Tartan track or for that matter, Astroturf, are some of the most expensive sporting equipment/facilities required to groom athletes to help them meet international standards. And in spite of meagre resources, the government has been making concerted efforts to create new avenues for sportsmen throughout the country to meet the global challenges.
But it pains when the same are created and not utilized properly and eventually become worthless. Such is the sad tale of a number of facilities in Karachi. These include the tartan track that has been laid at the National Sports Training and Coaching Centre (NSTCC), the Astroturf at the Customs Sports Complex and the Dessoturf at the Defence Hockey Stadium.
The tartan track, the only synthetic pitch of its kind in the province at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) controlled NSTCC, was prepared some time in 1995. When it was laid, the NSTCC was occupied by the Pakistan Rangers whose personnel had made it part of their living quarters. The men in uniform who took the overall control of the NSTCC in 1992 remained there for almost a decade before vacating it in June 2001.
During this period, there was no question of access to athletes, except for the elderly who were allowed jogging in the morning. In these years, the only time that any proper use of the facilities was made, was when the athletic meet of the 26th National Games was held in the premises in June 1997. Even that was made possible after a request to the Rangers authorities was approved by the military authorities. Other than this exception, the tartan track has remained almost idle during its entire existence and has never again been used for any constructive purpose.
Nevertheless, things started afresh with the opening of new memberships following vacation of the premises by the Rangers. But many fear that it all happened after tartan track’s life had been reduced. Regardless, the government has set aside money for the further development of facilities at the NSTCC, and this includes an international standard indoor complex.
Part of its continuing patronage for sports, the government has set aside a sum of Rs39.595 million for the complex, that is being constructed at a vacant plot of the NSTCC. The project has already been launched and will be ready in the beginning of 2007.
Being built on a spacious 5 1/2 acre area, the proposed complex, when ready, will provide facilities of indoor games and will enhance the city’s image as a sporting centre. Plans are also at hand to construct an international standard swimming pool adjacent to the indoor sports complex.
In the meantime, a visit to the NSTCC shows that the existing facilities there have got a facelift. Murad, the senior most employee serving at the centre, took this correspondent around and briefed about the development work.
Founded by Mr Akhtar Hussain, the then Federal Minister for Education, on December 4, 1961, the NSTCC was commissioned in 1965. Khawaja Salim Ahmed, who died recently, had served as its first director. The present incumbent is Syed Noor Ali Shah.
