Ensure Immediate Vaccination Of All Olympics-Bound Athletes, Staff: PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed officials on Thursday to ensure that all Tokyo-bound athletes and support staff for the Olympic Games get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The world’s biggest multi-discipline sporting extravaganza, which had to be postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is scheduled to be held from July 23, 2021.

The Prime Minister, while taking stock of India’s preparations for next month’s Tokyo Olympics, stressed on immediate vaccination and uninterrupted training for athletes.

“From vaccination to training facilities, every need of our sportspersons must be fulfilled on top priority,” PM Modi told the officials, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office.

About 100 sportspersons have qualified for the Olympics in 11 disciplines while 25 more are likely to get entry. As for the Paralympics, which follow the Olympics, 16 athletes are likely to qualify, according to the PMO statement.

Modi said he will connect with the Olympics contingent through a video conference, ahead of their departure for Tokyo, in July to encourage and wish them on behalf of all Indians.

India’s official Olympics kit was unveiled on Thursday, on the occasion of 50-day countdown to the Tokyo Games.