Indian boxers including Mary Kom to go into quarantine
What's the story
India's Mary Kom, who competed in the Asia-Oceania Olympic qualifiers in Jordan, will be sent into self-isolation for at least 10 days, alongside thirteen other boxers. The boxing contingent will also undergo a formal screening process at the Delhi airport. This will be the first contingent of Indian athletes to go through the process amid the coronavirus scare. Here is more.
Decision
The decision was taken as a preventive measure by BFI
Sports Authority of India (SAI) advised the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) to take the preventive measure. The Indian team travelled to Italy and Jordan, two countries with significant number of coronavirus cases. Earlier, a travel advisory issued by the government stated that incoming travellers could be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days upon their arrival in India.
Quote
The athletes shouldn't be exposed to any risk: Source
"We are following the government's advisory. It is a precautionary measure. The boxers are told to stay at their homes. There are other trainees and Olympic prospects at SAI centres. The intention is to not expose any of them to any risk," a source said.
SAI
Foreign coaches to get exemption from Indian government
The coaches including Sweden's Santiago Nieva and Raffaele Bergamasco of Italy will be allowed to stay inside the SAI campus with that being their official residence in India. There were concerns over the status of foreign coaches, owing to VISA suspension by the Indian government till April 15. However, a BFI source asserted that they will get an exemption from the government.
Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh Phogat likely to return next week
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat is likely to curtail her training in Norway and return home due to coronavirus crisis in Europe. Phogat, who was training in the country for the Tokyo Olympics, is likely to return next week. She could also be asked to go into self-quarantine for 10 days. The Wrestling Federation of India had earlier cancelled training camps in Russia and Ukraine.