Madurai: Parents have raised concerns about exorbitant coaching fees being charged at the Racecourse ground, which they claim far exceed the official rates set by the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority (SDAT).

They allege that coaches are demanding double or even triple the prescribed fees for various sports training sessions.

According to the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority (SDAT), there is a fixed annual fee structure for athletics and team sports, with specific monthly rates for individual sports training.

For instance, monthly fees are set at Rs. 413 for badminton training, Rs. 590 for tennis synthetic court, Rs. 354 for clay court training, and Rs. 885 for swimming. However, parents allege that coaches are charging double or triple these amounts, making it difficult for them to afford the training.

Parents further stated that when they raise concerns about the extra fees, the coaches threaten to interrupt their children's training.

They emphasized that since these coaches are government employees, they should not demand additional fees beyond what is officially prescribed.

In response, Raja, District Sports Officer clarified that all training fees are clearly displayed on a notice board in front of the office.

He also highlighted that, since April, payments can be made online through the SDAT website (www.sdat.tn.gov.in) urging parents to verify the exact fee online and to report any instances of overcharging directly to him.

Raja assured that action would be taken against any violations, and additional notice boards displaying fees would be placed in front of the respective courts.

He also noted that the annual fee for gymnastics training is set at Rs. 354, encouraging students to take advantage of the facility without worrying about inflated costs.