The sportspersons in the national capital took to the streets on Sunday to protest against the fee hike for practice in sports stadiums.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has increased the charge of using sports stadia from Rs 150 to Rs 1500 in Nehru Stadium and other stadiums and the fee of Rs 250 in Talkatora Stadium has also been increased to Rs 2500, former Asian Marathon Champion Sunita Godara said.
She also appealed to the government and the sports authorities to charge nominal prices for using stadiums.
"If a kid of 18 years age will have to pay so much fees then how will he spend in other things like kit, medical help during injury, juice, shoes, etc. If he will have to pay 1500 to stadium then will he complete his training or arrange for money?" she asked.
"We the ex-champions want to appeal to government and Sports Authority of India that if you cannot help these people then open all stadiums for players and ask for nominal charges from sports persons for using the stadiums. But if you increase the fees ten times then it will become difficult for them. They are using public property," she added.
Jayant Khan, another protester, also pointed out that they would carry on with the protests till the fee is not reduced.