The Lost Fields and the Rise of Indoor Sports

For the generation that grew up before the 2000s, playgrounds were like a second home. After school, the air would be filled with the sounds of football, cricket, and badminton. Games went on until sunset, and returning home covered in dust and sweat usually meant getting scolded by parents.

Now, those same fields stand silent.
Children of the new century are no longer seen outside — they are trapped behind screens. They are often criticized for staying indoors or being glued to their smartphones. Yet the blame is not theirs — the playgrounds have been swallowed by concrete buildings, shopping malls, and apartment blocks.

From Dhaka to Chattogram, open fields have vanished. Parents lament that children today have no place left to play.

But this scarcity has given birth to a new business — futsal.

The Popularity of Futsal

After 2000, the smaller version of football — futsal — began spreading across urban areas. The game is played on artificial turf, rooftops, or in compact spaces.

Rezaul Islam, a corporate employee, shared,
“In my village, I used to play every day. When I moved to Dhaka, I thought my playing days were over. But discovering futsal on artificial turf brought that joy back.”

He added, “We usually play in the evening because it’s too hot to play during the day.”

The Business of Artificial Fields

Unused spaces are converted into futsal arenas by installing turf and floodlights, then rented out by the hour. A 90-minute session typically costs between Tk 1,500 and Tk 10,000. Peak hours run from evening until night.

Md. Sazzadul Alam, owner of Eco Sports in Chattogram, said,
“There’s a huge demand for playgrounds, but very few exist. That’s why I started this venture. Now, we host six to seven matches every day.”

The initial investment, including land, infrastructure, and turf, can reach up to Tk 50 lakh, depending on the quality of materials used.

Today, Dhaka alone has more than 20 commercial turf arenas. Facilities like Offside, JAAF, and The Stadium in Bashundhara stay busy from evening until midnight.

Alongside players, friends and families also join in — making futsal not just a game, but a new form of entertainment.

Khabarwala/TSN