SAI shuts its south centre in Bengaluru over coronavirus scare

With four new coronavirus cases being reported, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) South centre chose to close the facility as precautionary measure.

Among those training at the centre include the national men’s and women’s hockey teams, which are preparing for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. (File Photo)

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has locked down its southern centre here as a precaution in the wake of the city recording four coronavirus cases in two days.

With four new coronavirus cases being reported, the SAI south centre chose to close the facility on Tuesday.

Also, those training at the facility have been advised not to leave the campus keeping in mind the extraordinary situation.

“In view of the coronavirus situation, it was decided to lock down the SAI centre here. As top athletes train here, we cannot take chances with their health and hence the move,” a source said.

Among those training at the centre include the national men’s and women’s hockey teams, which are preparing for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, athletes and sportspersons from various other disciplines.

They also said the top athletes training at the Bengaluru centre have been advised against training with non-campers.

The source added the lockdown will be in place “until further orders and advice from the government” and all visitors will be monitored thoroughly at the three gates.

The popular ‘Come and Play’ scheme, which allows civilians to use the facilities at the SAI centre, would be closed until further orders.

Under the scheme, outsiders get to use facilities at the SAI Centre, especially for football and swimming.

The coronavirus outbreak has claimed over 4,000 lives and infected more than 100,000 people globally, with India so far reporting 60 positive cases.