The 7th season of Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21, is all set to be held in the sunny state of Goa, from the 21st of November and this league is scheduled to be hosted at 3 bio-secure venues across the state. These sites include like Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Fatorda), GMC Athletic Stadium (Bambolim) and Tilak Maidan Stadium (Vasco). The Sports Minister of Goa has assured that the ISL will be conducted as per the standard operating procedures and guidelines of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. The matches will be held without spectators on ground, just like the ongoing IPL season.
Upcoming challenges for the medical team
According Odisha FC physio, Firoz Shaikh, the performances of the players in the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL) will be dependent upon training and rehabilitation. In a press release, Shaikh mentioned, “During this pandemic time, training and rehabilitation of players will decide their performance on the field.”
He further added, “In OFC, we will be testing players using different software platforms and app to monitor their fitness level. Everyone at the club is contributing more time and dedication and we are certain about good performance by our players this season.”
Shaikh also mentioned, “There will be a lot of challenges which we as a medical team will be facing. We have to be in the bio bubble throughout the season and follow the SOP which is set by the ISL management. Duration of lockdown was tough for players’ fitness as they had limited access to fitness equipment, gym, grounds etc. We had given them specific plans of workout which they were following for eight weeks before they joined us in Goa.”
