Among the athletes aiming for the Tokyo Paralympics this summer, there are a number of athletes who cannot be classified as obstacles, which is a condition for participation due to the influence of the new coronavirus, so international competition groups will be able to play goalball next month. According to interviews with related parties, it was found that a joint classification will be conducted for seven visually impaired sports such as marathons.
In the Paralympic Games, classes are divided according to the type and degree of disability so that athletes can compete fairly, and it is stipulated that the participation of the Tokyo Paralympics should be judged by an expert at an international competition in advance. Has been done.
However, due to the influence of the new coronavirus, all international competitions have been canceled, and even now, six months before the actual performance, there are a number of athletes who cannot be classified, and as the global infection epidemic continues, they are forced to travel abroad. There is also a case.
In response to this, international sports organizations will conduct joint classification by experts for seven visually impaired sports such as goalball, marathon, and judo at hospitals in Tochigi prefecture from the 20th of next month for two days. I found out by interviewing the people concerned.
There are at least 21 athletes who have not been classified in the seven competitions in Japan, so if they are judged this time, they will be eligible to participate in the Tokyo competition even if they do not participate in the international competition. The unusual response that can be obtained will be taken.
The visually impaired sports organizations have requested the International Sports Federations and the JPC = Japan Paralympic Committee to secure opportunities for safe classification.