Tek Chand was named as India’s new flagbearer for the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 opening ceremony after Mariyappan Thangavelu was quarantined
Sending their biggest ever contingent at the Paralympics with 54 Paralympians marking their presence for India at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020, the country strived to emulate its consummate success from the Tokyo Olympics as well.
Mariyappan Thangavelu Misses Out On Tokyo Paralympics 2020 Opening Ceremony Owing To COVID Scare
However, just prior to the opening ceremony getting underway, flagbearer Mariyappan Thangavelu was ruled out owing to him coming in contact with a person who had tested positive for COVID-19. While Mariyappan’s own report came out negative, he was asked to self isolate in accordance with the norms in Japan to see India name Tek Chand as his replacement.
Along with Mariyappan, five other Indian Paralympians have been asked to isolate as well as disclosed by India’s Chef de Mission, Arhan Bagati. However, things are all hunky dory within the Indian camp with all the Paralympians have returned Coronavirus negative reports.
Tek Chand Leads Out Indian Contingent As Flag Bearer
In the wake of the massive setback, the Indian contingent walked out for the opening ceremony spearheaded by Tek Chand. The Indian para-athletes will participate in archery, para canoeing, athletics, shooting, table tennis, swimming, badminton, powerlifting and taekwondo at the games this year.
Here they are 💪#TeamIndia 🇮🇳at the #OpeningCeremony of #Tokyo2020 #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/B5XdpfZkRw
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) August 24, 2021
PM Narendra Modi meanwhile shared a video of him boisterously cheering the Indian side on as it walked out in Tokyo. The PM has been a vocal advocate of promoting the sporting culture in the country as has been evident in the resources he’s thrust into both the Olympics and Paralympics.
https://twitter.com/search?q=modi&src=typed_query
The country has till date won 12 medals at the Summer games which include four gold and as many silver and bronze medals since the1968 Games.