Indian Grand Prix and coronavirus threat: AFI turns to coaches, experts for advice

The competition committee of the Athletics Federation of India agreed on Saturday to assess the situation before conducting the tournament.

The Indian Grand Prix is scheduled to be held this month in three venues.

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has sought the views of its national coaches and foreign experts regarding the conduct of the upcoming Indian Grand Prix (IGP) series competitions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With two deaths and more than 80 positive cases being reported India so far, the competition committee of the AFI held a meeting on Saturday to discuss the conduct of the tournament. “IGP competitions are recognised by World Athletics and season opener for our athletes. We have asked national coaches and foreign experts to submit their views regarding the conduct of the IGP competitions in the prevailing circumstances,” Adille J. Sumariwalla, AFI president, stated in a release.

In consultation with Sumariwalla, who joined the meeting over phone, the committee unanimously agreed to assess the situation before conducting the Indian Grand Prix 2020. The coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed over 5,000 lives and infected close to 1,50,000 globally, has led to the suspension of all sporting activities in the country for at least the next fortnight.

• March 20 in Patiala,
• March 25 in Sangrur, and
• March 29 in Delhi.