MA Stadium’s renovated Skating Rink set to reopen, bringing relief to hundreds of players

Ranjit Thakur

JAMMU, June 19: After months of waiting, the much-anticipated synthetic skating rink at Maulana Azad (MA) Stadium, Jammu, is finally nearing completion and will be soon reopened for skaters. Closed for repairs and a much-needed facelift, the rink is set to be handed over within the next 10 days – bringing relief to hundreds of budding and national-level athletes who were left without a practice facility during the crucial summer training period.
For months, the closure of Jammu’s only skating rink had disrupted the training routines of hundreds of skaters, many of whom were preparing for important tournaments. With no alternative practice space available, players and parents had expressed growing frustration over the delay.
Harish, a concerned parent, shared his experience: “My daughter used to visit the stadium daily, regardless of the weather. But for the past two months, she has been unable to practice. I visited the stadium yesterday and while the work is still underway, we are hopeful it will be completed soon. Several tournaments are approaching, and the players desperately need to resume training.”
Another parent added, “Summer vacations are the perfect time for players to focus on their sport. Unfortunately, nearly half the holidays have passed without practice due to the rink’s renovation. However, we remain optimistic that the newly refurbished facility will greatly benefit our children.”
The need for renovation became urgent last year when a 13-year-old speed skater suffered a severe elbow injury after skidding on cracks that had developed on the deteriorating rink surface. The incident prevented her from participating in the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) competition, underscoring the risk posed by poor infrastructure.
“In recent years, several athletes have sustained injuries just before major tournaments due to the rink’s poor condition,” a national-level skater recalled. “The demand for renovation had been raised repeatedly by players, parents and coaches. It’s heartening to see that the authorities have finally acted. We are hopeful the new surface will be much safer and more durable.”
Sanjeev Sharma, Executive Engineer (Xen) with Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council (JKSC), confirmed that the majority of the work has been completed. “The skating rink at MA Stadium is almost ready. We’ve carried out repairs at a cost of Rs 23.32 lakh. Though we initially set a 45-day deadline, the work was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, including Indo-Pak tensions.”
He further added, “We’ve completed the Kota stone base, synthetic acrylic layering and painting. Only finishing touches remain and we aim to hand over the facility within 10 days. We understand the difficulties players are facing and have received numerous calls from parents urging its early completion. We’re doing everything possible to expedite the process.”
With the reopening now imminent, the skating community in Jammu is eagerly awaiting the return of a facility that has long been the training ground for future champions. The upgraded rink promises not just a safer environment but also renewed hope for athletes aspiring to excel on national and international platforms.

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