At a time when land and property turns even close-ones bitter, the story of Riyaz Ahmed Bhat might provide the perfect example.
The prices of land and property are ever-soaring in contemporary times. However, conversion of personal property into a playground to promote the game of cricket is largely unheard of.
Thus, the story of ‘Friendz Cricket Stadium Kakinmaran (FCSK)’ at Kashmir’s Budgam district remains intriguing. A post-graduate, Riyaz Ahmed Bhat, converted his personal property at Kakinmaran village into FCSK.
As a matter fact, the ground already hosted as many as four tournaments which hosted teams from districts in the vicinity.
“Teams from different areas, including Budgam, Srinagar, Beerwah, Magam, Bemina, Naraspora, Ompora, and elsewhere have participated in the last four tournaments,” Riyaz Ahmed Bhat told The Kashmir Images.
“I want to engage youth in sports. and looking forward to organizing more cricket tournaments here in which the players will be provided with every cricket equipment except the bats,” plans the visionary Budgam man.
“Initially, I always used to ponder that there is a dearth of playgrounds for the youth of Budgam, who is very enthusiastic about sports and this became the reason for me to establish the playground in my district,” cited out Bhat.
I can get crores in exchange of my land, but I won’t sell it: Bhat
Additionally, Riyaz Ahmed Bhat intends to provide various facilities such as gymnasium, in order to assist the cricketers. “I am also planning to start a gym near the playground,” suggested Bhat.
Interestingly, Bhat received a lucrative amount of money for the said land but denied the offers for the welfare of the game and the people.
“I was approached by few brick kiln owners who were giving me a handsome amount of money for this land, but I denied his offer. Won’t sell the land even if I can get crores in exchange.” affirmed the Kashmiri.
“I will take a few more kannals of land on rent in order to make this playground more attractive. Additionally, I would request the government to provide registration for the playground and sanction fencing for it,” concludes Riyaz Ahmed Bhat
