Nishiya finished ahead of Brazil's Rayssa Leal -- who at 13 years and 203 days could have become the youngest ever individual Olympic champion -- and Japan's Funa Nakayama, 16.

Nishiya starred in the tricks section to score 15.26 and give the hosts a clean-sweep of the street discipline as skateboarding makes its Olympic debut.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/Tokyo%202020:%20Britain's%20Adam%20Peaty%20wins%20100m%20breaststroke%20gold%20to%20defend%20Olympic%20title">Tokyo 2020: Britain's Adam Peaty wins 100m breaststroke gold to defend Olympic title</a>

Her performance mirrored that of Japan teammate Yuto Horigome, who won the men's title with a stunning sequence of tricks on Sunday.

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A historic first on home soil!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JPN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JPN</a>'s Nishiya Momiji is the first women's Olympic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Skateboarding?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Skateboarding</a> champion!<a href="https://twitter.com/worldskatesb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@worldskatesb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Japan_Olympic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Japan_Olympic</a> <a href="https://t.co/6W6ReQE3BS">pic.twitter.com/6W6ReQE3BS</a>
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US diver Marjorie Gestring&nbsp;remains the youngest individual Olympic champion after winning the 3m springboard at the 1936 Berlin Games at 13 years and 268 days.

Skaters each have two 45-second runs on the equipment and five shots at a one-off trick. Their best four scores out of the seven make up their final total.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-indian-fencer-bhavani-devi-goes-down-fighting-on-games-debut-400669">Tokyo Olympics: Indian fencer Bhavani Devi goes down fighting on Games debut</a>

Skateboarding is one of four sports making their debut in Tokyo, along with surfing, sport climbing and karate as part of an attempt to bring Olympics to younger audiences.

Nishiya finished ahead of Brazil's Rayssa Leal -- who at 13 years and 203 days could have become the youngest ever individual Olympic champion -- and Japan's Funa Nakayama, 16.

Nishiya finished ahead of Brazil's Rayssa Leal -- who at 13 years and 203 days could have become the youngest ever individual Olympic champion -- and Japan's Funa Nakayama, 16. Nishiya starred in the tricks section to score 15.26 and give the hosts a clean-sweep of the street discipline as skateboarding makes its Olympic debut. ALSO READ | Tokyo 2020: Britain's Adam Peaty wins 100m breaststroke gold to defend Olympic title Her performance mirrored that of Japan teammate Yuto Horigome, who won the men's title with a stunning sequence of tricks on Sunday. A historic first on home soil!#JPN's Nishiya Momiji is the first women's Olympic #Skateboarding champion!@worldskatesb @Japan_Olympic pic.twitter.com/6W6ReQE3BS — Olympics (@Olympics) July 26, 2021 × US diver Marjorie Gestring remains the youngest individual Olympic champion after winning the 3m springboard at the 1936 Berlin Games at 13 years and 268 days. Skaters each have two 45-second runs on the equipment and five shots at a one-off trick. Their best four scores out of the seven make up their final total. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: Indian fencer Bhavani Devi goes down fighting on Games debut Skateboarding is one of four sports making their debut in Tokyo, along with surfing, sport climbing and karate as part of an attempt to bring Olympics to younger audiences.

Tokyo 2020: Japan's Momiji Nishiya, 13, becomes first women's Olympic skateboard champion

Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka said that it would mean a lot to her to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as she cruised into the third round of the tennis tournament on July 26 (Monday). The four-time Grand Slam singles champion Osaka defeated Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic 6-3, 6-2.&nbsp;

After finishing the match, Osaka said "It definitely would mean a lot for me to win gold here, but I know it's a process. I know that these are the best players in the world, and I honestly haven't played in a while so I'm trying to take it one match at a time. But all in all I'm just really happy to be here."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-indian-fencer-bhavani-devi-goes-down-fighting-on-games-debut-400669">Tokyo Olympics: Indian fencer Bhavani Devi goes down fighting on Games debut</a>

After the shock exit of Wimbledon champion Ashleigh Barty in the first round, Osaka is the highest-ranked player left in the women's draw.

It is worth noting that, Osaka took a two-month mental health break when she withdrew after the first round at the French Open this year. She had even skipped the mandatory press conferences.&nbsp;

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We are 💯 along for the ride! <a href="https://t.co/vmi8u60qcX">https://t.co/vmi8u60qcX</a>
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"Honestly I didn't feel pressured. For me, I felt more excitement, this was like a sense of duty, like something I wanted to accomplish," the tennis star added.&nbsp;

Osaka, who got the honour of lighting the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony, is attempting to become Japan's first Olympic tennis champion after Kei Nishikori, who won a bronze in the men's singles in 2016, beating Rafael Nadal.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/Tokyo%202020:%20Britain's%20Adam%20Peaty%20wins%20100m%20breaststroke%20gold%20to%20defend%20Olympic%20title">Tokyo 2020: Britain's Adam Peaty wins 100m breaststroke gold to defend Olympic title</a>

During the second-round match, Osaka earned the first break to take a 5-3 lead against Golubic, she then saved a breakpoint in the following game as she took the first set. The second seed broke Golubic twice in a row at the start of the second set, finishing seven straight games before winning in 65 minutes.&nbsp;

Next, Osaka is slated to play Marketa Vondrousova or Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu for a place in the quarter-finals.&nbsp;

Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka said that it would mean a lot to her to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as she cruised into the third round of the tennis tournament on July 26 (Monday).

Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka said that it would mean a lot to her to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as she cruised into the third round of the tennis tournament on July 26 (Monday). The four-time Grand Slam singles champion Osaka defeated Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic 6-3, 6-2. After finishing the match, Osaka said "It definitely would mean a lot for me to win gold here, but I know it's a process. I know that these are the best players in the world, and I honestly haven't played in a while so I'm trying to take it one match at a time. But all in all I'm just really happy to be here." ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: Indian fencer Bhavani Devi goes down fighting on Games debut After the shock exit of Wimbledon champion Ashleigh Barty in the first round, Osaka is the highest-ranked player left in the women's draw. It is worth noting that, Osaka took a two-month mental health break when she withdrew after the first round at the French Open this year. She had even skipped the mandatory press conferences. We are 💯 along for the ride! https://t.co/vmi8u60qcX — Olympics (@Olympics) July 26, 2021 × "Honestly I didn't feel pressured. For me, I felt more excitement, this was like a sense of duty, like something I wanted to accomplish," the tennis star added. Osaka, who got the honour of lighting the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony, is attempting to become Japan's first Olympic tennis champion after Kei Nishikori, who won a bronze in the men's singles in 2016, beating Rafael Nadal. ALSO READ | Tokyo 2020: Britain's Adam Peaty wins 100m breaststroke gold to defend Olympic title During the second-round match, Osaka earned the first break to take a 5-3 lead against Golubic, she then saved a breakpoint in the following game as she took the first set. The second seed broke Golubic twice in a row at the start of the second set, finishing seven straight games before winning in 65 minutes. Next, Osaka is slated to play Marketa Vondrousova or Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu for a place in the quarter-finals.

Tokyo Olympics: Tennis- 'Would mean a lot to win gold,' says Naomi Osaka as she enters third round

Adam Peaty became the first British swimmer to defend an Olympic title Monday when he claimed gold in the 100m breaststroke, clocking the fifth fastest time in history.

The 26-year-old powered to the line in 57.37sec ahead of Dutchman Arno Kamminga (58.00), the only other swimmer besides Peaty to ever go under 58 seconds. Italy's Nicolo Martinenghi took bronze in 58.33.

Also Read: <a href="wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-canadas-macneil-wins-womens-100m-butterfly-gold-400648">Tokyo Olympics - Canada's MacNeil wins women's 100m butterfly gold</a>

Looking exhausted but ecstatic, he bowed to the stadium when he climbed out of the pool.

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Sensational! 
 
Adam Peaty defends his title in the men's 100m breaststroke with a time of 57.37 to secure <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamGB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeamGB</a>'s first Olympic gold of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swimming?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Swimming</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/fina1908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fina1908</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBR</a> <a href="https://t.co/v09MVsotMD">pic.twitter.com/v09MVsotMD</a>
— Olympics (@Olympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/1419482932771762177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The unstoppable Peaty turned at the half-way mark in 26.73 and despite no crowds at the Tokyo Aquatic Center to cheer him on he was never threatened.

Peaty first broke the world record at the 2015 British championships. In 2019 he became the first man to break through the 57-second barrier.

Adam Peaty became the first British swimmer to defend an Olympic title Monday when he claimed gold in the 100m breaststroke, clocking the fifth fastest time in history.

Adam Peaty became the first British swimmer to defend an Olympic title Monday when he claimed gold in the 100m breaststroke, clocking the fifth fastest time in history. The 26-year-old powered to the line in 57.37sec ahead of Dutchman Arno Kamminga (58.00), the only other swimmer besides Peaty to ever go under 58 seconds. Italy's Nicolo Martinenghi took bronze in 58.33. Also Read: Tokyo Olympics - Canada's MacNeil wins women's 100m butterfly gold Looking exhausted but ecstatic, he bowed to the stadium when he climbed out of the pool. Sensational! Adam Peaty defends his title in the men's 100m breaststroke with a time of 57.37 to secure @TeamGB's first Olympic gold of #Tokyo2020.#Swimming @fina1908 #GBR pic.twitter.com/v09MVsotMD — Olympics (@Olympics) July 26, 2021 × The unstoppable Peaty turned at the half-way mark in 26.73 and despite no crowds at the Tokyo Aquatic Center to cheer him on he was never threatened. Peaty first broke the world record at the 2015 British championships. In 2019 he became the first man to break through the 57-second barrier.

Tokyo 2020: Britain's Adam Peaty wins 100m breaststroke gold to defend Olympic title

Spain's Jorge Campillo will replace Jon Rahm in the Tokyo Olympics golf competition after the world number one pulled out following a positive test for COVID-19 before departing for Japan, the International Golf Federation (IGF) said on Monday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-canadas-macneil-wins-womens-100m-butterfly-gold-400648">Tokyo Olympics - Canada's MacNeil wins women's 100m butterfly gold</a>

Rahm was forced to withdraw from the Games on Sunday after his second positive test in two months. He had pulled out of the Memorial Tournament in Ohio in June while leading by six strokes due to a positive test.

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Jorge Campillo will replace Jon Rahm as a representative of Team Spain in the Olympics. <a href="https://t.co/qFY8Z4tSAS">pic.twitter.com/qFY8Z4tSAS</a>
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The Spanish Olympic Committee had initially said Rahm would not be replaced due to time constraints but the IGF confirmed in a statement that Campillo would join Adri Arnaus in representing the country in the men's competition.

A positive test for COVID-19 had also ruled out world number six Bryson DeChambeau from the competition, which begins on Thursday at Kasumigaseki Country Club.

Spain's Jorge Campillo will replace Jon Rahm in the Tokyo Olympics golf competition after the world number one pulled out following a positive test for COVID-19 before departing for Japan, the International Golf Federation (IGF) said on Monday.

Spain's Jorge Campillo will replace Jon Rahm in the Tokyo Olympics golf competition after the world number one pulled out following a positive test for COVID-19 before departing for Japan, the International Golf Federation (IGF) said on Monday. Also Read: Tokyo Olympics - Canada's MacNeil wins women's 100m butterfly gold Rahm was forced to withdraw from the Games on Sunday after his second positive test in two months. He had pulled out of the Memorial Tournament in Ohio in June while leading by six strokes due to a positive test. Jorge Campillo will replace Jon Rahm as a representative of Team Spain in the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/qFY8Z4tSAS — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 26, 2021 × The Spanish Olympic Committee had initially said Rahm would not be replaced due to time constraints but the IGF confirmed in a statement that Campillo would join Adri Arnaus in representing the country in the men's competition. A positive test for COVID-19 had also ruled out world number six Bryson DeChambeau from the competition, which begins on Thursday at Kasumigaseki Country Club.

