Health Ministry asks states to identify dedicated COVID-19 vaccination centres for Tokyo 2020-bound athletes

The Indian Olympic Association has said that the country is likely to send 190-odd members to the quadrennial showpiece, which opens on July 23.

A dose of the Covishield vaccine being prepared.

State governments and union territories, on Tuesday, were asked to identify dedicated COVID-19 vaccination centres for the Tokyo Olympics-bound Indian contingent.

The Indian Olympic Association has said that the country is likely to send 190-odd members, including over 120 athletes, to the quadrennial showpiece, which opens on July 23.

"The athletes, coaches, support staff and delegate members for Olympics need to be fully vaccinated, including with second dose of Covishield vaccine prior to the departure for the Games," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in a letter to the chief secretaries of all the states and union territories.

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"In this regard, you are requested to kindly identify dedicated COVID-19 vaccination centers (CVCs) in the states and make necessary arrangements to provide full vaccination coverage with administration of second dose of Covishield vaccine to athletes, coaches, support staff and delegate members for Olympics in your state on priority basis prior to their departure for Tokyo Olympics."

The IOA has said most athletes, except for a few, have received their first dose. Arrangements have also been made for sportspersons, who are training abroad and are expected to fly directly to Japan.