Sports news
#Restrict #dilapidated #structures #demolish #irreparable #hazards #Sports #Ministry #states">Restrict use of dilapidated structures, demolish irreparable hazards: Sports Ministry to states
In a bid to prevent “avoidable accidents” at playgrounds and sports facilities, the Sports Ministry has issued an advisory to all state governments, urging them to restrict usage of “dilapidated or unstable” structures and demolish “irreparable hazards” if required.
The advisory was formulated after a 16-year-old national-level basketball player died when a pole collapsed on him while practising at a court in Haryana’s Rohtak a few months ago.
On Monday, a 20-year-old marine engineering student died after a basketball hoop inside his college campus crashed on him.
“States/UTs are advised to carry out a safety review of playgrounds and sports facilities under Government/ULB/Panchayat/PSU/Autonomous Bodies/educational institutions, including stadia, indoor halls, practice grounds, open gyms, pools and all ancillary structures,” stated the advisory that is in PTI’s possession.
“The review may specifically cover structural condition, boundary walls/railings, gates, spectator stands, lighting poles/towers, scoreboards, floors/surfaces, drainage/manholes, and any temporary structures,” it added.
The ministry has advised state governments to immediately repair damages or demolish the irreparable structures after restricting usage through “prominent warning signages”.
“Any area/structure found unsafe (dilapidated, unstable, damaged, or otherwise hazardous) should be immediately restricted for use and secured through barricading…” it said.
“Defects requiring urgent rectification (loose/unstable goalposts/poles, protruding fixtures, sharp edges, exposed pits/drains, slippery surfaces, broken flooring, unsafe branches/trees. etc.) may be addressed on priority: irreparable hazards may be removed/demolished as per applicable procedures,” it added.
In addition, the ministry has urged for periodic evaluation of sports equipment at public facilities.
“…equipment should be periodically checked for stability, anchoring, wear-and-tear, rust/metal fatigue, and safe installation; defective equipment should be withdrawn from use until repaired/replaced,” it said.
Crowd management
The ministry, while calling for regular inspection of electrical installations and basic fire safety preparedness has also laid down some norms for events involving large gatherings.
“For organised events/tournaments/coaching sessions with large participation/spectator presence, organisers/ facility managers should prepare a simple safety plan covering crowd movement, entry/exit management, emergency response, and safe placement/strength of temporary structures,” it said.
“Temporary structures (pandals, stages, barricades, viewing platforms) should be erected only with basic safety checks and should be periodically monitored during the event,” it added.
Supervision of children
For facilities frequented by children, the ministry has advised constant supervision during training and “visible display of grievance helpline information”.
“Where repair/retrofitting work is undertaken, States/UTS may consider identifying safe alternative spaces so that training/activities are not disrupted, without compromising safety,” it said.
Before reopening or resuming activities in a repaired facility, the ministry has advocated “fitness certification from a Competent Authority/qualified engineer”.
“Facility managers may maintain a simple Safety Register recording inspection dates, observations, rectification actions, certifications, and incident/near-miss reporting for accountability and review,” it said.
“States/UTs are requested to issue suitable instructions to concerned Departments/Agencies and undertake periodic monitoring so that these preventive measures are institutionalised and untoward incidents are averted.”
Published on Apr 06, 2026
In a bid to prevent “avoidable accidents” at playgrounds and sports facilities, the Sports Ministry has issued an advisory to all state governments, urging them to restrict usage of “dilapidated or unstable” structures and demolish “irreparable hazards” if required.
The advisory was formulated after a 16-year-old national-level basketball player died when a pole collapsed on him while practising at a court in Haryana’s Rohtak a few months ago.
On Monday, a 20-year-old marine engineering student died after a basketball hoop inside his college campus crashed on him.
“States/UTs are advised to carry out a safety review of playgrounds and sports facilities under Government/ULB/Panchayat/PSU/Autonomous Bodies/educational institutions, including stadia, indoor halls, practice grounds, open gyms, pools and all ancillary structures,” stated the advisory that is in PTI’s possession.
“The review may specifically cover structural condition, boundary walls/railings, gates, spectator stands, lighting poles/towers, scoreboards, floors/surfaces, drainage/manholes, and any temporary structures,” it added.
