| Urgent Need for Proper Sports Infrastructure in Kerala |
| “Kerala cannot dream of becoming a sporting powerhouse without building world-class stadiums. Our athletes deserve platforms, not promises.” |
Kerala has always been called the “football-loving state of India.” From Malappuram to Kochi, the passion for the game is unmatched. Yet, when it comes to infrastructure and long-term development, the reality paints a disappointing picture.
Despite football being part of Kerala’s cultural heartbeat, the state still suffers from a lack of proper stadiums, training facilities, and grassroots academies. Young players are forced to practice on uneven grounds, and many promising talents give up midway due to the absence of professional facilities. While neighboring states are slowly upgrading their sports infrastructure, Kerala continues to lag behind.
What makes matters worse is the government’s recent decision to spend heavily on inviting global superstar Lionel Messi for a one-off promotional event. While the glamour of Messi’s presence might attract headlines for a few days, it does little to solve Kerala’s real issues. Instead of investing crores in a symbolic gesture, the same money could have been used to build community stadiums, upgrade turf grounds, or set up modern training centers that would benefit thousands of local players.
The role of the Sports Minister is being questioned now more than ever. His focus seems to be on publicity rather than development. True progress will not come from inviting foreign stars for photoshoots, but from systematic investment in infrastructure, grassroots coaching, and proper football governance.
Kerala has produced legendary players like I.M. Vijayan and Jo Paul Ancheri without having world-class facilities. Imagine what the state could achieve if its youngsters were given the right environment to grow. The government needs to understand that real football development begins at the grassroots, not at red-carpet events.
Kerala’s football fans deserve more than token gestures. They deserve a future where local talent can dream of becoming the next Messi — not just watching him wave from a distance.
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