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Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday mentioned he can’t give a timeframe for when the crowds will return to stadiums, after the federal government permitted sports activities gatherings of as much as 100 folks from September 21 in its Unlock four pointers.Speaking on the digital launch of ”enJogo” App designed by Bhaichung Bhutia Football School to offer on-line coaching modules to footballers, Rijiju mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic scenario has made it troublesome to say when the crowds will return to the stadia. India has recorded over 39 lakh instances to date.
“I will not be able to make a call on that (on the return of crowd). I don’t know what will be the situation (of the pandemic) in next 1 or 2 months,” he mentioned.
“I wish they (fans) are there in the stadia as soon as possible, we are hopeful of that happening. But health and safety of the public is also our priority,” he added.
The Union Home Ministry, on August 29, allowed sports activities gatherings of as much as 100 folks with impact from September 21, lifting the whole ban, which was earlier put in place until August 31.
However, such restricted gatherings can solely be held with the necessary sporting of face masks, social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer, the rules mentioned.
Rijiju mentioned a call on when crowds will probably be allowed inside stadia should be taken by native authorities, by following the rules as laid down by the Home Ministry.
“As the Home Ministry has said the states will have to take a call on that according to the situation prevailing in their respective areas. India is such a vast country, situations are different in different areas even within a state,” he reasoned.
“So, local authorities will decide but under the protocols laid down by the Union Government. Everybody will have to follow protocols,” he mentioned.
Rijiju additionally acknowledged that he acquired vital feedback from some sections of the sports activities fraternity, on his formidable projection of India ending in high 10 within the 2028 Olympics medal tally.
“I know many people wonder how it will happen, many people gave comments, not so nice. But it is a democratic country, people will have their own views and we do not think we should respond to those comments.”
“Our job is to focus on what we want to achieve. We have to set targets, set the bar higher and focus on what we can do. I feel the target (of being in top 10 in 2028) is achievable.”
The Sports Minister mentioned he has began planning the best way forward after seeing the suggestions of the Prime Minister’s Olympic Task Force arrange within the aftermath of India’s dismal efficiency in 2016 Games.
“Based on those recommendations, we have now identified talented athletes for the Junior TOPS Scheme and they will be given a monthly stipend of Rs 25,000 each. These junior players will train for free and the 25,000 they will get is like salary they earn for their families.”
“I hope many of these junior players will be competing in the 2028 Olympics. We need at least eight years to create a world champion. If we prepare right know, increase our base and make competition stiff within the group, we can achieve the target.”
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Rijiju additionally mentioned he’ll “never be a proud sports minister if former athletes live indigent lives”, indicating that his ministry will proceed to help struggling ex-players financially.
“Many former athletes are not surviving a dignified life. The ministry has to help them.”
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