Tokyo 2020 Olympics: IOA to revise preparation plans after postponement
The Indian Olympic Association on Wednesday stated that it will address the problems faced by athletes after the postponement of Tokyo Olympics, when it makes revised preparation plans. According to IOA, the career and and qualification of some athletes could be impacted with this decision. The statement comes after the International Olympic Committee deferred the Games to next year. Here is more.
The intricacies will be addressed in the coming months
"A one-year postponement might impact the career/qualification and plans of some athletes, which would be addressed in the coming months and all necessary support would also be extended by us," IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said in a letter to the IOC.
Athletes are uncertain about the Olympic qualification
While the postponement of Games has relieved a bunch of athletes, some of them are left wondering about the qualification process. Most of the qualifying events across sports, which could have handed the athletes the coveted Olympics berth, have been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. For instance, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) canceled the last five tournaments falling under the qualification period.
IOA will also consult Sports Ministry
The letter also stated that IOA will have further discussions with the federations once the plight improves. "I am holding discussions and there would be meetings scheduled with the Federations after the locked-down in India is over. Athletes' safety is our utmost priority now," the letter read. It added, "We would be also be consulting with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports."
Olympics will be held in the summer of 2021
In a unanimous decision taken by the IOC President Thomas Bach and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the Tokyo Games were postponed to 2021. The deadly virus which has claimed over 17,000 deaths globally, has put a number of nations including India into lockdown. In India, more than 500 cases have been reported with 10 deaths so far.
