Even as the stage is set for the holding of five-day-long ‘Khelo India’ games at North Kashmir’s Gulmarg ski resort, the event has raised eyebrows amid coronavirus threat.

With medical advisories asking people to avoid mass gatherings, over 900 participants are scheduled to attend the event being organized by the J&K Sports Council in collaboration with the Youth Services and Sports Department, Winter Games Association of J&K and Tourism Department under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Though the Sports Council said medical screenings of participants were being done, locals, especially netizens, are questioning the timing of the event.

“If there is a high alert all over the world regarding coronavirus scare and ban on public gatherings, why the government is keen on organizing such an event during this time. It should be postponed. Precaution is better than cure. So wake-up the J&K administration,” tweeted Faisal Bilal. Other posts on social media too questioned the timing of the event.

However, Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has already arrived in the Valley for the inaugural event and said the event would boost tourism and promote sports. However, he too advised athletes to “be careful” while mingling with people.

On safety measures amid the coronavirus scare, the J&K Sports Council official said: “Medical screening of players is being done by the medical team. Control rooms have been set up for participants who have arrived from different states.”

Players from different parts of the country are expected to participate in around 30 events, including snow skiing, night skiing, snowboarding, cross-country, snow shoe and snow cycling among others.