Former Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh urged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to protect the Air Force’s control over Race Course Air Force Station in Delhi, days before his retirement, amid a government move to reclaim land occupied by the facility, sources told India Today.
The former Air Chief met Rajnath Singh to highlight the station’s strategic and operational importance and raise concerns about the implications of transferring control of its land, according to the sources.
The development comes as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) moves to reclaim around 40 acres of land housing the Air Force Sports Complex, located near the Prime Minister’s residence. The proposal has reportedly triggered concern within defence circles.
Why the Race Course Air Force Station Is Strategically Important
During his meeting with the Defence Minister, AP Singh is understood to have highlighted the station’s role in supporting Air Headquarters and its infrastructure serving more than 5,000 personnel.
The facility houses several essential services and installations, including training centres, accommodation, medical infrastructure and security arrangements. Its location and supporting facilities make it an important part of the Air Force’s operational infrastructure in the national capital.
Sources also said the station plays a role in countering unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats during activities coordinated by the Delhi Integrated Air Defence Centre, adding to its operational significance.
Air Force Sports Complex Shut Amid Land Reclamation Move
The proposed reclamation has already affected the Air Force Sports Complex, which was closed on October 28 until further orders.
Located within Race Course Air Force Station, the complex includes a golf course, swimming pool and other sporting facilities used by serving and retired Air Force personnel.
The closure also led to the cancellation of AP Singh’s scheduled farewell golf event, commonly known as a “golfing-out”. Such events are traditionally organised for outgoing Air Chiefs, who serve as the patron-in-chief of the golf course.
Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh Criticises Government Move
The closure of the sports complex has drawn political criticism, with Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioning the government’s decision.
In a post on X, Ramesh said the facility had a long history and had served several public purposes over the decades, while also forming an important part of the Indian Air Force’s social infrastructure.
“The IAF Sports Complex has a long history and has, over the decades, served many public purposes, as well as being an integral part of the Indian Air Force social infrastructure. The Modi govt’s actions are an absolute disgrace and show utter disrespect to the entire IAF family,” Ramesh posted.
Broader Government Land Reclamation Drive in Delhi
The proposed reclamation of the Air Force Sports Complex is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to reclaim high-value government properties near the Prime Minister’s residence.
As reported by India Today on October 5, the ministry has also been pursuing the reclamation of properties including the Gymkhana Club and Jaipur Polo Ground.
The Air Force Sports Complex is among the prominent properties affected by this wider initiative. However, its closure does not establish whether a formal process to transfer the land has been initiated.
The government has also not publicly specified how it intends to use the premises following the proposed reclamation. The future of the sports complex and the broader land arrangement therefore remains unclear.
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