Sports enthusiasts and residents in Gasa are calling for the establishment of an indoor sports facility in the district. They say they feel deprived of adequate sports infrastructure due to the district’s harsh weather conditions. People say having indoor sports facilities would not only keep them physically fit but also provide meaningful activities during their free time.
Currently, the only active sports venue is a volleyball court where enthusiasts gather almost daily in the evening and during weekends.
However, they are forced to forgo their favourite game when it snows due to a lack of indoor sports facilities.
Similarly, the only football ground is also being used for purposes like driving practice and archery, and it remains mostly idle. This is due to the poor condition brought about by rain and snow.
Limited sports facilities have led to a lack of engagement among the residents.
“Whether they are civil servants or school dropouts, people often feel bored due to the lack of sports facilities in the area. This boredom can lead them to gradually become involved in alcoholism. I believe that having indoor sports facilities would help reduce these harmful activities. Even personally, I would find it interesting to join sports if we had indoor facilities available,” said Tashi, Rimi Chiwog tshogpa.
“An indoor sports facility in Gasa would be of great benefit to our monks. Firstly, monks are not granted much freedom to engage in outdoor sports. Even if we are allowed, the continuous rainfall makes it difficult to find suitable sports facilities. Having an indoor sports facility would be advantageous for the monks, providing them with the opportunity for regular physical exercise,” said Dawa Tenzin, a monk.
“An indoor sports facility in our district would be invaluable in keeping our civil servants engaged during weekends. Currently, they travel to Punakha and Thimphu from Gasa to play sports on weekends, incurring extra expenses. Having a local indoor sports facility would eliminate this need and provide them with a convenient option for recreation,” said Sangay Tashi, a mangmi.
Meanwhile, the district administration is aware of the issue and is discussing solutions.
“The district administration had recognised the need for an indoor sports facility as early as the 12th Five Year Plan. We have continued to deliberate on this requirement in the 13th Five-Year Plan due to the benefits it would bring to our community. The discussions are ongoing, and we are hopeful to see this facility materialise by the conclusion of the current Five Year Plan,” said Tashi Dhendup, Gasa district’s planning officer.
Until then, residents and sports enthusiasts must cope with the existing conditions, while holding onto the hope of having an indoor sports facility.
Changa Dorji, Gasa
Edited by Sonam Pem
