Srinagar, Oct 9:(KNS) For over two months, the school going children are practising for roller skates and roller ball here at the Radpora Stadium near Nowhatta, Srinagar.
However, they rue the government apathy for not providing them required equipment to practice for the competitive events.
The children and their parents while complimenting the authorities for constructing the roller skating rink inside the stadium at Radpora, they complained that other equipment like balls, goal posts, nets, timers, cones to prepare their children for competitive events are missing.
M Ashraf Diju, the local coach who trains the children for RollBall at the skating rink, said he is preparing the students for the state championship but lack of equipment is creating hurdles for the players.
“Some parents have bought cones themselves to demarcate the goal area for the practice matches. We appreciate the fact that this downtown area has a roller skating rink. However, a little more addition will make it worthwhile,” he said.
He urged the State Sports Council to provide goal posts for the rink so that the budding players play in a more meaningful way.
Sajad Khan, has been accompanying his children to the rink regularly while leaving his business activities during day time. However, he feels the government has to make more effort to provide necessary equipment for the children.
“I leave all work and accompany my 6-year-old child here every day to this stadium so that he is trained professionally in this game. These children are playing matches utilising the cones as goal area. I personally purchased the cones from the market,” he said.
He also urged the government and the sports council to provide proper facilities for the children.
Another parent who accompanies her two children to the ground said coaching camp is a blessing as children have been feeling bored at home without schools.
Basit Bilal Channa from Habba Kadal has been attending the camp for over two weeks to prepare for the state championship.
“This is the only facility in the Downtown area in Srinagar for roller skating classes. The government has to spend a little extra to make it a complete rink for competitions.”
Diju provides coaching to the children from 11 am to 2 pm every day except Sunday.
Many children come as early at 9 am for extra practices.
J&K’s Rollball association is scheduled to hold the State championship in the next week and the camp at Radpora Stadium has trained many students for the event.(KNS)