Chandigarh Sports Department takes over tennis complex

The UT Sports Department took over the possession of the Sector 10 tennis complex from the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association (CLTA) at 8 am today. The administration leased out the complex to the association on January 16, 1997.

Related story: Chandigarh to continue running tennis facilities; sports department to oversee operations, fee may be reduced

The seven-day notice period for handing over the possession of the complex ended on September 17. While CLTA coaches were still packing their bags, the officials, accompanied by Home Guards and police personnel, reached the complex around 8 am and started making inventories of the goods such as furniture, mini fridges, kitchen utensils and training equipment, which were not removed before handing over the possession.

“We have taken over the possession from the Sports Department and will now work towards developing and running the centre. All modalities were fulfilled, and as per the announcement, the complex will be fully open for training under a new module in a day or so,” said an official of the Sports Department.

Players continue training

Local tennis players attended training sessions at the complex in the evening. The CLTA had around 300 registered players. The new fee structure and training timings will also be released soon.

Staff submit credentials

“We have been asked to submit our credentials. Most of us have been associated with the CLTA for years, and we just want to continue here under the new authorities,” said a member of the support staff.

Tournament cancelled

The All-India Tennis Association (AITA) Rs 2.5 lakh Women’s National Ranking meet, scheduled for this month, has now been cancelled. However, there has been no decision on holding other scheduled events.

CLTA achievements

As per the CLTA website, the association come into existence in September 1975. After the Sector 10 complex was leased out to the association in 1987 (as claimed in the CLTA website), 12 courts, of which six are floodlit, a gym and other facilities were developed by the association. The CLTA claimed to have produced many national and international players.

Representation to Guv

The sources said a seven-member CLTA delegation met Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria and submitted a representation to him. “Various issues were discussed with the UT Administrator. A detailed documentation will be submitted in the coming days, as discussed with him,” said one of the CLTA representatives.

PIL in High Court

Taking up a PIL regarding concerns raised over the training of young tennis players at the Sector 10 complex after takeover by the UT Administration, a Division Bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry scheduled the hearing for Friday.