Secretary of Athletics Federation of India, Ravinder Chaudhry, said the postponement was necessitated due to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic and advisory of the government.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
The South Asian Athletics Cross Country Championship and 56th National Cross Country Athletics Championship 2022 which was scheduled to be held on January 15 in Kohima have been postponed.
In a letter to its federating Units, Secretary of Athletics Federation of India, Ravinder Chaudhry, said the postponement was necessitated due to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic and advisory of the Government.
Chaudhry said the event will be held at the same place on a later date.
Co-convener and Associate Vice President, Athletic Federation of India, Abu Metha, in a press statement after an emergency meeting of the South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) held through ZOOM to discuss the prevailing scenario of the Corona Virus Pandemic in view of the spread of the Omicron variant in the country and the travel restrictions that have been introduced in some states, said that in view of health and safety concerns, the championships have been rescheduled in consultation with health and government authorities and the South Asian Athletics Federation.
Metha said the rescheduled date will be fixed in consultation with the concerned authorities and will be informed accordingly.
While giving a detailed update on the preparations for the event, Metha observed that Nagaland Athletics was fully prepared to host the event, while highlighting that the spread of the Omicron virus was a serious health concern and the host association was prepared to reschedule the championships in the greater interest of public health and safety.
It was informed that the House acknowledged the excellent preparatory efforts being made by the Athletic Federation of India (AFI) and the Nagaland Athletics (NA) for the championships which is to be held in Nagaland.
The house extended its appreciation to the government of Nagaland and Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, who is the President, Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) for extending all possible effort for the successful conduct of the event.
The Zoom meeting was chaired by President, SAAF, Dr. Lalit K Bhanot.
Six SAAF countries had confirmed their participation and were prepared to travel to India, however, all members observed that they would support and cooperate with the decision of the organizers.