State Sports Associations welcome SAG's Recent Initiatives to Streamline Coaching and Strengthen Accountability

State Sports Associations welcome SAG's Recent Initiatives to Streamline Coaching and Strengthen Accountability
 
Synopsis: Recent Initiatives by the Sports Authority of Goa to Streamline Coaching and Strengthen Accountability

The Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), under the leadership of the Hon’ble Sports Minister of Goa, Shri Govind Gaude, and Executive Director Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, has initiated a series of significant steps aimed at improving the functioning of its Coaching Section. These efforts are intended to bring greater professionalism, accountability, and transparency in the system, while ensuring effective use of public funds and better outcomes for athletes. The key initiatives are as follows:

Surprise Inspections of Coaching Centres:
As per Memorandum dated 4th April 2025, Dr. Sandeep Warlikar, In-charge of the Coaching Section, has been assigned the responsibility to conduct surprise inspections at SAG’s Regular Coaching Centres across Goa. These inspections are to be conducted periodically, with reports submitted to the Executive Director, ensuring on-ground verification of coaching activities.

Stricter Leave Protocols for Coaches:
A subsequent Memorandum dated 9th April 2025 mandates that leave applications of coaches must be thoroughly assessed by the Director (Coaching), who must provide valid reasons and also confirm the availability of alternate arrangements to avoid disruption of regular training. Furthermore, in cases where coaches are spared for tournaments, attendance certificates from the concerned Associations are now mandatory, failing which the absence will be treated as unauthorised.

Initial Findings from Surprise Checks:
In the days following the above directives, initial surprise checks revealed that in a few training centres, trainee numbers ranged from 0 to less than 7. Explanations have been sought from the coaches concerned, highlighting the importance of regular engagement and attendance of trainees.

Release of Model Guidelines and Code of Ethics for Coaches:
SAG has released a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Guidelines for its coaches, covering aspects such as punctuality, work discipline, training registers, movement logs, reporting formats, and overall professional conduct. This is a significant step towards building a structured and disciplined coaching environment.

Need for a Robust Monitoring System:
While many coaches are working diligently, the presence of frequent complaints and dwindling trainee strength in certain disciplines has necessitated the creation of a more robust and transparent system. These measures aim to ensure optimal use of public funds and safeguard the interests of athletes.

Support from State Sports Associations:
Several State Sports Associations, including the Goa Badminton Association and the Goa Table Tennis Association, have welcomed and appreciated these reforms. They have also called for closer collaboration with SAG to conduct joint reviews, strengthen coaching infrastructure, and elevate Goa’s sporting standards to the national level.

Enclosed: Copies of SAG Memorandums
Copies of letters from Goa Badminton Association and Goa TT Association, welcoming the SAG reforms and initiatives

Yours sincerely
Sandeep Heble
Media coordinator for Goa TT Association and Goa Badminton Association

9326129171

 

Urgent Need for Revamp in the Coaching and Monitoring Section of SAG

 

From

Sandeep Heble
Former Secretary, Goa Badminton Association
Joint Secretary, Goa RTI Forum

Mob – 9326129171

Email – sandeepheble@gmail.com

 

 

To,

The Honourable Chief Minister of Goa and President (Ex-Officio), the Sports Authority of Goa

The Honourable Sports Minister of Goa and Vice President (Ex-Officio), the Sports Authority of Goa

The Secretary Sports, Government of Goa

The Executive Director, the Sports Authority of Goa

 

Subject: Urgent Need for Revamp in the Coaching and Monitoring Section of SAG

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

I write to you in my capacity as the former Secretary of the Goa Badminton Association and Joint Secretary of the Goa RTI Forum to bring to your attention the pressing need for a comprehensive revamp of the Coaching and Monitoring Section of the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), currently headed by Mr. Bruno Coutinho, Director Coaching.

 

The lack of a robust performance monitoring system within this department for long standing years has led to severe defects and inefficiencies and is significantly impacting the growth of sports in the state.

 

Key Flaws in the Existing System

No Supervisory Mechanism: There is no structured supervisory framework to monitor the performance and activities of coaches, leading to poor outcomes in many sports disciplines.

No Performance Audits: Coaches’ performance is not subjected to regular audits, leaving room for lack of accountability. There is no distinction being drawn between sincere hardworking coaches and the lethargic non-working coaches.  

No Reporting System: A transparent and systematic reporting mechanism to address issues and evaluate progress is completely absent. No surprise checks are being conducted.

