Fears over Tokyo Games
Japan’s Olympic Committee and the government of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga seem equally determined to go ahead with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics from July 23 despite adverse opinions expressed by the Emperor of Japan and millions of citizens. Having invited the investment of huge sums into the Games, which were postponed by a year due to the pandemic, the core decision-makers may wish to avoid losses by going ahead with the Games that are, however, unlikely to be a hit with the athletes, fans and Japanese people.
The money committed may be to the tune of $30 billion, all but $6.7 billion of which is public money. With less than seven per cent of the Japanese population having been vaccinated as of now, there are genuine fears of the Games becoming an incubator for the coronavirus despite an inhibiting number of restrictions that will be imposed on participants, coaches, officials and spectators, of whom 10,000 locals may be allowed into each venue.
Indian athletes have even more reason to feel hyper-anxious about the Games as they are lumped with the participants of 10 other countries who will have special restrictions imposed on them. They would have to keep away from mingling with fellow athletes for three days after landing at the Olympic Village. Their special diets could be compromised as the Japanese would have to make arrangements to get their food to their rooms where they will virtually self-isolate. How they can prepare for what is invariably once in a lifetime opportunity to shine on one of the world’s biggest stages in Olympic arenas is anybody’s guess.
Indians have also to take RT-PCR tests every day for seven days before they leave for Tokyo where, of course, everyone will have to take the test every day and go to a fever clinic if they fail it. The movement of all visitors could be tracked by GPS making the Games unique though it is being held in difficult circumstances clouded by succeeding Covid waves around the world. The Games may go on in ritualistic fashion but the spirit of competition and camaraderie may be compromised.