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Rinks spruced up for action

Skating talent can be tapped if the city gets a rink of international standard, says J. R. SHRIDHARAN

GET, SET, GO Skating brings a different high PHOTO: CH. VIJAYA BHASKAR

Good news to young roller skaters of Vijayawada, who wish to harness their skills on the rinks. As part of the summer coaching schedule, the Krishna District Roller Skating Association (KDRSA) is planning to start two camps at the rinks in Rajiv Park and at G.V.S Sastry Park near labour commissioner office at Satyanarayanapuram. While the camp at GVS Sastry Park has already commenced on April 26, the Rajiv Park rink will witness action from May 1.

Says D. Durga Prasad, secretary of KDRSA: "These camps are an annual feature. Every year over 250 skaters enrol in the camps to learn the nuances of the sport," he adds. The camps will be held for three age categories. "Catching them young is our policy. Children from over three years and up to six years form the first group and the second group will consist of children from 7-15 years group. We are also allowing youngsters above 15 years to participate in the camp," says Prasad.

Need of the hour

P. Gowtham Reddy, a roller-skating administrator says permission from the police department is already take to train the skaters on the roads.

"Training on the road forms an important part of training to master the speed and control," he explains.

However, what is bugging the sports administrators is the lack of quality rink matching the international standards in Vijayawada, as the Rajiv Park rink is only suitable for the amateurs. "Both Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam are having the best rinks with international standards. A similar rink at Vijayawada will enable the children to learn the manoeuvrings with confidence," feels Prasad.

District Sports Development Officer B. Sudhakar says that the skating rink at the Rajiv Park is not up to the standards and assures the parents and the skaters that very soon, a quality rink will come up in Vijayawada. "The rink is not suitable to upgrade skills. Krishna District Sports Authority, along with Vijayawada Municipal Corporation and Urban Development Authority is planning to acquire a suitable place in city for construction of a rink," he adds.

Despite substandard infrastructure in city, many brave heart skaters are bringing laurels to the district by winning medals in State and national-level events. Recently, city girl Harika won a gold medal in the State meet held at Visakhapatnam.

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