Lankans upbeat in spite of five COVID cases as Commonwealth Games begins today

Hundred and two athletes and officials arrived in Birmingham gearing up for the 22nd Commonwealth Games which is scheduled to begin on 28 July.

However, the package came on board with the customary hic-ups when four athletes and one coach were side-lined by the Game’s health authorities due to COVID-19 affliction. Among them are two gymnasts and their coach. The other two players on the down list are a basketball player and a women’s rugby player.

The Lankan contingent authorities are concerned about the pending situation and are keeping a very close tab on the situation, states a media release from the National Olympic Committee in Sri Lanka (NOCSL).

A Lankan Games spokesman explained the situation in this manner. He said: “102 athletes and officials arrived in Birmingham by yesterday, and out of them, five were tested COVID-19 positive by the games’ health authorities. They have been given recuperation facilities in an isolation hotel organised by Commonwealth Games Organisers. They are in good hands and well taken care of.” “On the other hand, we are looking for the rest of the contingent to arrive and we are excited about the opening ceremony on 28 July. The rest of the athletes are gradually easing into the day-to-day affairs and training.”

The five athletes who were side-lined due to failing the COVID-19 Test in Sri Lanka are in quarantine seeking improvement is their status. Among them are two rugby players, a badminton player, a squash player and a gymnast.