New Delhi: With the Tokyo Olympics round the corner, every sports fanatic is waiting with bated breath for India to announce the name of the flagbearer for the opening ceremony of the showpiece event. While Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra has said the announcement will be made at the end of the month, he has confirmed there will be two flag bearers.

Speaking to ANI, the IOA chief said that an official announcement of the names will be made by the end of the month after all the teams have been announced for the showpiece event.

"You will have to wait till the last week of this month for all the teams to be finally announced. Let the teams be announced and then we can name the flagbearers. Some teams have been announced, but some are still left as in archery we still have qualifications going on among others. When we get the final list, it will be announced.

"What I understand, with an eye on gender equality there will be one male and one female flagbearer. From now there will be two flagbearers. A little bit of clarity is awaited on the exact manner of the opening ceremony as this is a special situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are prepared for everything, the ceremony dresses, and all are provided to the athletes. There will be an opening ceremony, but if it is closed or open that decision will be made," he explained.

Asked if a date has been decided on when the contingent will leave from India, apart from those who are training or competing outside the country, Batra said: "It will be scattered because you can only be there five plus one days (six days) before your event. The athletes and officials will come in as per their events. So those who have their events at the beginning will be the opening contingent. You have to also leave two days after your event is over, so during closing also the same rules will have to be followed." Sports Authority of India (SAI) and IOA on Tuesday jointly decided to organize a nationwide campaign to create awareness about the Olympics with a focus on the participation of Indian athletes.