Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju said he hopes sporting activities in the country will resume by September or October.
The minister recently attended the Ministerial Forum of Commonwealth countries to share India’s road to the resumption of sports post-COVID-19 pandemic.
“As members of Commonwealth nations we need to stand in solidarity on all issues, especially at a time like this,” Rijiju said while speaking at the forum.
“I am glad to be on this forum with all other Commonwealth nations to collaborate on the way forward,” he added.
“Most of the points raised here by ministers from other countries are similar to that of India’s,” he further said.
“However, there are some significant learnings and achievements that we have had during this period, which I would like to share,” the minister added.
Rijiju further informed that the Indian government has allowed some sporting activities with certain restrictions during the second phase of lockdown while following a stringent SOP, the guidelines that must be followed by every sporting organisation.
“I am happy to inform you that the training of our elite, Olympic-bound athletes has begun in specialised camps, recently,” Rijiju said.
“I have also spoken to the sports ministers of all states and union territories, as well as the National Sports Federations and asked them to slowly resume some sporting events. We need that to boost the confidence of people,” he added.
“I am hopeful India will have sporting events from September or October, even the big leagues in various sports are considering resumption,” Rijiju added.