No Training Methodology Updates: Upgradation of coaching skills and knowledge in line with modern training methodologies is missing and there is no mandatory mechanism to ensure that coaches bring their training in line with modern scientific training.

No Feedback Mechanism: Players, parents, and stakeholders do not have a platform to share feedback on coaching quality, which hampers quality control.

No Involvement of State Sports Associations: Local sports associations, which are crucial stakeholders, are not being consulted or involved in the coaching or coach monitoring process.

Non-Utilisation of Technology: Digital tools for attendance, performance tracking, and real-time monitoring are not being properly utilized to enhance efficiency.

No Grassroots Engagement: Coaches are not actively engaging with schools and communities to scout and nurture young talent.

No Clear Goals or KPIs: Coaches are not given clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or specific goals, resulting in vague expectations and unmeasured outcomes.

No Accountability for Mismanagement: Inefficiencies in the system are not addressed, and those responsible for lapses are not held accountable.

No Action on Lack of Trainees: Despite evident issues of underperformance, such as lack of trainees, no remedial measures have been taken.

 

Example of the Table Tennis Coaching Situation

The case of the SAG Table Tennis coach at Panaji, Mr. Amit Naik, serves as a glaring example of these systemic failures. Despite being transferred from Chicalim to Panaji for lack of performance, the situation has not improved. Currently, Mr. Naik has only 1-2 trainees under him at the Panaji center. In stark contrast, other centres such as Don Bosco Oratory in the same city have over 50 trainees flourishing under dedicated coaching.

 

This matter has been repeatedly brought to the notice of the Director of Coaching, Mr. Bruno Coutinho, but no corrective action has been taken.  Such negligence not only discourages sincere coaches but also demotivates talented players who lack proper guidance and end up leaving the sport.

 

Proposed Measures for Improvement

To address these issues, the following measures are proposed:

Establish a Supervisory Panel: Constitute a dedicated supervisory panel to oversee coaching activities and ensure accountability, with efficient administrative officers who can successfully implement reforms and measures.

Conduct Regular Performance Audits: Introduce quarterly performance evaluations for all coaches along with meetings with Association representatives.

Implement a Transparent Reporting System: Create a mechanism for players, parents, and associations to report issues and provide feedback.

Upgrade Coaches’ Training: Organize mandatory training programs to update coaches on modern techniques and methodologies.

Involve State Sports Associations: Actively engage local associations in the monitoring, and evaluation of coaches.

Adopt Technology: Utilize digital tools for tracking attendance, monitoring performance, and evaluating progress.

Engage in Grassroots Development: Assign coaches specific responsibilities for grassroots outreach and talent scouting. Depute coaches to the Associations which are willing to carry out such grassroots programmes.

Set Clear KPIs: Define measurable goals and KPIs for each coach to ensure accountability.

Recognize and Reward Excellence: Establish a reward system for high-performing coaches to motivate others, grading the coaches as per the Sports discipline.

Enforce Accountability: Take strict action against underperforming coaches and ensure transparency in the handling of such cases.

 

In conclusion, the SAG’s Coaching and Monitoring Section needs urgent restructuring to promote accountability, encourage sincere coaches, and foster a conducive environment for sporting excellence.

 

If Goa needs to establish itself as a top sporting hub, the current state of affairs within the SAG's Coaching and Monitoring Section requires immediate and urgent attention. A proper brainstorming and overhaul of the whole system is the need of the hour. 

 

I urge you to take immediate steps to address these concerns and streamline the system for the betterment of sports in Goa.

 

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I remain available for any further discussion or assistance in implementing these reforms.

Enclosed: Photograph of Amit Naik, SAG Table Tennis coach at Campal, with only one trainee in attendance.

 

Yours sincerely,

Sandeep Heble
Former Secretary, Goa Badminton Association

Joint Secretary, Goa RTI Forum

Subroto Cup Under-17: Kings School from Mugali, Sao Jose De Areal fly to New Delhi

 

Margao: The Junior girls Under 17 team of Kings School from Mugali, Sao Jose De Areal, South Goa left for New Delhi on Saturday to take part in the Subroto Mukerjee tournament which is taking place from Aug 5 to 14 in New Delhi.

The tournament is conducted in three age categories viz. Sub Junior Boys (U-15), Junior Girls (U-17) and Junior Boys (U-17).

