Resume non-contact sports in sanitised empty stadia, in few locations with limited manpower: FICCI

Resume non-contact sports like cricket and badminton behind closed doors, in few locations and with limited manpower, the FICCI suggested on Wednesday, as the Indian sports sector looks to get the wheels back in motion amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The novel coronavirus, which has so far killed more than 2400 people and infected over 70,000 in the country, has disrupted the sports calender and also impacted other industries such as event management, food & beverages, hotels and tourism.

The unprecedented health crisis forced an indefinite shutdown of all sports activities -- both contact and non-contact.

The FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) said non-contact sports can resume first by maintaining social distancing norms.

"Resumption of non-contact live sporting events like cricket, tennis, badminton, table-tennis etc. with athletes and staff practicing social distancing guidelines specified by government and WHO," it said in a release.

"These events should be restricted to a very few locations with lower manpower and may be played in sanitised empty stadia, thereby minimising travel, and minimising congregation of fans."
On resumption of outdoor training for India's top athletes, the FICCI said, "Only necessary on-ground training for elite athletes in limited number of SAI centres should begin on staggered basis, while following the guidelines of social distancing and provision of regular corona testing for athletes."
"Insurance companies to insure future events and activities against COVID-19 and Force Majeure to be regarded in current situation, which may grant relief to a party from liability for failure to meet its obligations, due to a scenario beyond control, as the COVID-19 situation is somewhat unique."
"It is evident that the sports sector will suffer during this period due to defaults in payment of interests, letter of credit, instalments etc, such defaults and loss suffered by the businesses should not result in these entities being qualified as NPAs."