Thiruvananthapuram: Amid a time when minor boundary disputes often escalate into clashes, sports enthusiast Ajayakumar has donated land worth several lakhs to create a playground for children.

The former volleyball player gifted 13 cents of land free of charge in Uzhappakonam in Nedumangad. At present, a cent in the area is valued at over ₹5 lakh.

Ajayakumar, 62, hopes his vision will come alive through the next generation. He expressed concern that sports equipment in Nedumangad’s municipal playgrounds has been rusting and deteriorating, leaving children without proper facilities.

Passionate about volleyball since his time at Kattakada Christian College and later University College, Ajayakumar once aspired to become a university star. Although that dream never got fulfilled, his goal of providing a playground for children is now becoming a reality.

Following the land donation, the municipality quickly prepared a temporary playground, with the intervention of Ward Councillor P Harikeshan Nair helping to expedite the project.

The facility now attracts large numbers of children in the mornings and evenings to play volleyball, football, badminton and other games. The playground was formally inaugurated by Municipality Chairperson CS Sreeja, who marked the occasion by kicking a football.

Ajayakumar’s wife, Padmakumari, who shares his passion for sports and agriculture, fully supports his initiative, while their sons, Mithun Shankar and Arun Shankar, are actively helping to realise their father’s vision.