There is “no way” of some “unfair” restrictions imposed by Tokyo Olympics organizers on Indian athletes within the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, IOA president Narinder Batra on Wednesday requested the nation’s contingent to be mentally ready for the extra restrictions. mentioned. .
Batra mentioned the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) continues to be awaiting clarifications on a number of points resembling coaching and meals preparations for athletes through the Games and is hopeful that some points will probably be resolved earlier than the event begins on July 23. .
“We are trying to prepare ourselves mentally as per the present situation and if there are some situations, we have to live with them, there is no way,” Batra informed PTI in an unique interview on Wednesday.
India is amongst 11 international locations recognized as excessive threat by Japanese authorities to check athletes touring right here for COVID-19 for seven days earlier than departure and after touchdown in Japan. Asked to be in strict quarantine for 3 days.
Batra mentioned talks are on to ease restrictions on coaching through the quarantine.
“The Tokyo Organizing Committee has been very cooperative and really useful. Every nation has totally different pointers. Guidelines associated to pandemics should not set by the organizing committee, they’re all the time set by the respective governments.
“So, it takes time to debate and work together with the federal government and get a response. They try their finest and all of the suggestions we’re getting is constructive.
“Many issues have been resolved, and on many things, we have asked for further clarifications, but there is still enough time and we need all the clarifications.”
The clarification sought by the IOA is relating to the identification of coaching areas for Indians.
“Explanations resembling the place will the athletes get their meals, the place will their gymnasium coaching happen, the place they are going to have the ability to prepare. Regarding the primary three days, it isn’t a quarantine, however there are some particular circumstances.
“We are still waiting for answers on those parts, everything else has been clarified, testing labs have been increased and many other issues have been resolved.”
The stringent guidelines won’t apply to Indian athletes touring from non-high-risk international locations resembling Italy or different components of Europe, the place a lot of them are at present coaching.
“… the circumstances which were imposed that we will not prepare 3-5 days earlier than the occasions are unfair as a result of that is the time when athletes attain their peak. If you allow them to sit on the statue and It is inappropriate if their weight-reduction plan just isn’t taken under consideration.
Batra mentioned, “So we are still waiting for clarification, maybe these things get sorted out, but as of today, I think the conditions are a little unfair for these 11 countries, but I am only talking about India. I can speak.”
However, he was hopeful that elite athletes, who’ve educated for a superb 5 years for the Games, would have the ability to overcome a few of these challenges to medal winnings.
“… you’ve got educated for these video games for 5 years, however I do know this stuff keep in your thoughts. I feel one has to recover from these points and go and provides their finest.
“There has been no compromise within the preparation of the athletes. Proper coaching has occurred in India and out of doors India on a regular basis. Athletes are match and looking out ahead to go to the Olympics.”
The IOA chief feels it is going to be a nightmare if they’re required to personally ship Indian athletes simply earlier than their occasions.
“We have sought clarification on this matter. For instance, taking pictures begins on July twenty fourth, however occasions are scattered all over the place, so do now we have to ship athletes one after the other or all test in 5 days earlier than July twenty fourth or so? Sending athletes in particular person could be a nightmare.
“We had a flight on July 17 and 18 however each received cancelled. We have spoken to Air India and SpiceJet to provide us particular flights. So let’s have a look at what works. We are planning to ship a contingent of 70 or 80 athletes from India on the seventeenth.
Over the previous yr, the IOA chief has mentioned that he expects double-digit medals from the Tokyo Games. However, on Wednesday he dashed his hopes saying it could be unfair to place stress on athletes in such tough instances.
“I made an announcement previously which has been occurring constantly since final one yr however now taking cues from our honorable Prime Minister and I feel he’s very proper that we should always not put any stress on athletes.
So I’m not saying something on medal rely however I’m certain that our athletes will give their finest and convey glory to the nation.
Batra additionally thanked the BCCI for donating Rs 10 crore for the nation’s Tokyo-bound contingent.
“We are thankful to BCCI, they are also in promotion and athlete support. The kits are the same but they will be unbranded. We are grateful to everyone who comes on board,” he mentioned.
He mentioned there could be two flag bearers for the opening ceremony and one for the closing ceremony and the names could be introduced as soon as the contingency checklist is finalised.
So way over 100 Indian athletes have certified for the Games.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
