Hyderabad: Sportspersons who head to the historic Victory Playground in Chaderghat are anguished over the prolonged closure of the area’s only indoor volleyball stadium, which has been sealed for nearly 18 months to store electronic voting machines (EVMs).
The lack of access to the facility has forced many aspiring athletes to give up the sport, dampening the area’s longstanding legacy of producing top-tier talent.
The stadium, established in 1972 and upgraded in 2003 by the GHMC, has a rich history of nurturing athletes. Over the years, it has been instrumental in training players who went on to secure positions in prestigious departments such as Income-Tax, Central Customs, Railways, Banks, Police, and the Defence Services. Aside from volleyball, the playground has facilitated cricket, beach volleyball, boxing, kickboxing, caroms, yoga, and sepak takraw.
“Rregular practice at this stadium was crucial,” said international beach volleyball player Pittala Sri Krupa, who has represented India and participated in over 20 national-level volleyball tournaments. “Now, since June 2023, players have had no place to train. Authorities must understand the importance of sports. This stadium has the potential to produce international champions, but with it sealed, many future stars have given up and moved on.”
A coach associated with Victory Playground, who requested anonymity, lamented the repeated use of the facility as an EVM strong room during election periods. While these closures typically last a few months, this time the hiatus has stretched to over a year and a half.
“From 2014 onwards, the stadium has been used for election-related activities. But this prolonged closure is unprecedented. Hundreds of players train here year-round, and many more attend summer camps. We urge the authorities to prioritise sports and clear the facility so we can resume training.”
As the players await clarity, the fate of the once-thriving indoor volleyball stadium remains uncertain. The sporting community is calling on officials to restore access, ensuring the playground continues to shape talented athletes for generations to come.
