Olympics 2020: Indian contingent to be vaccinated before departure, confirms IOA

The Olympic Games 2020 will be played in Tokyo between July 23 and August 8. Although the tournament remains doubtful amidst the pandemic, the Indian Olympic Association has affirmed that the entire Indian contingent would be vaccinated before departure.

The upcoming edition of the Olympic Games, set to be held in Tokyo between July 23 and August 8, still looks doubtful. However, preparations for the same continue to happen in full swing by the Olympic organising committee despite the challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Indian Olympic Association is prioritising the safety of its participating athletes without jeopardising its chances of medal-winning opportunities. It has confirmed that the entire contingent would be vaccinated before it departs for the Japanese capital.

"The IOA is ... ensuring that all the participants through the IOA for the Tokyo Olympics including athletes, technical officials and delegate members will follow all precautions and will be vaccinated before leaving for Japan.... presently each of the above (athletes, technical officials and delegate members) has had the first vaccination and 2nd will happen as per vaccination protocols," said Narinder Batra (IOA President) and Rajiv Mehta (Secretary General) in a statement, reports PTI.

"The safety of everyone involved at the Tokyo Olympics is IOA's highest priority ... pledge to follow all necessary precautions and guidelines. We at IOA do not want to leave any stone unturned and are here to support the IOC and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee in every possible manner and aspect," it added.

Furthermore, IOA has also applauded the Olympic organising committee's efforts to ensure that the Games happen on time as planned. It has also thanked the Indian government for approving the priority vaccination of the athletes taking part in the Games.

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