more-in Children who practise badminton at the Nehru indoor stadium staged a protest on the premises of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in the city on Tuesday demanding extension of the practice timings and allowing them to use additional courts. The stadium belongs to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports. Addressing the protesters, Supraja P., a player, said an amount of ?1,500 is charged as annual fee on a junior player for practising at the stadium. In addition to this, they pay a monthly coaching fee of ?600. Of the seven badminton courts there, junior players are allowed to practice on two courts from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m. She said the junior players were facing inconvenience practising in the evening because of their hectic academic schedules. As 80 children are enrolled for coaching at the stadium, there is not enough space for everyone, she said, adding that the authorities had been requested many times to allot two more courts and allow them to practise till 8 a.m. “It is unfortunate that the request has not been considered.” Vinay Kumar, a parent, said that in other districts, junior players are allowed to practise for six hours daily. “The junior players from Shivamogga have come up with impressive performances at the State-level badminton competitions in recent times. The players are willing to pay more. The authorities should consider the request,” he said.

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