Mysore/Mysuru: The State Government’s decision to shut down swimming pools as a prevention measure to control the spread of pandemic has not gone well with swimming pool owners and swimmers in Mysuru, who have sought the Government to review its decision.

Addressing a press meet at Patrakartara Bhavan yesterday morning, Karnataka Swimming Association (KSA) Executive Committee Member S. Sundaresh urged the Government to allow them to re-open swimming pools at the earliest.

“There are over 1,500 professional and public swimming pools across the State. The majority of public swimming pools in Karnataka are closed as per the latest guidelines issued by the State Government. We have been following all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) laid down by State administration and the Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention and National Institute for Health have confirmed that COVID-19 cannot spread in properly chlorinated swimming pool water,” he said.

Pointing out that over 350 swimmers had recently participated in the swimming contests organised by KSA and have won many medals, Sundaresh said that not a single swimmer has tested positive for COVID-19. 

“In fact, practicing swimming every day would keep everyone healthy and fit. But now the Government’s decision to abruptly close all the swimming pools has brought the life of every swimming pool employee’s life at stake. Hence, we urge the Government to review its decision and allow to us to function normally as early as possible,” he said.

Sundaresh said that former IPS Officer and Association President Gopal B. Hosur and Secretary M. Satish Kumar met Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa at his residence in Bengaluru at 10.30 am yesterday and submitted a memorandum and apprised him the situation the employees of swimming pools were facing due to non functioning of swimming pools. Also, the delegation met Health Minister Dr. Sudhakar and submitted a memorandum, he said and added that the CM and the Health Minister assured of looking into the matter.

To show unity among swimmers, swimming coaches and swimming pool employees of all KSA affiliated units across the State, a memorandum was submitted to the officials concerned at 10.30 am yesterday, Sundaresh said.

Former University of Mysore (UoM) Swimming Coach and KSA Joint Secretary M.D. Nabhiraj, retired UoM Swimming Coach T. Puttaswamy, Global Sports Association President S. Shivakumar and Group 3 (below 12 years) Gold medallist S. Tanya were present at the press meet.