Afghanistan's Tokyo Paralympians are evacuated & safe: International Paralympic Committee

Afghanistan’s para-athletes Zakia Khudi and Hossain Rasouli, who were set to compete at Tokyo Paralympics 2020 were forced out of paralympic games after Taliban’s takeover of ir country. Afghanistan Paralympic Committee h previously anunced that both taekwondo athletes will t be travelling to Tokyo. However, Afghanistan national flag was unfurled during opening ceremony of Tokyo Olympics by International Paralympic Committee as a sign of peace and solidarity. 

IPC included Afghanistan flag in Paralympics opening ceremony as sign of solidarity

As reported by PTI, IPC spokesman Craig Spence, during daily press briefing talked about Afghan athletes, however t revealing ir whereabouts. Speaking on situation in Afghanistan, Spence said, “ situation hasn’t changed. We displayed flag in Opening Ceremony as a sign of solidarity. two athletes are outside of Afghanistan w, y’ve been evacuated. We kw where y are.”

Zakia Khudi and Hossain Rasouli’s participation was canceled after all flights out of capital Kabul were canceled owing to Taliban’s takeover. Expressing concern about athletes, Spence ded, “Our priority at moment is t to focus on sport, it’s ir health and wellbeing, and we’re working with relevant people to ensure that. What’s important is y’re safe, and y are”. Chief of IPC, Andrew Parsons h anunced on Monday that Paralympic Games 2020 would feature Afghanistan flag as a “sign of solidarity”.

Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020 started with a fascinating opening ceremony on Tuesday. events started a day later on Wednesday. Meanwhile, India has sent its largest-ever contingent to Paralympic Games 2020 with as many as 54 athletes set to participate across nine events. Indian shot-putter Tej Chand was flag-bearer for India at Tokyo. He will play in finals of Men’s shot put F55 event, eyeing a Paralympic medal on Friday.

Meanwhile, current table for medal winners is led by China with a total of 23 medals which include eight gold medals, five silver medals, and 10 bronze medals. China is followed by Great Britain at second place with six gold, eight silver, and three bronze medals. Although Indian contingent is yet to open ir accounts on tally of medals, y are highly expected to return home by making a mark for country.

(Im Source: AP/ Craig Spence- Twitter)