MUMBAI: The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) on Saturday named 24 athletes (20 men and 4 women) for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games after conducting the trials of athletics events at Delhi's Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium on June 29-30.
As per a release by PCI, the trials were conducted under the guidance of PCI president and Rio 2016 silver medallist Deepa Mallik. 72 athletes participated, with the selectors picking the athletes for the 24 slots available.
In an encouraging sign, female participation was double this time in comparison to the trials for Rio 2016. Though the conditions were challenging due to Covid-19 and the scorching Delhi heat, PCI was able to provide world-class amenities and facilities, while strictly following all the required protocols of Covid-19.
14 players recorded their performances which were within the top three of the world rankings, which certainly raises hope for medals in Tokyo 2020. Javelin throwers Devendra Jhajharia and Sandeep Chaudhary set new world records, while many others recorded their personal best performances in various categories.
Mariyappan Thangavelu, the 2016 Rio gold medalist in the men's high jump category, has been named the captain of the Indian contingent at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020.
After announcing the names of the selected players, Deepa said, "It was an acid test for me, as being a former player myself and now the President of PCI, players look up to me and expect a lot. We had to follow strict Covid-19 protocols and also provide world-class facilities, which we successfully did." Deepa was present at the venue on both days of the selection trials.
Deepa said: "It was not necessary for me to be in this heat for two days and my doctors had advised me against it, but I wanted to let the players know that I am very much with them in all the conditions."
PCI was supported by SAI and NADA. DG SAI, Secretary Sports and the ED team of SAI led by Radhika saw the selection process and looked after the arrangements.
The athletes were provided with every possible facility. PCI made sure Covid-19 protocols were strictly followed. The time table was made in such a way that there was no crowding. This is the first time that Olympic trials of the para athletes were done in such a way.
