Sports activities resume in Pune why not in Nagpur?

Nagpur, Oct 14

On Wednesday the sports activities resumed in Pune after a gap of around six months. The city sports organisers, coaches as well as players have questioned that if it can happen in Pune then why not in Nagpur?

As per the circular of Pune Municipal Corporationall the indoor and outdoor sports activities can be resumed from Wednesday following the strict guidelines of Covid-19 protocols. The coaches and officials of Nagpur have welcomed the PMC development and are optimistic about the resumption of sports activities in the Nagpur district sooner than later.

According to he secretary of Nagpur District Badminton Association (NDBA) Mangesh Kashikar, “ The state government has not issued any such directions. Till Pune Muniicipal Corporation has taken such decision. If they can do it then why not Nagpur Municipal Corpporation?. They can at least open their sporting facilities,” he said.

Senior badminton coach Kiran Makode said, “ We are desperately waiting for the government orders for the resumption of sports in the city. After the PMC has given permission, the other municipal corporations of the State should also allow the sports in their respective districts. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) should follow the examples set by PMC,” said a senior badminton coach of the city. Kiran Makode.

His views were echoed by several other badminton coaches and players across all age groups. Even some of the cricket coaches and players want practice to resume as it is a non-contact sport.

“ The situation of Covid-19 is critical in Pune as compared to Pune. Till then the corporation authorities allowed to resume the sporting activigties there then why not in Nagpur," questioned coach of Nagpur Cricket Academy (NCA) Madhav Bakre.

While issuing orders, the PMC has given certain guidelines which say the establishments should admit a limited number of players as required to avoid crowds in compliance with social distancing rules.

Children below ten years of age and persons above 65 years will not enter into the sports complexes. Athletes and staff should be examined by thermal screening near the entrance.Doors and windows should be kept open while practicing in indoor halls. Indoor halls should be disinfected frequently. Sports equipment used for sports should be disinfected before and after use at the ground entrance and on the floor. Hand sanitizers are mandatory in indoor halls.

Establishments should conduct the Covid-19 test of their employees. Employees should also wear safety equipment such as masks, gloves and face shields.Admission should not be given to players showing any symptoms like fever, chills, cough. The contact information of every player should be asked for tracing, said the circular.