Baramulla Indoor Stadium bustles with training

Baramulla, Mar 9: The Indoor Stadium at Khoja Bagh in Baramulla is witnessing intense training sessions as young athletes from across the district prepare for upcoming district and state-level championships under the supervision of coaches appointed by the Sports Authority of India.

Notably, the Indoor Stadium Khoja Bagh Baramulla has been allotted six Khelo India Centres for Volleyball, Handball, Kabaddi, Martial Arts, Hockey and other sports activities as well.

In wake of this, dozens of sportspersons are seen training and practicing under the supervision of their coaches who are hired by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to train these athletes in their respective discipline.

Insha Bashir, the Volleyball coach hired by SAI said currently 40 youngsters are practicing at the Indoor Stadium.

“They are from different areas of the district and come daily for practice session,” Insha Bashir, who hails from Sopore, told Greater Kashmir.

“These days, there are no tournaments or championships scheduled but they are preparing for district level tournament which will be held in coming months and also the State Level tournaments which are held in September month,” she said.

She said that regular training and guidance helps these athletes build confidence and competitive spirit before participating in the forthcoming events.

Rahil, one of the Players form Bangdara area of Baramulla said the facility (Indoor stadium) has helped them to hone their talent  and train them for different tournaments.

“I have played national level volleyball tournament in West Bengal besides the junior state and senior state level tournaments. I credit it to this facility where we come every day and get rigorous trainings  under our coach,” Rahil, a class 12th student, told Greater Kashmir.

Besides male athletes, the indoor stadium has become a one stop destination for female athletes as well.

The female athletes attend the practice session on regular basis in Martial Arts, Hockey and Volley.

“It was not possible for us to have proper training if the facility like indoor stadium was not available here. We practice here with other players ready ourselves for our upcoming matches,” a female volleyball player said.

While practice session of Volleyball, Kabaddi and Handball are held inside, the practice session of women hockey players are simultaneously held outside the indoor stadium complex.

The young athletes expressed enthusiasm about the training sessions saying it was an opportunity for them to prepare in a structured environment and learn from experienced trainers.