Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has expressed his hope for India to organise sporting events in a phased manner by September-October. According to him, it will help in boosting the confidence of people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sports Ministry had resumed training camps of some Olympics disciplines in the last week of May. Rijiju said that events will also gradually start in the near future.
“The government has allowed some sporting activities with certain restrictions while following a stringent SOP, the guidelines that must be followed by every sporting organisation,” Rijiju said, addressing a ministerial forum of Commonwealth countries on Thursday.
He also expressed his happiness which informing that the training of Olympic-bound athletes has begun in specialised camps.
Talking about India, he said, “We need that to boost the confidence of people. I am hopeful India will have sporting events from September or October, even the big leagues in various sports are considering resumption.”
He also enlightened the Commonwealth leaders about India’s efforts in running online training programmes for athletes. These programmes have ensured the fitness of the Indian sportspersons. India also conducted skill upgradation courses for coaches.
Speaking at the global forum, Rijiju added, “As members of Commonwealth nations we need to stand in solidarity on all issues, especially at a time like this. Most of the points raised here by Ministers from other countries are similar to that of India’s.”