Coronavirus: Mary Kom, Neeraj Chopra among others in self-isolation

The Sports Authority of India has advised the athletes returning from their foreign assignments to stay away from other players.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Indian Boxer Mary Kom and Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra are in self-isolation. Mary Kom is at her Delhi residence since returning from Asian Olympic Qualifiers where she booked herself a second Olympic berth while Neeraj Chopra has been ordered by Sports Authority of India (SAI)  to remain alone at the NIS-Patiala for 14 days after returning from his training in Turkey.

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“I am chilling, doing my exercises, taking care of my fitness and playing with my children after being away from them for almost one month."

“That’s the best part of this isolation, I am with my family through the day without having to think of anything. My appeal to everyone is don’t panic, try and stay at home if you can and spend time with your family. In my case, I have felt a sense of freedom with this isolation. I have realised that I am not feeling the stress of a daily schedule right now,” Mary Kom said to Hindustan Times.

When she was asked whether the Tokyo Olympics 2020 be pushed further due to the pandemic, the boxer expressed that she doesn't think that the mega event will be postponed.

“I don’t think the Games will be postponed or cancelled. It is too huge an event to be shifted just like that. It will cause chaos. In any case, it’s not in my hands. So, it’s better I don’t say much."

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As per HT, a source at the NIS Patiala revealed that the returning athletes from Turkey were initially released from the airport with every member of the contingent being COVID-19 negative. But upon their arrival in Patiala, SAI instructed that, "all the returning athletes and coaches should remain in isolation for 14 days."

“SAI said if Neeraj wants to stay at the NIS, he has to remain in self-isolation for 14 days without mixing with others. He and Rohit Yadav who returned from Turkey have been given hostel rooms separated from other trainees. They have also been given an old gym facility near their hostel room," the source said.

“Shivpal and Vipin Kasana who returned from South Africa wanted to leave for home. They left NIS Patiala yesterday.”

Chopra has already qualified for the Tokyo Games when he successfully threw the javelin 87.86m away in a competition in January in South Africa.

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