The IOA, respecting the sentiments of the Indian people, has decided that our athletes would wear unbranded sports apparel in the Olympic Games in Tokyo from July 23 to August 8, 2021, as per TNN.?
IOA President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra and Secretary-General Mr. Rajeev Mehta said, "We are aware of the emotions of our fans and we in IOA have decided that we will withdraw from our existing contract with an apparel sponsor. Our athletes, coaches, and support staff, will wear unbranded apparel.ˇ±
The statement further added, ˇ°We are thankful for guidance by the Ministry of Sports in making this decision and would like our athletes to be able to train and compete without having to answer questions about the apparel brand.ˇ±?
Last year, tensions rose in the Galwan valley with reports of Chinese intrusion leading to violence. Sports Ministry too had advised the IOA to do away with the Chinese sponsor respecting the sentiments of the people of the country and now IOA has implemented the decision with just over a month to go for Tokyo 2020.?