From Annandale to Bharari: Shimla’s dwindling sports venues!
Shimla, Dec 12,
Shimla, a city known for its historic charm and cultural legacy, is grappling with a severe shortage of public playgrounds, leaving its youth and sports enthusiasts with limited opportunities for recreation and skill development. The latest blow comes from the Bharari police ground, which, after undergoing renovations, has been rendered inaccessible to the public. Previously a hub for local tournaments, the ground is now out of bounds.
According to cricket player Rakesh Chauhan, the ground can no longer be rented for sports events. When confirmed it was explained that the Public Works Department (PWD) has yet to officially hand over the renovated ground, leaving its status uncertain and inaccessible for public use. Also the drainage work for ground is still to be completed, they informed.
This development exacerbates a long-standing issue in Shimla, where the availability of open spaces for sports has been alarmingly low for decades.
The historic Annandale ground, the pride of Shimla and host to iconic Durand cup soccer tournament; Even number of iconic cricket, and hockey tournaments, is now a restricted army golf course and helicopter landing site, effectively barring its use for sports.
Other prominent venues, such as the Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) ground and the Bharari police ground, have also become increasingly unavailable.
Adding to the crisis, private schools like St. Edward’s and Bishop Cotton School maintain well-equipped grounds but do not permit public access, even during holidays. Despite Shimla’s designation as a Smart City, the municipal corporation has failed to establish a single public playground, offering only small parks designed for walking and leisure rather than sports.
This lack of infrastructure has serious implications for the city’s youth and aspiring athletes, many of whom are forced to abandon their dreams due to the unavailability of proper facilities. Private organizers of sports events also struggle to find venues, further stifling Shimla’s once-thriving sports culture.
Over the years, promises of new playgrounds have been made repeatedly during municipal and Vidhan Sabha elections, but these pledges have never translated into action, leaving the city’s sports community disillusioned.
The situation demands urgent intervention. Shimla’s playground crisis is more than just an infrastructure issue—it reflects a failure to preserve the city’s sporting legacy and nurture its youth. Without decisive action, generations of players will lose opportunities for growth, and the city’s vibrant sports culture will fade into history. It is time for the authorities to act and prioritize the creation of accessible sports facilities, ensuring that Shimla’s youth have the resources they need to thrive.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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