Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Haryana CM’s Helicopter Parks at Stadium, Closing Track for Four Days
A helicopter used by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was parked at a stadium in Gurugram for four days.
During that time, athletes could not use the running track to train.
One report also says they could not use the synthetic ground, though other courts remained open.
The helicopter was there while Saini was visiting Singapore and was taken away on Wednesday after he returned.
Officials said security restrictions meant the track had to be closed.
The Chief Minister’s media adviser said a machinery problem kept the helicopter at the stadium.
Some athletes, coaches, parents and sports advocates said losing training time could hurt athletes preparing for competitions.
Officials also said Gurugram has no government helipad and parking in Delhi costs money.
The track reopened after the helicopter was removed.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s helicopter remained at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Gurugram for four days.
Athletes were unable to use the running track during the closure; one report also says the synthetic ground was inaccessible.
The helicopter was removed on Wednesday after Saini returned from a three-day Singapore trip, and the track reopened.
Officials cited security restrictions; the Chief Minister’s media adviser said a machinery glitch kept the helicopter there for four days.
Athletes and advocates criticized the disruption, while officials cited parking costs and the lack of a government helipad in Gurugram; a similar stadium disruption was reported in March 2020.
- Who
- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, athletes who use Tau Devi Lal Stadium, and Haryana sports officials.
- What
- Saini’s helicopter was parked at the stadium for four days, preventing athletes from using the running track.
- When
- For four days while Saini was on a three-day Singapore visit; the helicopter was removed and the track reopened on Wednesday.
- Where
- Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Gurugram, Haryana.
- Why
- Officials cited security restrictions. The Chief Minister’s media adviser said a machinery glitch kept the helicopter there; officials also cited the lack of a government helipad in Gurugram and parking charges in Delhi.
Athletes and critics
Officials
Impact on training
Athletes and critics
Athletes, coaches, parents and sports advocates questioned the disruption, saying missed training can matter for competitors and the track may be the only one available to some athletes.
Officials
Sports administration officials said security restrictions required the track to close while the helicopter was on the grounds.
Why the helicopter was at the stadium
Athletes and critics
Critics objected to using dedicated sports facilities to park a VIP helicopter and called for training not to be disrupted.
Officials
Officials cited the lack of a government helipad in Gurugram and charges for parking in Delhi. The Chief Minister’s media adviser said a machinery glitch kept the helicopter there for four days.
- Venue
- Tau Devi Lal Stadium
- Location
- Gurugram, Haryana
- Duration
- Four days
- Affected facilities
- The running track; one report also says the synthetic ground was inaccessible
- Other facilities
- Basketball and volleyball courts reportedly remained available
- Chief Minister’s trip
- A three-day visit to Singapore
- Removal and reopening
- The helicopter was taken away on Wednesday after Saini returned, and the track reopened
- Prior incident
- A similar stadium disruption was reported in March 2020 for then Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s helicopter
