Intermediate players have a reason to cheer

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 18

Awaiting the UT Administration’s approval for practising at sports complexes, intermediate and leisure activity players have a reason to cheer as the Sports Secretary, UT Administration, has ensured to take up the matter in the next war-room meeting.

Intermediate players of various age groups have been demanding re-opening of sports complexes, which were shut for all during the partial lockdown. However, since relaxations have been given at various fronts, these players have been demanding permission to practise.

“Definitely, we will try (permitting intermediate players) in the next war-room meeting,” said KK Yadav, Secretary Sports.

Earlier, the UT Administrator and Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore had allowed opening of sports complexes from June 1, but only for professional players. These players are likely to be allowed to use the complexes for two hours each in the evening and morning sessions as per the footfall (number of players) and availability of time slots.

Sources, meanwhile, claimed that the decision to open swimming pools, for fully vaccinated persons, is also likely to be taken up with the higher-ups for approval. The swimming pools are also shut for over a year now. Besides swimming, badminton, lawn tennis, squash and gyms attract most of the memberships. These facilities are also one of the most revenue-earning areas of the UT Sports Department. All these facilities have been allowed to be used by professional players only as of now. The next war-room meeting is likely to be held on June 22.

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