'Tokyo Olympics Are On': IOA President Cautions Athletes To Be Prepared

"Whatever sources, whichever medium, the message is very clear that the Olympics are happening. Better be prepared," said the IOA chief in an interview.

(File Photo/ Getty Images)

Tokyo Olympics 2020 is set to begin on 23 July 2021. But there were many speculations about the games taking place due to the rising cases of Covid-19 in Japan. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief Dr. Narinder Batra, however, said that all these speculations are untrue and "The Olympics are on". 

"Whatever sources, whichever medium, the message is very clear that the Olympics are happening. Better be prepared," said the IOA chief in an interview with TOI. 

Batra said, "India's preparations are going on in full swing. There is no problem in the preparation of any athlete. All of them have selected their own places, wherever they want to train, like the shooters have gone to Croatia, the weightlifter (Mirabai Chanu) has gone to the USA. The hockey teams are based in Bengaluru; they are happy over there. Some athletes (track and field) are in Bengaluru, some are in Patiala. Equestrian (athlete, Fouaad Mirza) is out of India and will fly from there only. Badminton, table tennis, training for everyone is on. They are doing proper training wherever they are."

Japan has been under a state of emergency since April 26 2021. The Olympics is supposed to begin on July 23. Despite opposition from various corners of Japanese society, the organizers have decided to go ahead with the tournament. French President, Emanuel Macron is said to come to Tokyo for the inauguration of the games. Meanwhile, international news agency Reuters did a survey which showed that 70% of the Japanese respondents want the Tokyo Olympics to be postponed further. 

"I think our final contingent size would be anywhere between 125 and 140. With the officials included, it will be anywhere between 190-210," said Batra.