Thiruvananthapuram: The state government will lay down a clear protocol to be followed for school games and athletic meets to ensure the safety of sportspersons, Minister for Sports E P Jayarajan has said.
The move comes in the wake of the tragic incident in which Abheel Johnson, a Plus One student, died from the injuries he sustained after being hit on the head by an iron ball during a hammer throw event at the 63rd Kerala State Junior Athletics Championship earlier this month at Pala.
The minister said organisers of school athletic meets have been instructed to conduct one throw event at a time to avoid such mishaps. District educational officers (DEOs) will be entrusted with the task of ensuring enforcement of guidelines, he added.
Replying to submissions moved by Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala and Mani C Kappan MLA in the Assembly on Wednesday, the minister further stated that a senior coach attached to either the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs or the State Sports Council would be appointed to oversee proceedings at sports meets from school to district levels.
The minister informed the Assembly that broad guidelines for sports meets would be formulated by incorporating the suggestions put forth by experts at the discussion organised by Malayala Manorama to support safe participation in sport.
“Strict instructions have been issued to organisers of sub-district, district and state meets based on the report of the inquiry committee constituted to investigate the incident occurred during the Junior Athletics Championship. An assistance of Rs 10 lakh has been provided to the victim’s family. The government is committed to ensure that a repeat of the incident does not occur,” the minister added.
Meanwhile, the police team probing the freak accident at Pala which led to the death of Abheel will serve notices on the four accused in the case seeking them to appear for an interrogation at the earliest.
