Renovate grounds, upgrade infra & engage young athletes

Regular upkeep of the tracks required

Burlton Park, a prominent sporting landmark in the heart of Jalandhar, has long been associated with cricket and hockey, nurturing athletes of national and international repute. The Surjit Hockey Stadium, situated within the complex, has regularly hosted prestigious tournaments, adding to its legacy. However, over the years, much of the infrastructure and playgrounds at the venue have deteriorated and lost their former sheen. Racing tracks require fresh surfacing and many allied facilities are in need of urgent repair and modernisation. Though sports organisations and players have been raising concerns for over a decade about the poor state of the sporting equipment and grounds, yet no steps were taken to carry out the necessary replacements and updates of the infrastructure. Recognising this decline, the Punjab Government has recently announced plans to revamp Burlton Park into a state-of-the-art sports complex equipped with modern amenities. The proposal includes installing world-class equipment, regular upkeep of the tracks, improved landscaping and creating a clean and green environment to restore the park’s status as a vibrant sports hub. Except for minor opposition from a few vested interests, the initiative has been widely welcomed by sports enthusiasts across the region. There is now a growing demand to extend similar renovation efforts to other key sports venues in the city, such as the Sports College and Nehru Garden School, to revive their past glory. This revitalisation drive is deemed not only to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal and environmental grandeur but also to inspire the youth toward active sports participation—steering them away from drugs and antisocial activities.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

Organise drives for parks development

The Sports Capital of India, Jalandhar, is supposed to be at its best in terms of sports facilities and opportunities. But the parks and grounds of the city speak a different and painful story. Almost none of the arenas in Jalandhar are maintained to excellence. However, after years of struggle and delays, the Burlton Park Sports Hub is being revived and is now welcoming the masses. This is a milestone achieved by the city as it’s the first step toward making the city full of sports opportunities and venues for young aspiring athletes. Other areas, like the Sports College and Nehru Garden School, are in dire need of redesigning and cleaning. The common parks and community playgrounds in the city are in poor condition. There are no proper equipment, no lighting, no proper boundaries separating the streets from the playing fields and garbage is scattered everywhere. This is a sad irony considering the city’s reputation and a waste of potential from many players who could have become the pride of the nation but were neglected due to a lack of support and assistance. The government needs to create avenues for the youth of the city and the first step is proper maintenance of existing parks and the construction of newer, better courts on available land. The government can organise drives to clean and refurbish parks either on a voluntary basis or by offering paid employment to reorganise all parks and once again make them accessible to all age groups in the city. Walking and running tracks should be formed beside each and every ground to motivate people of all age groups to either walk, run, or play. This will invite everyone to get fit as a community and promote a healthy lifestyle for all. Additionally, there should be donation and fund drives for the development of the city’s parks. A proper execution plan should be released to the public to show how and where all funds will be used. Public opinions will be crucial to deliver what people want. The administration should seek feedback and suggestions to identify what should be prioritised. These steps will surely develop the parks and grounds of Jalandhar at an exponential rate.

Lakshit Jindal

Develop sports culture in schools

Presently, Punjab is struggling to eliminate the menace of drugs, with a virtual war being fought against drug paddlers. But rehabilitating drug addicts and opening new avenues to channel the energy of youth remains a challenging task for the government. One of the key solutions is attracting the youth toward sports in a large and systematic way, for which all the existing sports facilities at various institutional levels need to be revamped with modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure. For a city like Jalandhar, where some basic sports infrastructure already exists, it can be revamped and renovated with sufficient funds and efficient management. It’s heartening that Burlton Park, with its vast land and ideal location, is being redeveloped into a hub of multiple sports facilities with the latest sports technology and modern infrastructure. The park has the potential to become a premier sports institution at the state level. All local government schools must be provided with basic sports infrastructure and trained staff or coaches of repute to promote sports activities in all disciplines and at all suitable levels. There is an urgent need to develop a sustainable sports culture in schools, inspiring youth to choose a particular sport as the foundation of their career, with all assistance provided free of charge to such aspirants. The government should encourage the opening of private academies by celebrity sportspersons and provide financial assistance to deserving students.

Jagdish Chander

Playgrounds need immediate attention

Burlton Park is a historic stadium that reminds us of the past. Many international cricket players have showcased their performances on this ground, including West Indies players like Clive Lloyd, Andy Roberts, Gordon Greenidge, Vivian Richards; Australian players such as Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, and Redpath; England’s Tony Greig, Geoff Boycott; Pakistan and India’s cricket stars. This history is something we all cherish, but now, with the inauguration of the Burlton Park’s revamp, we hope to relive this legacy and inspire the youth. The inauguration has been successfully carried out, and work will begin soon. The Go Green movement has expanded the green belt in the Burlton Park area significantly, while a water storage tank is under construction. The other sports playgrounds at the Sports College and Nehru Garden School also need immediate attention because these spaces motivate the youth to engage in sports alongside their education.

Rajat Kumar Mohindru

Introduce sports, cultural events

The revival of Burlton Park Sports Hub in Jalandhar is a significant decision that can positively influence the city’s sports infrastructure, community engagement, and business activities. The proposed enhancements include world-class infrastructure, such as a cricket stadium, an AstroTurf hockey ground, football grounds, volleyball and basketball courts, and a jogging track. These developments will promote a sports culture, nurture local talent, create jobs, foster business opportunities and attract sports enthusiasts and tourists to the city. However, it is essential to address certain potential challenges and drawbacks, including environmental concerns related to construction and operation, traffic management, and ensuring accessibility for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Developing the existing Sports College or upgrading Nehru Garden alongside such a hub project could have been beneficial, given the existing infrastructure and demand. The Government Arts and Sports College, established in 1961 on the Jalandhar-Kapurthla Road, can promote yoga, physical education and talent development in sports, leading to better academic outcomes and increased opportunities for students, along with improved education quality. Similarly, Nehru Garden Government Senior Secondary School, established in 1947, can expand extracurricular activities by introducing new sports, arts, or cultural programs to promote holistic development while reviving its former glory.

(Dr) Kulwant Singh Phull

Balanced, city-wide effort required

The revival of Burton Park Sports Hub, after years of delay, is a welcome boost for the city’s sports community. This modern facility has the potential to inspire athletes and inject new energy into local sports. However, the focus on one high-profile project should not overshadow the need for broader improvements across the city. Many sports venues, such as Sports College and various public parks and community grounds, are in desperate need of proper maintenance and basic facilities. Revitalising these spaces is just as crucial as developing new ones. A balanced, city-wide effort to upgrade both major hubs and smaller, everyday venues will make sports more accessible to all residents. By improving these spaces, we can encourage wider participation, nurture young talent, and build a stronger, healthier sports culture throughout the city. Investing in both new and existing facilities will ensure that every resident has the opportunity to engage in sports, fostering both individual growth and community cohesion.

Rabnoor Kaur

Jalandhar