Who is Mahoor Shahzad: Pakistan's top shuttler, who is also the country's first badminton player to feature in the Olympic Games, is in news for violating COVID-19 norms at 2020 Tokyo Olympics opening parade. Shahzad was the flagbearer for Pakistan at the Olympics opening parade held on July 24, alongside shooter Khalil Akhtar. While rest of the Pakistani contingent had masked up, the flagbearers wore their masks improperly.
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Shahzad's mask could be seen resting on her chin as she bore the flag of Pakistan, while Akhtar's mask failed to cover his nose. The two, however, weren't the only athletes at the Games who were spotted flouting the COVID-19 safety guidelines. Members of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan contingent were also spotted sans their masks.
Olympics norms for COVID-19 specify that athletes, presenters and volunteers are required to wear a mask at all times. The instructions come as Japan sees a surge in coronavirus cases as the Games kickstart.
Here is what we know about Pakistan's shuttler Mahoor Shahzad:
1. Shahzad stands at number 144 in Women Singles Player world ranking.
2. She is a five time national badminton champion.
3. Shahzad booked her berth for Olympics via IOC Tripartite Commission Invitation place.
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4. Shahzad faced defeat at hands of Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in her first match at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by 21-3, 21-8.
5. In a previous interview, Shahzad named Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal as her idol. She got to play opposite Nehwal at the 2018 Commonwealth Game, in which she faced defeat at hands of the Indian badminton player by 21-7, 21-11.
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