Review order terminating lease, parents of tennis trainees urge Chandigarh Administration

A day after the UT Sports Department issued a seven-day notice to the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association (CLTA) for handing over the possession of the Sector 10 Sports Complex premises, parents of children practising at the complex demanded a review of the order.

The CLTA is among the associations that runs its operations from government land under a lease agreement. It hosts around 10 All India International Tennis Association (AITA) National Ranking Championships and two International Tennis Federation (ITF) events annually, besides hosting coaching camps for its trainees under both chargeable and scholarship programmes.

Unlike other local sports associations, the CLTA has a fleet of coaches, assistants, helpers, experts (such as dietician, physiotherapist) and other staff on the rolls. In case the lease agreement stays terminated, the CLTA, like other sports associations, will have to request the Sports Department for hosting tournaments at the Sector 10 complex and reduce the number of staff members.

“Our trainees represent various states of the nation, and their parents have relocated to Chandigarh just to take CLTA’s training module. They are treated like a family here. The CLTA leaves no stone unturned to make their kids’ future in tennis bright,” said Megh Raj, CEO, CLTA.

He added, “Our trainees have played at the highest level. We have produced national champions too. The CLTA has a vast infrastructure compared with any other academy in the region. We have hosted three Davis Cup ties and many tournaments are lined up this year.”

“It’s very difficult for my son, a special child, to learn, but he feels like home here at the CLTA. Being a special child, he needs more attention. The Administration should reconsider its decision as it will trouble many parents like us,” said a parent of a deaf-category tennis player.

“My husband is posted in Srinagar, and I am living on a rented accommodation just to make sure that my both sons get training at the CLTA,” added a mother of two. A parent from West Bengal said, “The Administration just can’t ask the CLTA to wind up its operations in seven days.”

UT officials said the decision was taken by considering all conditions of the lease agreement. “No one is above law. There were complaints against the association, and they were given ample time to reply. In addition, it was clearly mentioned that the land belongs to the Administration. As the three-year lease ended on September 10, the Administration informed the body and rejected their request for renewing the lease, which they had submitted to the Sports Department on March 6,” said an official, requesting anonymity.