Volleyball court on the cards

Jamshedpur, Aug. 19: If you thought the Adityapur Industrial Area was only concerned about nuts and bolts against the backdrop of profit and loss accounts, then think again.

For, this manufacturing hub is now seriously doing its bit to enhance the steel city’s sports infrastructure.

From increasing fund allocation for its soccer team to laying volleyball courts in areas under its jurisdiction, Adityapur Industrial Area Development Authority (Aiada) is keen to step up its involvement with sport.

At a meeting with senior functionaries of the Tata Steel sports department to explore avenues to make use of the steel major’s technical expertise, Aiada managing director Nitin Madan Kulkarni accepted its request to lay two volleyball courts.

“We have agreed to lay two volleyball courts. Besides, Aiada has also decided to increase allocation to its football team to Rs 2 lakh this year,” he said.

Aiada is keen to see that the team, which participates in the Seraikela-Kharsawan league, is able to take part in the soccer league organised by the Jamshedpur Sporting Association.

The Aiada MD was of the opinion that sport was a handy tool to improve the overall social environment of the area.

“Instead of wasting time doing nothing, youths of the area can at least devote time to sporting activities,” he said, adding that Aiada was looking forward to involving various industrialists under its wing to support the region’s sporting activities.

Besides chipping in with help in volleyball and football, Aiada has also embarked on a mission to repair goalposts at various football grounds of the area. It is also conducting kabaddi tournaments.

“Sport has lot of scope in the Adityapur Industrial Area. It just requires adequate support,” an Aiada official added.

The Tata Steel sports department has played a vital role in developing Aiada’s soccer team. It provided coaches to train aspiring footballers from Seraikela and Adityapur and, at times, hosted players in Jamshedpur during friendly matches organised to provide them with adequate exposure of the game.

Aiada sources said it would use the Tata Steel sports department’s expertise in channelling sporting activities in the area.

“Support of the Tata Steel sports authorities is important as they have the necessary expertise. Possibility of Aiada and the sports department working in tandem cannot be ruled out,” the official added.