After over four months, football enthusiasts in Phuentshogling are back on the pitch again. The Southern COVID-19 Taskforce allowed the Phuentshogling Sports Association to resume football matches since yesterday. After the national lockdown, along with the entertainment centres, sports were also restricted in the town.
Three matches were played on the first day yesterday.
The otherwise empty football pitch returned to life again. Football enthusiasts were ecstatic as they could return to the sports they love most after a long break.
“It has been four months since we last played, we are very excited. Even while staying at home, we really missed playing here. Even my friends were so eager to play. They kept calling me asking when would the sports association here allow us to play. We kept inquiring to the association about it too. When we could finally play today, we felt so joyful,” shared Dechen Wangdi, a resident and a football lover in Phuentsohling.
“Friendly football matches help us stay healthy. We also get to know more people. Due to the pandemic, we are made to follow strict protocols here. Apart from players, spectators are not allowed here. Even my friends are excited to play now,” added Yonten Jamtsho, also in Phuentshogling.
The town being a more risky place among the high-risk areas, it took quite some time to resume sports.
As of now, only football is allowed with strict standard operating procedures in place. According to officials, based on the situation, other sports will also be allowed gradually in a phase-wise manner.
Sonam Penjor
