Hopeful India will organise sporting events in Sept-Oct: Sports Min Kiren Rijiju

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju is hoping India would be abe to organise sporting events in a phased manner by September-October, saying it will help in boosting confidence of people amid COVID-19 pandemic. Sports Ministry h resumed training camps of some Olympics disciplines in last week of May and Rijiju said events will also grually start in near future.

'Hopeful India will organise events'

" government has allowed some sporting activities with certain restrictions while following a stringent SOP, guidelines that must be followed by every sporting organisation," Rijiju said while dressing a ministerial forum of Commonwealth countries on Thursday.

"I am happy to inform that training of our elite, Olympic-bound athletes has begun in specialised camps, recently."

During his dress, Rijiju shared India's ro to resumption of sports activities for post COVID-19 era. "I have also spoken to sports ministers of all states and union territories, as well as National Sports Federations and asked m to slowly resume some sporting events.  "We need that to boost confidence of people. I am hopeful India will have sporting events from September or October, even big leagues in various sports are considering resumption."

minister also enlightened Commonwealth leers about India's efforts in successfully running online training programmes for athletes and skill upgration courses for coaches. "We have seen participation from thousands of athletes of various levels and coaches who have been hugely benefitted by se knowledge enhancement programmes," he said. Speaking at global forum, which saw participation from all Commonwealth countries, Rijiju ded, "As members of Commonwealth nations we need to stand in solidarity on all issues, especially at a time like this. Most of points raised here by Ministers from or countries are similar to that of India's."

Highlighting importance of staying fit during pandemic, sports minister said, "I would like to inform all ministers on this forum that a very important programme, Fit India Movement, was launched by our Honourable Prime Minister last year, and it has been very useful in fighting pandemic since building fitness and immunity is crucial during se COVID times.

"India has successfully created awareness about importance of staying fit through a series of dedicated online programmes for citizens on fitness and well-being all through pandemic." 

Image credits: PTI