The President of the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games Mr. Khalil Ahmed Khan expressed solidarity with all members and traditional sports fraternity in a letter addressed to Ministers, UNESCO Permanent Delegations, International Sports Federations and other TSG stakeholders.

"The world is fighting this global pandemic and to overcome it all of us need to stand united on a front by self-isolating ourselves and taking all necessary precautions to prevent its spread" wrote Mr. Khan in his letter.

He further advised ICTSG Members to continue staying fit by practicing indoor excercises, "During these devastating and tragic times due to the adverse effects of COVID-19 globally, the ICTSG would like to extend its help and moral support to all our members, affiliates and traditional sports family. Many methods of stress reduction exist, including breathing, meditation, progressive relation, and indoor exercise. All tend to reduce anxiety, depression, heart rate and blood pressure, and enhance a feeling of relaxation and well-being."

Taking in view of the current situation and to prevent the spread of this virus to the players, members and team of the Council and all stakeholders related to traditional sports, the President also decided to temporarily close the ICTSG Head Office and postpone all international and national traditional sports activities worldwide. "In view of the increasing risk surrounding the coronavirus pandemic globally and as a precautionary measure to ensure the health and safety of all concerned, the ICTSG has decided to postpone all international and national traditional sports activities worldwide and the ICTSG Head Office has temporarily been closed w.e.f.31-03.2020 to make sure the health and safety of our members and staff. However, urgent correspondence will still be continued remotely." mentioned Mr. Khan in the letter of solidarity.

He wished and prayed for safety of all the traditional sports fraternity and hoped that everything get better as soon as possible.

Please visit https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 for further information on COVID-19.