Chandigarh Sports Department set to take over Sector 10 tennis complex today

The UT Sports Department will take possession of the Sector 10 Sports Complex from the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association (CLTA) tomorrow.

“All modalities have been finalised. The UT Administration has appointed the SDM (Central) for a smooth conduct of the taking over of the complex,” claimed highly placed sources. In addition, the Chandigarh Police have been asked to maintain law and order.

“Once the department takes over the arena, the new module of the coaching will be implemented. There will be no problem in taking over the possession, as everyone is well aware about the legal liabilities,” said the source.

The UT Administration has terminated the decades-old lease agreement with the CLTA. Though, sources claimed, the decision was taken after receiving several complaints, the official order didn’t refer to any complaint.

Meanwhile, a public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Punjab & Haryana High Court in support of the CLTA and against the Sports Department’s decision to take back the arena. Sources claimed the hearing on the PIL would take place this week. Sources confirmed that the CLTA had not filed any PIL, and would take the further action only after taking “internal” decision.

Sources claimed that the department had already got the approval to hire coaches and other staff to run the Sector 10 complex. The sources said some of the CLTA coaches, who were eligible as per the department’s requirement, could be retained.