PANAJI
Goa Badminton Association (GBA) has written to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, urging him to allow the reopening of indoor sports complexes in the State so that Goan athlete can resume their training.
In a letter written to Sawant, GBA secretary Sandeep Heble argued that with a big drop in the cases of coronavirus in the State, indoor sports facilities can be allowed to open again.
“Since there is a huge drop in the number of cases, it is requested to kindly permit the opening of indoor sports complexes, in games such as badminton, table tennis, judo, gymnastics, and other sports disciplines where it is essential to hold the training indoors,” Heble wrote in the letter addressed to the Chief Minister.
“After an extended lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Goa government has opened up various sectors and slowly we are getting back to normalcy. Many sectors which include outdoor sports complexes, as well as hotels, restaurants and malls have been permitted to function.
“Also, due to the rainy season, it is much safer and healthier to train indoors and boost immunity levels, which are essential to combat many diseases including Corona,” Heble said.
The GBA secretary stated that the shutdown of indoor facilities is hampering the training of the State's athletes.
“Most other States have allowed resumption of indoor sports activities and we request you to take a considerate decision in the interest of players and coaches who have been hit badly due to lengthy period of inactivity. The extended lockdown is hampering the prospects of Goan athletes who need to train for upcoming national-level tournaments which have been announced by the respective federations.
“In view of the above, it is requested to permit indoor sports complexes to function and permit the resumption of sports with the SOPs released by the Sports Authority of India (SAI),” Heble concluded.
