IOA president Narinder Batra raises concerns about Tokyo Olympics

The quadrennial event will take place under a state of emergency.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra highlighted fresh concerns that the Indian contingent may face upon their arrival in Tokyo. This includes spending long hours in immigration without food and water.

The Indian Chef De Mission BP Baishya has informed Batra about the inconvenience that the athletes from other countries are facing upon landing in Tokyo. Therefore, Batra has raised the issue with the Olympics organizers ahead of the Indian contingent's departure.

"Important issues brought to my notice from Chef De Mission meeting on July 9. Many countries, who arrived at Narita airport, including the Czech Republic, highlighted the same issue in a meeting," he said in a statement.

Non-existent volunteer services

"They have to wait for four hours, before the immigration process to begin and they waited for three hours to board the transport. No food and no water was provided. Germany highlighted the volunteer services are almost non-existent," the statement read.

The first batch of the Indian contingent will depart for Tokyo on July 17. More than 120 Indian athletes have qualified for the Olympics.

Narinder Batra stated, "Sharing with all of you so that you are mentally prepared for what you may very likely expect at the airport until you reach the Village. These Games are being held under extraordinary circumstances and we should try to support Japan and go through everything with a smile."

Addressing the concerns raised by Batra, the organizers said, "The issue has been raised today to the Organizing Committee. They will work on it with the government to make sure it does not happen anymore."

There has been an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases in Japan. Hence, the Prime Minister of Japan Yoshihide Suga has announced a state of emergency in the capital city of Tokyo. Therefore, the Olympics will take place without spectators from July 23 to August 8.

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