AIFF stops play till March 31

NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday suspended tournaments at all levels, including the flagship I-league, till March 31 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The suspension will come into effect from Sunday.

“Adhering to the advisories issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and directives from several State Governments, all footballing activities under the aegis of AIFF stay suspended till March 31, 2020,” the country’s apex football body said in a statement. “The AIFF will take a stock of the situation in the last week of March, and take a decision abiding by directives from relevant authorities at that juncture,” the statement added.

UP AND RUNNING: INDIA’S TRACK EVENTS

NEW DELHI: The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) will prune events as well as restrict entries mostly to athletes who are currently in training camps at Sports Authority of India centers for the series of Indian Grand Prix starting March 20 at Patiala. The season’s first domestic track and field competition, according to an

AFI official, will see athletes competing in just six events.

“Athletes not in the camp will be screened by medical experts before the competition. Doubtful cases aren’t allowed to compete,’’ the AFI official said of the precautions being taken.

MDFA SUSPENDS GAMES TILL MARCH 21

MUMBAI: The Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) has decided to suspend all its matches until March 21 owing to the coronavirus pandemic, after which they will review the situation in the city and decide the future course of action.