Chandigarh's 5 women hockey players test positive in Jharkhand

Deepankar Sharda
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 31

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As many as five women hockey players from Chandigarh tested Covid positive on reaching Simdega (Jharkhand) for participating in the 11th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship today.

The championship, scheduled to begin from April 3, has been postponed until further notice in light of the rising Covid cases.

In all, 26 teams from across India were to take part in the prestigious annual event. Only half the teams had reached the venue till date. The local eves had reached the venue yesterday.

The local team underwent Covid test before leaving for Simdega. “Players found positive have been quarantined with all precautionary measures. We have started their contact tracing. As per protocol, all players were asked to undergone a mandatory Covid test. Viral load is said to be low and all players are fine,” said Sushant Gaurav, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Simdega, while talking to mediapersons today.

“In light of the rising Covid cases and after receiving advice from the local authorities, Hockey India in consultation with the host Hockey Jharkhand has decided to postpone the event. For Hockey India, player safety is paramount,” said Gyanendro Ningombam, president, Hockey India.

“We are safe and isolated students are also doing fine. We are following instructions and will return once our children are declared safe to travel,” said Sandeep Kaur, coach, Chandigarh team, from Simdega. Sources claimed that besides Chandigarhs 11 players from Jharkhand also tested positive for the coronavirus.

“These children will undergo second test on April 2 after which, the decision on their return will be taken,” said Anil Vohra, secretary, Hockey Chandigarh.

“These kids had cold water during their train journey due to which they had throat infection,” said an official.