With just two days left for the start of the Olympic Games in Rio De Janerio, the Olympic village, where all the athletes will be residing over the course of the next fortnight, has already been in the news for all the wrong reasons.
The latest bit of news coming out of the city is that Indian contingent have had to purchase TV sets and furniture out of their own pockets since the organisers of the Games have provided TV facilities to only the Chef De Missions of the various countries.
“Unfortunately, Rio 2016 is only providing TVs for the Chef de Mission’s office and the TV lounge on the common spaces. The furniture is provided according to the guidelines confirmed and agreed with the IOC. You are welcome to come to the Rate Card Desk and check if there are items available for purchase”: This was the response given to them when asked.
In fact, India’s Chef de Mission Mr. Rakesh Gupta gave the TV and furniture in his office to the Indian hockey team, who had demanded a set.
He later said in a statement that each of the floors where Indian athletes are residing has a TV, and extra equipment has also been given to them.
“Now we have decided to put one TV set on each of the floors and also put additional chairs. The equipment is expected to be placed in the apartments in the next few days,” Mr. Gupta said.
The hockey events are from the 6th of August to the 19th of August and along with that there will certainly be many other events which would keep them interested.
Also read: Rio Olympics 2016: Transportation, lack of volunteers an issue for Indian athletes
This isn’t the only instance of Indian athletes facing issues in Rio. Last Sunday, there were reports of athletes facing transportation problems. Hopefully, during the course of the event, there will more positive reviews about the facilities being made available for the athletes.
