Amidst the ever-increasing sense of panic over the massive surge of Covid-19 cases, there is a very positive news coming out of Maharashtra. In Pune, Indian rowers, attending a training camp at the Army Sports Institute, have all received their vaccines.

All 35 rowers, including Tokyo Olympics hopefuls, got their second dose of Covid-19 vaccine on Saturday. Some coaches and other support staff have also been given their second dose.

Among those vaccinated are the rowers selected to represent India in the World Rowing Asia Oceania Continental Qualification Regatta, to be held from May 5- 7 in Tokyo. This is their last chance of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics.

“Since most of our men rowers are Army personnel, the Army took the initiative to get them vaccinated,” Rowing Federation of India president Rajlaxmi Singh Deo, told The Telegraph.

Rajlaxmi added that all those who were vaccinated are absolutely fine. “When they were told they will be given the vaccine they were all very positive. There was no apprehension at all. I spoke with our national coach Ismail Baig and he has informed the federation that every rower is fine,” she said.

She was hopeful of India qualifying for the Tokyo Games. “We are hoping for two boats to qualify for the Olympics”.

Those who will represent the country at the qualifying event in Tokyo are Jakar Khan, Arjun Lal Jat, Arvind Singh, Sunil Attri (men), Wing Commander Shantanu (para, men), Khuspreet Kaur, Vindhya Sankat, Rukmani Dangi and Sona Keer (women).