As the primary Indian fencer to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, I used to be extremely excited. Nonetheless, our preparations had been removed from very best because of the impression of COVID-19 on our coaching.
Though I used to be blissful to be with my household in Chennai, I used to be not happy with the standard and depth of my observe periods. The 12 months main as much as the Tokyo Olympics was difficult, and I used to be nervous about making the reduce. However after I certified, every part modified, and I used to be full of power.
I travelled to the Tokyo Olympics from Italy with my coach. Upon reaching the airport, there was an extended queue of athletes ready, filling out varieties, and following COVID-19 protocols. It felt like I used to be already within the Olympic Village! Lastly, after many COVID-19 exams, I arrived there. I stayed in the identical block because the Indian girls’s hockey group, and it was an incredible expertise to see Novak Djokovic on the Village. It’s uncommon to see prime tennis gamers within the Village. Daily on the eating corridor, there was a crowd of individuals ready to get the autograph of the previous World No. 1 from Serbia. The eating corridor was mentioned to be the very best place to see prime gamers from completely different nations come collectively.
There was lots of discuss fencing, which made me blissful. Nonetheless, I didn’t meet any prime fencers as they had been all busy getting ready for his or her occasions.
I’ve at all times admired Indian athletes from different sports activities. I used to be fortunate to fulfill one among my idols, Sania Mirza, and I advised her, “You’re one among my greatest inspirations.” Attributable to COVID-19 protocols, we had been requested to depart instantly after our occasion. It was nice to see Indian athletes from completely different disciplines. Since I had arrived early to organize, I attended the opening ceremony. Sadly, I couldn’t watch the closing ceremony as we needed to depart the venue resulting from COVID-19 protocols.
There was an absence of enthusiasm from the residents of Tokyo for the Olympics, doubtless because of the impression of COVID-19. The streets had been empty, and there have been few spectators on the venues. The Village had a big restoration corridor for athletes, with help workers accessible for these in want. I used to be grateful to have my mom go to me, because of the help of the Sports activities Ministry.
Profitable my first match in opposition to Tunisia’s Nadia Ben Azizi and changing into the primary Indian fencer to attain this on the Olympics was an incredible feeling. Total, it was a enjoyable and priceless studying expertise. I’m now coaching in Orléans, close to Paris, and though I didn’t qualify for the Paris Olympics, I’m decided to maneuver ahead.
As advised to Ok. Keerthivasan
