Rijiju wants sports tournaments to begin from August without spectators

Given the uncertainty arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic, IOA president Narinder Batra pushed for flexibility with the annual calendars.

Newly appointed Minister of State (Independent Charge) Kiren Rijiju takes charge of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs, in New Delhi

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"We are in the first phase of Unlock and as a country we are slowly adapting to the present situation, and therefore, the time is right to slowly open up sports, while following safety protocols," Rijiju said.

Press Trust of India New Delhi

3 min read Last Updated : Jun 24 2020 | 10:09 AM IST

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said tournaments can start without spectators from August even as the Indian Olympic Association urged flexibility in calendars depending on the situation.

The minister conducted a virtual meeting with representatives of IOA and 15 national federations, including wrestling, hockey, boxing and shooting, to discuss the way forward in terms of training of athletes, participation in national and international competitions and organising sporting events in India.

"After today's meeting the Sports Ministry will review all the ideas and work in tandem with federations to open up sports. I feel, from August onwards, we should be able to

Topics : Coronavirus Kiren Rijiju Sports in India Indian Olympic Association Hockey Wrestling football