Pulwama, Jan 31: Sports activities on snow bound fields have gained momentum in various areas of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district after Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about snow cricket at Syedabad Tral in his recent Man Ki Baat.
A group of highly excited youth from various areas of Pulwama were seen playing football on snow covered surface at Iqbal Stadium here in saffron town Pampore.
The youth were practicing their game as part of a winter training camp set up by Etihaad Football Club Pampore.
Around 80 boys, mostly U15, are taking part in this winter training camp.
“ I was not expecting that these boys will turn up at the stadium because it was heavily snowing on Monday, It was in mind that their parents would not allow them to venture out in snowy conditions,” Coach Etihaad Football Club, Sajid Nazir said, adding that the boys proved him wrong.
He said that the boys were highly motivated and they turn up in good numbers.
“ The boys enjoyed playing on snow covered ground even when it was heavily snowing,” he said.
He added it is natural for these young boys to get excited after PM Narendra Modi talked about snow cricket tournament at Syedabad Tral in his Man Ki Baat.
He said that in Kashmir Sports activities would come to a standstill during winter due to which boys used to lost their track.
“ We want to keep our young players focused on the game so that they stay away from various social evils like drug abuse,” he said.
Talib Ahmad, a young football player from Pampore, said that they want to practice the game through out the year.
“ We enjoyed playing on snow covered surface but once snow will start melting the ground will suffer water logging and we have to discontinue the practices,” he said, adding that the ground needs leveling.
Sajid Nazir also said that they have to stop the coaching camp for some time to avoid causing damage to the wet surface.
In the recent episode of Man Ki Baat PM Modi said that apart from snow capped mountains and natural beauty, there is much more to know and admire about Kashmir.
PM said that winter games were held in Kashmir’s Syedabad and the theme was-snow cricket.
He said that Kashmiri youngsters make cricket even more exciting in the snow and this helps in selection of boys who will play in team India in future.
