Kiren Rijiju notify Indian athletes against violating COVID-19 protocol in foreign countries

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju advised Indian athletes on Tuesday not to breach the COVID-19 protocols of foreign countries while travelling for training or competition. Rijiju made the statement while wishing Olympic shooters a successful trip to Croatia, where they had arrived earlier that day.

"Have a safe ride! Never violate the COVID-19 protocols of another country. Pay attention to planning, take care, and stay well. We will assist our athletes and coaches in every way we can. Best regards," Rijiju took to Twitter.

Safe journey! Never break the Covid-19 protocols of other countries. Focus on training, take care and stay safe. Will provide all necessary support to our athletes and the coaches. All the best???? https://t.co/KaYoul0NRn

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 11, 2021

Bengaluru FC's AFC Cup match against Eagles FC in Male was called off after the visiting team was made to apologize for violating quarantine protocols in the host city.

After two of the team's players and a support staff member were photographed walking on the streets of Male, Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof told BFC to leave the island country.

The club's president, Path Jindal alleged that the violators were foreign hires. BFC's match was supposed to take place on Tuesday, but it was cancelled due to comments made by Mahloof, who called the infringement "unacceptable".

Subsequently, the club released an official apology and promised the most severe penalties for the misbehaving athletes and support staff member.