Calls to Address Substandard Hockey Turfs in KPK; Sports Circles Demand Action

 

Calls to Address Substandard Hockey Turfs in KPK; Sports Circles Demand Action

Musarrat Ullah Jan

 

Peshawar – Concerns have been raised within sports circles regarding the poor quality of hockey stadiums and turfs constructed across various regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province. The sporting community is urging the Sports Advisor, Secretary of Sports, and Director General of Sports to take immediate notice of the issue and address the substandard conditions.

 

The prevailing sentiment among hockey circles is that the majority of the grounds built under the previous regime are of inferior quality, which is evident from the deteriorating condition of these turfs.

 

One of the prime examples of this issue is the recently installed turf at the Islamia College Ground in Peshawar, which has become a cause for concern. Additionally, hockey grounds in Charsadda, Kohat, DI Khan, and Bannu have also faced complaints due to their substandard quality. The hockey circles have revealed that both the civil work and the installation of turfs have been carried out poorly and incorrectly. For instance, at Islamia College Peshawar, the turf has been laid with nails, causing significant damage. Similarly, certain areas of the turfs in Abdul Wali Khan Sports Complex in Charsadda and Bannu have deteriorated, despite being relatively new.

 

The primary cause of this issue, as pointed out by the circles, is the division of responsibilities between two different contractors who were assigned the construction of hockey turfs and civil works under the previous administration.

The supervision and quality control during the construction process seem to have been lacking. In light of these concerns, the sports circles are urging the caretaker Sports Minister, Secretary of Sports, and DG Sports to take prompt notice of the matter and blacklist the responsible contractor.

 

The substandard condition of the hockey turfs not only hampers the progress of the sport but also raises safety concerns for the players. It is imperative for the authorities to intervene and ensure the construction of high-quality stadiums and turfs that meet international standards.

The sports circles are hopeful that the current administration, under the leadership of the Sports Advisor, Secretary of Sports, and DG Sports, will prioritize this issue and take necessary action to rectify the situation.

 

As the demand for better infrastructure and facilities for hockey grows louder, it is crucial for the provincial government to allocate sufficient resources and implement effective oversight to ensure the timely completion of high-quality stadiums and turfs. By addressing these concerns, KPK can promote the development of hockey and provide aspiring players with the environment they need to thrive in the sport.

 

In conclusion, the urgent need to address the substandard hockey turfs in KPK has been emphasized by sports circles. The responsible authorities must take notice of the issue, blacklist the contractor responsible for the poor construction, and prioritize the development of high-quality stadiums and turfs. Only then can KPK’s hockey community flourish and contribute to the growth of the sport at both the provincial and national levels.