Team Herald
Ponda: The Ponda Sport Complex constructed by the Government with multipurpose facilities for various sports is badly in need of repairs. During the last tenure of the former Ponda MLA Lavoo Mamlatdar had sent several letters for the maintenance and renovation of existing facilities and recently the Ponda MLA Ravi Naik too demanded renovation work with proper facilities keeping an eye on National Badminton Games scheduled next year. Ravi Naik said though he sent proposals they had not been sanctioned though one proposal for the construction for an Indoor Sports Complex had been sanctioned for Rs 10. 5 crores.
The Sports Complex at Ponda has one ground which is mostly used for Football as well as Cricket causing hardship to players of both games. According to Ponda MLA after lot of request from players he is trying to provide two grounds dedicated to cricket and football games. There is one ground lying in the possession of the Veterinary Department at Curti and if it is utilised and developed for football games then the ground at the Sports Complex can be dedicated to cricket games and for this there is need of government cooperation. The ground at Veterinary Department can be developed using tribal fund.
Not only Football and Cricket, there is no dearth of players in Ponda in various games. The local youth like Badminton, Table tennis, swimming, and other games , however there is need for modern facilities and upgradation to existing Sports Complex , in addition to skilled trainers in various games. Recently hundreds of swimmers faced hardship as the swimming pool in the sports complex remained closed due to water leakages and it took more than six month time for repairs which is now functioning smoothly. The Sports Complex remained neglected that led to problems for players. The ground at Sports complex need maintenance.
and this work is yet to be undertaken.
According to Ponda MLA Ravi Naik Ponda is not only leading in education but also in various sports. He said there is a need of encouragement for young players and for this more facilities must be provided by the government. He said he is working hard to bring necessary changes and improving upgrading facilities at Ponda Sports Complex. He said Ponda needs two dedicated grounds for Cricket and Football. He said the New Indoor Complex with an area of around 2406 square metres got a government sanction of Rs 10.5 crores and it will have Badminton and Table tennis court beside multipurpose games will be played. There will be Fitness Centre, one hall for warmup, Locker room facility for players, Sanitation facility.
