Government urged to improve sports infrastructure in State

Athletes need continuous encouragement, not just praises after victory, said Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) State secretary G. Ramanna.

Inspired by India’s recent Women’s Cricket World Cup victory, the DYFI State Committee organised an event titled “Congratulate the Champions – Discuss Sports Development”. Speaking at the event, Mr. Ramanna said the women’s team’s triumph symbolises gender equality and national pride. He said that their splendid victory marked a turning point in the country’s march toward social equality.

Pointing to the fact that each player in the team had a story of struggle and triumph, overcoming hardship, humiliation and adversity to finally win the hearts of millions of Indians, he appreciated the parents who supported their daughters in pursuing sports.

The youth federation leader demanded the government to encourage athletes from various disciplines who still face challenges due to lack of support. “It’s not enough to appreciate them after they win, they must be supported at every stage on the way to victory,” he reiterated.

Mr. Ramanna criticised the lack of infrastructure and coaching facility in the State and observed that while Haryana had 400 coaches, AP had only four. “The State still lacks a synthetic track and adequate sports facilities,” he said, demanding multi-purpose indoor stadiums, implementation of G.O. No. 74, job guarantees for athletes and protection for women sportspersons.

He urged the government to set up Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres and sports schools in every district, appoint physical directors in all of them and establish sports hostels and playgrounds with proper equipment. He said sports can steer youth away from drugs and crime and called upon everyone to support the movement “Let’s Revive Sports- Let’s Save the Youth” kicked off by the federation.

The event was presided over by the federation’s State president Y. Ramu and attended by Jana Vignan Vedika leaders Seenu, Shobhan and Ravi, DYFI State vice-president Ramana, district assistant secretary Shiva, State committee members P. Krishna, Narasimha, Prasad, Krishnakant, city leaders and several sportspersons.