Hockey India kicked off preparations for Olympic 2021

New Delhi: Hockey India said on Monday they are are already reviewing the opportunities to prepare for the upcoming muti-sporting event with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially announcing July 23 to August 8 2021 as new dates for the Tokyo Olympic Games. 

The governing body said along with both Indian men and women's team coaches and support staff are already reviewing the opportunities to prepare for the Games. 

The IOC and Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee had jointly announced the postponement of the Olympic Games last week owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

"Since we have already qualified, the planning becomes easier. We will be working closely with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Ministry, Youth Affairs & Sports and Sports Authority of India in this next 15 months to ensure both our teams have the best resources to achieve success at the Olympic Games. 

At this moment it is not clear which competitions will be available for us to play given the various national government advisories on the Covid-19 situation, however, both our teams are in a secured environment in Bengaluru and our since the Coaches and Support Staff are also there, our athletes can get back to high-intensity training as soon as we have a go ahead," stated Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, President Hockey India. 

Both men's and women's chief coach Graham Reid and Sjoerd Marijne said, "It's great to get some clarity about the new starting date for the Tokyo Olympic Games. This allows us to begin the planning process to be ready for July next year. We are living by the day, staying strong mentally and physically and wait eagerly to get back to our normal routine. We are prepared to hit the reset button." (UNI)