Indian Olympics Association to Provide Battery-Powered Masks to Athletes

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is set to provide battery-operated masks to athletes on a trial basis. The masks will be powered by a battery and will have multiple fans and an N95 filter. The masks at first will be given to athletes on a trial basis and if it works properly and smoothly then it will be distributed to all Olympic-bound athletes for their training. Initially, a total of 20 masks will be made available for trial purposes and the aim is to provide them to athletes by 2nd October.

The mask has been designed by Piyush Agarwal, who is an ex-IIT product, and his team. The concept of the mask has been based on similar lines as used in the army and airforce, which use NBC (Nuclear biological chemical) mask. The particular mask was miniatured so that it’s comfortable for players’ requirements. The salient features of this mask are:

1. It will have an intake of 8 litres of oxygen in normal conditions
2. It will have silent fans with a speed of 8500 rpm, intake as well as exhaust.

The mask was miniatured for various reasons:

1. To keep away from daily use of non-athletic people
2. To ensure the mask is reusable
3. To ensure it’s rechargeable as it’s battery-powered
4. Players will get a continuous supply of air
5. They will be protected from the Covid-19 infection.

Many athletes in India have tested positive for Covid-19 after joining national camps and resuming training but the IOA, with this mask, believes it will lower the risk of infection and ensure a smooth training experience as India prepares for the Tokyo Olympics next year.

Source: TNN