The visit of a high-powered delegation comprising Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and top IOA officials to Tokyo later this month to look into India’s logistical preparedness for the Olympics has been put on hold in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The visit was scheduled for March 25 to 29 but will nowhappen at a later date which is yet to be decided.
Besides Rijiju, the other members of the delegation includedIndian Olympic Association president Narinder Batra, secretary-general RajeevMehta, Boxing Federation of India president Ajay Singh, sports secretary RadheyShyam Julaniya and Sports Authority of India director general Sandip Pradhan.
“The proposed visit of High Level Indian Delegation toTokyo consisting of Govt Officials and Indian Olympic Association to reviewIndia’s #Tokyo2020 preparation on 25thMarch is temporarily postponed,” Rijiju tweeted.
Mehta told PTI, “In view of the rising threat of thisCOVID-19 pandemic, the visit has been put on hold. As of now, we have notdecided when the delegation will visit Tokyo. It will happen at a later datedepending on the situation.”
India will have its first-ever Olympic Hospitality House inTokyo during the Summer Games, scheduled to be held from July 24 to August 9.It will be built by JSW on a piece of land of 2,200 square metre area and inclose proximity to the Games Village and multiple venues in the Ariake regionof the Japanese capital.
It will offer a range of activities and experiences fortravelling fans and supporters who will be in Tokyo for the Olympics.
Running through the duration of the Games, the India Housewill host watch parties, medal celebrations and meet-and-greet opportunitieswith the Indian athletes. The visitors will also get a taste of variety ofIndian cuisine.
There will be a dedicated Athlete Lounge for IndianOlympians and access to medical facilities and food will be available on site.A media centre to host travelling Indian media personnel has also been plannedin the area. Several Indian and international brands will also have theirstalls to display and sell their products.
More than 70 Indian athletes have so far qualified for theTokyo Olympics and the IOA is expecting the number to touch at least 125 beforethe Games.The coronavirusoutbreak has led to speculation over the fate of the Olympics this year. TheInternational Olympic Committee (IOC), however, has insisted that the Gameswill be held as scheduled in July-August.