The Air Force Sports Complex, located near the Prime Minister's official residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, has been shut down until further notice, according to reports. The development comes weeks after the Centre sought the return of land used by its golf course, and has forced the cancellation of a farewell golfing event for outgoing Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh.
The sports complex, located within the Race Course Air Force Station, is used by serving and retired Air Force personnel. Apart from its golf course, it has a swimming pool and dining facilities. Members were informed on Tuesday that entry would be suspended from 5 am on October 28.
Why is the Centre seeking the Air Force Golf Course land?
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) had earlier sought the return of the land occupied by the Air Force Golf Course.
The ministry has not publicly identified any particular project for the site or given a timetable for its proposed use. Earlier reports said the land recovery was part of an effort to make government-owned properties in central Delhi available for public purposes.
The course has nine greens, the carefully maintained sections surrounding golf holes. It lies along Lok Kalyan Marg, formerly Race Course Road, close to the Prime Minister's official residence. The government has not disclosed how the site's sporting and other facilities would be affected over the longer term.
Farewell golf event for outgoing IAF chief cancelled
The reported cancellation of a farewell golf event for Air Chief Marshal A P Singh comes just days before his retirement on October 31. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, currently Vice Chief of the Air Staff, has been appointed to succeed him as IAF chief.
Centre moves to reclaim prime land near PM's residence
The Land and Development Office (L&DO), which comes under Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), has been pursuing the recovery of several properties in the same area. Some were previously leased to clubs and sporting associations, while the authorities have also raised issues of unauthorised occupation at other sites.
In August, officials took back the 53-acre premises occupied by the Delhi Race Club. The Centre said it needed the property for a public purpose but did not announce the precise use planned for it.
The Indian Polo Association was also evicted from the nearby Jaipur Polo Ground. The government cited requirements linked to public administration and defence infrastructure in that case.
Delhi Gymkhana Club land dispute
The Delhi Gymkhana Club, which occupies about 27 acres on Safdarjung Road, is involved in a separate dispute with the Centre. The Land and Development Office (L&DO) has sought the land for defence infrastructure, security and other government needs. The club has challenged the move before the Delhi High Court.
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