The Team Fiji contingent are leaving the country on Thursday.

This was confirmed last Friday by Team Fiji chef de mission Patrick Bower.

He indicated that for the exception of the Fijian men’s and women’s sevens teams, the rest of the contingent will fly across to Narita.

“The Fiji sevens teams will travel from Australia to Singapore before flying down to Narita,” he said.

“We’ll all meet at Narita and check out together.”

Bower said the organisers in Japan are very strict.

“We’ve informed them of our arrival time and they are going to wait for us at that time.”

The Team Fiji contingent are going to camp at Oita before they move over to the Games Village.

Flag bearer

Meanwhile, Fijian men’s rugby sevens halfback Jerry Tuwai is still tipped to be Fiji’s flag bearer at the opening of the Olympics on July 23.

Tuwai is the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Decade and 2019 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year.

He was a member of the winning Fijian 7s team that took out the gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Tuwai turned down numerous overseas offers as he aim to win his second Olympic Games gold medal for Fiji.

He and Kitione Taliga are the surviving members of the Rio squad.

Bower said a flag barrier’s selection is based on merits and achievements.

“This weighs toward those athletes that have performed over a period of time from the last games to now and currently has a good record,” Bower said.

“Someone who is always had a good record and who will be available for the opening ceremony.

“If they are not available for the opening ceremony we will take them up to the Games Village and prepare them even before their game schedule.”

Bower did not wish to comment on Tuwai’s chances but indicated that they have made their selection.

“The flag barrier has been selected but I’m not aware because it’s under the radar so they will be making the announcement prior to the opening of the Games.

“Someone that is a national icon and people look up to,” he added.

The 2016 Olympic Games flag bearer was Osea Kolinisau.

Feedback:  leonec@fijisun.com.fj