Ludhiana: School games across govt schools in Ludhiana were postponed on Thursday due to low staff availability caused by a statewide strike by Punjab govt employees and the Raksha Bandhan holiday.The annual primary and senior secondary school games, organised by the education department across centre and block levels, faced severe scheduling disruptions after a large number of employees availed mass casual leave in support of the strike.District sports coordinator Kulveer Singh explained that staff shortages made it impossible to conduct events smoothly across participating govt and private schools. “The school games have participation by a few private schools as well and most schools have a holiday on Raksha Bandhan. However, for today, considering the mass leave, there was shortage of school staff and the games were suspended for the day,” he said.Key sporting disciplines remain incomplete due to the sudden suspension. “Swimming, skating and gymnastics events are pending, which will be continued on the next working day, most probably on Saturday,” Kulveer Singh added.Education authorities confirmed that the broader sports calendar will proceed with necessary adjustments once staff return to duty.Deputy DEO (primary) Manoj Kumar stated that officials have been given flexibility to manage the schedule. “The games are currently going on for the centre level and then it will be for the block level. However, sports officials and block primary education officers (BPEOs) have been directed to conduct the events as per the best possible option,” he said.The postponed competitions are expected to resume on August 29, with officials hoping to complete the tournament without further disruption.
