Vaccinate participants, says PM at Tokyo Olympics review meet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reviewed preparations for the mega sports event being held for the first time in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic. The Prime Minister emphasised that from vaccination to training facilities, every need of sportspersons must be fulfilled on top priority. He said, for every young sportsperson shining on the global stage, a thousand more will be inspired to take up sports. Modi said, he will be connecting with Olympics contingent through a video conference in July, to encourage them and assure them that a proud nation stands with them.

"Sports is at the heart of a country's national character and youth are creating a strong and vibrant culture of sports," Modi said. The Prime Minister saïd, the wishes of 135 crore Indians will be with the nation's youngsters who are participating in the Olympics. The Prime Minister was briefed that a total of 100 athletes have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics across 11 sports disciplines. Twenty five more athletes are likely to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, details of which will emerge by the end of June. Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and senior officials of the sports ministry were present in the meeting.