Players can continue training at Sec 10 complex in Chandigarh despite eviction deadline: Admn

Trainees at the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association (CLTA) will be allowed to continue their coaching sessions during the period they have paid for. Also, a new fee structure will be approved by the UT Administration so that these trainees can continue training at the Sector 10 complex, said sources in the UT Administration.

The administration has ‘terminated’ the lease with the CLTA on the expiry of its period, and the seven-day notice to evict the Sector 10 complex ends on September 17.

While the administration will officially reveal its coaching module after getting the possession of the complex, the facility can also be made available for running a Khelo India centre, state-run tennis academy (on the lines of football and hockey academies) or a centre of excellence for tennis.

“The transaction period will take a little time, but everything will happen for good. The players’ training won’t be affected, as they can continue to get coaching for the period they have paid fee to the CLTA. Beyond that, we will have our own coaching module,” claimed the sources.

When asked about the arena’s future, the sources said the land belonged to the administration. The Sports Department is already managing state-run academies at the Lake Sports Complex, Sector 42 complex and other centres. The administration has just taken over the land, but not the association. They are open to providing the facility for conducting state, national or international events throughout the year, on request. The coaching module and other issues will be resolved after September 17.

Coaches, resident trainees

While the administration will reveal its plans after September 17, the sources claimed that the Sports Department might also hire the same CLTA staff, if needed or if they fulfilled all the criteria. “The employees were directly hired by the CLTA, and we will be needing the staff to run the facility. The administration may consider retaining the staff as per the requirement, provided they have all necessary certificates or fulfil all criteria. As a government body, we have to follow rules and regulations. However, as cleared earlier, everything will be planned once we get the possession of land,” said an official.

The sources, meanwhile, refused to reveal if the resident trainees (hostellers) will be allowed to continue at the complex or not. “There’s no such provision, which has allowed the CLTA to operate hostels without having a prior approval. The administration needs to assess how the trainees were allowed to stay, and if necessary approval was given by the Sports Department. The tennis courts will remain open for training,” said the official.

“The Chandigarh Administration as well as the Sports Department are fully committed to safeguarding the interests of players and ensuring their uninterrupted growth and development in sports. The department assures that every possible step will be taken to provide access to quality coaching, proper infrastructure and a nurturing environment for players. The welfare of the sporting community and the aspirations of young athletes remain our top priority. The department is mindful of the concerns of players, parents and stakeholders and will work in close coordination with all to ensure that training and sporting activities continue smoothly,” said UT Administration in a statement released by its spokesperson.

Trainees hold candlelight march

On Monday evening, trainees and coaches of the CLTA held a candlelight march, demanding the rollback of the administration’s decision to “terminate” the lease as well as the seven-day eviction notice. The march was held at the Sector 10 sports complex. Meanwhile, the coaches said they feared they would lose their job.