Losing semifinalist to get shot at gold medal if finalist contracts COVID-19: IOC
If a wrestler contracts COVID-19 infection ahead of his title clash during the Tokyo Olympics, the losing semi-finalist will get a shot at gold medal, according to the regulations published for the Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
However, there was no clarity as to what will happen to the finalist, who was at least assured of a silver medal.
The wrestling competition in 18 weight categories — six each in freestyle, women and greco-roman — will begin from August 1.
India will field seven wrestlers, including four women.
The IOC published the Sports Specific Regulations (SSR) for all the sporting disciplines on Saturday to make it clear what happens of the athletes get infection during the competition.
“In Wrestling, if an athlete is not able to compete due to COVID-19, the athlete will not be disqualified and will be marked as ‘DNS’ (Did Not Start). The opponent receives a bye into the next round,” the regulations stated.
