Circular on resuming sports activities issued

Sports Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 12

The Director, Sports, Punjab, has issued a circular regarding the resumption of sports activities (training) except swimming. All such activities were stopped during the lockdown.

The Ministry of Home Affairs in consultation with the Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, has now allowed resuming sports activities in the areas outside the containment zones. The Sports Department has permitted to resume activities except for swimming. In the circular, it has been informed that sports activities can be resumed in consultation and according to the government guidelines such as social distancing, wearing of masks, sanitisation etc.

In the circular dated November 10, the District Sports Officers and Director (Administration), Punjab Institute of Sports, have been advised to make it sure that the guidelines are followed according to the standard operating procedure (SOP).

They have been asked to make it a point that the players and coaches do follow all the norms in each and every sport discipline such as archery, shooting, cycling, fencing, athletics, football, hockey, volleyball, basketball, handball, boxing, judo, wushu, karate, taekwondo, wrestling, weightlifting, canoeing, sailing, rowing, table tennis, lawn tennis, badminton during the training session.

“Exercise session not exceeding one hour per day, outdoor training is recommended wherever feasible. Indoor court training (if necessary) limited to single trainee only. Equipment which is bound to be shared and utilised continuously during training such as balls must be used carefully without using such equipment to rub/ touch face, remove sweat, cover mouth while hyperventilating etc. Consistent hand sanitising is a must before, during and after every training session,” the circular dwelt the protective measures among other guidelines.

The District Sports Officers will be overall responsible for the compliance of health protocol at the training centres across the state. They can incorporate local Health Officer with the support of District Administrator, the circular read.