Sports has for long been neglected in Adilabad. This despite the backward district having enough potential, especially among the tribal youth, in sports. Whatever the government does for promotion of sports remains at best, half measures, a case in point being the construction of mini stadia in the 10 Assembly constituencies in the district.
The mini stadium at Asifabad, the construction of which is almost complete, is an example of the how costly infrastructure could end up being wasteful expenditure if the government dithers in the appointment of coaches and other staff. The sports facility has been built at a cost of Rs.2.1 crore, but there is no one to manage its affairs.
“We need at least five coaches in different disciplines and an equal number of ministerial staff for every stadium. We also need at least three ground markers and two watchmen at each of the 10 stadia,” says District Sports Development Officer N. Sudhakar Rao as he ponders over the viability of the sports facilities coming up in the district.
“We also need sports material to help poor youth in the district who may be sports enthusiasts. Our experience shows that many youngsters feel handicapped due to the lack of access to sports material,” he adds.
Young sportspersons from the district have earned laurels at State and National levels in different sports competitions in the past. They could do so because of the personal interest of sports managers and others.
“Tribal youth exhibit great enthusiasm and have the necessary stamina to take to athletics, archery, boxing, weight lifting volleyball, football, hockey etc. We need material in these disciplines as soon as possible so that enthusiasts can be facilitated at the new stadiums,” the DSDO said, based on a report he is readying to submit to the State government for necessary action.
