Prasang Raheja, the sports lawyer leading efforts for systemic reforms in Chandigarh tennis, has called for an ad-hoc committee to govern the sport in the union territory. Raheja has been the face of a collective that has highlighted numerous alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association (CLTA) over the past two years. He stated that such an ad-hoc committee is imperative until a National Sports Code-compliant administrative body is established.
Need for Transparency and Fair Opportunities
In a statement shared with The Times of India, Raheja said: “Constitution of an ad hoc committee for Chandigarh tennis has become necessary in the interest of players, parents, coaches and the larger tennis community. Such a committee can help restore transparency, revive national ranking tournaments, ensure fair opportunities for players and bring confidence back into the system until a proper and Sports Code-compliant administrative structure is established.”
Background of the Crisis
Raheja’s call follows the Chandigarh Administration’s decision last September to terminate the lease of the tennis stadium in Sector 10 to the CLTA. This action came after a series of allegations regarding governance failures and concerns over transparency and management of the facility. Subsequently, stakeholders approached the Union Minister for Sports, seeking intervention to de-affiliate the CLTA from the All India Tennis Association (AITA) due to alleged administrative failures.
National Context: AITA Reforms
The national tennis federation, AITA, is itself undergoing significant changes. The Delhi High Court, hearing a writ petition filed by former Davis Cup players Somdev Devvarman and Purav Raja in September 2024, appointed an interim administrator earlier this month. The administrator, Justice Gita Mittal, is tasked with overseeing the process of making AITA compliant with the National Sports Code. The court also allowed the results of AITA elections to be declared, and new office-bearers to take charge while assisting the administrator in achieving code compliance.
Raheja Seeks Meeting with Administrator
Raheja emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying: “On behalf of stakeholders and the Chandigarh tennis community, I have also sought a meeting with Honourable Justice Gita Mittal to discuss immediate interim measures for Chandigarh tennis and protection of player interests during this transition period.”
The move underscores the growing demand for accountability and good governance in sports administration at both local and national levels.
