Chandigarh academies open for 10+ age group

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 1

The state-run football, hockey and cricket academies are now open for the players aged above 10 years.

The academies have opened after a two-year-long Covid induced break.

The academies are operational at the Sector 42 Sports Complex, Sector 18 Hockey Stadium and Sector 16 Cricket Stadium.

“The academies have been opened while following all the Covid-related protocols. It’s a good sign for players. Trainees have already started practising,” said Dr Sunil Rayat, Joint Director, Sports.

Trainees in the age group of 10 to 11 years are inducted in these academies for a tenure of seven or eight years.

The tenure of the junior string has been fixed as seven years as per the agreement signed with trainees’ parents.

“Trainees have joined back academies. After spending initial days in isolation, they have been cleared to attend practise sessions,” said a senior coach.

“Trainees are also attending academic classes at their respective schools. Covid-19 related guidelines are being followed and hostels and academies are being sanitised regularly,” the coach added.

The academies had been closed after the onset of the Covid pandemic.

After opening all other centres, the Administration has now decided to open these academies too.

Conducting championships

Meanwhile, sources claimed that the Sports Department was still planning to announce the annual calendar.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, the department has not organised any championships. On the contrary, many local associations have conducted state championships for different age groups. The higher authorities will take a call on this matter soon,” said a senior official.

Sources also claimed that chances of opening swimming pools for recreational purpose were grim.

“It may be delayed till winter session. We have already opened pools for professional swimmers. Other facilities have been opened for recreational groups and members. Opening pools for general public amid the pandemic is a bit dicey. We are not in a hurry to take any chances,” said another official.