The promise of Jammu’s first all-weather swimming pool, a project initiated in 2019, has been still elusive. While the city’s swimming enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating a world-class facility to nurture their talent, the project has been mired in delays, bureaucratic hurdles, and apparent indifference. This is practically a tale of squandered potential. A city with a burgeoning sporting spirit, especially in aquatic disciplines, has been denied vital infrastructure. The delay has not just inconvenienced swimmers but has also hampered the growth of the sport. The closure of the existing pool for conversion has forced hundreds, including aspiring champions, to either give up their passion or resort to expensive private facilities. The reasons cited for the delay-financial constraints, bureaucratic red tape, and even alleged political interference-are as frustrating as they are familiar. It is disheartening to witness a project of such significance being held hostage to such petty concerns. While funds have been allocated, the pace of execution has been glacial. The question is why, even after five years, the project that should have been a priority is still incomplete.
The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, the custodian of the project, is accountable for this inordinate delay. Its role is not merely to sanction funds but to ensure their utilisation and timely completion. Much delay in completion raises serious questions about competence and commitment. The officials, the Sports Council, and the contractors involved must understand that this is not just about a swimming pool. It is about the aspirations of a city, the dreams of young athletes, and the overall development of sports. The delay is a disservice to the entire community. The upcoming tender for the final phase is a glimmer of hope. However, this phase must be executed with the utmost efficiency and transparency. There should be no more excuses, no more delays. The swimming community has waited long enough. The construction of the all-weather swimming pool is not just a project; it is an investment in the future of Jammu’s sports.
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