Athletics and Archery Coaches Should Prepare for Other Sports Themselves

Sonbhadra 29 august:-(desk) While there are many claims about promoting sports talent, the ground reality is that adequate resources are not being provided. The district stadium lacks coaches and proper facilities for major sports disciplines. Promising talents in wrestling, kabaddi, cricket, hockey, badminton and other sports are waiting for coaches.

In Durganganj, there are claims of promoting sports talent, but the reality is that resources are lacking. The district stadium has no coaches or facilities for basketball, despite a court being built for it. The Special Sports Stadium in Tiyara, Sadar Block, has been constructed, where athletes from various sports practice. On one side, athletics takes place, while football and archery happen on the other.

Often, other sports have to be halted to accommodate specific sports. The stadium has three coaches for archery, as well as one coach each for athletics, volleyball, and football. However, there are no coaches for wrestling, hockey, badminton, basketball, kabaddi, cricket, weightlifting, and other sports. Positions have remained vacant for years, forcing athletes to seek training in other cities.

A significant amount of money was spent to build a separate basketball court, but years later, the lack of a coach has rendered the court unused and merely decorative.
Hockey Players Practicing on a Hill

There is no ground for national sport hockey in the district, despite the presence of many talented players. Near Churk, players are leveling a hill to practice hockey. Daily, 30-35 children can be seen playing hockey there. Notably, many of these children have showcased their talent in national-level competitions for under-14, 17, and 19 age groups while practicing on the uneven hill. Mahima Rawat and Ranjana Keshari are training at the SAI Center in Lucknow, while Akash Yadav has reached a coaching academy in Odisha.

Hockey player Amarjeet Yadav states that there is a lot of talent among the players here, but the lack of a ground is wasting their efforts. Previously, a proposal for a separate ground was prepared by the district administration, but it did not receive approval.

District Sports Officer Shameem Ahmed mentioned that over 500 players practice daily at the stadium. The ground is multipurpose, hosting various sports activities. Coaches for major sports are available, and proposals are sent to the government for any vacant positions. Efforts are ongoing for the development of sports facilities.