Leave the Gymkhana, Bison Polo alone, say sportspersons

HYDERABAD: Some of the sportspersons and former greats of the city have lamented the state government's move to seek the Gymkhana grounds from the Ministry of Defence for construction of the Secretariat and other buildings. Reactions have varied from utter dismay to criticism.
"In the entire Secunderabad area, the only place where we have a skating rink is at the Gymkhana.In fact, this June we will complete a year. It is very unfortunate that the government is thinking of taking over the Gymkhana and thereby kill sports. Where will the kids go? Even if the government gives land somewhere on the outskirts etc, how can the kids travel such long distances? We have around 200 young children turning up every day for practice. Where will they go if the Gymkhana is taken away? The government should give up its plan to construct the Secretariat and other buildings at the Bison Polo and Gymkhana. This is the only lung space and it's very important that this space is protected for the well-being of the future generations," said Anup Yama, roller-skating champion and Arjuna Awardee.
"I believe it's prudent to leave the Gymkhana and Bison Polo as it is. It is important to let the children and youngsters use this space to hone their sporting skills. The government can build its Secretariat at the existing space by demolishing the old buildings etc. There is no need for the government to seek new land for the project," said SP Misra, former India Davis Cupper and Dhyan Chand Awardee.
"Very unfortunate. That's the place where several Olympians had started their sporting career. The place has a rich sporting tradition and the legacy should be preserved for future generations. As public memory is very short, it's important that such places are preserved as an inspiration for future generations. I personally would like to see the government renovating old school and hospital buildings in the cantonment area so that the people are benefitted," said Victor Amalraj, former Indian football team captain
"If the government has decided to take over the land than there is very little that common people like us can do about it. Players, though, will be badly affected by this move. Maybe the government will make alternate arrangements. It's up to the present office-bearers of the HCA to persuade the government on this issue. If my help is sought by the officials, I have no problem in joining the delegation to speak to the government," said N Shivlal Yadav, former Test player and BCCI president.
"This is one of the oldest cricket grounds in the country. I believe the first match played was way back in 1884 or so. That means it has a 130-year-old history and how can the government even think of wiping it out. Most of the Test players from Hyderabad have played here. It has a huge history attached with it as many visiting teams played on this ground. Several top cricketers including the legendary Sir Jack Hobbes have played at the Gymkhana. It is the responsibility of the government to preserve this rich legacy," said former Test cricketer Arshad Ayub.
"In the whole of Secunderabad these are the only good courts for basketball players. All International players have played at the Gymkhana. In fact, the SBI team used to practice here. If the government takes over the Gymkhana, they will kill the sport. Already we are deprived of a court in the Lal Bahadur Stadium. It was demolished to make way for the tennis stadium and despite various appeals, the Sports Authority of Telangana State has turned a blind eye. In fact, a case is pending on the issue in the High Court," said Norman Isaac, FIBA Technical delegate and secretary of the Telangana State Basketball Association.