Ludhiana, Jan. 8 -- Players participating in the 69th National School Games in the district are battling harsh winter conditions, with many saying the biting cold is affecting both their comfort and performance. As many as 937 players from various states and union territories (UTs) have arrived in the district to compete in taekwondo, judo and Gatka, but for some, the sporting excitement has been dampened by weather and accommodation concerns.

While the education department has arranged accommodation for teams at 38 venues across the city, several participants have complained about unhygienic rooms and inadequate facilities. Gatka players from Madhya Pradesh said they were struggling due to a shortage of blankets in the prevailing cold w...