Turkey slams Olympic authorities after 3 boxers contract coronavirus

Turkey slams Olympic authorities after 3 boxers contract coronavirus

By Web Desk
March 27, 2020
Photo: AFP

Olympic Games authorities on Thursday received flak by Turkey’s boxing federation after three of their fighters, along with the coach, tested positive for the novel coronavirus, AFP reported.

According to the publication, the London-held event hosted 350 male and female boxers from numerous European countries. It was also the first instance where European boxers could qualify for the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

President of the Turkish Boxing Federation (TBF) Eyup Gozgec took a jab at the committee’s task force for their irresponsible actions amid the coronavirus pandemic and lodged a complaint to the relevant authorities. 

"The International Olympic Committee Boxing Task Force and the local committee in London -- responsible for the organisation -- acted as if nothing happened rather than postpone the tournament over coronavirus while every corner of the world has been on fire since December," Eyup Gozgec said. 

The Boxing Road to Tokyo was scheduled to begin on March 14 and was to run behind closed doors on March 24 however it was called off within three days due to rising fears of the virus.

Gozgec said that the team landed in London on March 11 to have a head start but were given no protective measures in their hotel or anywhere else.

"There were no protective measures in the hotels we were staying, whether it be hygenic disinfectants, gloves or a warning sign," he said.

"All the coaches and athletes ate in self-service style from the same kitchen. There was neither a warning nor any other measure as if the virus had not visited there."

He elaborated that some in the fighters were observing self-isolation while others were in dormitories adding that he himself was observing necessary medical protocol. 

"Some of our fighters are under quarantine in dormitories, and some are in their homes," he said. "I am also on my 9th day of quarantine. I'm in good health."


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