Ratia Residents Demand Modern Basketball Ground; Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini Gives Positive Assurance

Ratia: A demand has been raised to replace the old and dilapidated basketball court in Ratia with a modern sports facility to provide better opportunities for young athletes. The Ratia basketball team, players and local residents have submitted a memorandum to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, requesting the construction of a new basketball ground equipped with modern facilities. The Chief Minister has reportedly given a positive assurance regarding the demand.

Dilapidated Basketball Ground Creates Problems for Players

According to the memorandum, the existing basketball ground located on the premises of the Government Senior Secondary Boys School in Ratia is in poor and deteriorating condition.

Young players visit the ground every morning and evening for practice but face difficulties due to the lack of adequate sports infrastructure and basic facilities.

The team and residents have requested the government to replace the existing ground with a modern facility that meets international sporting standards.

What Facilities Have Players Demanded?

The memorandum highlights several requirements to improve sports infrastructure in Ratia:

• Construction of a new basketball ground in place of the existing damaged court.

• Installation of an international-standard playing surface and modern basketball poles.

• Provision of floodlights, seating arrangements, drinking water facilities and changing rooms.

• Regular coaching facilities and trained coaches for both boys and girls.

• Special sports facilities to help talented Ratia players progress to district and state-level competitions.

Modern Sports Facilities Can Help Keep Youth Away from Drugs

Speaking on the issue, Sharma Chand Lali said sports are not only important for physical development but also play a significant role in keeping young people away from social evils such as drug addiction.

He said providing modern sports facilities in Ratia would encourage hundreds of young people to participate in sports and strengthen efforts to make the city drug-free.

CM Nayab Singh Saini Gives Positive Assurance

Sharma Chand Lali further explained that the demand was presented to the Chief Minister during a courtesy meeting on the occasion of the traditional Haryanvi festival of Ram-Rami.

During the meeting, the representatives extended their greetings to Nayab Singh Saini and requested the construction of a modern basketball ground in Ratia.

According to the representatives, the Chief Minister responded positively and assured them that a new basketball ground would be developed in the city.

Sports Infrastructure Needed to Support Local Talent

Sardar Gurcharan Singh Khokhar, District President of the Minority Morcha, Fatehabad, said Ratia has no shortage of sporting talent. However, young athletes need better grounds, trained coaches and modern facilities to reach higher levels of competition.

He urged the government to prioritise the demand while keeping the future of young players in mind.

Several representatives attended the occasion, including Sardar Gurcharan Singh Khokhar, Vigyan Sagar Baghla, Tarun Kumar, members of the Ratia basketball team, sports enthusiasts and local residents.

All participants appealed to the Chief Minister to ensure the early construction of a modern basketball ground for the benefit of local athletes and the city's youth.