51-member refugee team to be a part of Tokyo Olympics
In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, we will be witnessing a team consisting of refugees. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the same as it has identified 51 refugee athletes. In the 2016 Rio Games, there was a team of 10 refugee athletes. The decision was made in the 133rd meeting of IOC, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Here's more on the same.
Refugee athletes want to win and not just compete
The IOC has identified 51 athletes, who have been staying in refugee camps. South Sudan's middle-distance runner Yiech Pur Biel, is hoping that this time they will do well and not just be in the Games to compete. "We can expect much, in 2016 we just competed. We are going not only to compete, if we can bring gold or even a final."
Athletes come from seven different sports
The group of 51 athletes, who are in contention for a spot in the Tokyo Games, are being supported by the Olympic Solidarity programme. The athletes come from seven different sports, that include the likes of karate and taekwondo. Biel added that competing with the best is a challenge. "Competing with top athletes is a big challenge, but we hope we will do something."
The move by IOC was appreciated by all
The move to send a refugee team in the 2016 Games was praised across the globe. Post the event in Brazil, IOC president Thomas Bach had gone on to say that the athletes were selected to "send a message of hope to all the refugees of the world". Marathon runner Yonas was proud for the Refugee team competing as equal human beings.
