Just a few weeks away from the 2021 Olympics, but the Games have already had several controversies over whether they should take place during these troubled times as the world battles the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. We have seen protests against the 2020 Games across Japan.
The other debate that is gaining momentum is against the tougher regulations put in place against athletes and officials traveling to Tokyo from 11 countries including India, Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Countries such as Bangladesh, Egypt, Malaysia, Great Britain and Vietnam must also follow a number of special restrictions set by the host country.
The Japanese government urged its delegates and athletes entering from these 11 countries to undergo daily COVID-19 tests for a week before their departure and not to interact with anyone from any other country for three days upon arrival, protocols, who infuriated the IOA.
Stricter rules have been put in place for all travelers – including athletes, coaches and support staff – residing in 11 countries, including India, where different variants of COVID-19 have been identified, within 14 days of arriving in Tokyo. India’s COVID count saw a sharp drop in infection numbers in June after the catastrophic second wave that recorded over 3 lakh cases in one day.
The Indian Olympic Association has also criticized these rules as “unfair and discriminatory”. The Indian diaspora in Japan has long waited to welcome and cheer the Indian athletes coming to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics.
Part of the Indian diaspora has also expressed disappointment at the strict rules that have been imposed on Indian athletes and officials. Some even fear that this could lead to other forms of discrimination within societies, schools and offices.
Anurag Indian citizen, a resident of Japan’s Nishi Kasai area, also known as Tokyo Little India, told India Today, “Tighter regulations on the Indian contingent may affect your confidence. In addition, it can affect their performance if they are not able to train 3 days before the games. “
On the other hand, the other half of the Indian diaspora is also preparing, which considers the imposed regulations to be justified and is only supposed to control the spread of the new and more contagious variants in the country in order to greet and cheer the Indian athletes travel to Japan this month.
Some Indian residents in Japan consider the imposed regulations to be justified (Photo credit: Paulomi Barman / India Today)
“The established rules serve the common good. The virulent variation of COVID in our country is currently costing human lives. It is a matter of life and death and we should be very careful. Guests in a house must adhere to the house rules. Stay healthy and I wish India all the best for the Olympics, ”said Jasbir, a resident of Nishi Kasai, Tokyo.
The countdown to the Tokyo Olympics has already begun. So far, the Indian contingent has set the expectations of all Indians around the world high with 28 medals in 31 editions of the Summer Games. As the excitement rises, the Indians are waking up big dreams and expectations for our athletes, who like to fly the flag at the world’s biggest sporting event. 86 Indian athletes, including two teams, have so far qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. India is looking forward to sending over 111 athletes as part of the contingent.
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