Sambalpur: Sports Association outraged over neglect of VSS Stadium
Sambalpur: The government is spending hundreds of crores of rupees for hockey. A lot of money is being spent on entertainment programs. Crores of rupees are spent from every panchayat to the metropolis to celebrate the hockey festival. Even after 4 years, the government has not paid Rs 3 crore announced by the Chief Minister for the historical Veer Surendra Sai Stadium in Sambalpur. Dullal Chandra Pradhan, Vice President of Sambalpur District Sports Association, said that while Odisha is called the sports capital of the country, such neglect of an old sports infrastructure is a matter of regret.
In a press conference organized by the union at Veer Surendra Sai Stadium on Thursday, Shri Pradhan said that on February 1, 2019, a rally of Biju Youth Forces was organized at this stadium by the district administration. This was vehemently opposed by the sports lovers of the city. On that day, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a grant of Rs. 3 crore. Not only announced, the then District Governor gave the approval letter and the cheque in the hand of Samarth Verma. No one knew where the cheque and the money went. The stadium has not been developed till date. The Chief Minister also announced to make VSS Stadium a satellite stadium. Even that did not happen and was limited to announcements.
No steps are being taken by the government to improve the stadium. The galleries are bursting at the seams. Whatever cricket grant is received from the OCA is spent on the maintenance of the grounds. The sports hostel here had to be shifted due to poor condition. When asked about the money given by the Chief Minister to the sports department, they said that it was given to IDCO for work. Asked about Idco, the tender is playing with hype. He said that the sports lovers of Sambalpur will not tolerate such reckless attitude. The press conference was attended by one of the vice-presidents of the association, Muhammad Sabir Ahmed, general editor Sunil Sahu and other members.