Bureau Report
LAHORE: No decision could be taken for resumption of the sporting activities in the country which are currently suspended since the past four months due to the covid-19 pandemic as Inter-provincial coordination committee meeting was held through a video-link on Monday.
Federal Minister IPC Dr. Fehmida Mirza chaired the coordination committee meeting which was also attended by minister/incharge of the sports of four provinces besides representatives from Gilgat Baltistan.
No provincial government, according to a press release issued by the IPC, showed much interest in resuming the sports activities quickly as it has been decided to wait for more conducive atmosphere for the sports activities. Interestingly, the activities of sports around the world have been restored though behind closed doors and in front of empty arenas. even countries such as UK, Spain and other who have been severely hit by the pandemic have resumed sports activities on a big scale after ensuring strict SOPs. However, in Pakistan no one is ready to even consider the option to prepare the SOPs, let alone implement them.
A large number of players, coaches, trainers, groundsmen and other stakeholders are sitting idle at their homes with no work or activity at their hands during the last four months. The federal and provincial governments have decided that there is a need to evolve a comprehensive strategy to cope with the challenges being faced in the wake of Covid-19.
The Punjab government has asserted that a uniform policy for reopening of sports activities should be prepared.
The Sindh government representative informed that sports activities had been suspended and the sports venues had been turned into quarantine centers.
It was also decided to prepare a list of players and federations, which have been assisted due to the Covid-19. Fehmida Mirza advised all provinces and GB to promote and encourage sports activities in the country.
She further said all provinces should make a policy for reopening of sport activities and share their recommendations and suggestions to the ministry of IPC for formulation of National Sports Policy of the country.
She said all provinces, GB and Azad Kashmir should support those sportsmen who qualify for Olympic and other games and are medal winners.
She further advised the provinces to lay down small grounds at district as well as tehsil level to promote sports and one or two hockey grounds should be established in each province to promote hockey.
