I want more sporting events to take place with all safety measures: Kiren Rijiju

The Union Sports Minister, Kiren Rijiju, on Sunday said that he wants more sporting events to take place in India and added that the government will “fully back” the organisers for the same.

Speaking at the sidelines of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, Rijiju said, “I congratulate the Delhi Half Marathon for a wonderful event and world champions have taken part in it. I think the lockdown part is over and we are starting with sporting activities. Delhi Half Marathon has become a very important international event. And all the support is coming from the Delhi government and from the sports ministry, we are also fully backing this event.”

The Minister asserted that he wants more sporting events to happen in India with full safety measures.

“Olympic qualification matches are going to happen. So, I want more sporting events to take place, of course, while following all the norms and safety measures. I have already told the National Sports Federations and Indian Olympic Association also to chalk out a plan for different national and international events which are going to be held in India.”

I'm very happy to see that Airtel Delhi Half Marathon was organized with proper health safety measures. Besides top international Marathon runners, India's Avinash Sable set a new national record! Congratulations to all the winners and participants.#ADHM2020 pic.twitter.com/rvZ56ZWcG5

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 29, 2020

Rijiju said that the sports ministry will work with the health ministry to assure that whenever a vaccine is available sportspersons and related staffs are given preference.

“Whether it is the Olympics or any big event, the preference will be given to our Olympic-bound athletes as well as staff. We will work out with the health ministry.”

The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon was also graced by Delhi Dy.CM Manish Sisodia and Abhinav Bindra along with Kiren Rijiju.

The Half Marathon kicked off today morning with the Ethiopians Amedework Walelegn and Yalemzerf Yehualaw being crowned the men’s and women’s champions respectively.

As for Indians, Avinash Sable was the best runner in men’s category setting a new National record while Parul Chaudhary was the best among women with a timing of 1:12:18.

Read Also: Ethiopia’s Amdework Walelegn wins Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2020