Tokyo Olympics: Golf- Spain bring in Jorge Campillo as Jon Rahm replacement

Margaret&nbsp;MacNeil won the first gold medal for Canada at the pool in the women's 100m butterfly at Tokyo Olympics 2020 on July 26 (Monday). The world champion, who now has her first Olympic gold medal, finished in a time of 55.59. She edged out China's Zhang (55.64) for the top spot. Australian Emma McKeon won the bronze in 55.72.

McKeon defeated American teenager Torri Huske by one-hundredth of a second and the US team missed out on a medal for the first time in the swimming competition at Olympics.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/Tokyo%20Olympics:%20Silver%20medallist%20Mirabai%20Chanu's%20special%20Olympic%20earrings%20stole%20the%20show">Tokyo Olympics: Silver medallist Mirabai Chanu's special Olympic earrings stole the show</a>

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What a race! Margaret MacNeil gets the victory in the women's 100m butterfly with a time of 55.59.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swimming?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Swimming</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/fina1908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fina1908</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamCanada?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeamCanada</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dx5D9eV5bv">pic.twitter.com/Dx5D9eV5bv</a>
— Olympics (@Olympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/1419474938126389249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I actually have no words right now, I can't believe it," said MacNeil. "I couldn't see anyone. I was in the outside lane which I think worked to my advantage. I could focus on my race rather than looking at what other people were doing," she added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-olympics-athletes-must-wear-masks-at-games-apart-from-podium-moment-400491" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Athletes 'must' wear masks at Games apart from podium moment</a>

Also, note that the defending champion and world-record holder Sarah Sjöström of Sweden, finished seventh. Sarah had earlier said that the butterfly was her lowest priority in Tokyo. Sarah holds the world record of 55.48sec set at the Rio Olympics.

Margaret MacNeil won the first gold medal for Canada at the pool in the women's 100m butterfly at Tokyo Olympics 2020 on July 26 (Monday). The world champion, who now has her first Olympic gold medal, finished in a time of 55.

Margaret MacNeil won the first gold medal for Canada at the pool in the women's 100m butterfly at Tokyo Olympics 2020 on July 26 (Monday). The world champion, who now has her first Olympic gold medal, finished in a time of 55.59. She edged out China's Zhang (55.64) for the top spot. Australian Emma McKeon won the bronze in 55.72. McKeon defeated American teenager Torri Huske by one-hundredth of a second and the US team missed out on a medal for the first time in the swimming competition at Olympics. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Silver medallist Mirabai Chanu's special Olympic earrings stole the show What a race! Margaret MacNeil gets the victory in the women's 100m butterfly with a time of 55.59.#Swimming @fina1908 @TeamCanada #CAN pic.twitter.com/Dx5D9eV5bv — Olympics (@Olympics) July 26, 2021 × "I actually have no words right now, I can't believe it," said MacNeil. "I couldn't see anyone. I was in the outside lane which I think worked to my advantage. I could focus on my race rather than looking at what other people were doing," she added. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Athletes 'must' wear masks at Games apart from podium moment Also, note that the defending champion and world-record holder Sarah Sjöström of Sweden, finished seventh. Sarah had earlier said that the butterfly was her lowest priority in Tokyo. Sarah holds the world record of 55.48sec set at the Rio Olympics.

Tokyo Olympics: Canada's MacNeil wins women's 100m butterfly gold

Dean Boxall, the coach of Australian Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus is now in the headlines for his crazy celebration after the swimmer clinched the gold medal at Tokyo Games. Titmus, nicknamed 'The Terminator', said that she is "trying to contain her emotions" after the race. She further added that "she is over the moon" after winning the medal in the women's 400m freestyle final in 3:56.69 on July 26 (Monday).&nbsp;

However, it was her coach Dean Boxall, who couldn't control his emotions as he went ballistic following Titmus' outstanding win and his celebration grabbed eyeballs and being dubbed&nbsp;as&nbsp;the "mood" of the nation.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/condoms-and-sex-at-olympics-awareness-creation-restrictions-and-pushback-400707" hreflang="en">Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback</a>

The official Twitter account of the Australian Olympic Team shared the footage, where the coach can be seen banging his head, punching the air, ripping off his face mask. "Ariarne's coach Dean Boxall sums it up perfectly!" the caption of the post read. Netizens even called it "Wolverine Vibes" and compared him&nbsp;to WWE legends.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:

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Ariarne’s coach Dean Boxall sums it up perfectly! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TokyoTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TokyoTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/Kvww2jpSFy">pic.twitter.com/Kvww2jpSFy</a>
— AUS Olympic Team (@AUSOlympicTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/AUSOlympicTeam/status/1419488700069683201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://t.co/dMKcbxN8k9">pic.twitter.com/dMKcbxN8k9</a>
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ah norman. sat at his desk with his name badge sitting on it. 
 
that chap needs to put his mask back on.
— whatisthepointofmorrison? (@janinesymons) <a href="https://twitter.com/janinesymons/status/1419553821261373442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Please get Dean and Laurie Lawrence together for an interview. 
 
These two know better than anyone, the sacrifices required to get an athlete on top of the podium. 
 
I love this so much. He clearly loves Ariarne and 🇦🇺. 
 
Great swim Ariarne 💪🥇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AriarneTitmus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AriarneTitmus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> 
 
🥇👏❤️
— TSOP (@SnoogThe) <a href="https://twitter.com/SnoogThe/status/1419562162876338179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The 20-year-old Ariarne Titmus gave a stunning performance to defeat the United States' five-time Olympic champion Katie Ledecky, who had an early lead and held it until the 350m mark when Titmus edged ahead and never looked back.&nbsp;

Ledecky even praised the gold medalist, as she said, "She definitely swam a really smart race. She was really controlled up front. I felt smooth and strong. I looked up at 300 metres and she was right there, so I knew it would be a battle to the end. I didn’t feel like I died or really fell off. She just had a faster final 50m or 75m and got her hand to the wall first."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-three-athletes-among-16-new-games-related-covid-19-cases-confirm-organisers-400706">Tokyo Olympics: Three athletes among 16 new Games-related COVID-19 cases, confirm organisers</a>

After the race, Titmus thanked Ledecky and said she wouldn't be here without her as the American set an "incredible standard". She added that in the race she tried to stay as composed but "can't believe" she pulled it off.

She also praised her coach Dean Boxall and said, "He means everything to me. Coming into this race we knew what we had to do. "We didn't discuss what I wanted to do in the pool. It was more of a 'have fun' moment. We practised this for so long. I just knew what I had to do when I got out there."

Dean Boxall, the coach of Australian Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus is now in the headlines for his crazy celebration after the swimmer clinched the gold medal at Tokyo Games.

Dean Boxall, the coach of Australian Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus is now in the headlines for his crazy celebration after the swimmer clinched the gold medal at Tokyo Games. Titmus, nicknamed 'The Terminator', said that she is "trying to contain her emotions" after the race. She further added that "she is over the moon" after winning the medal in the women's 400m freestyle final in 3:56.69 on July 26 (Monday). However, it was her coach Dean Boxall, who couldn't control his emotions as he went ballistic following Titmus' outstanding win and his celebration grabbed eyeballs and being dubbed as the "mood" of the nation. ALSO READ | Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback The official Twitter account of the Australian Olympic Team shared the footage, where the coach can be seen banging his head, punching the air, ripping off his face mask. "Ariarne's coach Dean Boxall sums it up perfectly!" the caption of the post read. Netizens even called it "Wolverine Vibes" and compared him to WWE legends. Watch the video here: Ariarne’s coach Dean Boxall sums it up perfectly! #TokyoTogether pic.twitter.com/Kvww2jpSFy — AUS Olympic Team (@AUSOlympicTeam) July 26, 2021 × pic.twitter.com/dMKcbxN8k9 — hehateme2012 (@hehateme2012) July 26, 2021 × ah norman. sat at his desk with his name badge sitting on it. that chap needs to put his mask back on. — whatisthepointofmorrison? (@janinesymons) July 26, 2021 × Please get Dean and Laurie Lawrence together for an interview. These two know better than anyone, the sacrifices required to get an athlete on top of the podium. I love this so much. He clearly loves Ariarne and 🇦🇺. Great swim Ariarne 💪🥇#AriarneTitmus #Olympics 🥇👏❤️ — TSOP (@SnoogThe) July 26, 2021 × The 20-year-old Ariarne Titmus gave a stunning performance to defeat the United States' five-time Olympic champion Katie Ledecky, who had an early lead and held it until the 350m mark when Titmus edged ahead and never looked back. Ledecky even praised the gold medalist, as she said, "She definitely swam a really smart race. She was really controlled up front. I felt smooth and strong. I looked up at 300 metres and she was right there, so I knew it would be a battle to the end. I didn’t feel like I died or really fell off. She just had a faster final 50m or 75m and got her hand to the wall first." Also Read | Tokyo Olympics: Three athletes among 16 new Games-related COVID-19 cases, confirm organisers After the race, Titmus thanked Ledecky and said she wouldn't be here without her as the American set an "incredible standard". She added that in the race she tried to stay as composed but "can't believe" she pulled it off. She also praised her coach Dean Boxall and said, "He means everything to me. Coming into this race we knew what we had to do. "We didn't discuss what I wanted to do in the pool. It was more of a 'have fun' moment. We practised this for so long. I just knew what I had to do when I got out there."

Tokyo Olympics: Coach's wild celebration goes viral after Australian swimmer wins gold - Watch

Tokyo Olympic organisers are not planning to reschedule more events for the Games, they said on Monday, as tropical storm Nepartak churned toward Japan's main island.

Rowing events have been moved due to the storm which is expected to head over Japan's northeast coast on Tuesday and could bring heavy rain to the capital.

Tuesday's rowing races were rescheduled for later in the week, while Monday's events were move to Sunday in anticipation of the storm.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/condoms-and-sex-at-olympics-awareness-creation-restrictions-and-pushback-400707" hreflang="en">Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback</a>

"At this time there are no plans to change the schedule for any of the other events due to be held on Tuesday," Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya told reporters.

The likely wind and rain will follow intense heat, which has caused one Olympic archers to collapse and had skateboarders complaining of unbearable conditions by 9 a.m.

The rain also threatens Tuesday's two medal games for softball. Canada, vying for bronze, said their flights home are scheduled for Wednesday with the next available potentially not until Saturday because the pandemic has limited options.

But their accommodation need to be taken over by newly arriving athletes sooner.

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-pakistan-and-two-other-countries-make-awkward-entry-in-opening-ceremony-watch-400139">Pakistan and two other countries make awkward entry in opening ceremony</a>

"We very much hope the game goes on tomorrow," coach Mark Smith said. "We don't have a lot of flexibility."

Postponement would give athletes recovery time after five games in six steaming days, but Canada pitcher Danielle Lawrie said she could do without.

"When you're in the last four teams standing, you're running on some adrenaline," she said.

"Once you get warmed up and ready for battle, you forget how all of that feels."

The storm is forecast to pass to the north of Tokyo, according to the website of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Tokyo Olympic organisers are not planning to reschedule more events for the Games, they said on Monday, as tropical storm Nepartak churned toward Japan's main island.

