Ludhiana, Jan. 7 -- Amid freezing cold conditions, the inauguration of the 69th National School Games kicked off in Ludhiana without adequate medical arrangements, raising concerns over the sports injuries and cold related health emergencies involving school-aged athletes. Reportedly, the prominent facilities such as the deployment of emergency medical staff, orthopaedics, physiotherapists and dedicated ambulances with paramedics were found to be lacking at the accommodation and venues sites designated to host the games.

As per the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) norms, host states are required to ensure round the clock medical facilities at competition venues as well as accommodation sites. This includes the availability of qual...