Ludhiana, May 9 -- A day after the Shastri Badminton Hall wore a deserted look due to a hike in fees, players were back at the facility on Friday as the district administration decided to defer the proposed fee hike till July 1.

Members said a notice was displayed at the hall directing players and members to deposit the revised fee by May 6, failing which they would not be allowed to use the facility. Following the implementation of the order, several players were barred from entering the hall, prompting strong resentment among members.

Sanjeev Bhatia, a 59-year-old regular player, said the sudden increase had disappointed many sports enthusiasts. "A few days ago, a notice was put up stating that if the revised fee was not deposited by ...