PSB begins opening facilities at sports complex

ISLAMABAD: As the Covid-19 cases in and around Islamabad have shown downward trend in last few days, the administration of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has decided to reopen a few sports facilities at the Pakistan Sports Complex.

PSB Director General Col (r) Asif Zaman has told ‘The News’ that three leading sports — jogging, outdoor tennis and hockey — activities will get under way at the PSB Complex vicinity from Monday.

“We have decided to reopen the facilities at the complex for its members. As the first step, we have decided to allow tennis, jogging and hockey activities. After closely monitoring the situation, we would take the next step and would open other facilities also. All depends on the Covid-19 situation in the coming days,” he said.

Sports enthusiasts were deeply concerned about the PSB decision to lock down sports facilities within the Pakistan Sports Complex, saying that such a move was aimed at discouraging youth to pursue open door sports activities in these difficult times.

The PSB director general added that swimming pools have been solely dedicated to training purposes for the Olympics.

“Once these athletes will depart for Japan, we would look into the possibilities of opening up the pools for members. The decision to reopen facilities largely depends on the Covid-19 situation at that time,” the DG said.

‘The News’ has been approached by several parents and sports-related persons complaining that nowhere in the world open-door sports activities were halted then why the sports complex is being singled out. “Everywhere in the world, open door sports activities are in progress. Only fans are not allowed, the activities are going on as usual. Why the PSB has stopped activities at the complex. Walking, jogging and all other open door activities should be allowed to keep youth busy and away from undue stress,” Shahida Farooq, chairperson of Subh-e-Nau, said.

She, however, thanked the PSB for its decision to open up the facilities in phases.

“Indeed there is a dire need for the youth to pursue healthy activities, I am thankful to them for the restart of activities,” she said.

“Getting engaged in sports activities is the only way out during these testing times. The more youth would be engaged in these outdoor activities the better it would be for their health and for boosting their immunity,” a tennis coach said.

These facilities were closed following the third wave of coronavirus that gripped Rawalpindi and Islamabad in April.