Manager of Indias Winter Olympics contingent tests positive for COVID-19

Mohammad Abbas Wani, the manager of the Indian
contingent for the Winter Olympics, has tested positive for COVID-19 upon
arrival at the Beijing Airport. The Winter Olympics will be held from February
4 to 20.

Also Read: Athletes urged to speak out by activists at the Beijing Olympics

Abbas Wani is a part of the six-member Indian
delegation at the Winter Olympics for which Kashmir skier Arif Khan is the only
athlete from the country to have qualified this time.

The contingent also includes Harjinder Singh as its
chef de mission, Ludar Chand Thakur as an alpine coach, Puran Chand as a
technician and Rop Chand Negi as a team official.

Also Read: How COVID tests, isolation will work at Beijing Winter Olympics

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Narinder
Batra informed about Abbas Wani’s positive COVID result and said chef de
mission Harjinder is coordinating with the Winter Olympics organisers for a
re-test.

“The manager of the Indian contingent Mr Abbas Wani
tested COVID positive at Beijing Airport. The chef de mission Mr Harjinder
Singh is coordinating for a re-test.

Also Read: In Pics: Increased COVID restrictions ahead of Beijing Winter Olympics infuriate residents

“The athlete and his coach have been shifted to
another flat to avoid any interaction,” Batra said.

The alpine Skier Arif Khan from Kashmir secured his
berth in the Winter Olympics in a qualifying event in Dubai last year. On 1 Feb
2022, Arif left for the Chinese capital along with Chef De Mission Harjinder
Singh and the support staff. Arif will take part in the Slalom and Giant Slalom
events which are scheduled to take place on Feb 13 and 16. Hailing from
J&K’s Tangmarg, Arif was introduced to the sport at a very young age by his
father. Watch the full video for more.

Also Read: 2008 Beijing Olympics vs 2022: No lofty promises this time

Making his international debut for India at the age of
16 in the junior international ski federation (FIS) event in Yomase, Japan, he
had finished 23rd in the giant slalom. It was in 2011 that he won two gold
medals – in the slalom and giant slalom – at the South Asian Winter Games, the
only edition held thus far.