Mysore/Mysuru: The  Inter-District Gymnasium Owners Association has urged the Government to lift the ban on the opening of Gyms, which were closed over four months ago due to COVID-19 pandemic .

Addressing a press meet at Patrakarthara Bhavan here yesterday, Association Hon. President K. Vishwanath urged the Government to lift the ban and facilitate re-opening  of Gyms by setting appropriate guidelines.

Maintaining that Gyms function from spacious halls, he said that enthusiasts can perform exercises by maintaining physical distancing. 

Pointing out that Gyms can re-open if the authorities permit them to allow a minimum of 5 customers an hour, Vishwanath urged the Government to seriously consider their plea.

The Gym owners are facing a lot of losses due to closure and are even unable to pay the building rent, he said.

Association President  Avinash said that Gym owners are finding it extremely difficult to repay loans. Noting that the Government has announced a relief package for almost all sectors, he said that their only demand is that the Government should allow re-opening of Gyms, even with a set of conditions which they are ready to follow. 

Demanding the Government to permit re-opening of Gyms at the earliest, he warned that the Gym owners cannot wait anymore. He also wondered why the Government was reluctant on re-opening of Gyms, which are in fact fitness centres, when it had given permission for sale of liquor, cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Association Treasurer K. Nitish said that there are many exercises which people can perform by wearing masks and as such the Government should permit re-opening of Gyms for public benefit. Secretary  M.N. Nitin was present at the press meet.