SWAT: The prolonged closure of the Swat Sports Complex, a key facility for athletes and fitness enthusiasts in the region, has sparked widespread frustration and anger among local players.

Nearly three years since its renovation began, the complex remains inaccessible, depriving youth and professional athletes alike of essential training and competition space.

The complex, located near Grassy Ground in Mingora, was renovated under the supervision of the deputy commissioner, with an allocated budget of Rs850 million in 2022. Renovation work commenced on May 15, 2022, with a six-month deadline. However, delays caused by budgetary constraints pushed the completion timeline further.

While the contractor has reportedly completed all works — including the construction of two squash courts, a new badminton hall, a futsal court, renovations to the lawn tennis and table tennis areas, the snooker hall and the gym installation remain pending.

Despite the majority of work being completed, the facility has not been opened for public use.

Local athletes allege that the deputy commissioner has refused to hand over the complex to the district sports officer, asserting direct administrative control over the premises.

Athletes and sports groups claim the facility is now being used exclusively by officers, barring access to the general public.

Frustration peaked when the complex was temporarily opened during the 2024 KP Government Sports Tournament — not for actual use, but merely for photo opportunities and official visuals. Local players were not allowed to conduct trials or train in the complex. With the 2025 tournament approaching, Swat’s athletes fear being sidelined yet again due to the continued inaccessibility of the venue.

Speaking to Dawn, several members of the local sports community criticised the inaction of the district administration. “We have met with the deputy commissioner multiple times to request the facility’s opening, but we are met with vague excuses and no concrete steps,” said Shakil Khan, representative of a local sports association.

The community is now threatening to launch a protest movement if the sports complex is not immediately opened for public use.

A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the contractor’s final payment is being withheld due to an unrelated housing repair issue, which may be contributing to the administrative deadlock.

“Once he completes the renovation and hands it over to the district administration, we will once again make it functional and open it for civil membership,” he told Dawn.

The athletes and community leaders have approached the department of youth affairs and the Pakistan Squash Federation, urging them to investigate the matter and facilitate the reopening of the facility.

“The Swat Sports Complex is not just a building — it’s a symbol of opportunity and development for our youth. Its continued closure is denying a whole generation access to healthy activity and athletic progress,” said Qazi Rashid Ahmad, a squash player.

However, Saqib Haji, the contractor who renovated the sports complex, told Dawn that he had completed the renovation work and officially handed over the sports complex to the district administration long ago.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2025