MUMBAI: Even as growing fears related to the global spread of coronavirus is leading to the cancellation (at worst) or postponement (at best) of events across sporting disciplines, the Union Sports Ministry is “looking afresh” at the training and competition programmes abroad in an Olympic year.
New Indian Express reports that the ministry is set to issue an advisory on Monday for all athletes and national sports federations that will focus on countries athletes should avoid and also dos and don’ts.
The ministry, along with Sports Authority of India and Target Olympics Podium Scheme officials, are in touch with athletes who are training or are scheduled to train abroad individually as well as with respective federations, according to the daily.
“Safeguarding the health of our athletes is paramount. Our officials are in touch with athletes and federations and appropriate decisions are taken after consulting them,” Sports secretary RS Julaniya told NIE.
The ministry, however, is not thinking beyond April/May as of now. Since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is more than four months away, the pre-Olympic preparation schedule and venues have not been tinkered with as of now. According to an official, the bookings have already been made and everything is going as per plan.
