IOA prez confident of Tokyo Olympics plan
Olympics definitely on next year, says IOC member Batra
New Delhi, May 2: International Olympic Committee member and Indian Olympic Association president Narinder Batra on Saturday said that the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics will “definitely” be held next year, amid concerns over staging the mega event before a Covid-19 vaccine is found.
Some eminent scientists and doctors have expressed doubts on the holding of the Tokyo Olympics if a vaccine is not found by then. Even the Japan Medical Association president said it would only be possible for the Olympics to go ahead in July 2021 if the infections were under control, not only in Japan, but globally.
International Olympic Committee's (IOC) coordination commission for the Tokyo Olympics, John Coates of Australia had, however, disagreed with suggestions that a vaccine for Covid-19 is needed to hold the Games.
While addressing the Special General Body Meeting of the Athletics Federation of India, which was held online, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief Batra said, “Don’t go by what is being said that Olympics may not be held next year. Tokyo Olympics will definitely be held next year.
“I am keeping in touch with reliable sources, interacting with important fora in world of sport. So, Olympics are happening next year.
“I believe there will be some treatment (of coronavirus) by September or October this year. We (India) have to plan ourselves thinking that Olympics will be held,” Batra added.