The Jharkhand Athletics Association is using software to get state athletes, forced to stay indoors in view of the state-wide lockdown, participate in running events.
“It is for the first time we are conducting events with the help of a software. We are starting with a trial run in Deogarh on June 10 by conducting 3000 m and 5000 m. The trial is reserved for athletes from Deogarh,” said JAA president Madhukant Pathak.
Speaking to The Telegraph Online over phone from Ranchi, he said they were conducting the trial to see how the software works. ”We are using Strava software for the trials. Athletes participating in the trials can download the software from Google,” Pathak added.
According to him, the trials will be for athletes (men and women) in the 20-plus age group (for 5000 m) and under-19 (for 3000 m). “The athletes can run on the terrace of their homes or roads near their homes. Since the stadiums are out of bounds owing to the lockdown, this is the only option left with the athletes,” the JAA president said.
He said location, distance and timing will be recorded in the software. “The participating athletes can see the distance covered and the timing recorded in the software in their mobile phones. The top three athletes in each event (3000 m and 5000 m) will be awarded certificates and medals,” Pathak, also the treasurer of Athletics Federation of India (AFI), added.
The JAA will also monitor the distance covered and timing.
“The Covid situation seems to be under control and it is improving,”said Pathak.
According to him, the pandemic has snatched precious time from the athletes who are not able to train in the open. “The athletes need adequate training to keep themselves in fine fettle ahead of any competition. But our athletes are unable to train because of the restrictions. So, the events with help of the software would somewhat help them to get back into activity,” Pathak said.
Depending on the success of the trials, the state athletic association will conduct more events, including 800 m and 1500 m via the software.