Tokyo Olympic organisers are not planning to reschedule more events for the Games, they said on Monday, as tropical storm Nepartak churned toward Japan's main island. Rowing events have been moved due to the storm which is expected to head over Japan's northeast coast on Tuesday and could bring heavy rain to the capital. Tuesday's rowing races were rescheduled for later in the week, while Monday's events were move to Sunday in anticipation of the storm. ALSO READ: Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback "At this time there are no plans to change the schedule for any of the other events due to be held on Tuesday," Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya told reporters. The likely wind and rain will follow intense heat, which has caused one Olympic archers to collapse and had skateboarders complaining of unbearable conditions by 9 a.m. The rain also threatens Tuesday's two medal games for softball. Canada, vying for bronze, said their flights home are scheduled for Wednesday with the next available potentially not until Saturday because the pandemic has limited options. But their accommodation need to be taken over by newly arriving athletes sooner. Watch: Pakistan and two other countries make awkward entry in opening ceremony "We very much hope the game goes on tomorrow," coach Mark Smith said. "We don't have a lot of flexibility." Postponement would give athletes recovery time after five games in six steaming days, but Canada pitcher Danielle Lawrie said she could do without. "When you're in the last four teams standing, you're running on some adrenaline," she said. "Once you get warmed up and ready for battle, you forget how all of that feels." The storm is forecast to pass to the north of Tokyo, according to the website of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Tokyo Olympics: No plans to reschedule more events as storm approaches

Benjamin Savsek won Slovenia's first gold medal in the men's canoe slalom on Monday after barrelling down the white-water course in Tokyo almost four seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

Lukas Rohan from the Czech Republic took silver with Germany's Sideris Tasiadis, who finished runner-up in 2012, getting bronze.

Savsek paddled through the difficult course straight after his German rival in 98.25 seconds, making him the only finalists to complete the course in under 100 seconds.

That run brought an end to the dominance of Slovakia and France in the event in which they had won every gold medal since the 1996 Atlanta Games.

"It's a nice step up from world champion to Olympic champion. I am really proud to achieve this," Savsek said.

"The course was pretty hard today," he added at a news conference wearing the gold medal presented to him by French three-times Olympic slalom champion Tony Estanguet.

Slovakian paddler Matej Benus, who was aiming to better his silver in Rio de Janeiro five years ago, ended sixth with Martin Thomas from France fifth.

Cloudy weather at the Kasai slalom centre next to Tokyo Bay made conditions easier for competitors after they battled through baking sun and warm water in the heats on Sunday, but the hot Japanese summer still made the going tough.

"The heat today was not as big a problem, it was much better, but the water is still hot," Savsek said.

Australia's Jessica Fox, who will attempt to take the women's kayak title tomorrow, had described the course as being like "bath water".

Despite only a handful of people watching from the stands, Savsek's victory was greeted enthusiastically by his team mates, with at least one jumping into the warm water to celebrate his near perfect run.

"It's not so easy without spectators. We have just the Olympic Games where we can race in front of thousands of people," said Rohan, whose father and coach Jiri Rohan won silver in the canoe slalom pairs in 1992 and 1996.

The pairs race was dropped from the Games in Rio to make way for women's canoe slalom.

Benjamin Savsek won Slovenia's first gold medal in the men's canoe slalom on Monday after barrelling down the white-water course in Tokyo almost four seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

Benjamin Savsek won Slovenia's first gold medal in the men's canoe slalom on Monday after barrelling down the white-water course in Tokyo almost four seconds ahead of his nearest rival. Lukas Rohan from the Czech Republic took silver with Germany's Sideris Tasiadis, who finished runner-up in 2012, getting bronze. Savsek paddled through the difficult course straight after his German rival in 98.25 seconds, making him the only finalists to complete the course in under 100 seconds. That run brought an end to the dominance of Slovakia and France in the event in which they had won every gold medal since the 1996 Atlanta Games. "It's a nice step up from world champion to Olympic champion. I am really proud to achieve this," Savsek said. "The course was pretty hard today," he added at a news conference wearing the gold medal presented to him by French three-times Olympic slalom champion Tony Estanguet. Slovakian paddler Matej Benus, who was aiming to better his silver in Rio de Janeiro five years ago, ended sixth with Martin Thomas from France fifth. Cloudy weather at the Kasai slalom centre next to Tokyo Bay made conditions easier for competitors after they battled through baking sun and warm water in the heats on Sunday, but the hot Japanese summer still made the going tough. "The heat today was not as big a problem, it was much better, but the water is still hot," Savsek said. Australia's Jessica Fox, who will attempt to take the women's kayak title tomorrow, had described the course as being like "bath water". Despite only a handful of people watching from the stands, Savsek's victory was greeted enthusiastically by his team mates, with at least one jumping into the warm water to celebrate his near perfect run. "It's not so easy without spectators. We have just the Olympic Games where we can race in front of thousands of people," said Rohan, whose father and coach Jiri Rohan won silver in the canoe slalom pairs in 1992 and 1996. The pairs race was dropped from the Games in Rio to make way for women's canoe slalom.

Tokyo Olympics: Canoeing- Benjamin Savsek wins Slovenia's first canoe slalom gold

India's star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won a silver medal at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics 2020, now stands a chance of medal upgrade as China's Zhihui Hou is set to undergo a doping test, news agency ANI reported. The news comes just two days after she won the women's 49kg weightlifting gold. In case Zhihui fails the test, Mirabai will be the first women to ever win a Gold medal in weightlifting for India.&nbsp;

"She has been asked to stay in Tokyo and the test will be done. The test is definitely happening," ANI reported citing a source known to&nbsp;them.&nbsp;The rule clearly states that if an athelete undergoes a doping test and fails, then the silver medalist will be awarded the gold.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/condoms-and-sex-at-olympics-awareness-creation-restrictions-and-pushback-400707" hreflang="en">Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback</a>

The 26-year-old Mirabai Chanu managed a total lift of 202 kgs (87kgs in snatch + 115 kgs in clean and jerk) to claim the silver medal. She had finished behind the Olympic champion Hou Zhihui of China, who set an Olympic record with a lift of 210 kgs (94+116). Indonesia’s Aisah Windy Cantika took the bronze medal with an effort of 194kg (84+110).&nbsp;

Chanu opened India's medal tally at the Games and it was a historic feat for the nation as her win came two decades after Karnam Malleswari became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal (Bronze) while competing at the 2000 Sydney Games in the women’s 69kg weight category.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-heading-back-mirabai-chanu-set-to-return-to-india-after-a-memorable-olympics-400729">'Heading back': Mirabai Chanu set to return to India after a memorable Olympics</a>

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">here</a>&nbsp;for all Tokyo Olympics updates!

India's star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won a silver medal at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics 2020, now stands a chance of medal upgrade as China's Zhihui Hou is set to undergo a doping test, news agency ANI reported.

India's star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won a silver medal at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics 2020, now stands a chance of medal upgrade as China's Zhihui Hou is set to undergo a doping test, news agency ANI reported. The news comes just two days after she won the women's 49kg weightlifting gold. In case Zhihui fails the test, Mirabai will be the first women to ever win a Gold medal in weightlifting for India. "She has been asked to stay in Tokyo and the test will be done. The test is definitely happening," ANI reported citing a source known to them. The rule clearly states that if an athelete undergoes a doping test and fails, then the silver medalist will be awarded the gold. ALSO READ: Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback The 26-year-old Mirabai Chanu managed a total lift of 202 kgs (87kgs in snatch + 115 kgs in clean and jerk) to claim the silver medal. She had finished behind the Olympic champion Hou Zhihui of China, who set an Olympic record with a lift of 210 kgs (94+116). Indonesia’s Aisah Windy Cantika took the bronze medal with an effort of 194kg (84+110). Chanu opened India's medal tally at the Games and it was a historic feat for the nation as her win came two decades after Karnam Malleswari became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal (Bronze) while competing at the 2000 Sydney Games in the women’s 69kg weight category. Also Read: 'Heading back': Mirabai Chanu set to return to India after a memorable Olympics Click here for all Tokyo Olympics updates!

Tokyo Olympics: Gold for Mirabai Chanu? As China's weightlifter to be tested by anti-doping authorities

Tokyo Olympics organisers, in their daily Coronavirus (COVID-19) update on Monday, reported&nbsp;16 new Games-related cases, including three athletes. However, it has been confirmed that all three athletes are not residents of the Olympic Village.&nbsp;Among the remaining 13 cases, four are contractors and a member was part of the organising committee. Eight games-related officials have also been infected, out of which one was staying at the village. As soon as&nbsp;the cases were detected, the athletes and seven Games-concerned personnel were put under the mandatory 14-day quarantine.&nbsp;

As per Kyodo News, the total number of COVID-19 cases since July 1 have surged to 148. Also note that the number of infections compiled by the organisers since July 1, does not include the numbers announced by the central and local governments.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/condoms-and-sex-at-olympics-awareness-creation-restrictions-and-pushback-400707" hreflang="en">Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback</a>

It is imperative to note that the Tokyo 2020 games are being held without fans and athletes are kept under tight quarantine to control the spread of COVID-19 infections, however, the cases have shot up&nbsp;in recent weeks, with the host city Tokyo recording 1,763 cases on Sunday.&nbsp;

Previously, the Tokyo Olympics organisers confirmed the first COVID infection of an athlete after competing at an event when Dutch rower Finn Florijn tested positive after finishing in his heat at the Games on Friday.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dutch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dutch</a> rower Finn Florijn will not compete in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TokyoOlympucs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TokyoOlympucs</a> after testing positive for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Japan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Japan</a> on Friday, Team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Netherlands?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Netherlands</a> said in a statement. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rowing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rowing</a> <a href="https://t.co/8DniCaWa0z">pic.twitter.com/8DniCaWa0z</a>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-japans-momiji-nishiya-13-becomes-first-womens-olympic-skateboard-champion-400686" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020: Japan's Momiji Nishiya, 13, becomes first women's Olympic skateboard champion</a>

The Czech Republic, the USA, Chile, South Africa and the Netherlands are among other contingents that have been hit by COVID-19 after landing in Tokyo. The Czech Republic is inquiring into possible health safety protocol violations by its contingent after four athletes tested positive and forced withdrawals from beach volleyball and road cycling events.&nbsp;

The organisers are taking necessary steps to control the spread as they have mandated frequent testing, restricted movements and wearing masks by athletes. However, the athletes are allowed to briefly take off their masks on the podium for 30 seconds for a photo opportunity.&nbsp;

Tokyo Olympics organisers, in their daily Coronavirus (COVID-19) update on Monday, reported 16 new Games-related cases, including three athletes. However, it has been confirmed that all three athletes are not residents of the Olympic Village.