Goa will be represented by Perpetual Succour Convent High School Navelim in the Under -15 tournament in Bengaluru, which will take place from August 19 to 28.

The Junior Boys (U-17) is set for September 2 to 11 in New Delhi. The champions Under-17 school from Goa is yet to be decided as the tournament is ongoing, officials of Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs informed.

The ‘Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society’ conducts the prestigious Subroto Cup International Football Tournament every year under the aegis of Air Force Sports Control Board. This is a unique tournament wherein only the champion school teams from the States and Union Territories of India participate.

The inaugural Subroto Cup Football Tournament was played in 1960. The tournament was conceptualised in the memory of late Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee, the first Indian Chief of Air Staff, by the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. In the last 62 years, generations of school children, probably more than 20 million in all, have participated in this tournament. It is an endeavour of the Subroto Society to improve the overall standard and quality of the tournament, under the aegis of the Air Force Sports Control Board.

The Subroto Cup International Football Tournament 2024 is scheduled to be held from 05 August to 11 September 24 this year. In order to increase the outreach of the tournament, this year also the Sub Junior Boys (U-15) category will be conducted at Bengaluru.

The Sub Junior Boys (U-15) will take place from August 19 to 24 in Bengaluru, while the Junior Boys (U-17) is set for September 2 to 11 in New Delhi.

Boys born on or after 01 January 2010 are eligible to represent their school team in the Sub Junior Boys Under-15 years category.

 Photo Caption: (Left to right) Malaka Pathan - The King’s School PE Teacher & Team Manager, Melvin Pereira - Chairman, Ligia Pereira - Director, Wilson Varghese - Headmaster, Mr. Gaddhi – Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs Official, Tanuja Dessai - Principal

 

Subroto Cup Under-15: Perpetual Succour Convent High School Navelim gear up for Bengaluru challenge

 

Photo Caption: Players of Perpetual Succour Convent High School Navelim along Physical Education Teachers Joaquina Dias, Jonathan Faleiro, Soniya Dessai, Manager Sr Sabrina Rodrigues and Headmistress Sr Libia Fernandes

 

Margao: Perpetual Succour Convent High School Navelim winners of the Subroto Mukerjee Under -15 tournament are gearing up for the upcoming challenge of representing the state at the national level competition of the Subroto Cup.

The team will be travelling to Bengaluru on August 18, venue of the prestigious tournament which will take place from August 19 to 28.

The ‘Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society’ conducts the prestigious Subroto Cup International Football Tournament every year under the aegis of Air Force Sports Control Board. This is a unique tournament wherein only the champion school teams from the States and Union Territories of Indiaparticipate.

The inaugural Subroto Cup Football Tournament was played in 1960. The tournament was conceptualised in the memory of late Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee, the first Indian Chief of Air Staff, by the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. In the last 62 years, generations of school children, probably more than 20 million in all, have participated in this tournament. It is an endeavour of the Subroto Society to improve the overall standard and quality of the tournament, under the aegis of the Air Force Sports Control Board.

The tournament is conducted in three age categories viz. Sub Junior Boys (U-15), Junior Girls (U-17) and Junior Boys (U-17).

The Subroto Cup International Football Tournament 2024 is scheduled to be held from 05 August to 11 September 24 this year. In order to increase the outreach of the tournament, this year also the Sub Junior Boys (U-15) category will be conducted at Bengaluru.

The Junior Girls (U-17) is taking place from Aug 5 to 14 in New Delhi, in which Kings School from South Goa is taking part.

The Sub Junior Boys (U-15) will take place from August 19 to 24 in Bengaluru, while the Junior Boys (U-17) is set for September 2 to 11 in New Delhi.

Boys born on or after 01 January 2010 are eligible to represent their school team in the Sub Junior Boys Under-15 years category.

 

 

 

 

 

 Two cruise ships dock at Doha port, welcome FIFA World Cup fans on board

·         MSC World Europa cruise ship naming held in Qatar

·         Ready to host World Cup fans, second ship of the MSC group MSC Poesia arrives, third one MSC Opera likely to check into Doha in the coming days

·         Floating hotels are one of several facilities provided by the State of Qatar for fans of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, offering multiple booking and accommodation options throughout the tournament, including apartments, villas, fan villages and usual hotels.

