Tokyo: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that renowned boxer MC Mary Kom and men’s hockey team captain Manpreet Singh will be India’s flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
In an official statement on Monday, the IOA further said that Asian Games gold medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia will be the flag bearer of the closing ceremony.
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Tokyo Olympics 2020 is scheduled to begin on 23 July 2021 and end on 8 August. Despite protests from various corners of Japanese society, the organizers have decided to go ahead with the tournament. French President Emmanuel Macron is in Tokyo for the opening of the Games.
The IOA recently announced that 10,000 people will be allowed at Toyo 2020 venues. Tokyo has already banned the entry of fans from abroad into the city. Only Japanese fans will be present during the games. They have to follow all the rules of social distancing. People in the stadium will have to wear masks at all times.
Players of the Indian team, which is going to Japan to play Tokyo Olympics 2020, will have to undergo RT-PCR test every day for eight days before leaving for Tokyo. On reaching the Japanese capital, Indian players will be in isolation for three days.
India did not welcome this decision of the Olympic organizers. Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said a formal complaint has been registered and action will be taken soon. The Indian party feels that they have been discriminated against.
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