Covid 19: Varsity sports dept swing into action

To deal with the dreaded Coronavirus, vaccination has become important. With a view to make the sportspersons aware of vaccination the Department of Sports and Physical Education of RTM Nagpur University swung into action and is launching an awareness drive and as a part of it a virtual meeting of around 500 sportspersons will be held on Saturday (May 8).

The second wave of covid has created havoc in the country and the government has launched the third phase of Covid-19 vaccination drive, in which all those above the age of 18 are eligible. RTM Nagpur University has also decided to take the initiative so that more and more sportspersons should be vaccinated.

Talking to Lokmat Times director of Department of Sports and Physical Education of RTM Nagpur University Dr Suryavanshi said, " Since all the sporting activities are on hold due to strict curbs our priority is vaccination of our around 500 sportspersons. Without vaccination the players couldn't be able to participate in their respective games. Therefore, we have decided to guide the players about vaccination".

Dr Suryavanshi said, " I have found that number of players are reluctant about vaccination . Even their parents are also no vaccinated so far. We will make such players aware about advantages of vaccination".

Dr Suryavanshi said apart from vaccination the stress will be given on weight loss, diet plan and psychological aspect. It is found that in last one year, the players are facing the problem of obesity because their routine sporting activities are on hold. Secondly, some of them are also facing psychological problems due to pandemic and lockdown." To deal with this problem we have decided to conduct online session for the players. We will also chalk out a fitness programme for them which they will have to implement at their homes", said Dr Suryavanshi.

The Khelo India Games are slated to be organized at Bengaluru and there is no possibility that the playground will be opened fully in next three to four months for the players for their regular practice. " Considering all these things, we have decided to chalkout a programme in association with four to five other universities. Prior to that we will take the feedback from the players on what problems they are facing by giving them a form. After self analysis we will club everything and will give them programme", he said.

" Vaccination is must for everyone including players. There are lot of myths about vaccination in India but I think people should ignore it and take vaccine as early as possible. As far as sportspersons are concerned, certificate of vaccination will become mandatory in future in mass events. Secondly vaccination will neither enhance or deteriorate their performance on the field"

Dr Kevin Agrawal

Sports physiotherapist