Tokyo Paralympics: Mariyappan Thangavelu withdrawn as flag-bearer, Tek Chand replaces him

The Tokyo Paralympics gets underway from Tuesday. Meanwhile, Mariyappan Thangavelu has been withdrawn as the flag bearer for the opening ceremony, being replaced by Tek Chand.

The Indian para-athletes get set to take part in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, starting Tuesday. The opening ceremony of the same takes place on the very day.

Mariyappan Thangavelu, a high jumper, was supposed to be the flag-bearer during the opening ceremony. However, he has been withdrawn from the same after coming close to a COVID positive person.

Consequently, Thangavelu, along with five more Indians, have been placed under quarantine. Meanwhile, he has been replaced by javelin thrower Tek Chand as the new flag bearer for the opening ceremony, confirmed Gursharan Singh (India's Chef de Mission), reports PTI.

Nevertheless, Gursharan 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 was expected to have five para-athletes, along with six officials. Alongside Thangavelu, Vinod, Tek Chand, Jaideep, and Sakina Khatun are the other five to enter isolation. A total of 54 para-athletes would be representing the nation this term, which is its most extensive ever.

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