HC petitioned as Players not allowed to practice in Govt. Sports Complex despite payment

July 2,2017:

DDA questioned as to why it prohibited players who availed Pay and Play Policy.

The DDA’s Pay and Play Policy for its sports facilities has come under the scrutiny after a few top squash players have moved the Delhi HC.

In their plea the players have submitted that despite paying for squash courts at the Siri Fort Sports Complex, DDA staff prevented them from availing the coaching from the experts.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva in a recent order, had directed DDA to ensure players are able to take coaching as long as they pay for courts and asked its Standing Counsel Sanjeev Sabharwal to place agency’s stand on why it prohibited players who availed Pay and Play Policy.

In their plea, Sportsmen informed High Court they are national level players and wish to use squash courts on ‘Pay and Play’ basis, but the DDA prevented them from playing in their courts while getting coaching from their mentors.

The Players further submitted that,”DDA has stated that no player can take the coaching on said Courts. It is submitted that Petitioners are being prevented from taking coaching from their own coaches”.

Players also complained to the HC that at a time when they are seeking to participate in the International Tournaments DDA has created an obstacle putting their preparedness into jeopardy.

High Court has thus directed that “till next date of hearing, Respondents shall not prevent the petitioner from using ‘Pay and Play’ squash courts in DDA Squash & Badminton Stadium and/or prevent the Petitioners from receiving the Coaching/Mentoring from their respective Coaches in said Courts.”