·         A stunning live entertainment performances and a spectacular fireworks display against the stunning Doha skyline marked cruise ship MSC World Europa naming ceremony at the revamped Doha Port on Sunday

·         22-deck Europa has 2,626 cabins, designed with the highest standards of security and safety, is a modern floating hotel and can accommodate 6,700 guests

·         MSC Poesia houses 1,265 cabins, three swimming pools, a spa and wellness center, cinema, poolside, tennis and basketball courts, in addition to four dining options, 15 coffee shops and event venues.

 

Armstrong Vaz

Doha, Qatar: Two cruise ships belonging to MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise brand, which will host the World Cup fans in Qatar have arrived in Qatar.

The second floating hotel, MSC Poesia, docked in Doha Port on Monday morning to join MSC World Europa, which arrived in Doha Thursday, to offer a luxurious hospitality experience to fans of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 during the 29-day period from November 20 to December 18.

The cruise ship MSC Poesia is a modern 4-star floating hotel offers luxurious services to World Cup fans with a variety of room options ranging from traditional cabins overlooking the sea to rooms with balconies and luxury suites, in addition to multiple dining possibilities and programs and entertainment for all ages.

MSC Poesia houses 1,265 cabins, three swimming pools, a spa and wellness center, cinema, poolside, tennis and basketball courts, in addition to four dining options, 15 coffee shops and event venues.

Floating hotels are one of several facilities provided by the State of Qatar for fans of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, offering multiple booking and accommodation options throughout the tournament, including apartments, villas, fan villages and usual hotels.

All together three cruise ships will host fans during the football showpiece event with MSC Opera likely to check into Doha in the coming days.

On Sunday an outstanding array of stunning live entertainment performances and a spectacular fireworks display against the stunning Doha skyline marked cruise ship MSC World Europa naming ceremony at the revamped Doha Port.

The event featured a traditional maritime ceremony at Doha Port with Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, sister of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani  The Emir of Qatar, cutting the ribbon and officially announcing the name of the cruise ship at a glittering ceremony which was attended by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Qatar Tourism Chairman Akbar Al Baker, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Secretary-General HE Hassan Al Thawadi, MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, Master of the Vessel Captain Marco Massa, and several guests.

The ship’s naming ceremony turned out to be a glamorous and star-studded event took place at Doha’s brand new Grand Cruise Terminal, a state-of-the-art 24,000 square metres facility that will handle up to 28,000 passengers a day and has the capacity to host two mega-cruise ships a day.

The cruise ships will offer a unique hospitality experience to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans.

The 22-deck ship with 2,626 cabins, designed with the highest standards of security and safety, is a modern floating hotel and can accommodate 6,700 guests and the FIFA World Cup fans will be the ship’s first paying customers and will benefit from one of the most technologically advanced cruise liners in its class.

MSC World Europa is the most innovative and environmentally advanced cruise ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. On top of ground-breaking advances in reduction of emissions and energy efficiency, the LNG-powered ship paves the way toward the uptake of carbon-neutral synthetic and other alternative fuels as soon as they are available at scale.

MSC World Europa is an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea offering a veritable world of experiences while setting a new standard for the cruise industry.

Hosted by comedian, producer and entrepreneur Hamad Al Amari, event guests were treated to performances by local artists, a cutting-edge video-mapping projection onto the ship's hull, and a huge drone show. International singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, presented his solo work for the first time ever in Doha, provided the grand finale performance. His new album is due in early 2023 via Capitol Records.

Pango cries foul as GFA President Churchill Alemao unilaterally declares season as 'over'

Pango cries foul as GFA President Churchill Alemao unilaterally declares season as 'over'

Goa Football Association (GFA) vice President Anthony Pango has lamented that the GFA President instead of addressing the issues raised by the Executive Committee members and replying them has preferred to take the media route.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnrn79xtuXw

Five executive committee members had written to the president to convey a meeting of the Executive Committee and had addressed letters on May 22 and a fresh one last week was sent to the Secretary. The EC members had requested the president to convey a meeting digitally to decide on the fate of the entire season and the pending leagues and tournament besides other issues, taking into account the Covid 19 situation, but none of the reminders and letters evoked any response from the President and the Secretary.

Pango said while FIFA and All India Football Federation (AIFF) have made use of the digital platforms like Zoom to host meeting why the same is not happening at GFA, he has questioned.

“FIFA and AIFF have decided regarding closing or extending the football season by holding meeting of the Executive Committee electronically. We have remained the GFA President and Secreatry in our letters,”  Pango, a former footballer who played in the Goa top tier completion for Agassaim Youth Club.

