Vaccination process for Olympic-bound athletes to start soon: IOA secretary

Mehta had written to Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in February, requesting him to consider vaccinating the Tokyo Olympics-bound athletes on a priority basis.

Published : Apr 14, 2021 20:14 IST , NEW DELHI

Last week, the Olympic-bound archers and rowers were fully vaccinated ahead of the Games at the Army Sports Institute in Pune. (Representative Image)
Last week, the Olympic-bound archers and rowers were fully vaccinated ahead of the Games at the Army Sports Institute in Pune. (Representative Image)
lightbox-info

Last week, the Olympic-bound archers and rowers were fully vaccinated ahead of the Games at the Army Sports Institute in Pune. (Representative Image)

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) secretary-general Rajeev Mehta on Wednesday said the vaccination process for Tokyo-bound Olympics sportspersons will begin soon but did not specify the exact timeline for it.

Speaking at a virtual webinar organised to mark the 100 days countdown to the Tokyo Games, Mehta stressed that the safety of the Olympic-bound athletes is paramount.

READ| With 100 days till Tokyo Games, Poland to vaccinate athletes

"We will start the vaccination process soon so that our athletes are safe. A lot is invested in them and we want to be sure that they are safe," Mehta said.

Mehta had written to Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in February, requesting him to consider vaccinating the Tokyo Olympics-bound athletes on a priority basis to give them sufficient time before leaving for the Games.

He had also requested the health minister to expedite the process earlier this month.

READ| Japan Olympic adviser urges COVID-19 vaccine option for athletes

Last week, the Olympic-bound archers and rowers were fully vaccinated ahead of the Games at the Army Sports Institute in Pune.

Recently, SAI centres across the country have reported several positive COVID-19 cases, including Olympic-bound athletes, which forced the body to announce a three-week "summer vacation" at its National Centres of Excellence.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment