Citizens warn: Ambassa sports culture in 'peril'
Sports infrastructure in Ambassa is facing a deep crisis. One after another, playing grounds are being planned for conversion into marketplaces, pushing the local sports environment steadily toward destruction.
Local sources claimed, under the initiative of the Ambassa Municipal Council, regular weekly markets are being held at Dashamighat playground, effectively ruining the sporting character of the field. It is further alleged, similar plans are underway for the Chandrai Para School ground, drawing strong objections from local residents. However, concerned District Education Officer said no such application was submitted to him, so far
According to the residents, Ambassa once had a healthy sporting atmosphere, but today that identity is under threat. Political leaders and public representatives often speak from public platforms about good health and the physical and mental development of youth, but in reality, there is little alignment between their words and actions. Two important playgrounds of Ambassa are being indiscriminately damaged right before the eyes of the people, yet protests are gradually falling silent.
Even at present, regular cricket practice continues at the Dashamighat ground. Under the supervision of a coach, boys of the new generation practice regularly. However, due to the weekly markets held on the ground, children are forced to play amid garbage, unhygienic conditions, and discarded materials. On the other hand, the Chandrai Para School ground has long been the main hub for afternoon sports activities of local children. The field remains lively with cricket, football, and various other games. The initiative to set up shops and markets there as well has created deep concern in the area.
Protesting against this plan, the local club Netaji Play Centre submitted a written complaint to the District Education Officer on February 6. In conversation with the club representatives, the District Education Officer clearly stated that he had no prior knowledge of the matter. He further said that no application or intimation regarding the use of the school ground had been submitted by the Ambassa Municipal Council to the District Education Office.
Sports lovers insist that playgrounds can never be an alternative to markets. To ensure the physical and mental development of future generations, it is essential to immediately reconsider such decisions. Otherwise, conscious citizens fear that Ambassa will soon lose its identity as a hub of sports and games.
