The Olympics That No-one Really Wants!

The Olympics that no one really wants is set to begin at Tokyo on 23 Jul '21 with the opening ceremony at 2000 hrs local time. The 32nd Summer Games in the Japanese capital is going to be unlike any other Olympics. With fans barred from attending, the Olympiad will be devoid of the atmosphere that the athletes feed on. In other words, the spectator stands will be empty!

The rules that make this Olympics unique :-

* All participants must live by 'The Playbook' - IOC's guidebook which lists out various Covid-19 countermeasures during their stay in Tokyo.

* No spectators, daily testing, strict protocol and possible penalties include disqualification and deportation.

.....This Olympics is like never before.

  1. Activity Plan. Rules come into force before the Games. Participants are expected to monitor their health 14 days pre-arrival. They are expected to go through the rules and get accustomed to measures.

  2. No Sharing of Equipment. All equipment must be disinfected. Athletes must disinfect their hands before and after use. Items such as towels, drinking bottles and headphones must not be shared.

  3. Distancing Rule. Physical distance must be maintained when changing or showering at all times. Athletes are encouraged to use facilities at the Olympic Village instead of those at the venue.

  4. Mask Up At All Times. Athletes seated at the 'Field of Play' should wear a mask at all times. Won't be a requirement on team benches. Shouting, cheering and singing should be avoided at all times.

  5. Medal Ceremony. Athletes as well as dignitaries will be required to wear a mask during medal presentation ceremonies, which will take place at the competition venues. No exceptions.

  6. Games Village. Athletes should avoid congestion at Village Main Dining Hall keeping meal times as short as possible. Even outside the dining area, athletes have been advised to maintain distance.

  7. Testing Times. Participants must take two Covid-19 tests on two separate days within 96 hours of flight departure time. On arrival, quantitative saliva antigen test will be conducted.

  8. Daily Dose Of Test. Daily testing with a saliva antigen test (saliva PCR). For press, it will either be daily testing (saliva PCR) or every four days (based on the level of contact).

  9. 24/7 Monitoring. Athletes are required to install the 'Online Check-in and Health Report App' and Confirming Application and fill in the information that will be needed during check-in and monitoring.

10. Hospital Check-up. If someone tests positive, they will be asked to go to a facility or be hospitalised, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Length of the isolation will be determined by the health authorities.

11. Press Conference. All PCs will be made available online. Press can access the Olympic Village using a guest pass that will allow entry to the Venue Media Centre and to the mixed zone in the Village Plaza.

12. Failure To Obey Rules. If a participant is found to be breaking the rules, he or she could face disciplinary action. Failure to comply with rules during the Games could lead to disqualification/exclusion.

- Adapted from Swaroop Swaminathan's article in the New Sunday Express! 

My take.

Extraordinary situations require extraordinary actions! 

Tailpiece.

Got up at a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by a 10' to 10. It was a thoroughly wet day though the rains weren't heavy.

A lot many calls were made and we were able to get in touch with quite a few people.