New Delhi, Mar 19: The Sports Ministry today advised all national federations to refrain from conducting tournaments and selection trials till April 15 besides asking them to ensure that Olympic-bound athletes are isolated from anyone who is not a part of their training camp.
The directive has been necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic which has wreaked havoc on sporting events across the globe. The fresh advisory puts a question-mark on the one-day Indian Grand Prix of athletics to be held tomorrow in Patiala.
“All sport organisations and their affiliate units are advised against holding any sports events, including competitions or selection trials till April 15, 2020,” the Ministry said in a letter to the Indian Olympic Association and NSFs, including the BCCI.
It also asked federations to not allow any non-camper athlete, coach or support staff in Olympic training camps without following proper quarantine protocols for COVID-19.
The ministry’s two-point directive states: “No exposure to athlete be allowed from outside in the campus where training is underway.
“No coach, technical/support staff athlete etc presently not in training camp and not staying in the training campus be allowed to interact or mingle with trainee athletes without following quarantine protocols.”
Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said all precautionary measures are in place to ensure that athletes are protected by the deadly virus.
“We will ensure that no athlete, coach or support staff travel so as to avoid coming in contact with anyone. Any mass gathering is completely prohibited,” he said.
“We have made exceptions only for those who have qualified for the Olympics or are very close to qualifying. They are very, very critical because if they miss their training, then it will have a huge impact on our preparations for Tokyo Olympics,” he added.
“For that also, outsiders are prohibited and strict guidelines are being issued to ensure that.” (PTI)
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