India’s flag-bearer Mariyappan replaced after coming in contact with COVID positive person

Mariyappan Thangavelu

High-jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu was on Tuesday replaced by shot-putter Tek Chand as India's flag-bearer for the Paralympics opening ceremony here after coming in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person during his flight to Tokyo.

Mariyappan, a gold medallist from Rio Olympics, has been quarantined along with five other Indians. Discus thrower Vinod Kumar is also among those withdrawn from the ceremony because of the same reason.

India's flag-bearer and shot-putter Tek Chand leads the national contingent during the opening ceremony yesterday. Pic/AP; PTI

"We received an information from the Tokyo Paralympic COVID control room that six of our para athletes have been found to be in close contact with a positive person while they were travelling to Tokyo," India's Chef de Mission Gursharan Singh said. "Out of the six, Mariyappan and Vinod Kumar have also been found to be in close contact. Regretfully, Mariyappan who was the flag-bearer will not be able to join the opening ceremony. Instead Tek Chand would be the new flag-bearer."

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