The Sports Ministry of India has announced the launch date of the theme of this year’s Olympic Games, Cheer for India. On the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Sports Ministry will launch the theme for the event on June 23.

It also has to be noted that the launch will be done without any spectators whatsoever, keeping in mind the Covid-19 situation in the country.

The Indian contingent has only been getting stronger over the past few years. Since the last three Olympic Games, the number of athletes participating in the Olympic Games has only increased. India is likely to send a 190-member Olympic contingent to the Tokyo Games this time around.

It has also been learned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will support the Olympic athletes. Cricketers will use their extensive social media reach to push and promote the athletes. Financial support by the sports ministry is currently being worked out.

The Indian Olympic Association president, Narinder Batra, had confirmed that over 100 athletes have already qualified for the quadrennial event while 25 to 35 more could make the cut before the Games begin on July 23.

“…we are estimating to touch 125 to 135 (qualified athletes) by the next two to three weeks when the qualification process is over,” Batra had said during an online ceremony 50 days ahead of the start of the event. “This means the Indian contingent, including officials and support staff, is likely to be around 190,” he had added.

Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of State of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, has also confirmed that the Sports Ministry is planning a tribute to legendary sprinter Milkha Singh who passed away on Friday night due to Covid-19 complications.