The 11th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2021 scheduled to begin on April 3 in Jharkhand’s Simdega district was called off on Wednesday till further notice in light of the rising number of covid-19 cases.
Hockey India made the formal announcement following an emergent meeting with district administration of Simdega and authorities of state government amid the emerging concerns of fresh infections. Sources said that organizers were forced to review the situation after about a dozen players from different state teams, which has already started arriving since Tuesday, tested positive for Covid-19 following mandatory testing upon arriving in the host venue.
About 26 teams across the country were supposed to take part in the meet which was scheduled to be held till April 12.
"In light of the rising number of Covid-19 cases and after the advice from the local state authorities, Hockey India in consultation with the host Hockey Jharkhand arrived at the decision to postpone the 11th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2021. Hockey Jharkhand received tremendous support from the state government to host the recently concluded 11th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2021. However, with new protocols and guidelines in the state to combat the rapid rise of cases, it was in the best interest of the players that this decision was taken. For Hockey India, safety of the players is paramount," Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam said in a formal statement, adding that all the participating member units have been informed by Hockey India.
Hockey Jharkhand president Bholanath Singh said that many teams, who had already arrived, planned to hold day and night matches. “But the way virus is spreading once again, all were of the view that postponement was the best option in the interest of public health and safety,” he said, adding that they will definitely put up a bigger show whenever situation permits again.
Sources said the Astroturf stadium in Simdega has now been declared as quarantine centre to tackle the possible surge in cases. “Meanwhile, six players each of Chandigarh and Jharkhand besides a coach of Chandigarh after having tested positive has been shifted to a Covid care centre,” said an official.
