Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 2)— Filipino taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin will no longer compete in the Tokyo Paralympics after testing positive for COVID-19, the Philippine Paralympic Committee announced on Thursday.
“Allain is upset in missing this opportunity, but prays that this challenge will strengthen [his] resolve in his later competitions,” the committee said in a statement.
“The present pandemic has created so many obstacles for our para athletes,” it added. “However, this will not affect their strong resolve and will continue to push forward in the pursuit of their dreams.”
Ganapin was set to make his Paralympic debut on Friday after securing a slot in the men’s K44 -75kg division.
He is the third Filipino para-athlete who caught the coronavirus after powerlifter Achelle Guion and discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda.
CNN Philippines’ David Tristan Yumol contributed to this report.
JUST IN: Taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin tests positive for COVID-19 and will no longer compete in the Tokyo #Paralympics, the Philippine Paralympic Committee announces. | @dtdyumol pic.twitter.com/SlRIeXyrls
— CNN Philippines Sports Desk (@sportsdeskph) September 2, 2021
