All sporting tournaments across Bhutan have resumed from March 1.

The decision was taken following the new protocol set up by the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC).

To stop unnecessary gathering, BOC had temporarily deferred all the tournaments until the end of February, according to Kuensel newspaper.

The protocol was developed in consultation with all national sports federations (NSFs) and sports associations (SAs).

According to the new rules, tournaments will now be held behind closed doors, and only players, team officials, security personnel, and media will be allowed at the venue.

Officials said both NSFs and SAs in Thimphu need to get approval from BOC to organise tournaments. BOC will monitor them.  Private individuals in Thimphu need to obtain permission from NSF to conduct the tournament, the rules have stated.

Team officials are not allowed to visit dressing rooms at any time.

All NSFs organisers must have a designated COVID-19 focal person, who must have some level of training in handling pandemic-related safety and precautionary protocols, stated the new protocol.

Failure to comply with the protocol will result in the cancellation of the tournament and the organiser will be blacklisted. And those breaking the rule will be reported to the national COVID-19 task force for action.