Picture Credit: Olympics
There is a lot of uncertainty regarding the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games. While the sporting event was supposed to happen in 2020, it had to be pushed back by a year owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with still a significant number of COVID-19 cases emerging in Japan, local media has even called for the cancellation of the games but as of now, the organisers remain adamant on hosting the event.
With less than two months to go, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Thursday has confirmed that its entire contingent bound for the Olympics will be vaccinated against COVID-19. The IOA added that while all members of the contingent have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, some have even been fully vaccinated. The IOA also thanked the Indian government for their help in securing the vaccines for the contingent.
IOA confirms to IOC and Tokyo Organising Committee its pledge to follow all necessary precautions
"The Indian Olympic Association, therefore, is confirming to IOC and Tokyo Organising Committee its commitment and pledge to follow all necessary precautions and guidelines, ensuring that all the participants through the Indian Olympic Association 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 has had the first vaccination and 2nd will happen as per vaccination protocols," the IOA said in an official statement.
"We thank the Government of India for their support in securing vaccinations for each of the contingent members and any representatives from India," it added.
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Earlier in May, the IOA had informed that 19 Olympic-bound athletes were fully vaccinated against the dreaded Coronavirus. 131 athletes and 13 para-athletes had received the first dose of the COVID-19 as of May 20. 23 members of the coaching staff had received both doses of the vaccine, while 87 members had taken the first dose of the vaccine until then.