Excited for Tokyo Olympics, but little bit Covid concern: Mopkar

Nagpur, July 21

Before departing for Tokyo Olympics the only table tennis referee from India Mangesh Mopkar who will officiate in the global event said he was excited to officiate in Tokyo Oliympcs but at the same time he has little bit concern about Covid-19.

Mopkar is set to depart for Tokyo on Thursday from Mumbai. Talking to Lokmat Times Mopkar who has officiated as many as 30 international tournaments said," This is a lifetime opportunity for me to represent my country in Tokyo Olympics. However, there is little bit concern over Covid-19 pandemic. But I am confident that the orgnaisers will take all precautions for the smooth conduction of global event", he said

Earlier on Wednesday city mayor Dayashaknr Tiwari honoured him at his chamber and wished him bes luck. NMC sports committee chairman Pramod Tabhane, senior corporator Sunil Agrawal, sports officer Piyush Ambulkar and Rajesh Mopkar were also present on the occasion. 60-year-old Mopkar is a resident of Ramdaspeth and has taken voluntary retirement from Bank of India. His father Avinash Mopkar was also the international refreree and brother Rajesh has also officiated various national and international tournaments.

In 1996 Mopkar had cleared the referee exam during the international tournament in England. He also achieved success in blue batch umpire exam held at Indore. Earlier he had officiated the tournaments in various countries including China, Hong Kong, England. Korea, Taiwan, Japan etc.