Asian Herald’s Special Sports Correspondent takes us through the Do’s and Don’ts at the Tokyo Games, that makes this Olympics different
With crowds of tourists banned, extravagant celebrations replaced with tough infection control, and even victory hugs off the cards, the Tokyo Olympics will be nothing like the Olympic games of previous years.
‘Coronavirus era’ version of Olympics will be simpler and restrained to reduce risks arising from COVID-19 infection. It will stay in tune with the situation.
Fewer athletes will be attending the opening and closing ceremonies. As the officials informed that only 6000 of the 11000 competitors would be at the opening ceremony.
Athletes will have to put their medals on their own and they will not have any hands to shake, as physical touches are restricted.
The number of people entering Tokyo for the Olympics and Paralympics will be halved. From an estimated 2,00,000 athletes, coaches, backroom staff, officials, IOC members and broadcasters expected, the number has been cut down to 68,000.
Participants will be confined to their accommodation, with sightseeing forbidden and athletes required to leave the Olympic village 48 hours after they finish competing.
Fireworks, banners, mascots, and other flashy spectacles will also be scaled back in Tokyo, to cut down the costs which have ballooned since the event was postponed.
Athletes will take daily virus tests and are advised to keep physical interaction with others to a minimum.
At the Tokyo Olympics, it is said that this year the athletes, media and other officials who break COVID-19 rules could face disqualification from the games or even deportation from Japan.
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Abilash Rathnakaran, Director of Sports, Vels University, has had a proficient presence in the sports field, spearheading several events with the state and central governments. In this process, he has associated himself with different sports federations of India, which includes the Senior National Volleyball Championship in 2016, Asian Bodybuilding Championship in 2017, Mr India Senior Bodybuilding & Best Physique in 2018 and Paralympic Nationals Games in 2019. His life, driven by his untrammelled passion for sports, is coupled with the goal of leading the way for aspiring sportspersons and enthusiasts. He would be enriching the viewers of the Asian Herald with his insights, as our Special Sports Correspondent.