Covid delivery at the Olympics: Expanded for hockey, four other sports
Recognizing the setting for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has relieved some team sports, allowing “reserve” or “replacement” players to be part of some teams.
This flexibility was granted to hockey, football, water polo, handball and rugby, whose squads had fewer players than in other foreign competitions, for example, the hockey groups in the Olympic Games have 16 players, while in the World Cup and other occasions they have done so. 18.
Similarly, football groups have 18 players in the Olympic Games and 23 in other primary events, groups with 23 members have no reserve, so to make up the shortfall the groups were allowed to stay some players waiting in the Olympic host city. still outside the Olympic Village.
The Olympic Games begin on July 23.
“This will not increase the number of athletes on site in Japan, but will give more flexibility to choose from larger teams, recognizing the exclusive setting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and giving the CON [National Olympic Committees] maximum flexibility in selection. of fit teams,” the IOC said Saturday night.
Previously, those “alternative” replacements were only held as permanent replacements for players due to injury or other reasons. Now, both teams will be able to use those athletes in both one and both games, meaning the players the “alternate” replaces can also return to the team once they can’t have it.
However, the team sheet of a game will still involve the same number of players as in previous Olympic Games, for example, hockey and 18 football.
The expanded roster would be a huge relief for hockey groups like India, who have to sacrifice a goalkeeper to meet number restrictions. Hockey India has selected senior pr Sreejesh as the sole goalkeeper, while Krishan Pathak is one of two players hoping to stay in a hotel near the village. From now on, Pathak will also be part of the team, will work out with them and can even be selected from the 16-member roster for the matches.
The expanded rosters would also give coaches more flexibility, as the Olympics have a tight schedule with limited rest time, as well as the heat and humidity expected at the Tokyo Games.
The IOC has made a decision on the regulations following a discussion with foreign federations, which are looking for more reserve players in the face of the pandemic. Football groups have been able to expand the lists of primary European leagues due to COVID-19. pandemic.
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