Athletes and coaches at the Delhi government-run Thyagraj Stadium have been complaining for months about having to finish training earlier than usual - by 7 p.m. - because Delhi's Principal Secretary (Revenue) Sanjeev Khirwar walks his dog at the facility about 30 minutes later, according to the Indian Express.
"Previously, we used to workout under the lights until 8 or 8.30 p.m. However, we are now required to vacate the grounds by 7 p.m. in order for the officer to walk his dog on the grounds. Our training and practise schedules have been thrown off "A coach was quoted in the newspaper.
Mr Khirwar reportedly described the claim as "totally wrong" when contacted by the publication. He said that he "sometimes" walks his dog at the facility, but disputed that it interfered with the athletes' practising schedule.
In a tweet, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tagged the post, saying: "According to news reports, several sports facilities are closing early, creating trouble to athletes who want to play until late at night. CM @ArvindKejriwal has directed that all Delhi government sports facilities remain open until 10 p.m. for athletes."
Union minister Kaushal Kishore condemned the officer's abuse of power and demanded an apology from him.
"It's disgraceful that athletes must vacate the stadium grounds (Delhi's Thyagraj Stadium Complex) because an IAS officer wants to stroll his dog. The officer should express regret. This is an abuse of his power "He told ANI news agency.
