Jul 18, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Olympic refugee team cleared for travel following positive COVID test

Yacob Reyes

Three members of the Olympic refugee team, Abdullah Sediqi, Ahmad Alika and coach Alireza Nassrazadany arrive at Narita international airport in Narita, Chiba, on July 14. Photo: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images

The refugee team for the 2021 Olympics got the all-clear to travel to Tokyo on Sunday, following an official's positive COVID-19 test, which had delayed their departure, according to the International Olympic Committee.

Why it matters: Before obtaining clearance, 26 of the athletes on the 29-person team were awaiting a decision at a training camp in Qatar, per Reuters.

The official on the team who tested positive was immediately isolated and will stay in Qatar until further notice.
The 29 athletes originally hail from 11 countries: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Congo, Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Venezuela.
The first group is slated to arrive at Narita International Airport on Sunday night local time. A total of 26 athletes, 16 coaches and 10 officials will be traveling to the Tokyo. Three other members of the team are already there.

Go deeper: Olympic Committee selects 29-member refugee team

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Olympic refugee team cleared for travel following positive COVID test

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