While football fever grips the nation during the FIFA World Cup season, Jalandhar's Government Arts and Sports College has yet to launch its dedicated football wing, despite having a newly upgraded football ground.
Football Ground Upgraded, Wing Delayed
The college spent over Rs 11 lakh on developing a proper football ground under the Central Government's Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) 2013-14 grant. However, the football wing has not been started, even though authorities had earlier indicated it would become operational this year.
Principal's Assurance
College Principal Dr Ranbir Singh explained that the wing could not be launched this year due to certain reasons but expressed confidence it would be functional in the next academic session. He added that the college would seek a football coach from the Sports Department to facilitate the launch.
“Our football players are already practising on the ground, but a dedicated football wing will also be launched,” Singh said.
Historic Institution
Founded in 1961 by then Chief Minister Partap Singh Kairon, the Government Arts and Sports College has played a pivotal role in sports, producing numerous national and international athletes. It remains one of the state's most prestigious centres for sports education.
For decades, the institution lacked a suitable football facility. The ground, once considered unfit for the sport, was upgraded last year with the aim of reviving football activities and establishing a dedicated wing.