Tokyo Olympics organisers, in their daily Coronavirus (COVID-19) update on Monday, reported 16 new Games-related cases, including three athletes. However, it has been confirmed that all three athletes are not residents of the Olympic Village. Among the remaining 13 cases, four are contractors and a member was part of the organising committee. Eight games-related officials have also been infected, out of which one was staying at the village. As soon as the cases were detected, the athletes and seven Games-concerned personnel were put under the mandatory 14-day quarantine. As per Kyodo News, the total number of COVID-19 cases since July 1 have surged to 148. Also note that the number of infections compiled by the organisers since July 1, does not include the numbers announced by the central and local governments. ALSO READ | Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback It is imperative to note that the Tokyo 2020 games are being held without fans and athletes are kept under tight quarantine to control the spread of COVID-19 infections, however, the cases have shot up in recent weeks, with the host city Tokyo recording 1,763 cases on Sunday. Previously, the Tokyo Olympics organisers confirmed the first COVID infection of an athlete after competing at an event when Dutch rower Finn Florijn tested positive after finishing in his heat at the Games on Friday. #Dutch rower Finn Florijn will not compete in the #TokyoOlympucs after testing positive for #COVID19 in #Japan on Friday, Team #Netherlands said in a statement. #Tokyo2020 #rowing pic.twitter.com/8DniCaWa0z — Said Pulido (@Super_Said) July 24, 2021 × ALSO READ | Tokyo 2020: Japan's Momiji Nishiya, 13, becomes first women's Olympic skateboard champion The Czech Republic, the USA, Chile, South Africa and the Netherlands are among other contingents that have been hit by COVID-19 after landing in Tokyo. The Czech Republic is inquiring into possible health safety protocol violations by its contingent after four athletes tested positive and forced withdrawals from beach volleyball and road cycling events. The organisers are taking necessary steps to control the spread as they have mandated frequent testing, restricted movements and wearing masks by athletes. However, the athletes are allowed to briefly take off their masks on the podium for 30 seconds for a photo opportunity.

Tokyo Olympics: Three athletes among 16 new Games-related COVID-19 cases, confirm organisers

Athletes must wear masks throughout the Tokyo Olympic Games venues, including medal ceremonies, the International Olympic Committee said on Sunday (July 25), but according to a new policy they are briefly allowed to remove it on the podium for a photo opportunity.

Masks are mandatory across all venues, both inside and outside for all athletes, staff and media, as part of Games organisers' strict measures to combat the coronavirus.

"It's not a nice to have. It's a must have," said IOC spokesperson Mark Adams, responding to questions about the mask-less swimmers.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-manu-bhaker-and-yashaswini-deswal-fail-to-qualify-for-womens-10m-air-rifle-final-400438" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Manu Bhaker and Yashaswini Deswal fail to qualify for women's 10m Air Rifle final</a>

"No, there is no relaxation and we would urge and ask everyone to obey the rules," the IOC's Adams said. "It's important both for the sports and for everyone involved and of course for our Japanese partners and friends also. It also sends a strong message."

But athletes can briefly take them off on the podium for 30 seconds for a photo opportunity, the IOC said, 
During Sunday's mornings swimming finals as American Chase Kalisz took off his mask on the winners' podium after his gold medal performance in the men's 400 metres medley.

He was on the podium, next to mask-less compatriot and silver medallist Jay Literland and Australian Brendon Smith, who took the bronze, who was also removed his mask.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-pv-sindhu-wins-opening-match-against-israels-ksenia-polikarpova-400451" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: PV Sindhu wins opening match against Israel's Ksenia Polikarpova</a>

"The swimmers in the venue this morning followed instructions which they were given by the protocol team," an IOC spokesperson said. "These instructions were in line with a new policy which in the process of being communicated to all."

"It allows for a socially distanced photo opportunity for a maximum of 30 seconds on the podium." 
Team Australia also confirmed their athletes had done nothing wrong.

"Our athletes were simply following the direction of the official at the podium, who holds up a sign saying masks off briefly for the photographs," a Team Australia official said.

The Tokyo Olympics are held mostly without spectators as the capital has seen a rise in daily cases in recent weeks.

All 12 athletes from Australia, Canada and the United States on the podium for the women's 4X100 freestyle relay ceremony were mask-less, smiling to photographers.

The Olympic teams of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan had paraded mostly mask-less through the National Stadium at Friday's (July 23) opening ceremony, marking an awkward contrast with other national teams who covered their faces in line with COVID-19 protocols.

Organisers announced another 10 positive COVID-19 cases to Games-related individuals on Sunday, bringing the total to 132 cases since July 1

Athletes must wear masks throughout the Tokyo Olympic Games venues, including medal ceremonies, the International Olympic Committee said on Sunday (July 25), but according to a new policy they are briefly allowed to remove it on the podium for a photo opportunity.

Athletes must wear masks throughout the Tokyo Olympic Games venues, including medal ceremonies, the International Olympic Committee said on Sunday (July 25), but according to a new policy they are briefly allowed to remove it on the podium for a photo opportunity. Masks are mandatory across all venues, both inside and outside for all athletes, staff and media, as part of Games organisers' strict measures to combat the coronavirus. "It's not a nice to have. It's a must have," said IOC spokesperson Mark Adams, responding to questions about the mask-less swimmers. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Manu Bhaker and Yashaswini Deswal fail to qualify for women's 10m Air Rifle final "No, there is no relaxation and we would urge and ask everyone to obey the rules," the IOC's Adams said. "It's important both for the sports and for everyone involved and of course for our Japanese partners and friends also. It also sends a strong message." But athletes can briefly take them off on the podium for 30 seconds for a photo opportunity, the IOC said, During Sunday's mornings swimming finals as American Chase Kalisz took off his mask on the winners' podium after his gold medal performance in the men's 400 metres medley. He was on the podium, next to mask-less compatriot and silver medallist Jay Literland and Australian Brendon Smith, who took the bronze, who was also removed his mask. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: PV Sindhu wins opening match against Israel's Ksenia Polikarpova "The swimmers in the venue this morning followed instructions which they were given by the protocol team," an IOC spokesperson said. "These instructions were in line with a new policy which in the process of being communicated to all." "It allows for a socially distanced photo opportunity for a maximum of 30 seconds on the podium." Team Australia also confirmed their athletes had done nothing wrong. "Our athletes were simply following the direction of the official at the podium, who holds up a sign saying masks off briefly for the photographs," a Team Australia official said. The Tokyo Olympics are held mostly without spectators as the capital has seen a rise in daily cases in recent weeks. All 12 athletes from Australia, Canada and the United States on the podium for the women's 4X100 freestyle relay ceremony were mask-less, smiling to photographers. The Olympic teams of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan had paraded mostly mask-less through the National Stadium at Friday's (July 23) opening ceremony, marking an awkward contrast with other national teams who covered their faces in line with COVID-19 protocols. Organisers announced another 10 positive COVID-19 cases to Games-related individuals on Sunday, bringing the total to 132 cases since July 1

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Athletes 'must' wear masks at Games apart from podium moment

Defending champion Britain's Andy Murray pulled out from the men's singles tournament of Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Sunday (July 25) due to a minor thigh strain. As per the released statement, Murray informed that he is "really disappointed" and have made the "difficult decision" to withdraw from the singles.

The 34-year-old was due to play Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime and after pulling out, he has been replaced in the singles draw by Australian Max Purcell.&nbsp;

Murray, who won his opening men's double match with Joe Salisbury on Saturday, has pulled out only from singles and will continue to play men's doubles tournament as it has been advised to not play in both the events.&nbsp;

"I am really disappointed at having to withdraw but the medical staff have advised me against playing in both events," a statement from Murray read.

"I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the singles and focus on playing doubles with Joe."

Andy Murray won his first singles gold at London Olympics in 2012 and he went on to defend it successfully in Rio Olympics. However, after that, he underwent hip surgery in 2018 and 2019 and also missed some tournaments owing to that.&nbsp;

After his withdrawal, Liam Broady remains the only representative of Great Britain in the singles as Heather Watson lost in the first round.&nbsp;

With his partner Salisbury, Murray will now face German pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in the second round.

Defending champion Britain's Andy Murray pulled out from the men's singles tournament of Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Sunday (July 25) due to a minor thigh strain. As per the released statement, Murray informed that he is "really disappointed" and have made the "difficult decision" to withdraw from the singles.

Defending champion Britain's Andy Murray pulled out from the men's singles tournament of Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Sunday (July 25) due to a minor thigh strain. As per the released statement, Murray informed that he is "really disappointed" and have made the "difficult decision" to withdraw from the singles. The 34-year-old was due to play Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime and after pulling out, he has been replaced in the singles draw by Australian Max Purcell. Murray, who won his opening men's double match with Joe Salisbury on Saturday, has pulled out only from singles and will continue to play men's doubles tournament as it has been advised to not play in both the events. "I am really disappointed at having to withdraw but the medical staff have advised me against playing in both events," a statement from Murray read. "I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the singles and focus on playing doubles with Joe." Andy Murray won his first singles gold at London Olympics in 2012 and he went on to defend it successfully in Rio Olympics. However, after that, he underwent hip surgery in 2018 and 2019 and also missed some tournaments owing to that. After his withdrawal, Liam Broady remains the only representative of Great Britain in the singles as Heather Watson lost in the first round. With his partner Salisbury, Murray will now face German pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in the second round.

Tokyo Olympics: Andy Murray withdraws from tennis singles due to thigh strain, remains in doubles

Indian badminton star and Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu started her campaign with a comfortable 21-7, 21-10 victory over Ksenia Polikarpova of Israel in her first match of Group J of the women’s singles at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday (July 25).

Sindhu lost the first two points but soon bounced back with frequent cross-court shots to register an easy win in straight games.&nbsp;

In the first game, the reigning badminton world champion won 13 points in a row at one point to get a lead but dropped two points. She then took control and finished the game within 13 minutes.&nbsp;

While in the second game, Sindhu was attacking and the opponent made some errors too. The Indian star wrapped up the victory in just 29 minutes.

In her next match, PV Sindhu will take on Hong Kong’s Cheung Ngan Yi on or before July 28.&nbsp;

Sindhu is hoping to bag the gold medal this time as she has the agony of losing the elusive gold in Rio after getting defeated by Spain's Carolina Marin, who withdrew from the Tokyo Games after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Sindhu had said that she will "miss her and that rivalry on the court". She added that "even though she's not there it's still not going to be easy" as she has will some fierce competitors like Taiwan's Tai Tzu-Ying, China's Chen Yu Fei and Japan's Akane Yamaguchi.&nbsp;

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PV Sindhu wins her opening group match at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> defeating Ksenia Polikarpova of Israel 21-7, 21-10<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> <a href="https://t.co/XWwA2chmxO">pic.twitter.com/XWwA2chmxO</a>
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Yesterday, India opened the medal tally after&nbsp;weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category.&nbsp;

Indian badminton star and Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu started her campaign with a comfortable 21-7, 21-10 victory over Ksenia Polikarpova of Israel in her first match of Group J of the women’s singles at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday (July 25).

Indian badminton star and Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu started her campaign with a comfortable 21-7, 21-10 victory over Ksenia Polikarpova of Israel in her first match of Group J of the women’s singles at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday (July 25). Sindhu lost the first two points but soon bounced back with frequent cross-court shots to register an easy win in straight games. In the first game, the reigning badminton world champion won 13 points in a row at one point to get a lead but dropped two points. She then took control and finished the game within 13 minutes. While in the second game, Sindhu was attacking and the opponent made some errors too. The Indian star wrapped up the victory in just 29 minutes. In her next match, PV Sindhu will take on Hong Kong’s Cheung Ngan Yi on or before July 28. Sindhu is hoping to bag the gold medal this time as she has the agony of losing the elusive gold in Rio after getting defeated by Spain's Carolina Marin, who withdrew from the Tokyo Games after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Sindhu had said that she will "miss her and that rivalry on the court". She added that "even though she's not there it's still not going to be easy" as she has will some fierce competitors like Taiwan's Tai Tzu-Ying, China's Chen Yu Fei and Japan's Akane Yamaguchi. PV Sindhu wins her opening group match at the #Tokyo2020 defeating Ksenia Polikarpova of Israel 21-7, 21-10#Cheer4India pic.twitter.com/XWwA2chmxO — SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) July 25, 2021 × Yesterday, India opened the medal tally after weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category.

Tokyo Olympics: PV Sindhu wins opening match against Israel's Ksenia Polikarpova

Naohisa Takato delivered the first gold medal of the Tokyo Games for a host nation desperate for Olympic glory by winning the men's 60 kg judo, a sport fittingly born in Japan 140 years ago.

