Weightlifters request Rijiju to allow resumption of training, say social distancing possible in practice hall

Country's top weightlifters, including former world champion Mirabai Chanu, on Monday requested Sports Minster Kiren Rijiju to allow resumption of training at the earliest, insisting that the practice hall at their base is big enough to ensure social distancing.

All training has been suspended across Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres since mid-March to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 65,000 people and caused more than 2,000 deaths in India. The lockdown is due to end on May 17.

Rijiju interacted with the weightlifters, who are currently stationed at the National Institute of Sports, Patiala, in a video conference, seeking their feedback on resumption of training.

"We all requested him to resume training as soon as possible because we need weight training. We have been working out but weight training is necessary for us," Mirabai told PTI.

Echoing Mirabai's concern, national coach Vijay Sharma said social distancing can ensured at the training hall.

"It's ..