As the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics draws near, it’s unfortunate to see players withdraw from the prized event. Fortunately the aggressive vaccination drive across the globe gives hope that the Olympics will take off on schedule, after its cancellation last year due to COVID-19 (“Serena pulls out of Olympics, eyes Court’s record,” June 27, Gulf Today).

The Olympics medal stands above all others yet many star players have decided to give it a slip this year. While most tennis superstars who have opted out citing busy schedules, the COVID-19 situation in Japan is also not very healthy. More than 1,000 cases are recorded daily, something that athletes would take into account before confirming their participation. Further, news reports state that only about two-third of Japan’s population has been fully vaccinated.

Add quarantine and other curbs put in place to stem the spread of virus, and athletes would be justified in staying away from the Olympics.

In Serena’s case it is assumed that the ban on the families of the participants due to coronavirus protocols might have prompted the decision to quit the showpiece event. Playing at Olympic means Serena will have to stay away from her daughter for a considerable period of time.

One must not forget that Serena is one of the most decorated woman tennis players in the history of the Olympics. She has won one gold in singles and three in doubles.

Just a few days prior to Serena’s announcement star player Rafael Nadal said that he would be opting out. Stan Wawrinka and Domnic Theim are among the other top tennis players deciding to skip the Olympics this year.

The organizers too have a tough task at hand. Setting up the bio-bubble, which is now common at most sporting events, will be a humongous task, considering that more than 10,000 athletes from over 200 countries are likely to descend on the Olympic village.

It is a matter of pride for Japan to host a successful Olympics. Hope COVID-19 doesn’t play spoilsport again.

Byron M
By email