Pango said GFA President is not authorized to arrive at such unilateral decisions like declaring the season as ‘over’, he said.

“GFA President is not empowered to take such decisions of ending the season on his own,’ he added.

“More than five Executive Committee members had written to the GFA Secretary and President requesting for a meeting. Instead of replying to the duly elected members the President chose to go to the section of the media,” he said.

 

Goan football season of 2019-2020 'over' rules GFA President Churchill Alemao

Goa Football Association (GFA) 2019-2020 season is well and truly  ‘over’ if ones goes by the press note released by the its General Secretary Jovito Lopes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7EtFapFQgo

Lopes, who is a paid secretary of GFA, has in a letter circulated to the GFA Executive Committee members has said “We need to know when the season could be made operative for the new season 2020-2021 as the season 2019-2020 is over,” without specifying as how and who has taken the decision to officially end the season which was halted in March 23 this year on account of the Corona Virus pandemic.

A host of executive committee members have been in arms over the failure of the president to convey a meeting of the Executive Committee and had addressed letters on May 22 addressed to the President and a fresh one last week sent to the Secretary. The EC members had requested the president to convey a meeting digitally to decide on the fate of the entire season and the pending leagues and tournament besides other issues, taking into account the Covid 19 situation, but none of the reminders and letters evoked any response from the President and the Secretary, they lamented.

The GFA president has nowhere touched upon the idea of hosting the EC meeting via the digital platform and instead has stated that it is has had not been feasible to host the meeting on account of the COVID-19 Pandemic situation.

“The President, Mr. Churchill Alemao, desires to inform that in view of the COVID-19 Pandemic situation from March 23, 2020; the Lockdown, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the Government Order restraining meetings, it has not been possible to have the meetings of the Executive Committee,” Lopes says.

A host of decision pertaining to the upcoming season need to be arrived which needs the approval of the EC and Churchill said they will be addressed in due time without setting any timeframe to the hosting of the EC meeting.

“Several important decisions need to be taken, like the status, outcome of several championships/leagues; renewal of membership registration, AGM, etc and these will be definitely taken up and decided by the Committee. The clubs' interests shall be protected,” he stressed.

The President stressed that the registered clubs with GFA need not worry about the club annual renewal process as “their interest shall be fully protected”.

The GFA press release said with Covid19 cases increasing and transmissions in full force and a likely scenario of Goa touching its peak in terms of positive cases, Churchill has said this is not the right time to host a EC meeting.

“At the moment, the situation is quite worrisome due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and all decisions in the best interest of the affiliated units, which are very dear to me, will be arrived at by the Executive Committee once the situation improves in the State,” the President said.

 “The situation is worsening in the State what with five deaths and new cases increasing every day and more areas coming under the pandemic. More and more people are testing positive, containment zones sealed. With transmission almost in full force and predictions that Goa could be touching the peak, the President emphasised that life is very precious and as such the need to take utmost precautions as well as strict adherence to Government guidelines,” Churchill added.

Churchill pointed out that the Goa Government in their circular has specifically asked to restrain from having meetings due to the prevailing situation in the country and in Goa.

 At the time of postponement a host of leagues and tournaments were on the verge of getting over and a few were yet to start.

The Goa Professional League, the top tier competition did not get over and at the time of the postponement Sporting Clube de Goa were leading 44 points from 20 matches in the 12-team league played on a home and away basis.

Dempo were in the second spot with 41 points from 21 matches followed by Churchill Bros. 37 from 17 points and Salgaocar SC 35 from 21 matches. Churchill Bros, patron incidentally is GFA President Churchill Alemao.

The second tier of Goan competition, First Division League did not start when all sporting activities in the state came to a standstill on account of the Covid19 situation.

Spotlight on US, Qatar and equestrian sports at #bigmeetup of Bosco Menezes

Spotlight on US, Qatar and equestrian sports at #bigmeetup of Bosco Menezes

Doha, Qatar July 3: Qatar: Sand, Sea, and Sky book of Diana Untermeyer and equestrian sports will take centre stage on Saturday July 4, 8pm at the 13th edition of #bigbmeetup, Qatar's only weekly virtual community meet up.

The meet up is a prelude to the QatarUSA year of culture 2021, organizer Bosco Menezes informed. Diana is a former cultural advisor to the Qatar-America Institute and she lived in Qatar, from 2004 – 2007 while her husband Chase Untermeyer served as US ambassador. 

