Athletes may face inconveniences on arrival in Tokyo - Narinder Batra

IOA president Narinder Batra says athletes may have to wait for hours at immigration in Tokyo without food and water.

Published : Jul 10, 2021 11:10 IST

IOA president Narinder Batra. - PTI
IOA president Narinder Batra. - PTI
lightbox-info

IOA president Narinder Batra. - PTI

IOA president Narinder Batra on Saturday highlighted fresh concern over what India's Olympic-bound athletes may face on arrival in Tokyo, including spending long hours at immigration without food and water.

Batra was informed of the inconveniences athletes from other countries were facing upon landing in Tokyo by the Indian Chef De mission on Friday. He has now raised the issue with the Games' organisers ahead of the Indian contingent's departure.

ALSO READ - Mary Kom's coach to travel to Tokyo for Olympics

"Important issues brought to my notice from Chef De Mission meeting on July 9. Same issue was highlighted in the meeting by different countries including Czech, those who arrived at Narita airport," Batra said in a statement.

No volunteer services

"They have to wait for 4 HRS, before the immigration process to begin and they waited for three hours to board the transport. No food and no water was provided.

"Germany highlighted the volunteer services are almost non-existent," the statement read.

FOLLOW OUR OLYMPICS COVERAGE

The first batch of India's Olympic-bound athletes is set to depart for Tokyo on July 17. More than 120 athletes are bound for the Games.

"Sharing with all of you so that you are mentally prepared for what you may very likely expect at the airport until you reach the Village, these Games are being held under extraordinary circumstances and we should try to support Japan and go through everything with a smile," Batra said.

Addressing the concerns raised by Batra, the organisers said, "The issue has been raised today to the organising committee. They will work on it with the government to make sure it does not happen anymore."

Baishya said the athletes need to be prepared for spending long hours at the airport after landing in Tokyo for testing, immigration and other clearances. "...We have raised the problems we are facing and likely to face in Tokyo and the organisers have promised to look into them. But one thing is clear that our athletes will have to stay at the Tokyo airport for five to six hours after arrival," Baishya told PTI .

"The first thing after arrival will be Covid tests of all the Indian contingent. Then we have to complete immigration and other required process. After that the Covid test results will come and only after that the Indian contingent will be allowed to board the bus."

He said sailors will be among the first batch to leave for Tokyo.

"Without Covid test results, we cannot leave Tokyo airport. Then all the contingent will have to quarantine at the Village for three days.

"The first contingent will leave on July 17 and sailing team will be in that. Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu will reach Tokyo on July 15 or 16 from US. She will not face any issue since she is coming from the US."

In view of the raging COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics will be held under a state of emergency in Japan without spectators from July 23 to August 8.

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