The ministry has advised state governments to immediately repair damages or demolish the irreparable structures after restricting usage through “prominent warning signages”.
“Any area/structure found unsafe (dilapidated, unstable, damaged, or otherwise hazardous) should be immediately restricted for use and secured through barricading…” it said.
“Defects requiring urgent rectification (loose/unstable goalposts/poles, protruding fixtures, sharp edges, exposed pits/drains, slippery surfaces, broken flooring, unsafe branches/trees. etc.) may be addressed on priority: irreparable hazards may be removed/demolished as per applicable procedures,” it added.
In addition, the ministry has urged for periodic evaluation of sports equipment at public facilities.
“…equipment should be periodically checked for stability, anchoring, wear-and-tear, rust/metal fatigue, and safe installation; defective equipment should be withdrawn from use until repaired/replaced,” it said.
Crowd management
The ministry, while calling for regular inspection of electrical installations and basic fire safety preparedness has also laid down some norms for events involving large gatherings.
“For organised events/tournaments/coaching sessions with large participation/spectator presence, organisers/ facility managers should prepare a simple safety plan covering crowd movement, entry/exit management, emergency response, and safe placement/strength of temporary structures,” it said.
“Temporary structures (pandals, stages, barricades, viewing platforms) should be erected only with basic safety checks and should be periodically monitored during the event,” it added.
Supervision of children
For facilities frequented by children, the ministry has advised constant supervision during training and “visible display of grievance helpline information”.
“Where repair/retrofitting work is undertaken, States/UTS may consider identifying safe alternative spaces so that training/activities are not disrupted, without compromising safety,” it said.
Before reopening or resuming activities in a repaired facility, the ministry has advocated “fitness certification from a Competent Authority/qualified engineer”.
“Facility managers may maintain a simple Safety Register recording inspection dates, observations, rectification actions, certifications, and incident/near-miss reporting for accountability and review,” it said.
“States/UTs are requested to issue suitable instructions to concerned Departments/Agencies and undertake periodic monitoring so that these preventive measures are institutionalised and untoward incidents are averted.”
Published on Apr 06, 2026
In a bid to prevent “avoidable accidents” at playgrounds and sports facilities, the Sports Ministry…
Sports news
#Deadspin #Guardians #start #time #Tuesday #moved #due #cold">Deadspin | Guardians’ start time on Tuesday moved up due to cold
Apr 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A general view as fans wait to enter before the home opener between the Guardians and the Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images The Guardians moved the start time of Tuesday’s game against the Kansas City Royals from 6:10 to 1:10 p.m. ET due to expected frigid temperatures in Cleveland.
Fans who are unable to attend the daytime start can exchange their tickets for another eligible game.
The Guardians (6-4) open the series with the Royals (4-5) on Monday at 6:10 p.m. ET.
The Weather Channel’s forecast for Tuesday in Cleveland includes potential flurries or snow showers with lows in the mid-20s.
–Field Level Media
Apr 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A general view as fans wait to enter before the home opener between the Guardians and the Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images The Guardians moved the start time of Tuesday’s game against the Kansas City Royals from 6:10 to 1:10 p.m. ET due to expected frigid temperatures in Cleveland.
Fans who are unable to attend the daytime start can exchange their tickets for another eligible game.
The Guardians (6-4) open the series with the Royals (4-5) on Monday at 6:10 p.m. ET.
The Weather Channel’s forecast for Tuesday in Cleveland includes potential flurries or snow showers with lows in the mid-20s.
–Field Level Media
Apr 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A general view as fans wait to enter before the home opener between the Guardians and the Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images The Guardians moved the start time of Tuesday’s game against the Kansas City Royals from 6:10 to 1:10 p.m. ET due to expected frigid temperatures in Cleveland.
Fans who are unable to attend the daytime start can exchange their tickets for another eligible game.
The Guardians (6-4) open the series with the Royals (4-5) on Monday at 6:10 p.m. ET.
The Weather Channel’s forecast for Tuesday in Cleveland includes potential flurries or snow showers with lows in the mid-20s.
