Indian Oly contingent taking measures for Zika virus risk

“We are concerned about Zika virus but we are taking every possible precaution for the Indian contingent that will travel to Rio. Whatever advisory we have received from the international body we have forwarded that to the players and federations,” Gupta said on the sidelines of an event where Amul became the official sponsor of the Indian contingent.

“We will also provide repellents to the athletes so that they can use them in Brazil. Also we are providing full sleeves T-shirts to the players. None of the athletes have raised any concern so far and I am also hopeful by the time the Olympics gets underway, things will be better.” 

World number one golfer Jason Day has become the latest to join the growing number of international athletes who have withdrawn from the Games in August because of Zika virus concerns.

Top golfers Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Graeme McDowell, Vijay Singh and Rory McIlroy -- all have declared their absence from the Games. 

Among others, American cyclist Tejay van Garderen, Basketball star Stephen Curry also have withdrawn from the Games but there are many others who have raised concerns over Zika virus. Talking about India’s preparation for the Games, Gupta said he was hopeful that the country will win more than 10 medals at the Rio Olympics.

“We are hopeful of doubling our medal tally this year. We have lots of hopes from Saina Nehwal in badminton, Jitu Rai in shooting, Vikash Krishan in boxing. Also we hope to get medals in tennis doubles, archery, wrestling and Indian hockey men’s team. 

I am confident we will reach our target,” Gupta said. “Also till now more than 100 Indian athletes have qualified and I am hopeful it will cross 115 to 120 in the run up to the Games. We are hopeful of more qualification in golf, aquatics and athletics.”

Ahead of the Olympics, Indian Boxing Federation is still struggling to put an association in place, while the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) also fould itself in a sticky ground while trying to decide between Narsingh Yadav and Sushil Kumar in the 74kg category.

Asked if it will affect the Rio-bound boxers and wrestlers, IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta said: “Indian boxing federation might not be there but the boxers will fight under the Indian flag.  They might have got less exposure before the Games but they won’t suffer in this event.”