Mari withdrawn due to virus scare
Mariyappan has been quarantined along with five other Indians. Discus thrower Vinod Kumar is also among those withdrawn from the ceremony because of the same reason.
Tokyo, Aug. 24: Highjumper Mariyappan Thangavelu was on Tuesday replaced by shotputter Tek Chand as India’s flag-bearer for the Paralympics opening ceremony after coming in close contact of a Covid positive person during his flight to Tokyo.
Mariyappan, a goldmedallist from Rio Olympics, has been quarantined along with five other Indians. Discus thrower Vinod Kumar is also among those withdrawn from the ceremony because of the same reason.
“Just now we have received an information from the Tokyo Paralympic Covid control room that 6 of our para athletes have been found to be in close contact while they were travelling to Tokyo,” India’s Chef de Mission Gursharan Singh said.
“Out of the six, Mariyappan and Vinod Kumar have also been found to be in close contact. Regretfully, Mariyappan who was the flag-bearer will not be able to join the march past today in the opening ceremony.
“Instead Mariyappan now Tek Chand would be the new flag-bearer,” he added.
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) had identified Tek Chand as a javelin thrower in its earlier communication. However, it later corrected the information to say that he will compete in shot put.
Singh, however, made it clear that both Mariyappan and Vinod will compete in their events as they have tested negative for the virus so far.
“However, both Mariyappan and Vinod Kumar have been found to be negative since last six days and they will be able to participate in their respective events and be allowed to practice adhering to strict Covid guidelines,” he added.