Gumla. The Paramveer Albert Ekka Stadium in Gumla, Jharkhand, is currently in the news for its dilapidated condition. Despite spending crores of rupees, the stadium’s severe lack of drainage, maintenance, and sports facilities has become a major concern for players and sports enthusiasts. Locals allege that irregularities in development work are causing this important sports complex to lose its utility.
During the rainy season, the stadium’s entire field becomes flooded, completely disrupting regular practice. The situation becomes so severe that even the main gate of the stadium has to be closed for security reasons, forcing players to find alternative places for practice.
Locals stated that a drain had been constructed previously, which was in good condition. However, the rationale for the recent construction of a new drain in the middle of the ground at a cost of lakhs is beyond comprehension. They say that this is technically unsound and could hinder the hosting of state and national level competitions in the future.
Handball players have been the most affected. Gumla has been a major hub of Jharkhand’s handball talent for years, with players representing the state consistently in national competitions. However, during the construction of the stadium, the handball poles were uprooted and have not been reinstalled. This has completely disrupted the players’ regular practice.
Many players from Gumla come from economically disadvantaged families, but despite difficult circumstances, they have made their mark at the national level. Several players have also been selected for the Jharkhand Police, Army, and other security forces. Players say that the lack of proper training facilities is hampering the future of new talent.
In this regard, former national player Syed Junnu Rain said,
“The handball poles have not been installed in the stadium since they were removed. Our team is forced to participate in competitions without practice. Gumla has also been given the responsibility of hosting the State Handball Championship, but when there are no practice facilities in its own stadium, how can the competition be successfully organized? We demand that handball poles be installed as soon as possible and better practice facilities be provided for the players.”
Local citizens also alleged that the management committee used to be active in maintaining the stadium, but currently, due to the lack of a clear maintenance system, the condition of the complex is continuously deteriorating. People say that special attention needs to be paid to the development of sports facilities.
Local players and sports lovers have demanded from the district administration, sports department, and state government to conduct an impartial investigation of the construction work done at the stadium, develop a scientific drainage system, restore facilities for other sports, including handball, and ensure regular maintenance.
On this occasion, local sports lovers have also made a special appeal to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) to resolve the problems of the stadium soon keeping in mind the future of the players of Gumla, so that the talented players of the district can bring glory to Gumla at the state and national level with better facilities.
