Monday, July 7, 2025
spot_img

Several Indian athletes opt out of opening ceremony

Date:

Share post:

spot_imgspot_img

Tokyo, July 22: Indian athletes from seven sports, including shooting, badminton, archery and hockey, will skip the Olympics opening ceremony on Friday because of COVID-19 concerns and competitions lined up the next day, leaving just about 30 in attendance at the event.
From hockey, only flag-bearer, men’s team captain Manpreet Singh, will participate in the ceremony. “Archery, Judo, Badminton, Weightlifting, Tennis, Hockey (men and women), Shooting, the above are not participating due to matches on 24th, practice sessions on 24th and staying safe,” Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Batra said.
“The march past will be in Japanese alphabetical order and India’s number is 21st,” he added. IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta had earlier stated that no more than 50 will attend the ceremony.
Only six officials from each country are being allowed take part in the march-past. IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta had earlier stated that no more than 50 will attend the ceremony. “We won’t like to create a situation where our athletes are in danger of getting infected. So a decision has been taken to limit the number of athletes and officials participating in the opening ceremony within 50,” Mehta told PTI.
At this point, the Indian participation looks like this – Hockey (1), Boxing (8), Table Tennis (4), Rowing (2), Gymnastics (1), Swimming (1), Sailing (4), Fencing (1), Officials (6).
“Both the flag-bearers ie M C Mary Kom and Manpreet Singh are participating in the opening ceremony,” Batra said. The decision was taken after a meeting between chef de mission B P Baishya and coaches here this morning.
India is represented by more than 125 athletes in the Games with the overall contingent size being 228, including officials, coaches, other support staff and alternate athletes. Along with the shooters, archers and the men’s and women’s hockey teams are also scheduled to compete the day after the opening ceremony. While Mary Kom is not scheduled to compete the next day, Manpreet will be leading the side out for the first Pool A game against New Zealand on Saturday.
Among other countries, Britain will have no more than 30 athletes taking part in the ceremony. (PTI)

spot_imgspot_img

Related articles

On 10th Muharram, Kashmir makes two loud statements of ‘Kashmiriyat’

Srinagar, July 6: As Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha joined Muslim mourners during the 10th Muharram...

CM Rekha Gupta slams AAP’s health model, terms ‘Mohalla Clinics’ a ‘photo propaganda’

New Delhi, July 6:Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi...

MP govt initiates probe in school repair work after irregularities surface on social media

Bhopal, July 6 : A swift and high-level investigation was initiated after a serious case of financial malpractice...

Inspired by PM Modi, UP restaurateur’s ‘Pradhanmantri Chaiwala’ grabs spotlight

New Delhi, July 6 : While several roadside eateries and dhabas along the Kanwar Yatra route are under...