Coronavirus: Keeping Tokyo Olympics 2020 in mind, Athletics Federation of India to prepare new domestic calendar

The Planning Committee of Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has decided to prepare a new domestic calendar for senior athletes. This is keeping in mind the international competitions including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which has now been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The committee will prepare a new competition calendar and will start afresh training programme for national campers. "Under the new circumstances and postponement of the Olympic Games, the complete domestic calendar of the year 2020 needs to be changed, especially, the senior competitions. Besides competitions, we have also asked coaches to start reworking on their training programs," AFI President Adille J Sumariwalla said in a statement. 

Earlier, the AFI had postponed its season opener Indian Grand Prix (IGP) series which was slated to take place in March. The Federation Cup (Seniors) which was to be held from 10-13 April 2020 in Patiala has also been postponed.

In India, the total confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 979, including 48 foreigners, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated. 

There are 867 active cases of the disease as of Sunday, out of the total confirmed cases, while 87 persons have also been cured and discharged or migrated. The number of deaths due to the infection rose to 25.