Calicut University Inter-Zone Football Players Forced to Compete Under Scorching Sun After Ground Leased to Private Club

Malappuram: Young footballers participating in the Calicut University Inter-Zone Football Championship are struggling under the scorching sun, with the university’s decision to lease out one of its grounds to a private club creating difficulties. The tournament is currently being conducted on just one ground, forcing students to play matches even during the peak afternoon heat.

There are complaints that playing in the afternoon heat can cause dehydration, muscle cramps and injuries such as bruises, adversely affecting the players’ performance. Calicut University has two football grounds. One of them was handed over to Malappuram FC for training following the intervention of University Sports Director VP Zakir Hussain. His decision has drawn criticism, as Zakir Hussain is a leader of an organisation controlled by the Muslim League.

While students and teachers struggle in the intense heat, those providing facilities to private teams are allegedly enjoying the comfort of air-conditioned rooms. The university is being accused of neglecting the sporting rights of its students to help private teams. There are concerns that the conditions could affect the fitness of players who are expected to represent Calicut University in the All India Inter-University and South Zone Inter-University competitions following the Inter-Zone championship.

University authorities had earlier stated that the NIT ground was rented out at a high rate for the state school sports meet. However, Calicut University's ground was leased to private football club Malappuram FC at a lower rate, allegedly due to the personal interests of the sports director. This has also triggered protests.

There are demands that grounds built with the university's financial assistance should first be used for students' sporting activities. Calls have also grown for changes to the existing agreement to ensure that the grounds remain fully available to students, at least during university competitions.

Students have urged the university's sports department and administration to intervene immediately and ensure adequate facilities for students and teachers. They have also demanded clarity on the criteria used to extend facilities to private teams.