Olympics-Mask-shy Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan rain on COVID-compliant opening parade

Tokyo 2020 Olympics - The Tokyo 2020 Olympics Opening Ceremony - Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, Japan - July 23, 2021. Flag bearers Kanykei Kubanychbekova of Kyrgyzstan and Denis Petrashov of Kyrgyzstan lead their contingent during the athletes' parade at the opening ceremony REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

TOKYO (Reuters) -The Olympic teams of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan paraded mostly maskless through Tokyo's National Stadium at Friday's Games opening ceremony, marking an awkward contrast with other national teams who covered their faces in line with COVID-19 protocols.

Just one Kyrgyz athlete covered his face, with the other members of the around 15-strong delegation, including its two flag bearers - shooter Kanykei Kubanychbekova and swimmer Denis Petrashov - waving and smiling as they walked in.