Dist athletics association in a quandary

Nagpur, Oct 10

Nagpur District Athletics Association (NDAA) is in a quandary as the Maharashtra Athletics Association (MAA) has asked the district units to conduct the Junior District Athletics Championship before November 2 as per the convenience and prevailing conditions in the districts subject to approval of District Authorities and following all SOPs.
The district championship holds the significance as the the Maharashtra State Junior Athletics Championship has been planned between November 5 to 11. The venue of the championship will be decided in consultation with the districts keeping in mind the prevailing condition at the respective venue . Meanwhile the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has also declared their annual calendar and according to that Maharashtra will host the West Zone Junior Championship on November 28 and 29.
The million dollar question is whether Nagpur District Athletics Association (NDAA) would be able to hold the district championship as all the sporting activities have been stopped since March following the outbreak of corona virus.
Talking to Lokmat Times the secretary of NDAA Dr Sharad Suryavanshi said, "Considering the prevailing situation it would not be possible for us to hold the championship in the first week of November. However we will try out best and will give a letter to the divisional commissioner to seek his permission”, said Dr Suayavanshi.
Dr Suryavanshi said if the government authorities allow us  to conduct the event then the association will take utmost care to follow the physical distancing. “ We will hold the meet at different venues to avoid the crows. Secondly only elite group athletes who have prospects to qualify for the state meet would be allowed to participate in the meet, “ he said.
Dr Suryavanshi said the district, state and west zone championships are important from HSC and SSC students point of view. “ On the basis of their performance in these championships the students get the grace marks. They would be deprived of these marks if these championships not take place in future'', he said.

MAA to hold EC meeting on Oct 17

Meanwhile the the Executive Committee meeting of the  Maharashtra Athletics Association will be held  online on  October 17 at 6.p.m.  To receive and adopt the SOP for organizing District and State Championships  is the main agenda of the meeting. The meeting will also take the review of the  status on district meets and  will also  decide on the date and venue of the State Junior Championships.^M