Tokyo Olympics 2020 Kicks off Tomorrow with a Scaled Down Opening Ceremony amid COVID-19

New Delhi: Tokyo Olympics 2020 will kick off tomorrow with a highly anticipated Opening Ceremony from 4:30 P.M IST. However, the event to be held at the newly-built National Stadium in the Japanese capital, will be a scaled down and sobering affair in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japan has announced that the participants will be competing in empty venues so as to minimize the health risks due to the pandemic. Only six officials from every country are allowed at the ceremony, although there is no cap on athletes. But fans will see a much smaller team parade taking place this time.

India stands at serial number 21 in the march past, as per the Japanese alphabet. This time India has sent its largest-ever contingent to the Olympics. The 228-member strong contingent consists of 127 athletes hailing from 22 states who will participate across 18 disciplines viz., Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Badminton, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Rowing, Shooting, Sailing, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling. The delegation consists of 68 male athletes, 52 female athletes, 58 team officials, 43 alternate athletes and other officials of 8 contingent staff, apart from coaches, team officials and others. Indian athletes will compete for 85 medal possibilities at Tokyo Olympics.

The Olympics fervour is going strong across India, fans from all corners of the country cheering India’s athletes and sharing messages in support of them.