Karnataka allows reopening of sports complexes, stadiums for training, public not allowed

The Karnataka government on Monday gave the go ahead to reopen sports complexes and stadiums in the state in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic. However, public will be allowed as permission has been granted only for athletes to train at sporting venues behind closed doors.

The Karnataka government notification comes as a major relief to athletes in the state who have been struggling to get top-quality training due to the pandemic. Karnataka has 277.707 total cases of Covid-19 as of 24 August with 73,534 active cases. 149,613 people from the state have recovered from the novel coronavirus which has claimed 4,338 lives.

The Ministry of Home Affairs allowed reopening of sports facilities as early as May 17 during the fourth phase of lockdown. However, the central government had barred spectators.

The Sports Authority of India has been giving green signals to Olympic-bound athletes to begin indoor training across various disciplines. Last week, the SAI said national training camp for archers would resume from August 25 in Pune.

In the lead up to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Chennai Super Kings players made use of training facilities at theMA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk behind closed doors.

The Sports Authority of India had decided to start sports activities in all stadia in the National Capital on May 26. However, the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Complex as the swimming pools remained closed as per the order of the MHA.

Initially, the MHA allowed resumption of sporting disciplines where no contact is required among players and minimal sharing of equipment is needed. Accordingly, Archery, Table tennis, Badminton and Lawn tennis will be started in JLN Stadium and Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium depending on facilities available.

Sporting activities are resuming across the globe behind closed doors. Live action in front of empty stands has become the new normal in most parts of the world due to the pandemic. While some are experimenting with virtual fan engagement strategies, only a handful of countries have allowed spectators.