Synthetic turf makes basketball a cakewalk for Kashmir youth

With the intention of providing better sports infrastructure to youth in the Kashmir Valley, the government has made use of synthetic turfs in basketball courts to make playing easier for the players.

Synthetic turf is a surface made up of synthetic fibres made to look like natural grass. It is generally used in arenas for sports, that are normally played outdoors or on grass.

Looking at the extreme chilling winter the state experiences, the government has introduced this concept. With the help of synthetic turf, which is water proof and washable, the players are now able to enjoy their sport without having the fear of getting injured due to the hard cemented turfs.

The government is continuously working towards the betterment of the sports in the state for ensuring a better future to the budding sportspersons here.

Along with synthetic turf, astro turf has also been introduced by the government for the sport of Football here.

Waheed-Ur-Rehman Parra, Sports Secretary, said, "Sports was not seen as a priority, but now, at the instructions of the state chief minister and the government, there has been an incline towards the development of sports."

Putting light on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies for giving boost to sports, he further said, "Under the development programme announced by the Prime Minister, every district will have its own indoor stadium. Under the same, international stadiums will be built in both, Srinagar and Jammu."

One of the basketball players expressed the convenience they are getting due to synthetic turf.

"Synthetic turf helps us in continuing our game. Even if there is snow, synthetic turf can be cleaned and we can continue with our game," he said.

"Due to synthetic turf, we are able to play basketball throughout the year which helps us to better our performance," he added.

The players were really excited and appreciated the move taken by the government for their convenience.

"It is encouraging participation from all around the state. The concept of synthetic turf is attracting more people to try their hand at sports," said another player.

The government has already spent more than Rs. 30 lakh on synthetic turf.

The turf altogether has given a beautiful look to the basketball courts and the players are now enjoying the sport even more.