At this week’s session Bosco has invited former US Ambassador to Qatar Chase Untermeyer and wife Diana, author of the book Qatar: Sand, Sea, and Sky which was published in December 2011.

Diana, will be talking about her journey as a writer and on equine, while her husband will talk about his experiences in Qatar as an Ambassador of the United States of America.
In Qatar, she was active with women’s and children’s programs and in the conservation, arts and health communities.  Diana also participated in numerous equestrian sports and won top rider for the 2006-2007 endurance season.

The initiative 'bigbmeetup' is run by Qatar based event planner, photographer and artist and is a community initiative founded by him. The aim of this initiative is to inspire, inform, educate and spread the news of the good deeds individuals and groups of people perform in their everyday lives for the betterment of humankind.

Diana, a graduate from the University of Virginia, worked as a wilderness guide, a liaison between the Vice President’s office and the Presidential Task Force on Regulatory Relief, an advance representative for then-Vice President and Mrs. Bush, and later as executive assistant to the counsel to President George H.W. Bush.

The first #bigmeetup was held at The Torch Doha in April 2018 where Qatar 2022 brand ambassador and beIN Sports anchor, Mohammed Saadon Al Kuwari, was the keynote speaker.

For more details visit www.bigbfotografi.com or log in to www.facebook.com/bigbfotografi

About her Book:

Qatar: Sand, Sea and Sky is an overview of the country and its journey into modernity while it preserves the duality of its culture as a desert by the sea. Stunning photography pairs with informative and personal text by the wife of the most recent United States ambassador to Qatar to give Westerners traveling to Qatar on business or for World Cup preparations an inside understanding of this moderate Muslim country and the way it attempts to become modern and engaged with the world without losing its heritage. It includes an introduction by Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, current chair of the Qatari Foundation Reach Out to Asia and Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qatar take first step to resuming football action with Coivd19 test on players and officials

Qatar take first step to resuming football action with Coivd19 test on players and officials

#worldcup #qatar #doha #seeyouin #likes #football #qatarliving #seemydoha #dohainstagram #instagramdoha #arab #live #gentleman #luxury #middleeast #love #life #comment #follow #asian #man #seemyculture #seemycity #slazy #qatarlife #glennification #glennified #dohagoddess #lifestyle

The first step towards the resumption of football in Qatar was held on Monday and will continue on Tuesday wherein players and officials from 12 teams of the QNB Qatar Stars League (QSL) underwent Covid-19 tests under the supervision of Ministry of Public Health at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Stadium in Al Sadd.

The testing procedure aims to reduce and control the risk of virus spreading between team members and players, as they return to training and action. It follows all preventive and precautionary measures.

A number of players as well as technical and administrative staff underwent the tests on the first day. After completion of tests, they will return to their homes under self-quarantine until the test results come.

In the event of a positive case, he will undergo the procedures of Ministry of Public Health.

Ensuring the health and safety of players as well as technical and administrative staff is one of the most important priorities, Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Executive Director of Competition and Football Development had said earlier.

"Players will return to training on June 10 following COVID-19 tests before undergoing another round of tests on June 24-25," Abbasi said.

According to Abbasi, the players will start training as a team from June 25 onwards, a month ahead of the resumption of the QSL as Week 18 action of the League kicks off on July 24

The players and team officials who test negative will then check into a team hotel on Wednesday. The first phase of the training will be held from Wednesday June 10 to June 24, with teams taking precautionary measures and maintaining social distancing. The second round of Covid-19 tests is scheduled for June 24 and 25, from when the teams will train in small groups until the restart of the league.

The protocol developed by the QSL is to reduce and control the risk of virus spreading between team members and players, as they return to training and action. It follows all preventive and precautionary measures, and a workshop was organised for all technical staff involved to explain the procedures for training during the first phase.

The QSL will resume on July 24 at the newly-completed Education City Stadium with Qatar Sports Club taking on Al Rayyan in the Round 18 fixture.

Education City Stadium, one of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, will play host to remaining five rounds of QNB Stars League along with two other arenas – Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium and Al Janoub Stadium. All three stadiums possess the cooling technology, which will help the players cope with the searing temperatures. The kick-off times for the matches would be 4:45pm and 7pm.

“Yes, air-conditioned stadiums will be used after co-ordination and co-operation with the Ministry of Culture and Sports and Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy,” Abbassi said.

Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) last week announced that building works inside the Education City Stadium have ended whereas installation of stadium envelope, seats, arch finishes and roof structure has also been completed.