The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has refuted reports that the National Sports Festival tagged Edo 2020 has been postponed indefinitely, saying the ministry has not taken a final decision on a date for the biennial event.

A statement from the Media Office of the sports minister Friday stated that consultations were ongoing between the ministry, the Edo State Government, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, and the National Council on Sports to decide on a new date to host the festival.

“Like we did by consulting with the PTF on COVID-19 when we lifted the ban on non-contact sports and later, contact sports, discussions are ongoing to decide on a new date for the festival,” the statement quoted sports minister Sunday Dare as saying.

“The fake news that the festival has been postponed indefinitely must have emanated from a false source.”

Dare added, “We are considering a staggered festival spanning several weeks, and athletes batched, no fans and strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocols.

“While we are committed to holding the festival, we do not want to endanger the lives of athletes and officials. Be rest assured that a decision would be taken in line with the government’s guidelines in the best interest of the common good of our sports and the athletes ”

The National Sports Festival, which was earlier scheduled to hold in March in Benin City, Edo State, was postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19, which also affected social and economic activities.

By Tana Aiyejina