We've good chance to reach the double-digit figure in Tokyo: Birendra Prashad Baishya

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Veteran sports organizer from Assam Birendra Prashad Baishya would be the Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent that would take part in the forthcoming Olympic Games scheduled to begin in Tokyo from July 23. In an interaction with The Sentinel on Saturday, Baishya admitted that the Indian team is capable to collect double-digit medals in Tokyo. Here is the excerpt.

The Sentinel (TS): You are the first person from Assam to be the chef de mission of an Olympic-bound Indian team. Your reaction?

Baishya: I am very happy. It is a big recognition not only for me but also for the entire sports fraternity of Assam.

TS: Earlier you have attended the Chef de Mission meeting in Tokyo. Tell us about the preparations for the Games.

Baishya: Surely, this time there would be several restrictions, particularly on the early part of our stay in Tokyo. I have earlier attended the Chef de Mission meeting in Tokyo. At that time I got the opportunity to witness the infrastructures that would be used for the Games. All infrastructures, including Games Villages and the main stadium, are superb and perhaps it would be the best Olympics in the history of Games unless there is no Corona pandemic.

TS: What will be the size of the Indian contingent?

Baishya: I think it would be around 200 and among them, 125-130 would-be athletes. The exact number of athletes would be available shortly.

TS: When will the team depart?

Baishya: Several of our athletes are now undergoing training abroad and they will travel straight to Tokyo. The rest of the team along with coaches and officials would go to Tokyo on the second week of July.

TS: What can Indian fans expect from the squad?

Baishya: We are going to Tokyo with a team that can create history this time. To date, our best performance in Olympics was six medals. I am optimistic that this time we will touch the double-digit figure in the medal tally.

TS: Do you identify the events where we have good chances?

Baishya: There are several events from where you can expect medals, including gold from our athletes. The list of medal prospect events included wrestling, boxing, badminton, weight lifting, shooting, hockey etc.

TS: Assam boxer Lovlina Borgohain will be part of the Indian team. How do you see her chances in Tokyo?

Baishya: I am really happy to see that Lovlina Borgohain will be in Tokyo. She is a good boxer and is capable of winning a medal in the forthcoming Olympics. I pray to God to fulfill her dream. Being a sports organizer would be one of the best moments for me if she is successful to win a medal.

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