CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government is considering banning sports competitions in schools between 11am and 3.30pm following the death of a Class XII student during an inter-school sporting event in Vaniyambadi in Tirupattur district.Responding to the issue raised by AIADMK legislature party whip Agri S Krishnamurthy during Question Hour in the Assembly, sports minister Aadhav Arjuna said the government would frame guidelines for sporting events conducted by the school education department.Krishnamurthy sought compensation for the family of Mukesh, a Class XII student of a government school, who died after reportedly sustaining injuries during an inter-school sports competition in Vaniyambadi.Calling the student’s death unfortunate and a matter of concern, Aadhav Arjuna said he would discuss the issue with the school education minister and work towards evolving a policy for sports events organised by schools.“Children playing under extreme heat could suffer serious health complications, including damage to internal organs. We need a separate plan to address this issue,” the minister said.He said the government was considering issuing a circular through the school education department prohibiting sports competitions between 11am and 3.30pm, when temperatures are generally at their peak.“We are compelled to consider such a decision to ensure that incidents like the death of this student do not recur in the future,” he said.The minister added that the matter had been brought to the attention of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and said the government would announce financial assistance for the student’s family after further consideration.
