Picture Credit: TOI
With just a few days to go for the start of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the entire nation is pumped and looking forward to the games. While the tournament was originally supposed to happen in 2020, the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic forced the organisers to postpone it by a year and now the sporting extravaganza is finally around the corner after an extended wait. While the pandemic had an impact on almost every section of society, sports was among the worst hit.
And now 400 m sprint specialist Arokia Rajiv has also given his opinion on the forthcoming games in an exclusive interview with SportsTiger. Rajiv said that although COVID-19 made almost no sporting event possible in 2020, they are still looking forward to the event. Notably, Rajiv, who is also part of the 4×400m relay side along with Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob and Naganathan Pandi, stated that the last time around the team was inexperienced and didn't know what it takes to perform at a big stage.
However, prior to the Tokyo Games, the team looks an experienced one and are hopeful of a medal this time.
Waiting to the games to begin, says Arokia Rajiv
"Feeling pretty good (on qualifying). There wasn't any competition in 2020 but since we had clocked our best in 2019 we have assured a place in the final 16. Even this year, we registered a good timing in a couple of events," Arokia told SportsTiger.
"Although we have played Olympics earlier (at Rio 2016), that time we were juniors and had little experience. But this time we have a good team and we are hopeful of a medal. So we are also waiting (for the commencement of the games), he added.
The 30-year-old Arjuna awardee winner revealed how his father had a huge impact on his life and influenced him to become an athlete. He said that his father was a district-level champion and had participated in 100 metres, 200 metres and long jump events. He also disclosed how his dad would often tell him about his achievements which prompted him to take up sports in the sixth standard.