Tokyo Olympics: Losing semi-finalist wrestler to fight for gold if finalist contracts COVID-19
The Tokyo Olympics is just around the corner, with the tournament all set to get started on July 23. Meanwhile, the IOC has declared that if a finalist wrestler attracts COVID-19 ahead of his/her gold medal clash, the losing semi-finalist will replace him.
FollowIn what comes as interesting news, the International Olympic Committee has stated that if a finalist wrestler attracts COVID-19 ahead of his gold medal match, they would be replaced by the losing semi-finalist during the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The new rule contradicts the current rule of the runner-up being assured of a silver medal.
The wrestling competitions would get underway from August 1 across 18 weight categories. Meanwhile, seven wrestlers would be taking part from India, while four of them happen to be women.
"In Wrestling, if an athlete is not able to compete due to COVID-19, the athlete will not be disqualified and will be marked as 'DNS' (Did Not Start). The opponent receives a bye into the next round. In case the athlete has reached the final and is no longer able to compete due to COVID-19, the athlete eliminated in the respective semi-final will fill the vacant place and compete in the final," said IOC in its Sports Specific Regulations.
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Meanwhile, in tennis, too, the IOC came up with a slight modification regarding a walkover for COVID-19. "Athletes unable to start the competition due to COVID-19 will not be disqualified and will be marked as DNS. In case the athlete has started the competition and can no longer compete due to COVID-19 will be marked as W/O (walkover). The opponent will receive a bye and the minimum result of the athlete is protected," it added.
As for India, tennis would see a women's doubles team of Sania Mirza and Ankita Raina. In men's doubles, Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan would be trying their luck after failing to qualify initially but entered following the withdrawal of a team. However, it has no singles competitor.
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