Tokyo (AFP)
World champion Ryo Kiyuna, one of the favorites to win gold in the men's kata at the Tokyo Games, where karate will make its Olympic debut, is Covid-19 positive, the Japan Karate Federation said.
Kiyuna won his ninth consecutive Japanese national championship last Sunday in Tokyo, a record breaking, before returning to his hometown of Okinawa the next day and contracting the virus on Tuesday or later, according to the federation and local reports.
“As of Saturday, there are no reports of fever and other symptoms reported by the 30 competitors - with the exception of Kiyuna - who competed in the Japan Championship on Sunday December 13th,” said the federation on its website, adding that the health of other members and coaches was being monitored.
The 12 people who have been in close contact with Ryo Kiyuna will be tested for the coronavirus on Monday, she said.
The three-time world champion, 30, had a mild fever on Friday morning, Kyodo News news agency reported, citing his trainer Tsuguo Sakumoto, adding that Kiyuna was recovering at his home, without severe symptoms and that 'he had retained his appetite.
Athletes in the discipline of kata are assessed on their ability to perform choreographed karate technique strokes.
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