NEW DELHI: The Covid-19 vaccination drive for Indian athletes bound for Tokyo Olympics could begin in March, TOI has learned.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has formally communicated to its member nations, including India, to work out the modalities to vaccinate their respective contingents. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has confirmed receiving the official mail and will be seeking more clarity from the IOC.
The IOA plans to prepare a comprehensive list of athletes who have already made the cut for Tokyo or are in contention to qualify for the Games, and that of the accompanying coaches and support staff by March. The same will be shared with the health authorities in the government for vaccination.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) representative to India, Dr Roderico H Ofrin, will be coordinating with the government.
Once the list has been finalised, an authorisation request would be placed with the government to make special provision for vaccinating athletes, and the jabs available at that time would be administered.
However, vaccination will not be made mandatory for athletes, but they all will be encouraged to take the two doses for their own safety.