Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Parents Protest Sharp Coaching Fee Hike at Telangana Sports Centres
Parents are upset because sports coaching fees at government centres suddenly became much higher.
One parent said the fee increased from ₹150 to ₹960.
They say many middle-class families cannot afford this change.
The parents met Dr Sonibala Devi from the Sports Authority of Telangana on Monday.
They said she promised to take their complaint to a committee.
She also reportedly asked why families could not pay the higher fee if they paid higher school fees.
Coaches said some people who opposed the increase were dismissed.
They fear the centres could later be given to private companies.
The parents want the government to cancel the fee increase.
Parents are protesting a government coaching-fee increase at several city sports centres.
One parent said the fee for karate rose from ₹150 to ₹960.
A delegation met Dr Sonibala Devi of the Sports Authority of Telangana on Monday.
Parents said Devi promised to present their concerns to a committee, while reportedly questioning why they could not pay the higher fee.
Coaches alleged that dissenting staff were sacked and claimed the centres could eventually be handed to private contractors.
- Who
- Parents of trainees, coaches, the Sports Authority of Telangana and Dr Sonibala Devi are involved.
- What
- Parents are protesting a sharp increase in coaching fees at government-run sports centres.
- When
- The parents’ delegation met Dr Sonibala Devi on Monday; the protest has continued since then.
- Where
- At government-run sports centres in the city, including LB Stadium, KVBR Indoor Stadium, Gymkhana, Saroornagar Stadium and Gachibowli Sports Complex.
- Why
- Parents want the fee increase withdrawn because they say it is unaffordable, while coaches fear the centres may be weakened and transferred to private contractors.
Parents and Coaches
Sports Authority Position
Affordability of fees
Parents and Coaches
Parents say the increase from ₹150 to ₹960 is sudden and unaffordable for middle-class families.
Sports Authority Position
Dr Sonibala Devi reportedly questioned why families could not pay the higher sports fee if they could pay increased school fees.
Handling of the complaint
Parents and Coaches
Parents want the government to roll back the increase and say they have continued protesting.
Sports Authority Position
The parents’ delegation said Dr Sonibala Devi assured them that their concerns would be presented to a committee.
Future of the centres
Parents and Coaches
Coaches allege that dissenting staff were sacked and fear the centres could be weakened and handed to private contractors.
Sports Authority Position
The article does not provide a confirmed response from Dr Sonibala Devi or the government to these allegations.
- Reported old fee
- ₹150
- Reported new fee
- ₹960
- Authority official
- Dr Sonibala Devi, vice-chairperson and managing director of the Sports Authority of Telangana
- Meeting
- A parents’ delegation met Dr Sonibala Devi on Monday
- Affected centres
- LB Stadium, KVBR Indoor Stadium, Gymkhana, Saroornagar Stadium and Gachibowli Sports Complex
- Parents’ demand
- Rollback of the coaching-fee increase
- Coaches’ allegation
- Staff who opposed the increase were sacked