Ranjit Thakur
JAMMU, May 23: Nearly two decades after its foundation stone was laid by the then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in 2006, the Doda Sports Stadium continues to remain incomplete, much to the dismay of local athletes and sports bodies. Despite numerous assurances from the Government and several financial sanctions, the much-awaited facility has become a glaring symbol of administrative indifference. The prolonged delay in the stadium’s completion has left hundreds of budding sportspersons in the district without proper training facilities.
The Doda Sports Stadium was originally envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility that would not only cater to the needs of local athletes but also serve as a venue for district and state-level sports competitions. However, nearly two decades on, the stadium’s construction has come to a standstill. The most recent funding of Rs 1 crore, sanctioned by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to resume work on the stadium, has shown little tangible impact on the ground. Key components such as turf wicket preparation, grass laying, drainage upgrades, and necessary renovations for the dressing rooms and stairs remain largely incomplete.
Amir Karim Wani, a local cricketer from the Green Shaheen Cricket Club in Doda, expressed his frustration at the prolonged delay, saying, “Even after several months, there has been no substantial progress. The grass work hasn’t started and players don’t have a proper place to train. We had hoped that with the fresh funding, there would be faster progress, but it seems things are moving at a snail’s pace.”
Wani emphasized the need for levelling the ground and installing high-mast lights to enable night tournaments, which would open up new opportunities for local athletes. “These demands are not new, yet very little has been done. The situation is demoralizing for the district’s young talent,” he added.
The Young Star Cricket Club (YSCC) Doda also echoed similar sentiments, recalling promises made by former Sports Minister regarding the installation of a shed over the stadium stairs for the convenience of spectators. Additionally, a sum of Rs 30 lakh was promised to facilitate the completion of key components of the stadium during school programme at Sports Stadium Doda in 2017, yet even this assurance remains unfulfilled. “It is disappointing that the authorities have not acted on the commitments made. The youth of Doda deserve better,” said a spokesperson from YSCC.
Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council’s JE, Atul Koshal, speaking to Excelsior over the phone, shared some positive developments, saying, “Work on the stadium was resumed after January 26 and we have completed about 50% of the work. Drainage work has been completed, and marble work on the stairs is nearly finished. The remaining tasks, including the installation of railings on the stairs, laying grass on ground and preparing the pitch, are in progress.”
Koshal assured that the grass on the pitch had been tested and that the feedback was positive. “The ground has been completely levelled and grass work will begin soon. We are hopeful that the work will be completed soon.”
Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, also addressed the concerns of local athletes, stating, “I have issued strict directions to the executing agencies to complete the remaining work within the projected timeline. While some delays occurred due to the current circumstances, major works like drainage, stonework on the stairs, and pitch preparation are nearing completion.” Singh added that grass laying would commence shortly.
He further assured that in addition to the completion of the Doda Sports Stadium, the administration is also planning to develop three more sports facilities in different parts of Doda district to provide greater opportunities for the youth.
With rising expectations and mounting pressure from the sports community, all eyes are now on the administration to deliver on its promises and finally complete the Doda Sports Stadium, fulfilling the hopes of local athletes and the wider community.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
