Two Afghan athletes who were scheduled to compete at the Paralympics in Tokyo will not attend the Games, organizers said. Hossain Rasouli, 26, was scheduled to run in a men’s 100-meter event, and Zakia Khudadadi, 22, had qualified to compete in taekwondo, a sport that is making its Paralympic debut. They were scheduled to travel with at least one official, according to the International Paralympic Committee. “Due to the serious ongoing situation in the country, all airports are closed and there is no way for them to travel to Tokyo,” the I.P.C. “We hope the team and officials remain safe and well during this difficult time.”

Source: International New York Times August 18, 2021 10:29 UTC