Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala prompts NRAI to shift KSS championship and selection trials to Delhi

The Nipah virus outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 12 people in the last few weeks in the southern state of Kerala. The people that are living in the south have been terrified ever since and are taking multiple precautions to prevent any untoward incidents.

In such a situation, the National Rifle Association of India, who were scheduled to have the 18th Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Championship and the trials for the rifle and pistol shooters in Thiruvananthapuram from May 31 to June 18, have opted to change the venue for the same.

“Delhi will host the event now and it will start around June 10,” a top NRAI official said.

The NRAI have chosen the national capital of Delhi as the new location for the selections and the KSS Championship in light of recent events in Kerala. The national selections for the seniors/juniors and youth (men and women) in the rifle and pistol categories were to be conducted from June 7 to 17. The event will now be held in the second week of June at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in the capital.

In an earlier statement the NRAI had said, “In view of Nipah virus in Kerala, it has been decided to postpone 18 KSS Championship and selection trial 5, which were scheduled to be held at Trivandrum, Kerala. Fresh dates and venue will be notified shortly. NRAI and Gagan Narang Sports Foundation, the unit hosting the event regret the inconvenience if any to all concerned.”

The health ministry has issued prevention guidelines as they advised people to avoid contact with infected bats and pigs as well as avoid consuming raw foods. They have also advised people to eat only well-cooked food, maintain personal hygiene and asked people to wash hands at regular intervals during the day.