Tennis stakeholders applaud Chandigarh administration’s takeover of Sector 10 stadium, seeks CBI, ED probe into CLTA
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 15, 2025: Prominent voices from Chandigarh’s tennis fraternity, including sports lawyer and senior player Prasang Raheja, city’s top-ranked men’s player Neeraj Yashpaul, his father Ajay Yashpaul, Nagendra Saroha (father of India’s U-16 No. 1 player Ribhav Saroha), and former CLTA coach Roshan Lal Saxena, welcomed the Chandigarh Administration’s decision to cancel the lease of the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association (CLTA) and take back control of the Sector-10 Tennis Stadium.
At a press meet, Raheja, who has long highlighted irregularities in CLTA’s functioning through RTIs, called the move a “historic decision” but stressed that the next step must be a CBI and ED probe into alleged corruption, siphoning of funds under the CHART scheme, money laundering, tax evasion, GST violations, and illegal construction of a hostel inside the stadium premises.
“Cancellation of CLTA’s lease is not just an administrative step. It should be seen as an effort to expose money laundering, punish tax evasion, safeguard children, and restore development of tennis in Chandigarh,” Raheja said, while also citing a POCSO case linked to the illegal hostel’s operation.
The stakeholders demanded:
- CBI investigation into misuse of public assets, illegal hostel operations, and POCSO-linked culpability.
- ED probe into alleged money laundering and siphoning of CHART funds.
- Forensic audit of CLTA, CHART, cafeteria, and canteen accounts.
- Tax investigations by IT & GST authorities.
- Immediate closure of the illegal hostel and sub-leasing activities.
Players and parents also voiced strong support for the Administration’s intervention.
Neeraj Yashpaul said, “Under the Sports Department, deserving players will finally get a fair chance in a transparent environment.”
His father Ajay Yashpaul added, “Despite being the city’s No.1 men’s player, Neeraj suffered due to bias and mismanagement. Now, there is real hope for young athletes.”
Nagendra Saroha remarked, “This is a long-awaited step. Sports Department coaches are committed and competent—unlike the mismanagement at CLTA.”
Coach Roshan Lal Saxena, recalling harassment during his tenure at CLTA, said, “With the Administration in control, I see a brighter, corruption-free future for both players and coaches.”
The tennis stakeholders collectively thanked the Punjab Governor & Chandigarh Administrator and the Chandigarh Sports Department for their bold action, while reiterating their demand for an in-depth investigation into the CLTA’s functioning.