Shopian, Dec 03: The district administration in Shopian is showing no interest to promote the game in the district as the Hockey Club here is making all the arrangements itself for organizing tournaments.
Hockey players in Shopian told Kashmir Images that Shopian Junior Hockey Tournament concluded few days ago here in which Shopian Hockey Club performed well and won the tournament. “The spectators were disappointed at seeing the condition of ground which is not suitable for the game and lacks space as well,” they said.
“We are thankful to J&K Hockey Association for organizing the Hockey Tournament second time but it seems the district administration was unaware about the game being played in the district,” they added.
One of the members of Hockey Club Shopian, Nisar Ahmad, said that like other games Hockey should be also promoted in the district and for doing so the district administration should ensure the availability of a playground and hockey equipments. “Two Hockey Tournaments have been organized in Shopian district so far and our club lacks equipments because we received no funding under Khelo India scheme,” he added.
Another Hockey player, Shakir Shafi, said: “I am playing Hockey from last 5 years but I have never played any match in district Shopian because the district lags behind in this game. There is no proper playground available here for this game, rather it is being organized in the cricket grounds.”
When contacted Deputy Commissioner Shopian said: “Tournaments of various games are currently being held in the district but I have no information regarding any Hockey Tournament being played here.”
“I want the members of Shopian Hockey Club to contact me so that I can fulfill their demands,” he added.
