In ‘panic mode’, Bajrang Punia first Tokyo Olympics-bound athlete to receive COVID-19 jab | Other Sports News

India’s star wrestler Bajrang Punia, who lately clinched a gold medal on the Matteo Pellicone occasion in Rome, on Thursday turned the first Tokyo Olympics-bound athlete to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. As per a report in information company PTI, the wrestler obtained the first dose of the vaccine after rejoining the nationwide camp on the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Sonepat.  

“I followed the procedure which has been laid out for common man. I had registered for it. I am feeling ok, there was slight headache and heaviness after I took shot but I am perfectly alright now,” Bajrang advised PTI. 

However, since his affirmation, it has raised a couple of eyebrows as no official announcement in regards to the vaccination drive was made for Olympic-bound athletes. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Secretary General Rajeev Mehta reacting to the event stated the athletes are in panic mode with the Olympics approaching and cites this as the explanation behind Bajrang choosing vaccination on his personal. 

“There has been no response from Sports or Health Ministries on vaccination for Tokyo-bound athletes. Our athletes are in panic mode now and that`s why Bajrang went ahead and got the vaccination on his own,” Rajeev Mehta advised ANI. 

The rerpot in ANI additionally talked about that Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar had no concept about Bajrang recieving a vaccination dose as no such dialogue happened between the 2. “We have no information about it as there was no intimation to us that he (Bajrang ) is going to take the vaccine. So can`t comment on it,” stated Tomar. 

Reacting to the event, Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju stated he felt that Bajrang desires to really feel safer and thus opted for the vaccination himself.

“For vaccination, we are in discussion with the health ministry. He (Bajrang) must have thought that because there is a delay, he wanted to be secure. I cannot make any comment right now but we are worried about the safety of all the players,” Rijiju advised ANI.

Bajrang had earned a quota for the Tokyo Games in September 2019 after successful a bronze medal on the World Championships. The prestigious quadrennial occasion is ready to happen from July 23 to August 8 this 12 months. The Games have been scheduled to happen final 12 months however had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.