Privatization of Sports Grounds is a Disgrace: CPM City Secretary

DECCAN FREEDOM NEWS

KARIMNAGAR, DECEMBER 14

CPM City Secretary Gudikandula Satyam criticized the tendering of sports grounds at Ambedkar Stadium, terming it disgraceful and laughable. In a statement, he condemned the move by the Karimnagar Sports and Youth Welfare Department, which he claimed combines sports with business, contradicting Swami Vivekananda’s vision of youth health rooted in sports.

Satyam questioned the rationale behind leasing public sports facilities, built with public funds, to private individuals. He warned that such actions will deprive underprivileged students and youth of access to free sports facilities, leaving only the wealthy with opportunities to learn and practice sports.

He pointed out that revenue generated from 22 shops constructed around the stadium two years ago could have been used to develop the sports grounds instead of burdening athletes with fees. He also demanded the immediate opening of the commercial complex and called for utilizing income from the swimming pool for the improvement of sports facilities, questioning the mismanagement of funds by officials.

Satyam further criticized the unilateral decision to impose high fees and deposits for facilities like the skating rink and badminton court, with monthly rents of ₹50,000 and ₹1,50,000 and deposits of ₹1,50,000 and ₹5,00,000 respectively. He alleged that the move aims to siphon off money from athletes to benefit private entities.

He warned that if the tenders are not revoked, CPM, under his leadership, will organize a large-scale protest involving students, youth, and athletes. The city committee strongly condemned the actions of the authorities, stating they must be held accountable for such exploitative practices.