Paralympics update: Tek Chand to be India's New Flag Bearer

For the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics, Tek Chand will be the new flag bearer for India. The Indian flag bearer Mariyappan Thangavelu along with five other members of the Indian contingent have came in close contact with a person who tested positive for Covid-19. None of them have tested positive since the past six days. However, as a precautionary measure, they have been put into quarantine. 

India’s deputy Chef de Mission to the Paralympic Games, Arhan Bagati announced this update on his Twitter handle. He shared, "Mariyappan Thangavelu our Flag Bearer, with 5 others, have been quarantined until further notice, as someone near to their seats on their flight to Tokyo tested COVID+! However, none of them have turned +ve since the past 6days! Tek Chand will now be our Flag Bearer." 

Till now, India have won 12 medals, including four gold, and as many silver and bronze medals in the Summer Paralympics since its debut at the 1968 Games.

This year, India has sent its largest ever contingent with 54 Indian athletes participating across nine sports. Indian para-athletes will be competing in archery, para canoeing, athletics, shooting, table tennis, swimming, badminton, powerlifting and taekwondo.

The opening ceremony begins at 4:30 PM IST. It will telecast Live on Eurosport/HD. The Live feed from will also be streamed on the Discovery+ app.