It is better if Olympics postponed: Gopichand

Delhi, March 19

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India’s chief badminton coach Pullela Gopichand believes the Tokyo Olympics should be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The call to defer the Olympics, scheduled to be held in Tokyo from July 24 to August 9, is growing. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), however, said on Wednesday it expects the Games to begin on time. “I have my doubts about the Olympics. It is not like it is far away. The preparation has to start now. So, the IOC has to take a call now for everyone to relax,” Gopichand told PTI. “I think, in the present scenario, with the health scares and all the travel restrictions and all, it is a tough time and at the moment the whole world is thinking about health and safety for its citizens, so I think given the situation it is better if the Olympics are postponed,” he added. The Badminton World Federation was severely criticised for conducting the All England Championship earlier this month, despite the rapid spread of the deadly disease. “Definitely, I think it was a wrong decision on BWF’s part to put the players at risk by hosting the All England,” said Gopichand, who is currently in self-isolation after returning from Birmingham.