New Delhi, India, May 19, 2020: The Indian government has advised restricted opening of stadiums and sporting complexes in the country.
India’s Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the resumption of sporting activities and training, subject to the central and State-specific guidelines, on May 18.
“I’m happy to inform sportspersons and all concerned that sports activities will be conducted in sports complexes and stadia strictly in accordance with MHA (government) guidelines and that of the States in which they are situated. However, the use of gyms and swimming pools are still prohibited,” Rijiju tweeted.
The ministry’s approval would help Sports Authority of India centres to resume training of athletes. Most National Sports Federations, however, have preferred to adopt a cautious wait-and-watch mode, waiting for detailed instructions and clarifications before kick-starting training and competition schedules.
Hockey India, for instance, is awaiting further suitable guidelines and approvals on restarting the national camps for men and women who have been restricted to the sports authority centre, Bengaluru, for the past two months.
“Hockey India today submitted the pitch training requests for the men and women core probables and are awaiting approval and confirmation on the same,” the federation said.
Both the men and women teams have qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to be held July 2021.
Source: The Hindu