India is taking part in the Tokyo Paralympics with 54 para-athletes. Meanwhile, the contingent took part in the opening ceremony on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi cheered for them.
The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics is underway, as India is taking part in it with 54 para-athletes, its largest to date. On Tuesday, the opening ceremony of the same was held at the National Stadium in Tokyo.
As the Indian para-athletes made their way out, led by flag-bearer Tek Chand, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not miss out on his chance to cheer for them. Modi's video on Twitter shows he is seen clapping for the Indian para-athletes during the opening ceremony.
He captioned the video, "Best of luck, India! I am sure our #Paralympics contingent will give their best and inspire others."
Best of luck India!
I am sure our contingent will give their best and inspire others. pic.twitter.com/XEXXp4EzFc
ALSO READ: Tokyo Paralympics: Mariyappan Thangavelu withdrawn as flag-bearer, Tek Chand replaces him
Earlier, high jumper Mariyappan Thangaveluwas scheduled initially to be India's flag-bearer. However, after coming in contact with a COVID positive person, he was isolated, while subsequently, he was withdrawn from the opening ceremony as the flag-bearer.
India’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony Tek Chand cheering for pic.twitter.com/uXY2l27P49
— DD News (@DDNewslive)Nevertheless, Gursharan Singh (India's Chef de Mission) has confirmed that Thangavelu and discus thrower Vinod Kumar are set to compete in the individual events, having tested negative so far. At the same time, they would continue to train as well, keeping in mind the COVID guidelines. The same was also confirmed by India's athletics coach Satyanarayana.
In the opening ceremony, India had five para-athletes, along with six officials. Alongside Thangavelu, Vinod, Tek Chand, Jaideep, and Sakina Khatun are the other five to have entered isolation.
The Indian contingent is here, led by Javelin maestro Tek Chand 🙌 pic.twitter.com/hurSAzBnOA
— #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi)NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona