The H-west ward of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has denied permission for football tournaments on famous Supari Talao ground in Bandra (W).
Reason: It wants to promote only Indian games like kabaddi, kho-kho and hu tu tu.
This decision follows a circular received from the superintendent of gardens dated June 1, 2004, which says that permissions will be granted for promoting only Indian games like kabaddi, kho-kho and hu tu tu.
When contacted, S Murgundkar, assistant municipal commissioner, H-west ward seconded it. “Our reservation plot is meant for promoting Indian games only. We cannot grant permissions for a football tournament,” he said.
“BMC has been granting permission for the last six years. Why is it suddenly following the 2004 circular?” asked Morgan Gonsalves, secretary, Bandra West Football Association (BWFA).
The Supari Talao ground has seen the birth of many famous football and hockey players like Henry Picado, Robert D’Souza, Shabbir Ali, and Joaquim Carvalho.
“It’s really sad if BMC brings discrimination in sports. Football is popular and youngsters shouldn’t be denied,” said Henry Picado, former Indian football player, who practised on the ground.
“BMC is discouraging us by denying permissions. There are very few playgrounds in Mumbai. Where do we go? It’s rainy season and the best time to practice,” said Ryan Menezes, player from BWFA.
“With the ever shrinking open spaces, youngsters must be allowed and encouraged to use the existing play ground for all sporting activities,” said Asif Zakaria, local councillor in his letter to the municipal commissioner Jairaj Phatak.
Zakaria said that the H (W) ward even told BWFA go ahead and practise if they wanted to, but without official permission from the BMC.
