The Singhbhum Sports Association ground in West Singhbhum (Chaibasa) has been reopened following a period of dispute, bringing joy to local athletes. The administration lifted the seal from the ground on Wednesday, allowing players to resume their practice.
Earlier, on Tuesday, Deputy Commissioner Chandan Kumar had ordered the sealing of the ground, with all its recognitions terminated immediately, under the National Sports Development Code of India 2011. The operation was conducted in the presence of several officials including Sub-Divisional Officer Sandeep Anurag Toppo, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Bahaman Tuti, Circle Officer Upendra Kumar, and Sports Officer Harsh Kumar.
When players arrived for training on Wednesday, they found the gate locked and sealed. They voiced their discontent, pointing out the lack of alternative practice facilities in the city. They believed that the administration should have targeted the association’s office instead. Concerns were also raised by players preparing for the upcoming Home Guard recruitment.
The situation was brought to the attention of Singhbhum Sports Association General Secretary and former MLA Mithilesh Kumar Thakur, who promptly intervened. He contacted the relevant authorities, conveying the players’ sentiments. The Deputy Commissioner subsequently instructed the Sub-Divisional Officer to reopen the ground.
Following the instructions, the ground was unlocked and reopened to the players. The Sub-Divisional Officer announced a meeting on June 14 to address all the issues pertaining to the ground.