Abhijit Sen Gupta The modern Olympic Games began in 1896 and have been held every four years since then. Only on two occasions were they
The modern Olympic Games began in 1896 and have been held every four years since then. Only on two occasions were they interrupted. The first interruption happened during the First World War and the second time it was during the Second World War. Now the question on everyone’s lips is: Will it be cancelled again due to the COVID pandemic? The Games were to be held in Tokyo in 2020 and have been postponed to 2021 due to the last year’s pandemic. But the threat of the virus is as strong as ever and it is hovering menacingly over the mega event. Despite the confidence being shown by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and repeated assertions that the Games will be conducted, there are major doubts whether the show will finally be held or not. As per the official schedule, the Games will be inaugurated on July 23. Thomas Bach, President of the IOC, has flatly stated that the Games will be held. There is no other option. Japan has invested millions of dollars into the hosting of the Games and the Government has said that this will be the best ever Games where preparations are concerned. All athletes and support staff will be required to follow strict guidelines. They will be barred from using public transport or visiting tourist sites and bars. All participants will be vaccinated. Thereafter if they are found to be positive, they will be barred from competing. Those who have come into contact with them will also be barred. This looks very much like the bio bubble that was created for the IPL cricket tournament in India. But we all know what happened to that idea. Health experts all over the world are extremely worried.
