BRS resents Congress notification on Trimulgherry Football Ground

Hyderabad: BRS spokesperson Krishank Manne has expressed strong concern over the Congress government’s notification of land acquisition that threatens the iconic Trimulgherry Football Ground. Known as the ground of Olympians Peter Thangaraj, D Kannan, T Balaraman, and former Indian football team captain Victor Amalraj, this field has been a cradle for Indian football.

Citing history, Krishank highlighted that on June 16, 1981, former PM Indira Gandhi had declared the ground as a “playfield,” explicitly forbidding any construction. In 2018, when the Army restricted sports and civilian entry, locals, including himself, protested and successfully got revoked the order. However, the Congress government’s notification now threatens to take away 3051 square yards of this historic ground, almost half its area, for road widening. This decision contradicts the recent Cantonment Board meeting, where BJP MP and Congress MLA agreed to reduce the road width.

Krishank questioned the Congress government’s decision to notify a 200-foot-wide road despite these agreements and urged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to explore alternative options to protect the field. CM claims to be a sportsperson and expressed his love for football many times. “Is this how he wants to treat existing playgrounds and leave sportspersons in lurch?” Krishank asked.

“This ground continues to inspire and promote football among youngsters. It is our responsibility to preserve its legacy and ensure its availability for future generations,” Krishank stated. He called for immediate action to safeguard this sports landmark.