Sambalpur: Jhasketan Swimming Pool in Sambalpur Falls into Neglect; Lack of Maintenance Leaves Athletes Struggling

Major Issues Highlighted

Sambalpur: The Jhasketan Sahu Swimming Pool in Sambalpur, Odisha, which has supported the careers of many talented swimmers, is now in a state of severe neglect. Athletes cannot practice in the main pool due to poor maintenance, while the smaller pool is also in a terrible condition. Cracked pipes, non-functional motors, and broken tiles are just a few of the many problems.

Problems with the Main Pool

The main pool has been closed for a long time due to several issues. Water filtration systems have been non-functional for years, causing water quality to deteriorate. Excessive use of chemicals to clean the water has led to skin and eye irritation among athletes. Moreover, the tiles in the pool are broken, and exposed sharp edges are causing injuries. With no repairs conducted since the pool’s inauguration in 2016, it remains unusable.

Challenges in the Small Pool

Athletes have been shifted to the smaller pool, but its condition is also problematic. The smaller pool, which is only 25 meters compared to the 50-meter main pool, is insufficient for senior-level practice. Currently, only one of its three motors is working, making water cleaning almost impossible. Additionally, the lack of proper lighting prevents athletes from practicing during early morning or late evening hours.

Impact on Athletes

The poor condition of the pool has severely impacted over 30 athletes who practice here, including national-level swimmers. For example, promising athletes like Anshuman Merli and Anchal Bagh, who have won medals in national and state-level competitions, are struggling to train under these circumstances. They have expressed concerns about water quality and frequent injuries caused by the broken infrastructure.

Lack of Action from Authorities

Despite repeated complaints, neither the district administration nor the sports department has taken effective steps to resolve the issues. Repairs, which were proposed in January last year, have not started yet. According to a pool staff member, the main pool requires five functional motors, but only two are currently operational. Similarly, sand used in water filtration systems has not been replaced since the pool’s opening, resulting in unclean water.

Response from Officials

District sports officials stated that they have handed over the repair work to IDCO (Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation) and expect the work to start soon. However, the delay has caused frustration among athletes and raised questions about the authorities’ commitment to maintaining this critical facility.

Urgent Need for Repairs

The swimming pool, which has been instrumental in nurturing local talent, needs immediate attention. Without proper maintenance, the careers of several promising athletes may be jeopardized. Residents and sports enthusiasts have called on the administration to take swift action and restore the facility to its former glory.