Players lose practice ground in Kanpur

The colony was constructed on Kanpur Development Authority (KDA) property. The KDA had left a vast piece of barren land as a park for the local residents.

In 1999,the handball/throwball players of Kanpur South area developed the park as a sport venue. Raising the funds themselves,they transformed the place into their sole sports venue in Kanpur South.

A member of National Handball team,Atul Mishra,who was also a part of the National Rubgy team,said: “Ten years ago,the park was lying in a shambles and none of the residents were interested in developing it.”

It was due to the efforts of budding players that the park was developed and named Adventure Park. “Now,a handful of society members want to us out. We had taken a two-month break in summer for exams and came back to find the gates locked,” he said.

Since May 15,over 70 players have been sitting on protest. They have presented a memorandum to the District Magistrate and returned trophies and medals to the KDA,but to no avail.

Finally,a few days ago,the UP Olympic Association and State Handball/Throwball Association extended their support to the protesting players. Member of UP Olympic Association and State Handball,Throwball Association,Rajat Dixit said: “We will ensure that the park is handed over to them.” Handball player Paurbi Singh said: “The Adventure Park is the only place for practice in Kanpur South. With the junior-level tournaments coming up,we desperately need the place for practice.”

Society members claim that they have not prevented the players from practicing.

A member of the Colony Society,Dr S K Choudhary,said: “I do not know that who has locked the park gate,but it is a fact that the players have damaged the park’s boundary wall.” He accused the players of breaking window panes of several homes. “As far as I know,a sports trainer has misled the players,” he added.

The Secretary,KDA,R Vikkram Singh,said: “Though the park has been made for Colony residents,but following complaints from the players,we will look into the matter.”

Mayor Ravindra Patni said: “Society members of W-2 Juhi Colony should keep in mind that the Adventure Park has been developed by the players and so they should not be prohibited from using the place.” He said he has written to District Magistrate Anil Kumar Sagar,asking him to ensure that the players can continue using the park.