Athletes need Covid jab urgently, IOA tells minister

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 5

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has again written to Health Minister Harsh Vardhan regarding the vaccination of the Olympics-bound Indian contingent.

In a letter addressed to the minister, IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta has sought necessary direction from his office for vaccination of Indian athletes, coaches and officials who will be in Tokyo Games, scheduled to be held in July-August.

“...Since there are very few months left for the games and the safety of the participants are (sic) utmost important to ensure all of them are vaccinated for Covid-19 prior to travel to Tokyo,” Mehta wrote to the minister, adding: “Therefore, we once again request your good office to consider our request and issue necessary directions.”

This is the second request on the issue from the IOA secretary general in the last two months, the last one being sent in February.

Request to AIIMS, too

The IOA has also sounded out Randeep Guleria, director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here, to organise the vaccination of the Indian contingent subject to the Health Ministry’s approval.

“...Approximately 158 athletes from India are expected to participate in almost 17 sports. Since there are few months left for the commencement of the Tokyo Olympic Games, two dosage of vaccination for the athletes and officials representing India is required on priority. We request your good office to consider vaccination of Covid-19 for the Indian athletes and officials, who will be representing India in the Tokyo Olympic Games,” the letter to Guleria reads.