The win against Taiwan's Yang Yung-wei left Takato openly weeping on the mat and stood in contrast to the lack of fans in an empty arena at the Nippon Budokan, a mecca of Japanese martial arts and concert venues, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"This is heavy. It makes me feel like dreaming," Takato, who was later all smiles, told reporters when asked about the gold medal that was put around his neck.

The triple world champion judoka, who had disappointed the nation with a bronze medal at the 2016 Games, had a nail-biting ride to the top of the podium with three victories in the finals coming in the sudden death Golden Score period.

He had a close shave in his quarter-final in the 60kg class, winning during Golden Score overtime on a foul by his Georgian opponent Lukhumi Chkhvimiani.

In the elimination round of 16, Takato delivered an ippon against Belgian Jorre Verstaeten.

"It was frustrating in Rio," Takato said, recalling the previous Games where he ended up with bronze. "It was a long road to get here."

In between matches at the eight-sided Nippon Budokan, which was built for the Olympics Japan hosted in 1964, sanitation workers poured disinfectant spray over yellow tatami mats to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection.

Blaring pop, rock and dance music was used to generate an atmosphere before the bouts.

JAPAN'S STRENGTH

Takato's victory underscored Japan's strength at a sport that originated in the country. Bronze medals went to Yeldos Smetov of Kazakhstan and Luka Mkheidze of France.

Japanese female judoka Funa Tonaki reached the final in her 48kg class but lost to Kosovo's Distria Krasniqi, just one bout away from achieving double gold on the same day with Takato.

Tonaki, a one-time world champion making her Olympic debut, won a semi-final with an ippon - judo's equivalent of a knockout - by pinning Ukraine's Daria Bilodid in Golden Score overtime.

It was a bittersweet day for the host nation, which has endured a lead up to the Games like no other.

The career of "King" Kohei Uchimura, twice Olympics all-around champion and holder of seven Olympic medals, came to an abrupt end when he failed to qualify in the gymnastics arena.

Japan also suffered an opening swimming session blow on Saturday when top gold medal hope Daiya Seto failed to make the men's 400 metres medley final.

Nevertheless, many spectators watching the Games at home under lockdown took solace in Takato's moment of joy.

"The first gold medal for Japan! It was a marvellous feat built on the bitter experience at Rio de Janeiro five years ago. Congratulations and thank you," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike tweeted.

Naohisa Takato delivered the first gold medal of the Tokyo Games for a host nation desperate for Olympic glory by winning the men's 60 kg judo, a sport fittingly born in Japan 140 years ago.

Naohisa Takato delivered the first gold medal of the Tokyo Games for a host nation desperate for Olympic glory by winning the men's 60 kg judo, a sport fittingly born in Japan 140 years ago. The win against Taiwan's Yang Yung-wei left Takato openly weeping on the mat and stood in contrast to the lack of fans in an empty arena at the Nippon Budokan, a mecca of Japanese martial arts and concert venues, amid the coronavirus pandemic. "This is heavy. It makes me feel like dreaming," Takato, who was later all smiles, told reporters when asked about the gold medal that was put around his neck. The triple world champion judoka, who had disappointed the nation with a bronze medal at the 2016 Games, had a nail-biting ride to the top of the podium with three victories in the finals coming in the sudden death Golden Score period. He had a close shave in his quarter-final in the 60kg class, winning during Golden Score overtime on a foul by his Georgian opponent Lukhumi Chkhvimiani. In the elimination round of 16, Takato delivered an ippon against Belgian Jorre Verstaeten. "It was frustrating in Rio," Takato said, recalling the previous Games where he ended up with bronze. "It was a long road to get here." In between matches at the eight-sided Nippon Budokan, which was built for the Olympics Japan hosted in 1964, sanitation workers poured disinfectant spray over yellow tatami mats to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection. Blaring pop, rock and dance music was used to generate an atmosphere before the bouts. JAPAN'S STRENGTH Takato's victory underscored Japan's strength at a sport that originated in the country. Bronze medals went to Yeldos Smetov of Kazakhstan and Luka Mkheidze of France. Japanese female judoka Funa Tonaki reached the final in her 48kg class but lost to Kosovo's Distria Krasniqi, just one bout away from achieving double gold on the same day with Takato. Tonaki, a one-time world champion making her Olympic debut, won a semi-final with an ippon - judo's equivalent of a knockout - by pinning Ukraine's Daria Bilodid in Golden Score overtime. It was a bittersweet day for the host nation, which has endured a lead up to the Games like no other. The career of "King" Kohei Uchimura, twice Olympics all-around champion and holder of seven Olympic medals, came to an abrupt end when he failed to qualify in the gymnastics arena. Japan also suffered an opening swimming session blow on Saturday when top gold medal hope Daiya Seto failed to make the men's 400 metres medley final. Nevertheless, many spectators watching the Games at home under lockdown took solace in Takato's moment of joy. "The first gold medal for Japan! It was a marvellous feat built on the bitter experience at Rio de Janeiro five years ago. Congratulations and thank you," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike tweeted.

Olympics: Naohisa Takato wins Japan's first gold in men's 60 kg judo

"I shall not march in the (opening ceremony's) Parade of Nations under a flag steeped in my people's blood," said Myanmar's Win Htet Oo, who was supposed to make his Olympic debut as the country's lone swimmer. While nations across the globe are cheering for their players as they win medals at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, a few would remember the sacrifice Oo made after the Myanmar military seized power in a coup in February, earlier this year.&nbsp;

Amid the Tokyo Olympics frenzy and fanfare, it is heartbreaking to see a well-deserved athlete being absent due to political reasons. Win Htet Oo had qualified for the 50m freestyle swimming competition and is considered one of Myanmar's top swimmers. However, the 26-year-old abandoned his dreams of&nbsp;representing his country at the Olympics and said he was no longer interested in going to Tokyo in protest against Myanmar's junta.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-olympics-athletes-must-wear-masks-at-games-apart-from-podium-moment-400491" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Athletes 'must' wear masks at Games apart from podium moment</a>

While taking to Facebook, Oo wrote, "To accept the MOC (Myanmar Olympic Committee) as it is currently led is to recognise the legitimacy of a murderous regime. I shall not march in the (opening ceremony's) Parade of Nations under a flag steeped in my people's blood."

The swimmer had also said that after the February coup he knew he couldn't go to the Olympic Games. So, it was an easy decision to make, even after training for two decades for the chance to go to the Olympics. "I just couldn't bring myself to attend, if [the MOC] was being controlled by the military," he added.

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Myanmar in political turmoil ever since the 76-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who was democratically elected as a civilian leader of Myanmar, was detained on February 1 in a coup d'état. The coup was carried out by Myanmar armed forces and Suu Kyi was slapped with a series of charges. Several other members of her political party, journalists and other prominent figures were also arrested. The coup ignited deadly protests across the country and hundreds of people have lost their lives. Besides protests and nationwide civil disobedience, the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to ravage as the situation remains dire in the county.&nbsp;

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-from-pv-sindhu-to-deepika-kumari-top-indian-athletes-to-look-out-for-400283">Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for!</a>&nbsp;

"I wanted to show Myanmar people that athletes can take part in the civil disobedience movement," he told AFP, speaking from Melbourne, Australia. "The image of me walking behind the flag in the Parade of Nations and smiling - pretending everything was all right - quite frankly disgusted me. It would be a propaganda exercise, some sort of way to tell the world that everything is fine in Myanmar," he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
It is worth noting that Oo wrote to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in March, citing the ongoing violence in Myanmar and asking to compete as an Independent Olympic Athlete. However, the IOC said Win Htet Oo did not appear to have a place for the Games, as awarded via the world swimming body FINA's qualifying system.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Oo wished the athletes who took part in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics as Myanmar made its seventeenth appearance at the Olympics.&nbsp;

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"I shall not march in the (opening ceremony's) Parade of Nations under a flag steeped in my people's blood," said Myanmar's Win Htet Oo, who was supposed to make his Olympic debut as the country's lone swimmer.

"I shall not march in the (opening ceremony's) Parade of Nations under a flag steeped in my people's blood," said Myanmar's Win Htet Oo, who was supposed to make his Olympic debut as the country's lone swimmer. While nations across the globe are cheering for their players as they win medals at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, a few would remember the sacrifice Oo made after the Myanmar military seized power in a coup in February, earlier this year. Amid the Tokyo Olympics frenzy and fanfare, it is heartbreaking to see a well-deserved athlete being absent due to political reasons. Win Htet Oo had qualified for the 50m freestyle swimming competition and is considered one of Myanmar's top swimmers. However, the 26-year-old abandoned his dreams of representing his country at the Olympics and said he was no longer interested in going to Tokyo in protest against Myanmar's junta. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Athletes 'must' wear masks at Games apart from podium moment While taking to Facebook, Oo wrote, "To accept the MOC (Myanmar Olympic Committee) as it is currently led is to recognise the legitimacy of a murderous regime. I shall not march in the (opening ceremony's) Parade of Nations under a flag steeped in my people's blood." The swimmer had also said that after the February coup he knew he couldn't go to the Olympic Games. So, it was an easy decision to make, even after training for two decades for the chance to go to the Olympics. "I just couldn't bring myself to attend, if [the MOC] was being controlled by the military," he added. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Silver medallist Mirabai Chanu's special Olympic earrings stole the show × Myanmar in political turmoil ever since the 76-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who was democratically elected as a civilian leader of Myanmar, was detained on February 1 in a coup d'état. The coup was carried out by Myanmar armed forces and Suu Kyi was slapped with a series of charges. Several other members of her political party, journalists and other prominent figures were also arrested. The coup ignited deadly protests across the country and hundreds of people have lost their lives. Besides protests and nationwide civil disobedience, the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to ravage as the situation remains dire in the county. IN PICS: Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for! "I wanted to show Myanmar people that athletes can take part in the civil disobedience movement," he told AFP, speaking from Melbourne, Australia. "The image of me walking behind the flag in the Parade of Nations and smiling - pretending everything was all right - quite frankly disgusted me. It would be a propaganda exercise, some sort of way to tell the world that everything is fine in Myanmar," he added. It is worth noting that Oo wrote to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in March, citing the ongoing violence in Myanmar and asking to compete as an Independent Olympic Athlete. However, the IOC said Win Htet Oo did not appear to have a place for the Games, as awarded via the world swimming body FINA's qualifying system. Meanwhile, Oo wished the athletes who took part in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics as Myanmar made its seventeenth appearance at the Olympics. × Click here for all Tokyo Olympics updates!

Tokyo 2020: When Myanmar swimmer ditched Olympic dreams in protest against junta ruling

China claimed its first diving gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday, keeping its winning streak in the sport rolling in the women's events.

Aiming for a clean sweep of all eight diving golds on offer in women's and men's events, the Asian powerhouse claimed the women's 3 metres synchronised springboard tile with Shi Tingmao and Wang Han leading the five-round final from the very start, finishing on 326.40 points.

Cheers from team mates and coaches rang around the mostly empty venue when the duo plunged into the pool with almost no splash on their last dive, showing once again their dominance of the event.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/Tokyo%20Olympics:%20Silver%20medallist%20Mirabai%20Chanu's%20special%20Olympic%20earrings%20stole%20the%20show">Tokyo Olympics: Silver medallist Mirabai Chanu's special Olympic earrings stole the show</a>

China has now won five successive Olympic titles in the women's synchronised 3 metre springboard, which made its Olympic debut in 2000.

