Sporting events can restart in India without spectators from August: Official

NEW DELHI, Jun 24, 2020, Since Independence. Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday that tournaments could start in the empty stadium from August. On the other hand, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appealed to adopt flexibility in the program depending on the situation, Since Independence reported.

The Sports Minister held an online meeting with the IOA and representatives of 15 national federations including wrestling, hockey, boxing and shooting to discuss the future training of players, their representation in national and international competitions and the holding of sports competitions in India.

Rijiju said, “After today’s meeting, the Sports Ministry will review all ideas and work closely with the federation to resume the Games. I think from August we will be able to start some sports competitions as well. “

IOA President Narinder Batra appealed for flexibility in the annual calendar:

However, IOA President Narinder Batra called for flexibility in the annual calendar, given the ongoing uncertainty over the COVID-19 pandemic. Batra, who was present during the meeting, said, “The ACTC (Annual Competition and Training Calendar) will have to be flexible this year so that Decisions can be made according to changed conditions.

During the meeting, the ministry suggested that the federation hand over the interim ACTC so that the training of the players who have qualified for the Olympics can be started in a phased manner. The ACTC can be reviewed when the relevant international federation publishes the calendar of international competitions.

Right time to slowly resume games following the safety rules: Rijiju

Rijiju said, ‘We are in the first phase of unlock and as the country, we are slowly getting accustomed to the current situation, this is the right time to slowly open the games following the safety rules. The federation is in a position to take the best decision for each sport and the ministry wants to know their suggestions. His thoughts will play a key role in India’s planning in the Games after the Coronavirus. We need to organize small tournaments in the stadium and during this time there is no audience, but we can try to telecast the games on television and social media.