KUALA LUMPUR – Tokyo bound athletes are feeling grateful and relieved that the Olympics will take place as schedule this year despite concerns the Games will be cancelled due to the significant increase in Covid-19 cases in Japan.
A total of 30 athletes will be participating in 10 sports at the Games which will be held from July 23 to Aug 8.
Badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei will be the flag bearer as chef-de-mission.
National cyclist Azizulhasni Awang shared how he was worried at first with news that the Tokyo Olympics might not happen, especially since he was at his prime after the World Championship.
“We remained focused even when there was a 50:50 chance that the Games might be cancelled, and it was sad thinking it might be,” he told a press conference today.
“I am currently at my peak and if the Tokyo Olympic was cancelled, chances of my winning at the next one is slim due to my age.
“Regardless, I am grateful and relieved that the Tokyo Olympics are still on. With or without fans, we just must get used to it. I usually practice the skill of visualisation and imagine the crowd being there,” he said,
Meanwhile, All-England champion Lee Zii Jia said that last year’s situation was not ideal, and he had a feeling that they would cancel it, citing the surging cases in Japan and Malaysia.
“This is my first Olympics, and I am looking forward to it. I am thankful that it is still going on and I am very happy to be part of it.
“We may not have fans on site, but we are getting used to the situation. And if you want to come out on top, you just have to be adapted.” said Zii Jia.
At the same time, Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) secretary general Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin Najib assured that everyone flying to Tokyo have taken all precautionary measures with regards to Covid-19.
In the spirit of fairness and equality, Nazifuddin said that in the event an athlete is tested positive for Covid-19, there will be a medical centre on standby where athletes would be quarantined.
“Yet, they will not be eliminated nor disqualified, but officials have plans for the affected athletes to compete and stay involved in the competition in a different manner,” he said.
“As our athletes prepare themselves for the sporting spectacle of the year, they are also getting mentally prepared,” he added.
The Games were postponed from last year due to the global pandemic. – The Vibes, July 14, 2021.
