RS PURA, Jul 8: Senior Congress leader and In-charge of the R.S. Pura–Jammu South Assembly Constituency Amrit Bali on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the inadequate sports infrastructure in Tehsil R.S. Pura, stating that the absence of quality playgrounds and recreational facilities is depriving the region’s youth of opportunities to channel their energy into constructive pursuits.
Addressing local residents and youth during an interaction, Bali said that despite R.S. Pura’s rich sporting potential and enthusiastic young population, the tehsil lacks even a single well-developed playground that meets the requirements of aspiring sportspersons. He termed the situation “deeply unfortunate” and called for immediate intervention by the government to address the long-pending issue.
Highlighting the condition of the Bana Singh Stadium, Bali said the stadium has remained in a neglected state for several years and no meaningful efforts have been made to upgrade its infrastructure. He pointed out that the absence of basic facilities such as a properly maintained playing field, athletic tracks, seating arrangements, changing rooms, lighting, and modern sports equipment has rendered the stadium incapable of nurturing local sporting talent.
“The youth of R.S. Pura possess immense talent and determination, but without proper infrastructure, they are unable to realise their full potential. It is disappointing that a region with such a vibrant sporting culture continues to suffer from official neglect,” Bali said.Expressing concern over the growing menace of drug abuse among youngsters, the Congress leader asserted that sports can play a transformative role in steering youth away from addiction and other social evils.
“If we genuinely want to protect our younger generation from the menace of drugs, we must provide them with positive alternatives. Sports instil discipline, confidence, teamwork and a healthy lifestyle. Developing sports infrastructure is one of the most effective long-term investments in our youth,” he remarked.
Bali stressed that the government should adopt a comprehensive policy to establish sports facilities at the Panchayat level, ensuring that children and young athletes in rural areas have easy access to playgrounds, coaching facilities and sports equipment without having to travel long distances.He observed that while education and healthcare continue to receive policy attention, sports infrastructure has not been accorded the priority it deserves.
“Just as education shapes the mind and healthcare safeguards the body, sports contribute significantly to the physical, mental and emotional development of young people. Sports infrastructure is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity for building a healthy, disciplined and confident generation,” he said.
Bali also urged the administration to prepare a time-bound plan for the comprehensive renovation and modernization of Bana Singh Stadium and to identify suitable land for the development of new playgrounds across villages and Panchayats in R.S. Pura. He suggested that such facilities should include multi-purpose playing fields, indoor sports halls, open-air gyms, jogging tracks and coaching centres to encourage participation in a wide range of sporting disciplines.
He further appealed to the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council and the concerned government departments to conduct regular sports competitions, talent identification programmes and coaching camps in rural areas to provide young athletes with opportunities to excel at the district, UT and national levels.
Reiterating his commitment to raising issues concerning youth welfare, Bali said that investing in sports infrastructure would not only produce future champions but also contribute to building a healthier, more productive and socially responsible society. He urged the government to treat the development of sports facilities as a priority and ensure that every young person has access to safe and modern spaces for recreation, fitness and competitive sports.