For Shi, the Tokyo win marked a second successive Olympic gold medal in the event, while Han grabbed her first.

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Canadian pair Jennifer Abel and Melissa Citrini-Beaulieu took silver with 300.78 points, followed by Lena Hentschel and Tina Punzel of Germany with 284.97 points.

China claimed its first diving gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday, keeping its winning streak in the sport rolling in the women's events. Aiming for a clean sweep of all eight diving golds on offer in women's and men's events, the Asian powerhouse claimed the women's 3 metres synchronised springboard tile with Shi Tingmao and Wang Han leading the five-round final from the very start, finishing on 326.

China claimed its first diving gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday, keeping its winning streak in the sport rolling in the women's events. Aiming for a clean sweep of all eight diving golds on offer in women's and men's events, the Asian powerhouse claimed the women's 3 metres synchronised springboard tile with Shi Tingmao and Wang Han leading the five-round final from the very start, finishing on 326.40 points. Cheers from team mates and coaches rang around the mostly empty venue when the duo plunged into the pool with almost no splash on their last dive, showing once again their dominance of the event. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Silver medallist Mirabai Chanu's special Olympic earrings stole the show China has now won five successive Olympic titles in the women's synchronised 3 metre springboard, which made its Olympic debut in 2000. For Shi, the Tokyo win marked a second successive Olympic gold medal in the event, while Han grabbed her first. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Athletes 'must' wear masks at Games apart from podium moment Canadian pair Jennifer Abel and Melissa Citrini-Beaulieu took silver with 300.78 points, followed by Lena Hentschel and Tina Punzel of Germany with 284.97 points.

Olympics 2020: China women keep diving gold streak alive with Tokyo win

Naomi Osaka said she was feeling refreshed and ready to play, following a dominant 6-1 6-4 win over China's Zheng Saisai in the opening round of the Tokyo Games - her first victory since taking a mental health break two months ago.

The Japanese four-time Grand Slam champion had not played a competitive match since the French Open in May, when she withdrew after being fined for skipping the mandatory post-match press conferences on mental health reasons. She then also pulled out of Wimbledon.

Osaka said she appreciated taking time away from the court ahead of the Games in Tokyo, where she was chosen to light the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony on Friday night.

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-from-pv-sindhu-to-deepika-kumari-top-indian-athletes-to-look-out-for-400283">Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for!</a>&nbsp;

"More than anything, I'm just focused on playing tennis," she said in her first appearance in front of media in more than two months.

"Playing the Olympics has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so I feel like the break I took was very needed. But I feel definitely a little bit refreshed and happy again."

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Osaka's return to the game was hailed by the Japanese public, who showered her with praise following her win.

"(I admire) her powerful nature. Not just when she's playing, but she has her own principles which is wonderful," said 63-year-old office worker Yoshihiro Ohba.

Osaka was in ominous form against the 52nd-ranked Zheng, racing through the first set in just 32 minutes.

In the second set, the 23-year-old gained another early break but squandered two match points on the Chinese player's serve at 5-3.

Osaka went on to serve out the match to love.

Naomi Osaka said she was feeling refreshed and ready to play, following a dominant 6-1 6-4 win over China's Zheng Saisai in the opening round of the Tokyo Games - her first victory since taking a mental health break two months ago.

Naomi Osaka said she was feeling refreshed and ready to play, following a dominant 6-1 6-4 win over China's Zheng Saisai in the opening round of the Tokyo Games - her first victory since taking a mental health break two months ago. The Japanese four-time Grand Slam champion had not played a competitive match since the French Open in May, when she withdrew after being fined for skipping the mandatory post-match press conferences on mental health reasons. She then also pulled out of Wimbledon. Osaka said she appreciated taking time away from the court ahead of the Games in Tokyo, where she was chosen to light the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony on Friday night. IN PICS: Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for! "More than anything, I'm just focused on playing tennis," she said in her first appearance in front of media in more than two months. "Playing the Olympics has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so I feel like the break I took was very needed. But I feel definitely a little bit refreshed and happy again." ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Silver medallist Mirabai Chanu's special Olympic earrings stole the show Osaka's return to the game was hailed by the Japanese public, who showered her with praise following her win. "(I admire) her powerful nature. Not just when she's playing, but she has her own principles which is wonderful," said 63-year-old office worker Yoshihiro Ohba. Osaka was in ominous form against the 52nd-ranked Zheng, racing through the first set in just 32 minutes. In the second set, the 23-year-old gained another early break but squandered two match points on the Chinese player's serve at 5-3. Osaka went on to serve out the match to love.

Tokyo Olympics: Naomi Osaka refreshed and ready after first win since May

Athletes follow a disciplined training and fitness regime to maintain their physique and athleticism; they sacrifice their favourite food items to maintain their diet habits and compete at international levels. However, some of the prominent sportspersons in India sometimes share their 'cheat meals', for instance, remember when cricketer Virat Kohli talked about his love for 'Chole Bhature'. Interestingly, the latest star to join the list is none other than Mirabai Chanu, who won a silver medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-from-pv-sindhu-to-deepika-kumari-top-indian-athletes-to-look-out-for-400283">Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for!</a>&nbsp;

India's star weightlifter was heard in one of the media interviews that she wishes to eat pizza and that too 'a lot of it'. Now, Domino's India has offered her "PizzasForLife". In a tweet, the food outlet wrote, "She said it, we heard it We never want @mirabai_chanu to wait to eat again so we’re treating her to FREE Domino’s pizza for life!"

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The American food outlet had also congratulated the weightlifter moments after she won the medal and opened India's tally at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, it wrote, "Congratulations on bringing the medal home! You brought the dreams of a billion+ Indians to life and we couldn’t be happier to treat you to FREE pizza for life &nbsp;Congratulations again!!"

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-olympics-athletes-must-wear-masks-at-games-apart-from-podium-moment-400491" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Athletes 'must' wear masks at Games apart from podium moment</a>

From a heartbreak at Rio Olympics to winning glory at Tokyo, Mirabai Chanu talked about her journey while speaking exclusively to WION. The silver medalist and her coach Vijay Sharma opened up on a length of topics. She also said that now, she wants to go home as she has not been able to due to the preparation for the Olympics but firmly mentioned that she will continue to train as there is a lot yet to achieve.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch the interview here:

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The 26-year-old Mirabai Chanu managed a total lift of 202 kgs (87kgs in snatch + 115 kgs in clean and jerk) to claim the silver medal. She finished behind the Olympic champion Hou Zhihui of China, who set an Olympic record with a lift of 210 kgs (94+116). Indonesia’s Aisah Windy Cantika took the bronze medal with an effort of 194kg (84+110).&nbsp;

Chanu has given a reason to smile to all the Indians amid the Coronavirus (COID-19) crisis. From India Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, the entire nation wished Chanu for bringing home the glory. The celebrations in her home town were rather special. Family and neighbours of Mirabai Chanu reacted while watching her win the Silver medal for India. "We are very happy today. This is a result of her hard work. India and Manipur are proud of her," her relative in Imphal told ANI.&nbsp;

Watch how her family celebrated:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Manipur: Family and neighbours of weightlifter Mirabai Chanu burst into celebrations as they watch her win the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Silver?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Silver</a> medal for India in Women's 49kg category. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympicGames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympicGames</a> <a href="https://t.co/F2CjdwpPDc">pic.twitter.com/F2CjdwpPDc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1418833399301672963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Athletes follow a disciplined training and fitness regime to maintain their physique and athleticism; they sacrifice their favourite food items to maintain their diet habits and compete at international levels.

Athletes follow a disciplined training and fitness regime to maintain their physique and athleticism; they sacrifice their favourite food items to maintain their diet habits and compete at international levels. However, some of the prominent sportspersons in India sometimes share their 'cheat meals', for instance, remember when cricketer Virat Kohli talked about his love for 'Chole Bhature'. Interestingly, the latest star to join the list is none other than Mirabai Chanu, who won a silver medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020. IN PICS: Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for! India's star weightlifter was heard in one of the media interviews that she wishes to eat pizza and that too 'a lot of it'. Now, Domino's India has offered her "PizzasForLife". In a tweet, the food outlet wrote, "She said it, we heard it We never want @mirabai_chanu to wait to eat again so we’re treating her to FREE Domino’s pizza for life!" ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Silver medallist Mirabai Chanu's special Olympic earrings stole the show The American food outlet had also congratulated the weightlifter moments after she won the medal and opened India's tally at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, it wrote, "Congratulations on bringing the medal home! You brought the dreams of a billion+ Indians to life and we couldn’t be happier to treat you to FREE pizza for life Congratulations again!!" ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Athletes 'must' wear masks at Games apart from podium moment From a heartbreak at Rio Olympics to winning glory at Tokyo, Mirabai Chanu talked about her journey while speaking exclusively to WION. The silver medalist and her coach Vijay Sharma opened up on a length of topics. She also said that now, she wants to go home as she has not been able to due to the preparation for the Olympics but firmly mentioned that she will continue to train as there is a lot yet to achieve. Watch the interview here: × The 26-year-old Mirabai Chanu managed a total lift of 202 kgs (87kgs in snatch + 115 kgs in clean and jerk) to claim the silver medal. She finished behind the Olympic champion Hou Zhihui of China, who set an Olympic record with a lift of 210 kgs (94+116). Indonesia’s Aisah Windy Cantika took the bronze medal with an effort of 194kg (84+110). Chanu has given a reason to smile to all the Indians amid the Coronavirus (COID-19) crisis. From India Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, the entire nation wished Chanu for bringing home the glory. The celebrations in her home town were rather special. Family and neighbours of Mirabai Chanu reacted while watching her win the Silver medal for India. "We are very happy today. This is a result of her hard work. India and Manipur are proud of her," her relative in Imphal told ANI. Watch how her family celebrated: #WATCH | Manipur: Family and neighbours of weightlifter Mirabai Chanu burst into celebrations as they watch her win the #Silver medal for India in Women's 49kg category. #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/F2CjdwpPDc — ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2021 × Click here for all Tokyo Olympics updates!

'Free pizza for life': Mirabai Chanu gets delicious offer after winning silver medal at Tokyo Olympics

The first gold medal of the Tokyo Olympics has been claimed by China's Yang Qian in the women's 10-meter rifle competition on Saturday (July 24). Yang won the elusive medal with an Olympic record score of 251.8 as she finished ahead of Russia's Anastasiia Galashina. Switzerland's Nina Christen picked&nbsp;up the bronze medal.&nbsp;

Switzerland's Christen was knocked out on 230.6 points winning the&nbsp;first bronze medal of Tokyo 2020. After that, it's a straight shoot-off between Anastasiia and Yang for gold.&nbsp;

In their first shots of the final set, it was 10.7 for Yang and 10.8 for Galashina. The Russian shooter had a 0.2 lead overall going into the last shots but she managed only an 8.9 – her lowest score of this final. Yang shot a 9.8 and won the gold medal.&nbsp;

Previously, Norwegian Jeanette Hegg Duestad had set an Olympic qualifying record of 632.9 to reach the final but finished just outside the medals.&nbsp;

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24 July - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shooting?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shooting</a> / Women's 10m Air Rifle 
 
🥇 YANG Qian🇨🇳 
🥈 Anastasiia Galashina 
🥉 Nina Christen🇨🇭 
 
Congratulations to the first medalists of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedByEmotion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedByEmotion</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StrongerTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StrongerTogether</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ISSF_Shooting?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ISSF_Shooting</a>
— #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020/status/1418760734914211841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On the other hand, Indian shooters were disappointed as Elavenil Valarivan finished at 16th (626.5) and Apurvi Chandela finished 36th (621.9), hence, failed to qualify in the 10m air rifle women's qualification round.&nbsp;

The first gold medal of the Tokyo Olympics has been claimed by China's Yang Qian in the women's 10-meter rifle competition on Saturday (July 24). Yang won the elusive medal with an Olympic record score of 251.

