Allain Ganapin (Photo from PLM)
The Philippine team suffered another blow in its Tokyo Paralympics campaign after para taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin tested positive for COVID-19.
The result ruled out Ganapin from the competition where he is supposed to battle in the men’s -75kg K44 division Friday.
Philippine Paralympic Committee President Mike Barredo disclosed the development in a statement Thursday, saying that the positive result came out prior to his departure for Tokyo a few days ago.
“Allain is upset in missing this opportunity, but prays that this challenge will strengthen his resolve in his later competitions,” Barredo said.
Ganapin became the third athlete in the team to test positive for the virus after para powerlifter Achele Guion and para discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda.
Overall, seven members from the delegation had tested positive for COVID-19. Also yielding positive results last week were Guion’s coach Tony Taguibao, Aceveda’s coach Bernard Buen, PH team’s chief of mission Francis Diaz and para athletics coach Joel Deriada.
Despite the setbacks, Barredo is optimistic that the team can still deliver in the quadrennial event.
Remaining athletes competing in the Paralympics are wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, who will be competing in the men’s 100-meter T52 and para swimmer Gary Bejino in the men’s 100m back S6 on Friday.