KUALA LUMPUR – Is the Tokyo Olympics actually taking place?
Amid all the rumours that it could be called off due to a surge in Covid-19 cases, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) is confident that the Games will proceed as scheduled.
Sports fans from around the world were in an uproar after British media reported that the Games would be called off due to a rise in Covid-19 cases. However, the International Olympic Council (IOC) has denied these rumours.
When the Vibes contacted the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president, Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, he said that both the IOC president, Thomas Bach, and Japan Olympic Committee president, Yamashita Yasuhiro, have assured him via a conference call on 22 January, 2021, that the Olympic Games will proceed as scheduled with the Implementation of stricter SOPs for all travelling athletes, officials and media personnel.
“We were told that the Olympics will not be cancelled. That is the assurance given by the IOC and the organising committee. They also explained to us about the readiness and the meticulous preparation undertaken by the Japanese government to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
“Along with other key delivery partners, we have been assured that the Games will be safe and secure, not only for the athletes and officials but also for the local community.
“We stand in solidarity with the IOC and our Japanese counterpart, and look forward to participating in the forthcoming Games,” he said.
Norza added that in addition to the comprehensive countermeasures that will take place, there was also a discussion with the IOC regarding the vaccination of Malaysia’s contingent to the Games.
“Particularly, we would like to thank the IOC for their willingness to support the OCM in our engagement with the Malaysian government pertaining to the vaccination of our contingent to the Olympic Games.
“We will continue discussions with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation, the National Sports Council and the National Sports Institute to ensure that all our athletes and officials are able to focus on their training and preparation in a safe environment,” Norza said.
Meanwhile, when asked about the training practices for our qualified athletes, Norza mentioned that they are currently training in a bubble at their respective locations.
He said that while national cyclist, Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, is training in Melbourne and the sailors are in Langkawi, the National Sports Associations (NSAs) are working closely with their respective International Federations (IFs) on qualification processes for athletes who are yet to be qualified.
“We are in close contact with the respective NSAs and will be issuing statements in a timely manner to counter any rumours,” he said.
Meanwhile, national diver and podium favourite, Pandelela Rinong, is not allowing any rumours to detract her from her targeted third Olympic medal as she continues to push herself in training.
Pandelela won the bronze medal in the 10m platform event at the 2012 London Olympics and a silver medal with Cheong Jun Hoong in the 10m synchronised platform event at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
When asked if she was gunning for a gold medal this time, Pandelela replied that the target was just to win a medal.
“I know that expectations are high, but for now, I would like to focus on my training and just do my best at the Games.”
Pandelela and the other qualified athletes have been undergoing quarantine-based training since June last year in accordance with SOPs set by the government.
“The training sessions continue as per normal despite the quarantine as I have KPIs to achieve and other major competitions to prepare for as well this year,” she said. – The Vibes, 5 February, 2021
