SRFI to wait for state, central government guidelines for resumption

Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) has said guidelines outlined by World Squash Federation (WSF) is t all-encompassing and it will wait for directives from state and central governments for resumption of sport following coronavirus hiatus. SRFI Secretary Cyrus Poncha and National Development Officer Harish Prasad also listed out few changes to national circuit during a webinar on Saturday, saying all changes would be implemented gradually once lockdown is lifted. WSF has given a set of guidelines to be followed for resumption after coronavirus-forced lockdown.

SRFI to wait for guidelines from govts

Poncha listed four-phase approach laid down by WSF and said y would adhere to se guidelines but would first have to abide by government rms.

"y are t an all-encompassing one that could work in all countries (uniformly). We are waiting for new guidelines from State and Central Governments to plan our next course of action," Poncha said.

Among changes to its national circuit, SRFI said it will allow girls in different groups to compete at U-19 level. Girls in -group of U-11, 13, 15 and 17 can take part in one more category, U-19, apart from ir own groups. "This will t be applicable to boys as of w," said Poncha.

Intra-city schools championship for boys and girls will be held in districts and cities across country as and when situation gets better. Furr, closed state championships, which earlier had 2-star rankings points will carry only 1-star w. Poncha said national circuit will continue to be suspended as SRFI does t want to compromise health and safety of ir players, fans and tournament staff. Poncha also said re will be change as of w in dates and venues of national junior/sub-junior championships (scheduled in Mumbai from October 31 to vember 6).

" SRFI rankings till April have been frozen, and an updated rankings list will be released after junior nationals," he said.

"Players can withdraw ir entries three hours (6 pm) prior to closure (9 pm)."

Asked what SRFI had planned for elite players like Saurav Ghosal and Joshana Chinappa, Poncha said he was in touch with senior players and had a meeting to discuss with m on plans for 2022 Commonwealth and Asian Games.

With regard to ir fitness regime, players were exercising and training on ir own and doing ir best under se stressful circumstances, he added.