Visakhapatnam: Skating rink needs facelift

Visakhapatnam: All is not well for skaters at the Sivajipalem skating rink in the city. The rink, which was constructed in 1998, needs a complete renovation. The floor of the rink needs to be relaid as the children are finding it difficult to slide and the oval shape needs to be changed to into a rectangle, as per the international standards. At least 300 skaters, including children from various parts of the city, on an average practice at the rink everyday.

Regular skaters say if the decades-old rink is not renovated, the possibility of new skaters joining will reduce as practising has become a problem in it. Though the GVMC has been maintaining the rink, it has done nothing in terms of repairs and renovation, they added. Admitting that there is an urgent need to renovate the rink, secretary of Shivaji Park Skating Association, Mahendra Tated, said apart from relaying the floor of the rink, fabricated shade should be provided to protect the skaters from sunlight and rain. Toilets and dress changing rooms are also required for the girls and boys. The pavilion of the rink should be provided with shade and the pathway leading to the rink should be lighted up, he added.

If the rink is renovated with around '5-'6 crore, it can host national championship on a regular basis, along with various training camps for international championships. At least once in five years, the skating rink needs maintenance, most importantly polishing of floor. It is crying for attention, says Sunil Kumar, a budding skater. Vizag has produced many talented skaters, who brought laurels to the country. We have requested Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to allocate funds for renovation of the rink and we are hopeful he will consider our request and do the needful, said Mr Tated.