The first gold medal of the Tokyo Olympics has been claimed by China's Yang Qian in the women's 10-meter rifle competition on Saturday (July 24). Yang won the elusive medal with an Olympic record score of 251.8 as she finished ahead of Russia's Anastasiia Galashina. Switzerland's Nina Christen picked up the bronze medal. Switzerland's Christen was knocked out on 230.6 points winning the first bronze medal of Tokyo 2020. After that, it's a straight shoot-off between Anastasiia and Yang for gold. In their first shots of the final set, it was 10.7 for Yang and 10.8 for Galashina. The Russian shooter had a 0.2 lead overall going into the last shots but she managed only an 8.9 – her lowest score of this final. Yang shot a 9.8 and won the gold medal. Previously, Norwegian Jeanette Hegg Duestad had set an Olympic qualifying record of 632.9 to reach the final but finished just outside the medals. 24 July - #Shooting / Women's 10m Air Rifle 🥇 YANG Qian🇨🇳 🥈 Anastasiia Galashina 🥉 Nina Christen🇨🇭 Congratulations to the first medalists of #Tokyo2020 #UnitedByEmotion | #StrongerTogether | @ISSF_Shooting — #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) July 24, 2021 × On the other hand, Indian shooters were disappointed as Elavenil Valarivan finished at 16th (626.5) and Apurvi Chandela finished 36th (621.9), hence, failed to qualify in the 10m air rifle women's qualification round.

China's Yang Qian wins first gold medal of Tokyo Olympics 2020 in women's 10m air rifle event

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday praised Japan's decision to delay the Tokyo Olympics over the coronavirus pandemic and indicated he will attend the rescheduled games next year.

"Congratulations to Prime Minister Abe of Japan, and the IOC, on their very wise decision to present the Olympics in 2021," Trump tweeted. "It will be a great success, and I look forward to being there!"

Trump faces a reelection battle this year and his campaign has likewise been upended by the global pandemic, which has prompted governments to order mass shutdowns of movement and economic activity.

So far the International Olympic Committee and Japan have not set a date for the rescheduled Games next year. If Trump does not secure a second term in November's vote, he will leave office in January 2021.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday praised Japan's decision to delay the Tokyo Olympics over the coronavirus pandemic and indicated he will attend the rescheduled games next year.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday praised Japan's decision to delay the Tokyo Olympics over the coronavirus pandemic and indicated he will attend the rescheduled games next year. "Congratulations to Prime Minister Abe of Japan, and the IOC, on their very wise decision to present the Olympics in 2021," Trump tweeted. "It will be a great success, and I look forward to being there!" Trump faces a reelection battle this year and his campaign has likewise been upended by the global pandemic, which has prompted governments to order mass shutdowns of movement and economic activity. So far the International Olympic Committee and Japan have not set a date for the rescheduled Games next year. If Trump does not secure a second term in November's vote, he will leave office in January 2021.

Donald Trump praises 2020 Tokyo Olympics delay, says will attend in 2021

Thomas Bach and the IOC should not be criticised for procrastination over the Tokyo Olympics as re-organising them is "mind-bogglingly complex", the movement's former head of marketing Michael Payne told AFP.

Payne, who in nearly two decades at the International Olympic Committee was widely credited with transforming its brand and finances through sponsorship, said Monday the IOC could have unilaterally cancelled the Games because of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, Payne believes that was never an option given Bach's experience as a sportsman of missing out on the 1980 Moscow Olympics due to the boycott by Western nations in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Payne said behind the scenes the IOC have been moving towards a postponement for a while.

"It is mind-bogglingly complex to make a sudden change after seven years of preparation for the biggest sporting event in the world," he told AFP in a phone interview.

"The IOC have been with increasing urgency looking to fall back on Plan B. The IOC remit allows them legally to cancel the Games unilaterally.

"Cancelling the Games though is not an option so to postpone the Games, you have to have your delivery partner (Japan) on board."

Payne said Japan would take its time to decide as until recently the local organisers had been enthusiastic about maintaining the Games in their scheduled slot.&nbsp;

"The Japanese have been holding out in the hope it might still be possible to hold the Games in July," he said.

"The cost to the Japanese of postponing them is loss of face and political capital to (Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo) Abe as this is very much his project.

"In the last few days Japan have been very up for them to go ahead but the problem is the rest of the world cannot get there."

Thomas Bach and the IOC should not be criticised for procrastination over the Tokyo Olympics as re-organising them is "mind-bogglingly complex", the movement's former head of marketing Michael Payne told AFP.

Thomas Bach and the IOC should not be criticised for procrastination over the Tokyo Olympics as re-organising them is "mind-bogglingly complex", the movement's former head of marketing Michael Payne told AFP. Payne, who in nearly two decades at the International Olympic Committee was widely credited with transforming its brand and finances through sponsorship, said Monday the IOC could have unilaterally cancelled the Games because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, Payne believes that was never an option given Bach's experience as a sportsman of missing out on the 1980 Moscow Olympics due to the boycott by Western nations in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Payne said behind the scenes the IOC have been moving towards a postponement for a while. "It is mind-bogglingly complex to make a sudden change after seven years of preparation for the biggest sporting event in the world," he told AFP in a phone interview. "The IOC have been with increasing urgency looking to fall back on Plan B. The IOC remit allows them legally to cancel the Games unilaterally. "Cancelling the Games though is not an option so to postpone the Games, you have to have your delivery partner (Japan) on board." Payne said Japan would take its time to decide as until recently the local organisers had been enthusiastic about maintaining the Games in their scheduled slot. "The Japanese have been holding out in the hope it might still be possible to hold the Games in July," he said. "The cost to the Japanese of postponing them is loss of face and political capital to (Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo) Abe as this is very much his project. "In the last few days Japan have been very up for them to go ahead but the problem is the rest of the world cannot get there."

Re-organising Olympics a Herculean task: former IOC marketing head

Japan has spent over 12.5 billion dollars on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The International Olympic Committee draws a fair amount of its finances from broadcast rights, and of course, they have a conflict of interest when it comes to deciding if the games go ahead or not, but is anyone asking the real stakeholders, the athletes over what they think should happen.&nbsp;

WION reached out to more than 50 of India's most respected sporting voices including Olympic medalists, past and present, and a majority want the games to be postponed.

The push back has begun as athletes are stunned by the determination of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to push on with the 2020 Tokyo Games despite the coronavirus outbreak.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/abhinav-bindra-2008-olympic-champion-shooting-287427/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The IOC held a conference call with representatives of athletes commissions from 2020 Olympic committees on Wednesday.

The IOC admits that the situation is not ideal as they look for exceptional solutions that depart from precedent - but the question remains, why not just push it back till all is safe?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/michael-nobbs-former-indian-hockey-coach-287423/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Interestingly - the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) hasn't revealed who represented India's athletes in the emergency board meeting and members of IOA’s commission have confirmed to WION that they are not aware as well.

So has anyone reached out at all or is the IOA simply following the diktat from the IOC to present an all is well scenario?

WION reached out to 50 of India’s most prominent Olympic figures – including athletes, medalists and coaches. The results are staggering! More than 60 per cent do not feel safe in the current environment and want the games to be postponed if no cure is found by the end of May.&nbsp;

“Talking about the situation of coronavirus I think Olympics might get postponed because it's been really bad all around the world. As you know, they have cancelled all the tournaments and talking about the Olympics, I really don't know because anything can happen at the last moment, anything might happen because the government is there to take decisions and if things get really really bad then they might postpone the games,” 2016 Olympic silver medalist, PV Sindhu told WION.

“But we will be getting prepared but we know never know until the end and apart from that it's really important to be safe. People who are not feeling well, you really need to be far from them and use hand sanitizers all the time. And definitely, things will change and the government is there for all of us,” the reigning Badminton World Champion added.

<img alt="PV Sindhu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2fae80d0-b366-4f9f-a09c-3acc406f103d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1JR7CZ.jpg" />

There are some who feel the games should go ahead - they include shooters like Manu Bhaker, Apurvi Chandela, Sanjeev Rajput and Mairaj Khan who have qualified for the games - and others who work closely with Olympic athletes.

“The Olympics should go on. I am definitely in support of the Olympics going ahead as scheduled and as per the original plan. While the current situation is quite grave and things are shutting down, I think calmness will prevail over in the next few weeks. My sentiments are probably not echoed by many but if we do understand the dynamics of it and to postpone the Olympics will cause more disruption than having it on time and while a lot of athletes have voiced their opinion on the postponement of the Olympics, I don't think the majority would be in that group,” Manisha Malhotra, the silver medalist in 2002 Asian Games, told WION.

“I think 50-60 per cent of athletes have already qualified for the Olympics and the ones who have not are the ones who are the most affected. But I think the way this virus is playing out and if we study what happened in China, the turnaround time to stop the spread is two months and we have that much time. We still have all of June and half of July and that should be okay going into the Olympics. It actually might benefit the athletes with final matching the qualification rounds,” she added.&nbsp;

The other major concern is that of training - lockdowns in place across many countries - especially in Europe have forced athletes to have to train in isolation - which is far from the ideal scenario heading into the biggest sporting competition of an athlete's career - but there seems to be no choice.

“The situation that the world is facing is completely unprecedented. I think no one was prepared for a situation such as this. An athlete’s life is all about adaptability. This is a skill that athletes do possess and this is a skill that needs to be put into good use in current times. Of course, there's an immense amount of uncertainty and speculation and in these times, athletes need to do two most important things: make sure they remain healthy, make sure everyone around them remain healthy and stay calm. In current times, there's lot of speculation and misinformation and I think the athletes would be in a good frame of mind if they look into information put forth by the experts, by the IOC, by the Athletes365 platform. The IOC has a task force with involvement of WHO which is monitoring the situation every single moment 24X7,” Abhinav Bindra, India’s only individual Olympic gold medalist told WION.

“The IOC came out with guiding principles of what will happen in the future and the guiding principle states that the first thing going forward is first to protect the health of everybody involved and support the containment of this virus. The WHO has told the IOC that it is too early to say whether Tokyo 2020 happens or not whether it is safe or not. What is important at the moment is to remain patient. In regards to being in top shape, I think in current times, it is completely secondary at the moment. The first priority must be that everybody takes care of their health and everybody around them. If they are able to do that then I am sure their performance will come into play and will be absolutely fine. Nothing will happen in a couple of weeks and athletes shouldn't worry if they are not able to train to the best of their limit in these couple of weeks that their performance will go down,” Bindra, who is a member of IOC Athlete’s Commission, added.&nbsp;

<img alt="abhinav bindra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="913a3d1d-db4b-415c-aa24-e72225c11449" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Del218640.jpg" />

Many Indian athletes have a few key questions which they want to be addressed.

If health is the primary concern - how can the IOC ask athletes to continue training, when its own offices in Lausanne are shut down and employees have been asked to work from home?

What is the pressing need to hold the games in July when the 1964 Tokyo Olympics were held in October and a precedent exists, they ask.

Can the IOC really vouch for the safety of the at least 50,000 athletes, officials, support staff, contractors, media personnel who attend the games? - and this number does not include spectators.

Is there any point in pressing ahead with the games - when the participation of athletes from sporting superpowers like the USA and a host of European countries remains doubtful due to the lockdowns &amp; travel restrictions in place?

