Ministry 'cannot rush into decision' on resumption of outdoor training in track and field

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said they "cannot rush into a decision" on resuming outdoor training for track and field stars and risk their health amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Athletics Federation of India president Adille Sumariwalla.

Taking stock of the situation during a virtual meeting, Rijiju interacted with top track and field athletes, including javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and sprinter Hima Das.

The meeting was also attended by top officials of AFI, coaches and athletes from NIS Patiala and Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre, Bangalore.

"The minister said it will take some time to come to a decision (regarding resuming outdoor training). He said the health and safety of athletes is paramount and so the ministry will have to be careful in this difficult times and cannot rush into a decision," Sumariwalla told PTI.

The meeting lasted more than two hours
"The athletes said if it is possible to have training outside in small batches in different times. The minister said the ministry will have discussions internally and see according to the situation to have some Standard Operating Procedures,"