Open stadiums for players immediately: HC to secy sports
Dehradun: Uttarakhand high court on Friday directed special secretary (sports)
Amit Sinha
to open the stadiums in Haldwani and Dehradun within 24 hours so that players aren't forced to practise at private facilities.
The court mandated that both stadiums remain open daily from 6am to 8pm for regular practice sessions.
Sinha assured the court that both venues would be accessible to players by Saturday. He was also instructed to propose the construction of new stadiums, both in the plains and hilly regions, for the physical development of children across the state.
The court observed that many talented athletes in the state were missing out on opportunities due to a lack of accessible infrastructure, and that the current facilities remained locked despite demand.
It said this situation must be rectified without delay.
The court further directed the sports association to submit a list of upcoming competitions to the sports secretary, who will allocate stadiums accordingly. Maintenance costs will be handled by stadium staff, and organisers will be held financially liable for any damage to the grounds. The court also stressed the need for a qualified coach to be present for every sport during field use.
The directives were issued by a single bench of Justice Rakesh Thapliyal while hearing a petition filed by Dehradun resident Sanjay Rawat. The plea alleges misuse of Rs 12 crore in govt funds by the Uttarakhand Cricket Association, claiming players were denied promised facilities. It also alleged that players were primarily fed bananas, for which a Rs 35 lakh bill was submitted. The petition further claims a scam involving food and beverages, and seeks a full investigation.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for the first week of July.
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