Sportspersons have reason to cheer

Deepankar Sharda

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 25

After the UT Administration allowed players to practice at sports complexes with prior permission, local sportspersons received other good news as the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports gave a one-time six-month relaxation period to the National Federations for conducting last year’s nationals.

“It has been observed that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, federations have not been able to conduct national championships for year 2020-21 till March 31. In view of this, it has been decided that National Federations can conduct national championships for year 2020-21 till September 21 (due to six months relaxation). This is one-time relaxation and the federations should ensure that the eligibility criteria will remain the same assuming that the championships will have taken place as per the original schedule,” read a circular.

On May 3, the UT Administrator and Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore had approved players, who are scheduled to participate in major championships, to practice at local stadiums after taking special permission during the partial lockdown period.

“It’s a timely decision. There are many federations that postponed national championships last year due to the pandemic. This will not only give us a chance to participate in national championships, but also make us eligible to restart practising at the local sports complex,” said Anirudh, a hockey player.

Sources maintained that some national federations had already started asking their affiliated state units about hosting the national championship.

“There are a few national federations that have asked if local units are interested in hosting the nationals. Though at this time no one has shown interest, it will benefit players even if it happens in some other state,” said an official.

Due to the partial lockdown, the sports complexes have been closed and only a handful of players were given the permission to practice here.

“Several players have been scheduled to participate in the Khelo India Games, scheduled for November this year, and now that federations have been asked to conduct pending championships before September, it will be a boon for players. The Administration should ask the associations to submit their calendar and allow sportspersons, who are scheduled to take part in these events, to prepare. Last year’s lockdown period proved to be a difficult time for all sportspersons. As they were coming back on track, the partial lockdown has again disrupted their preparations,” said a coach.