Tajikistan NOC plans for major international Games in 2021

The National Olympic Committee of Tajikistan held a two-day seminar recently to discuss preparations of national teams at a number of major international events in 2021, including the Tokyo Olympics and the Asian Youth Games.

The seminar, which was organised by the NOC with the support of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), was attended by head coaches and representatives of national sports federations.

Director General of Tajikistan NOC Erkin Latipov focused on the participation of athletes in qualifying events for the Tokyo Olympics, the Games itself from July 23 to August 8, the Islamic Solidarity Games in Konya, Turkey from September 10-19, and the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Shantou, China from November 20-28.

It was noted that athletes and officials attending the Olympics will have to undergo a COVID-19 test prior to departure, as well as periodically throughout the Games. Athletes were also told that they would not be able to visit tourist places, restaurants and cafes during the Games.

The seminar also noted that the next three months will be crucial as a number of Tokyo Olympic qualifying events will be held where Tajikistan athletes will be taking part. Among these are qualifiers in athletics, canoeing and kayaking, karate, taekwondo and wrestling.

Coaches and federation officials were reminded of the Asian Youth Games sports programme, with Tajikistan targeting athletics, badminton, football, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo and wushu.

The sports programme for the Islamic Solidarity Games includes 20 sports with Tajikistan looking at participation in athletics, archery, badminton, judo, karate, kickboxing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo and wrestling.

National sports federations were recommended to organise and hold national qualifying competitions until June to select the best athletes to participate at the Asian Youth Games and Islamic Solidarity Games.