Sports complexes were on Sunday permitted to open by the home ministry in the fourth phase of the coronavirus-forced lockdown, possibly clearing the path for a resumption of the training of athletes which came to a halt in mid-March.

“Sports complexes and stadia will be permitted to open, however, spectators won’t be allowed,” read one of the guidelines to be followed during the lockdown, which was due to end on Monday but has been extended till May 31.

However, sport continues to be listed among the functions, gatherings and large congregations which are not allowed.

The lockdown came into effect in mid-March and elite athletes, who are based at Sports Authority of India (SAI) complexes in Patiala and Bangalore, have been demanding the resumption of training.

Last week, Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju held a series of video conferences to take the athletes’ view on the matter.

On May 3, he had declared that the ministry was aiming for a phased resumption of national camps by the end of this month for at least the Olympics-bound athletes.