PM Narendra Modi cheers Indian contingent during Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony (Watch video)

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."

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 However, after coming in contact with a COVID positive person, he was isolated, while subsequently, he was withdrawn from the opening ceremony as the flag-bearer.

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.

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