Full Breakdown
Closure of Air Force Sports Complex Near Delhi’s Prime Minister Residence
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
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Core Event: Government-Ordered Shutdown of the Air Force Sports Complex
On October 28, the Air Force Sports Complex on Lok Kalyan Marg—home to a golf course, swimming pool and restaurants—was closed to members and barred to staff. The notice said the complex would remain shut from 5 a.m. on October 28 until further orders, cancelling the “golfing-out” farewell event for outgoing Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who retires on October 31.
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Background & Context: Ongoing Land-Reclamation Drive Near the Prime Minister’s Residence
The complex lies within the Race Course Air Force Station, near the Prime Minister’s residence. Over the past year, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and its Land and Development Office (L&DO) have accelerated a drive to reclaim high-value government land. In May 2022 the Centre issued a notice to the Delhi Gymkhana Club invoking a public-purpose clause in its lease. Earlier, the L&DO evicted the Delhi Race Club from its 53-acre site on Lok Kalyan Marg and reclaimed the 15-acre Jaipur Polo Ground from the India Polo Association.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Timeline
- 2017 – L&DO issued eviction notices for five properties, including the Air Force Sports Complex.
- May 2022 – Notice to Delhi Gymkhana Club to hand over its 27-acre premises.
- August 2022 – Eviction of Delhi Race Club (53 acres) and reclamation of Jaipur Polo Ground (15 acres).
- October 28 2026 – Closure of Air Force Sports Complex; staff barred.
- October 31 2026 – Retirement of Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
- June 5 2022 – Hearing in Delhi High Court on the Gymkhana Club’s challenge.
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Data & Statistics
- Delhi Race Club: 53 acres reclaimed.
- Jaipur Polo Ground: 15 acres reclaimed.
- Delhi Gymkhana Club: 27 acres under eviction proceedings.
- Air Force Sports Complex: land size not disclosed; includes a full-size golf course and amenities.
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Official Statements & Responses
MoHUA said the land allotted to the Indian Air Force is required for “defence infrastructure” and broader public-purpose projects. An official at the site confirmed eviction notices had been served and that the complex would stay closed. The L&DO posted signage stating the premises now belong to it.
The Indian Air Force did not provide an immediate comment.
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Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Purpose of Reclamation: MoHUA cites defence-infrastructure needs, but the specific future use of the complex remains unclear.
- Demolition Activity: Some staff reported no earth-moving machinery on site, while activity at the nearby Jaipur Polo Ground suggests any machinery could belong to that project.
- Eviction Timeline: A 2017 eviction notice indicates a long-standing claim, yet the recent closure appears linked to a renewed MoHUA push, creating uncertainty about a formal handover.
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What’s Next: Pending Legal and Administrative Actions
The eviction of the Delhi Gymkhana Club is being contested in Delhi High Court, with a hearing scheduled for June 5. The Air Force Sports Complex remains closed, and MoHUA has not disclosed a definitive plan for the reclaimed land. Future developments will depend on court outcomes and any subsequent directives.