Kerala, once a powerhouse in athletics, is currently witnessing a troubling decline in its sports development priorities.
The recent decision to withdraw from hosting the National Junior Athletic Meet at Calicut University Stadium underscores this shift.
Scheduled for November, the meet was canceled due to financial constraints exacerbated by the Wayanad disaster.
With over 2,600 athletes from across the country expected to participate, the state athletics association cited an inability to collect the estimated ₹60 lakh needed for the event as a primary reason for the withdrawal.
This decision not only reflects the current fiscal challenges but also raises questions about the long-term commitment to nurturing athletic talent in Kerala.
The deteriorating conditions of athletic facilities in the state further complicate the situation.
The synthetic track at Calicut University, inaugurated in 2016 at a cost of ₹5.5 crore, is now in disrepair, with maintenance delayed due to financial woes.
Such neglect highlights a growing gap between Kerala’s historical achievements in track and field and its current state, where the infrastructure necessary for training and competitions is crumbling.
Misplaced Priorities
In stark contrast to this decline in local sports, the state is prioritizing high-profile events, such as a friendly match featuring the Argentine national football team.
The Kerala Sports Minister recently announced that the state would host this match, with an estimated expenditure of ₹100 crore.
While the potential benefits of attracting international teams and enhancing Kerala’s sports tourism cannot be dismissed, the juxtaposition of these priorities raises concerns.
The focus on hosting glamorous events at the expense of grassroots athletic development suggests a misplaced emphasis that could hinder the future of sports in the state.
Messi and team to Kerala
Friendly match at JLN, Kochi
Argentina officials will come to Kerala to check stadium conditions in November
Argentina will start an academy at Malappuram
Decision after Sports minister met officials at Spain
[@kairalinews ] pic.twitter.com/mUJJulz7vQ
— Abdul Rahman Mashood (@abdulrahmanmash) September 5, 2024
Furthermore, the Argentine Football Federation’s interest in establishing a football academy in Kerala is commendable.
However, it begs the question of why such significant resources are allocated to a foreign team while local athletes are left without adequate support and facilities.
The allure of international football may be tempting, but it should not overshadow the pressing need to invest in and uplift Kerala’s own athletes, who once excelled on national and international stages.