Archive · 2 Jul 2025
PCMC Badminton Courts: Residents Struggle Amidst Coach Bookings
People in Pimpri-Chinchwad are having trouble getting time slots at the public badminton courts because private coaches seem to be booking them all up.
The coaches run classes, taking up the best times to play.
Regular players say it's hard to find a slot, suspecting the booking system isn't fair.
They think the coaches might be working with the people in charge of the courts.
The rules say the coaches can only use the courts for a limited time and for a small number of students, but the residents claim this isn't happening.
The residents want the booking system to be more open so everyone can play.
Residents in Pimpri-Chinchwad struggle to book badminton court slots due to alleged monopolization by private coaches.
Prime time slots (morning and evening) at PCMC courts are reportedly consistently booked by the same coaching groups.
Residents claim a lack of transparency in the booking system, suspecting collusion between coaches and officials.
PCMC allows private coaching for two hours daily per court with restrictions on the number of students and fee.
Residents demand a fair, first-come, first-served booking system to ensure public access to the facilities.
- Who
- Residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad, private badminton coaches, and PCMC sports department.
- What
- Residents are struggling to book badminton court slots due to private coaches allegedly monopolizing prime time slots.
- When
- Bookings open monthly on the last working day at 3 pm. Issues persist throughout the year.
- Where
- Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) badminton courts, including Dhingra court, Netaji court, and Yamunanagar court.
- Why
- Residents face difficulties accessing courts due to the alleged preferential treatment of private coaching groups, leading to a lack of transparency and potential misuse of the booking system.
Residents' Perspective
PCMC and Private Coaches' Perspective
Court Access
Residents' Perspective
Residents find it difficult to secure court slots due to private coaches' alleged monopolization of prime-time slots.
PCMC and Private Coaches' Perspective
Private coaches are permitted to use the courts with restrictions.
Booking System Transparency
Residents' Perspective
Residents suspect a lack of transparency in the booking system and potential collusion.
PCMC and Private Coaches' Perspective
PCMC states the system is in place for fair access, with measures to monitor and address any misuse.
- Monthly booking cost (regular players)
- Rs 2,000
- Private coaching fee
- Rs 3,500 per student
- Private coaching allowed
- 2 hours per day per court
- Max students per coach
- 4
- PCMC monthly fee for private coach
- Rs 5,500