18 November 2004	Thursday	05 Shawwal 1425

KARACHI, Nov 17: Although the old city area of Lyari, once known for producing famous sportsmen, has still a large number of sports organizations, sports lovers and players see bleak future owing to government's indifferent attitude towards this area.

"Schools in Lyari used to be the nurseries of sportsmen which had produced a number of renowned football players and boxers, but, these have been destroyed due to negligence of the government," said Mohammed Ismail Baloch, Chairman Sports Committee of Lyari Community Development Project while talking to PPI.

"The students were imparted sports training in schools where sportsmen were assigned to visit educational institutions once in a week. Inter-school tournaments used to be organized and those performing well were appreciated through awards and shields on certain occasions," he said.

"There were big grounds in each school, which have now vanished. Four to five schools are being run in the same premises with different names. There is no ground where these youth could take part in sports activities.

It looks as if the concept of sports activities has lost its importance," he said. There are over 100 registered football clubs in Lyari besides several boxing clubs which need government's sponsorship. -PPI