Stakeholders of Chandigarh’s Tennis Ecosystem Welcome UT Administration’s Move to Reclaim Sector 10 Tennis Stadium from CLTA
Hail Lease Cancellation as a Justified Step; Demand CBI & ED Probes into Alleged Corruption, Money Laundering & GST Violations by CLTA
Chandigarh, Sep 15, 2025: Key stakeholders of Chandigarh’s tennis ecosystem—including Prasang Raheja (sports lawyer & senior tennis player), Neeraj Yashpaul (Chandigarh’s No. 1 men’s tennis player), Ajay Yashpaul (Neeraj’s father), Nagendra Saroha (father of India’s U-16 No. 1 player Ribhav Saroha), and Roshan Lal Saxena (former CLTA coach)—addressed a press conference to welcome the Chandigarh Administration’s decision to cancel the lease of the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association (CLTA) and reclaim control of the Sector-10 Tennis Stadium.
Prasang Raheja said, “There is a serious allegation of siphoning of funds under the Chandigarh Academy for Rural Tennis (CHART) scheme which gives rise to a suspicion of money laundering. Moreover, there is evidence of tax evasion & GST violations as CLTA claimed charitable exemptions under 12AA while running commercial activities without a GST number to evade taxes.”
Raheja added, “One of the biggest illegality is construction and operation of a hostel inside the premises of the stadium without Administration’s approval, a grave violation of lease terms.”
“He said that there was a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) violation during the illegal hostel’s operation, and that a minor girl child was subjected to sexual offences, leading to POCSO proceedings.”
Raheja emphasized, “Cancellation of CLTA’s lease and the take-over of management of Sec 10 tennis stadium by Chandigarh Sports Department are not merely administrative decisions. In fact, these should also be seen as decisions aimed at exposing money laundering, punishing tax evasion & GST violations, safeguarding children, and restoring development of tennis players in Chandigarh. I request the Administrator (UT) to derecognise CLTA and order a CBI and ED probe into the matter.”
Neeraj Yashpaul said, “I strongly support this move, as now under the watchful eye of the Chandigarh Sports Department deserving players will be allowed to train and compete in an environment focused on excellence and fairness.”
Ajay Yashpaul added, “Despite Neeraj being the city’s No. 1 men’s tennis player, he suffered due to mismanagement and bias in the system. With the Sports Department now taking over the stadium, I finally see hope and genuine opportunities for young athletes.”
Nagendra Saroha remarked, “This is a long-awaited step. The Sports Department coaches are highly qualified and work tirelessly for their players, unlike the mismanagement we witnessed at CLTA.”
Roshan Lal Saxena expressed, “As someone who has served at CLTA and personally faced harassment during my tenure, I welcome this decision wholeheartedly. With the Chandigarh Sports Department now directly managing the stadium, I am hopeful for a brighter future for players and coaches.”
The stakeholders concluded by reiterating their gratitude to the Chandigarh Administration and the UT Administrator, while underlining the need for CBI and ED probes to ensure accountability and restore faith in sports governance in Chandigarh.
