Indian hockey team's camp postponed till Aug 19 after 6 players test COVID positive

Indian men's and women's hockey teams have been postponed and will w resume from August 19 following completion of ir 14-day quarantine period.

Sports Authority of India on Wednesday me anunced after having h detailed discussions with Chief Coaches and core probables of both teams and after giving utmost priority to safety and well-being of all athletes, it has been decided that sporting activities will be resumed at SAI's National Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, as scheduled earlier.

"Following a detailed discussion with all our players and members of support staff, I am delighted that we will be resuming sports activities here at SAI Centre in Bengaluru. It is good to kw that everyone is er while making sure ir health and wellbeing is our collective priority. We are also in constant touch with six players who have tested positive for COVID 19. y are in good spirits, and are looking forward to a quick recovery. Once recovered and after following protocol of quarantine, we look forward to having m back with us," Graham Reid, men's chief coach said on Wednesday.

Women's hockey team's Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said he has received a very positive response from his team. Marijne said, "I say it on behalf of whole squ that we are very happy to be back at National Camp and resuming sports activities by following all protocols, and feeling safe. Having spoken to all players about resumption, I have received a positive response from each of m. We look forward to working hard on team's fitness in this protected environment."

RE | After Mandeep, 5 COVID Positive Hockey Players Shifted To Hospital As Precaution: SAI

RE | Mandeep Singh Hospitalised After Indian Hockey Star's Health Deteriorates Due To COVID-19

Amid growing concerns around COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to have detailed discussions with all stakeholders of both teams, which resulted in having ir consensus on resumption of sports activities from 19 August 2020 onwards while maintaining proper social distancing rms and or guidelines in SAI SOP. 

"We are prepared to start sporting activities for hockey teams. We will provide all logistical support required,  as required by chief coaches of both teams in accordance with SOPs, and ensure that teams can train in a safe environment," L Captain (Indian Navy) A K Bahl, Senior Director, NCOE Bengaluru said.

Both men's and women's teams were currently at SAI's National Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where y are in quarantine for a 14-days period since ir arrival on 4th August 2020.

(PTI Photo)

RE | COVID-positive Hockey Player Mandeep Shifted To Hospital After Oxygen Level Drop

RE | Mandeep Singh Becomes Sixth Indian Hockey Player To Test Positive For COVID-19