May consider quitting if pools don't open for training: Khade

New Delhi: Frustrated at not being able to resume training, Asian Games bronze medallist Virdhawal Khade on Sunday said he may consider retiring from the sport if swimming pools continue to remain shut due to restrictions.

Khade said the delay in resumption of training would put the Indian swimmers at a huge disadvantage ahead of Tokyo Olympic Games. Several countries including Thailand, parts of Australia and UK have opened swimming pools, allowing athletes to return to training.

However, even as the ministry of home affairs announced guidelines to ease restrictions, opening markets and shopping malls, swimming pools in India remain out of bound amidst rapidly-rising coronavirus cases.

"Might have to consider retiring from swimming. No news or communication of any sorts for being able to start swimming again. Wish swimming was treated the same as other sports in India. Person shrugging @IndiaSports @RijijuOffice @KirenRijiju @swimmingfedera1 @Nihar44190177," Khade tweeted.

The MHA had allowed opening up of stadia without spectators and several Olympic-bound athletes have resumed training.

"Almost 3 months since the swimmers in India entered the pool. If other competitive athletes can follow social distancing while training, competitive swimmers can do the same as well. I hope other Olympic swimming prospects don''t consider retiring because of this," he added.

The Swimming Federation of India (SFI) has been requesting the sports ministry to seek the home ministry''s explicit consent for reopening of pools inside sports complexes so that elite swimmers can resume training.