportunity in the Sports University for pursuing higher studies,” he had said.
Currently, there are eight stadiums in the complex for games like athletics, lawn tennis, badminton, swimming and gymnastics.