Facility to be opened today for players, DC assesses infra

A day after the city’s mutli-crore facility, Shastri Badminton Hall, near Rakh Bagh, was freed from the illegal control of private persons and same was sealed by the Municipal Corporation, citing pending maintenance, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain conducted a thorough inspection of the hall on Wednesday, assessing the facility’s badminton courts, rooms and lawn areas.

Committed to enhancing the sporting infrastructure for the players, he issued immediate directives to transform the hall into a modern, player-friendly venue.

During his visit, Jain ordered a comprehensive clean-up of the premises and the establishment of a new gymnasium equipped with essential fitness machines. He also mandated the installation of new synthetic courts, repair of chairs and lighting and the creation of dedicated spaces, including a yoga room and a changing room. Additionally, he instructed a complete renovation of washrooms and improvements in the lawn to enhance the overall ambiance of the facility.

To cater to needs of players and visitors, the Deputy Commissioner directed the establishment of a sports shop-cum-canteen on the premises. He further announced that the hall would reopen for players on Thursday, ensuring swift access to the upgraded facility.

To ensure sustained upkeep, he tasked senior officials with developing a dedicated framework for the maintenance of the hall. Additionally, he ordered the fixation of membership fee to regulate access and support the facility’s operations.

Notably, the district administration had faced huge criticism after the stadium was locked and players were not allowed to practice. Players on Tuesday also gathered outside the locked stadium and flayed the Deputy Commissioner and MC Commissioner Aadtiya Dachalwal for stopping players from practicing.

The DC said now he had formed an interim management committee for the management and operations of the hall.

“Serious concerns and multiple complaints have been received from players, sports enthusiasts and the public regarding the unsatisfactory management, operational deficiencies and alleged

mismanagement of the hall. It has been observed that there is no proper maintenance of the facility, thus to provide quality coaching, and function in a transparent and sustainable manner for the benefit of the students and sport, it is mandatory to constitute the interim committee,” the DC said.