Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Dhruv Batra has set an example for elite athletes and coaches by first taking the Covishield vaccine for Covid-19.
Speaking to this writer on Saturday, Batra said he is feeling good. “It is 48 hours since I took the jab and I am absolutely fine. In fact, I am looking forward to the second shot after the mandatory 28 days gap,” he said.
During the pandemic peak, the IOA president’s family had been badly hit by Corona virus, where he also lost his father, Dharam Vir Batra. As the IOA boss also heads the Batra hospital in New Delhi and visits it often he and his family members were recipients of the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca.
As Batra has been an insulin-dependent diabetic for over three decades, he felt it was best to take the vaccine and lead by example.
Asked for his views on vaccines jabs for Indian athletes, coaches and support staff who are gearing up for the Tokyo Olympics, Batra was emphatic “it is a must.”
“As IOA President I have told the NSFs the vaccine is a must for our athletes. However, the protocol on when the shots will be given to our athletes will be decided after consultations between the WHO (World Health Organisation) and NADA (National Anti Doping Agency),” he stressed.
At a time when the IOC (International Olympic Committee) after its executive board meeting said on Thursday the Games will surely begin on July 23 and the Japanese government has also said it is committed to hosting it, Batra feels the Games “are on.”
“The world of sports has resumed activity in a phased manner since October in 2020. As of now, more than 65 per cent of the athletes have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. Another 20 per cent Olympic quota places will be filled up in coming months. As far as I am concerned as the IOA president, the NSFs are working on our athletes’ preparations and their wellness,” said Batra.
He said the IOA is monitoring all the progress. “Our various teams and athletes are gearing up for the Olympics. Teams have started travelling abroad and in India coaching camps are on. Recently, the Athletics Federation of India held its Federation Cup and the event was held with all safety regulations in place in Bhopal. We will see more events in India in coming months,” stressed Batra.
Batra, who is also the FIH (world hockey) president and IOC member in India said the Olympics will be held with many changes. “I can speak as IOA president and can tell you there will be a lot of changes in these Olympics. There will be restrictions on athletes, there will be restriction for fans and safety will be given top priority. The arrival of the vaccine is a big plus and we have to be positive,” added Batra.
“All please now join the vaccinated club,” is my message to our athletes. “I am eagerly waiting now for Tokyo Olympics to start and visit Tokyo to cheer the Athletes,” said the IOA president.
Mr. S. Kannan
Senior, Sports Journalist
