Tokyo Games: Olympic-bound Indian archers to receive first complete vaccination

Indian archers at the Olympic Games on Wednesday took their second shots of the COVID-19 vaccine, becoming the country’s first fully vaccinated athlete ahead of the Tokyo Games. In an initiative by the Army Sports Institute, where a national camp for recurve archers is being held, all eight senior archers, coaches and paramedics were given a second shot at the military hospital. Among the eight archers are Atanu Das, Tarundeep Rai, Praveen Jadhav and B. Dheeraj (reserve) in the men and Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, Komalika Bari and Madhu Vedwan (reserve) in the women’s category.

“The second and final dose of vaccine is done. Thanks to the Army Sports Institute for making everything smooth and convenient.” Atanu Das captioned the vaccination picture on her Instagram handle.

Former world number Deepika Kumari and India’s most senior archer Tarundeep Rai also shared their vaccination photos. Archers are being prepared for World Cup Phase I to be held from April 19, which will be the first tournament for seniors in the COVID era.

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The archers will compete in three World Cups with Olympic qualification ahead of the Tokyo Games in July-August. So far, India has achieved a team quota in the men’s category and an individual quota in the women’s category.

The women’s team will have one last chance to qualify for the third leg of the World Cup to be held in Paris from 21-27 June. The Army had earlier placed COVID-19 vaccines in India’s 35 front row, including gearing up for Olympic qualification.