FIFA-approved astro turf in Baramulla spurs hopes of football revival

Baramulla, Nov 7: A FIFA-approved Astro Turf coming up at Azad Gunj in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is being hailed as a major boost for football in the area, with veterans and players alike calling it a long-awaited facility that could transform the local sporting landscape.

Muneer Ahmad Mohjoo, a veteran footballer of yesteryears, never imagined that the FIFA-approved Astro Turf at Azad Gunj, Baramulla, would become a reality.

According to Mohjoo, had such a facility existed in the past, Baramulla district could have produced top-notch players who might have made their mark at the international level.

“A facility like the Astro Turf will not only boost the morale of football players but will also play an important role in honing their skills. The facility will pave the way for top football clubs of the country to play here, which will eventually boost the game across Baramulla district,” Mohjoo said.

The Astro Turf being developed at Azad Gunj, Old Town Baramulla, is being constructed at a cost of Rs 6–7 crore.

Over 85 percent of the work has already been completed, and efforts are on to finish the remaining portion at the earliest.

Players associated with several clubs across north Kashmir are jubilant over the development.

They said the establishment of the Astro Turf in Baramulla will expose players to the latest football techniques, and playing alongside players of national and international standards will surely provide huge exposure to local talent, helping them enhance their game further.

“Indeed, it is a huge advantage for local football players,” said Asif Iqbal, who plays for a local football club.

Asif said that Baramulla town had so far been denied a full-fledged football ground.

He mentioned that while players currently use either the college ground or the stadium, both venues host multiple sports activities at the same time.

“This will be the first football-specific ground in Baramulla, and that too, a FIFA-approved Astro Turf,” Asif added.

Zubair Ahmad, another player, said, “It will definitely channel local talent. The entry of famous clubs and national players into this ground will infuse a new spark among the local players, and the future now seems bright for them,” he said.

Manager of the Sports Council Baramulla, Showkat Ahmad Shah, said the project will be completed very soon.

“The ground facility is almost ready. However, some allied works such as washrooms, lighting, changing rooms, and installation of CCTV cameras are yet to be completed,” Shah said, adding, “In order to ensure that the facility remains protected from any damage, the department will not only install CCTV cameras but also ensure dedicated staff for the watch and ward of this important ground,” he said.