–Field Level Media
Apr 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A general view as fans wait to enter before…
Sports news
#Stan #Wawrinka #bids #farewell #Monte #Carlo #Masters #firstround #exit">Stan Wawrinka bids farewell to Monte Carlo Masters after first-round exit
Stan Wawrinka bid farewell to the Monte Carlo Masters as the 2014 champion fell 7-5, 7-5 to Sebastian Baez in the first round on Monday.
The 41-year-old three-time Grand Slam winner will retire from tennis at the end of the season and entered the main draw in Monaco as a wildcard 20 years on from his debut at the tournament.
The Swiss won his sole 1000-level title 12 years ago in the principality when he defeated his compatriot Roger Federer.
“It was a long time ago, but of course I remember it, it was exceptional,” Wawrinka said on-court of his 2014 victory after tournament organisers showed a video homage to him.
“To have the chance to play this final here, with this exceptional tournament, and to win it in addition, will always be one of my best memories of my career.”
Heading into his round of 64 meeting with 65th-ranked Argentinian Baez, Wawrinka’s only match since losing to eventual winner Daniil Medvedev in the last 16 at February’s Dubai Open was a three-set defeat to then-World No. 348 Matteo Martineau at a challenger event on clay in Naples late last month.
Despite that, Wawrinka raced out of the blocks on Court Rainier III as he took a 4-1 lead in the opening set. Baez hit back to level scores at 5-5 before pouncing on Wawrinka’s serve in the 11th game to get ahead.
Wawrinka then lost his opening service game of the second frame as Baez took control of the match, eventually closing out victory in one hour and 47 minutes after weathering a stirring late comeback by the former World No. 3.
As reward for his win, Baez will next face World No. 1 and reigning Monte Carlo champion Carlos Alcaraz in the second round.
Elsewhere, Andrey Rublev navigated his way through a topsy-turvy opener as the 13th seed beat Nuno Borges 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 to set up a round of 32 meeting with Zizou Bergs.
World No. 47 Bergs booked his spot thanks to a 6-4, 6-3 victory against 37-year-old Adrian Mannarino. Arthur Rinderknech eased past 12th seed Karen Khachanov 7-5, 6-2 and will next play the winner of the meeting between Joao Fonseca and Gabriel Diallo.
Published on Apr 06, 2026
Stan Wawrinka bid farewell to the Monte Carlo Masters as the 2014 champion fell 7-5, 7-5 to Sebastian Baez in the first round on Monday.
The 41-year-old three-time Grand Slam winner will retire from tennis at the end of the season and entered the main draw in Monaco as a wildcard 20 years on from his debut at the tournament.
The Swiss won his sole 1000-level title 12 years ago in the principality when he defeated his compatriot Roger Federer.
“It was a long time ago, but of course I remember it, it was exceptional,” Wawrinka said on-court of his 2014 victory after tournament organisers showed a video homage to him.
“To have the chance to play this final here, with this exceptional tournament, and to win it in addition, will always be one of my best memories of my career.”
Heading into his round of 64 meeting with 65th-ranked Argentinian Baez, Wawrinka’s only match since losing to eventual winner Daniil Medvedev in the last 16 at February’s Dubai Open was a three-set defeat to then-World No. 348 Matteo Martineau at a challenger event on clay in Naples late last month.
Despite that, Wawrinka raced out of the blocks on Court Rainier III as he took a 4-1 lead in the opening set. Baez hit back to level scores at 5-5 before pouncing on Wawrinka’s serve in the 11th game to get ahead.
Wawrinka then lost his opening service game of the second frame as Baez took control of the match, eventually closing out victory in one hour and 47 minutes after weathering a stirring late comeback by the former World No. 3.
As reward for his win, Baez will next face World No. 1 and reigning Monte Carlo champion Carlos Alcaraz in the second round.
Elsewhere, Andrey Rublev navigated his way through a topsy-turvy opener as the 13th seed beat Nuno Borges 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 to set up a round of 32 meeting with Zizou Bergs.
World No. 47 Bergs booked his spot thanks to a 6-4, 6-3 victory against 37-year-old Adrian Mannarino. Arthur Rinderknech eased past 12th seed Karen Khachanov 7-5, 6-2 and will next play the winner of the meeting between Joao Fonseca and Gabriel Diallo.
Published on Apr 06, 2026
Stan Wawrinka bid farewell to the Monte Carlo Masters as the 2014 champion fell 7-5,…