“This is an unprecedented scenario we are going through. We have never seen these kinds of conditions ever. Forget about the athletes, normal people are locked down. They can't go out. And forget about the peaking of performance but they are not even able to qualify. I think 10-20 per cent of the athletes, worldwide, are yet to qualify. And among them, there would be elite athletes who are medal contenders and if they are left out of the competition, I think the results will be shocking!” Joydeep Karmakar, an Arjuna Award awardee and the man who famously finished 4th in Men's Prone at the 2012 London Games, told WION.

“It cannot be predicted but the best might miss the bus and unprecedented results can come out of the Olympics as well. So preparation is hit, people are not being able to qualify for the Olympics. So what will happen at the Olympics, if it does at all take place at the right time, I don't know the outcome and surely those who have qualified now it is hard time they are going through,” Karmakar, who has more than 100 medals at the National Championships and numerous International medals, Commonwealth Champion, Australian Open Champion, added.

<img alt="Joydeep Karmakar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46f3e26e-2766-4b3f-95b2-ed89284ccdc9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_DV27655.jpg" />

The athlete is the centerpiece of the Olympic movement. The IOC claims to be the protector of their best interests, so perhaps it is time for it to listen to their voices and put their needs ahead of commercial obligations.

"It probably should be delayed. It could be delayed until November and I think that would be really good. The June-July time in Japan is unbearably hot and some terrible time to play. It's called the suicide time in Japan simply because the conditions are so unbearable. And in terms of players' safety with the virus and everything, I don't think that's a real issue because the athletes are in the village and are secluded when they get in. My greatest concern would be spectators. I think it is probably fair because all the countries are in the same position at this stage. By November, hopefully, things will settle down but at this moment, it's all same for everyone, they are all training at home. So let's see,"&nbsp; Michael Nobbs, the&nbsp;member of Australia men's national field hockey team at the 1984 Olympics and the former coach of Indian national field hockey team, told WION.

<img alt="Michael Nobbs" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4efb17f0-5a4e-41e8-aa0c-ba5bcc2812e2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_DV1221093.jpg" />

The athlete is the centerpiece of the Olympic movement and sporting bodies definitely need to communicate directly with their sportspersons.&nbsp;

The Olympics are the greatest sporting event on the planet and should definitely go ahead, but at a time when it is safe for all stakeholders.

Japan has spent over 12.5 billion dollars on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The International Olympic Committee draws a fair amount of its finances from broadcast rights, and of course, they have a conflict of interest when it comes to deciding if the games go ahead or not, but is anyone asking the real stakeholders, the athletes over what they think should happen.

Japan has spent over 12.5 billion dollars on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The International Olympic Committee draws a fair amount of its finances from broadcast rights, and of course, they have a conflict of interest when it comes to deciding if the games go ahead or not, but is anyone asking the real stakeholders, the athletes over what they think should happen. WION reached out to more than 50 of India's most respected sporting voices including Olympic medalists, past and present, and a majority want the games to be postponed. The push back has begun as athletes are stunned by the determination of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to push on with the 2020 Tokyo Games despite the coronavirus outbreak. The IOC held a conference call with representatives of athletes commissions from 2020 Olympic committees on Wednesday. The IOC admits that the situation is not ideal as they look for exceptional solutions that depart from precedent - but the question remains, why not just push it back till all is safe? Interestingly - the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) hasn't revealed who represented India's athletes in the emergency board meeting and members of IOA’s commission have confirmed to WION that they are not aware as well. So has anyone reached out at all or is the IOA simply following the diktat from the IOC to present an all is well scenario? WION reached out to 50 of India’s most prominent Olympic figures – including athletes, medalists and coaches. The results are staggering! More than 60 per cent do not feel safe in the current environment and want the games to be postponed if no cure is found by the end of May. “Talking about the situation of coronavirus I think Olympics might get postponed because it's been really bad all around the world. As you know, they have cancelled all the tournaments and talking about the Olympics, I really don't know because anything can happen at the last moment, anything might happen because the government is there to take decisions and if things get really really bad then they might postpone the games,” 2016 Olympic silver medalist, PV Sindhu told WION. “But we will be getting prepared but we know never know until the end and apart from that it's really important to be safe. People who are not feeling well, you really need to be far from them and use hand sanitizers all the time. And definitely, things will change and the government is there for all of us,” the reigning Badminton World Champion added. There are some who feel the games should go ahead - they include shooters like Manu Bhaker, Apurvi Chandela, Sanjeev Rajput and Mairaj Khan who have qualified for the games - and others who work closely with Olympic athletes. “The Olympics should go on. I am definitely in support of the Olympics going ahead as scheduled and as per the original plan. While the current situation is quite grave and things are shutting down, I think calmness will prevail over in the next few weeks. My sentiments are probably not echoed by many but if we do understand the dynamics of it and to postpone the Olympics will cause more disruption than having it on time and while a lot of athletes have voiced their opinion on the postponement of the Olympics, I don't think the majority would be in that group,” Manisha Malhotra, the silver medalist in 2002 Asian Games, told WION. “I think 50-60 per cent of athletes have already qualified for the Olympics and the ones who have not are the ones who are the most affected. But I think the way this virus is playing out and if we study what happened in China, the turnaround time to stop the spread is two months and we have that much time. We still have all of June and half of July and that should be okay going into the Olympics. It actually might benefit the athletes with final matching the qualification rounds,” she added. The other major concern is that of training - lockdowns in place across many countries - especially in Europe have forced athletes to have to train in isolation - which is far from the ideal scenario heading into the biggest sporting competition of an athlete's career - but there seems to be no choice. “The situation that the world is facing is completely unprecedented. I think no one was prepared for a situation such as this. An athlete’s life is all about adaptability. This is a skill that athletes do possess and this is a skill that needs to be put into good use in current times. Of course, there's an immense amount of uncertainty and speculation and in these times, athletes need to do two most important things: make sure they remain healthy, make sure everyone around them remain healthy and stay calm. In current times, there's lot of speculation and misinformation and I think the athletes would be in a good frame of mind if they look into information put forth by the experts, by the IOC, by the Athletes365 platform. The IOC has a task force with involvement of WHO which is monitoring the situation every single moment 24X7,” Abhinav Bindra, India’s only individual Olympic gold medalist told WION. “The IOC came out with guiding principles of what will happen in the future and the guiding principle states that the first thing going forward is first to protect the health of everybody involved and support the containment of this virus. The WHO has told the IOC that it is too early to say whether Tokyo 2020 happens or not whether it is safe or not. What is important at the moment is to remain patient. In regards to being in top shape, I think in current times, it is completely secondary at the moment. The first priority must be that everybody takes care of their health and everybody around them. If they are able to do that then I am sure their performance will come into play and will be absolutely fine. Nothing will happen in a couple of weeks and athletes shouldn't worry if they are not able to train to the best of their limit in these couple of weeks that their performance will go down,” Bindra, who is a member of IOC Athlete’s Commission, added. Many Indian athletes have a few key questions which they want to be addressed. If health is the primary concern - how can the IOC ask athletes to continue training, when its own offices in Lausanne are shut down and employees have been asked to work from home? What is the pressing need to hold the games in July when the 1964 Tokyo Olympics were held in October and a precedent exists, they ask. Can the IOC really vouch for the safety of the at least 50,000 athletes, officials, support staff, contractors, media personnel who attend the games? - and this number does not include spectators. Is there any point in pressing ahead with the games - when the participation of athletes from sporting superpowers like the USA and a host of European countries remains doubtful due to the lockdowns & travel restrictions in place? “This is an unprecedented scenario we are going through. We have never seen these kinds of conditions ever. Forget about the athletes, normal people are locked down. They can't go out. And forget about the peaking of performance but they are not even able to qualify. I think 10-20 per cent of the athletes, worldwide, are yet to qualify. And among them, there would be elite athletes who are medal contenders and if they are left out of the competition, I think the results will be shocking!” Joydeep Karmakar, an Arjuna Award awardee and the man who famously finished 4th in Men's Prone at the 2012 London Games, told WION. “It cannot be predicted but the best might miss the bus and unprecedented results can come out of the Olympics as well. So preparation is hit, people are not being able to qualify for the Olympics. So what will happen at the Olympics, if it does at all take place at the right time, I don't know the outcome and surely those who have qualified now it is hard time they are going through,” Karmakar, who has more than 100 medals at the National Championships and numerous International medals, Commonwealth Champion, Australian Open Champion, added. The athlete is the centerpiece of the Olympic movement. The IOC claims to be the protector of their best interests, so perhaps it is time for it to listen to their voices and put their needs ahead of commercial obligations. "It probably should be delayed. It could be delayed until November and I think that would be really good. The June-July time in Japan is unbearably hot and some terrible time to play. It's called the suicide time in Japan simply because the conditions are so unbearable. And in terms of players' safety with the virus and everything, I don't think that's a real issue because the athletes are in the village and are secluded when they get in. My greatest concern would be spectators. I think it is probably fair because all the countries are in the same position at this stage. By November, hopefully, things will settle down but at this moment, it's all same for everyone, they are all training at home. So let's see," Michael Nobbs, the member of Australia men's national field hockey team at the 1984 Olympics and the former coach of Indian national field hockey team, told WION. The athlete is the centerpiece of the Olympic movement and sporting bodies definitely need to communicate directly with their sportspersons. The Olympics are the greatest sporting event on the planet and should definitely go ahead, but at a time when it is safe for all stakeholders.

EXCLUSIVE: India's leading sporting voices prefer Olympic postponement

A plan to use snow collected in Japan's mountains to cool 2020 Olympics venues this summer is being stymied by snowfalls on track to be the lowest on record, according to officials involved.

The Olympics are coming to Japan; So too is climate change

The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on February 26 called for sports and cultural events to be scrapped or curtailed for two weeks because of coronavirus. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics could also be cancelled.

WION Wallet: Japanese economy contracts 6.3% in Oct-Dec quarter

When the world's top athletes meet in Tokyo for the Olympics later this year, they'll be spending some of their recreational time in a communal space built entirely out of reusable timber. Organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Wednesday (January 29) unveiled the village plaza, which was made from 40,000 pieces of timber, donated by 63 Japanese municipal governments.

Tokyo 2020 athletes plaza made from sustainable timber

World and former Olympic champion high hurdler Sally Pearson, the most successful Australian track athlete of her generation, gave up on her dream of a swansong at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and retired on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Queenslander, who won Olympic 100 metres hurdles gold at the 2012 London Games and the world title in 2011 and 2017, said she had been forced into the decision by a string of injuries.

"After 16 years of being on the Australian team it's time to hang up the spikes," Pearson told a news conference in Sydney.

"Every time I want to go fast the body doesn't want to. So I don't think I could take anymore injuries and I have huge doubts for the next year for me to be able to continue at the level that I expect of myself ...

"I'm proud of my career and what I've achieved and hopefully inspired our next generation of athletes coming through ..."

Pearson grew up on the Gold Coast and was initially an international prospect under her maiden name Sally McLellan in both the hurdles and the flat 100 metres sprint.

She got her big breakthrough with the hurdles silver medal at the 2008 Olympics and was named IAAF female athlete of the year after securing her first world title at Daegu in 2011.

She dominated the 100 metres hurdles in the year running up to the London Olympics and swept to victory in 12.37 seconds to firmly establish herself among the world's elite.

One of a trio of American challengers to her supremacy, Brianna Rollins, kept her to a silver at the 2013 worlds and a horrific injury sustained at the Rome Diamond League meeting in 2015 prevented her from competing to get it back.

'Bone Explosion'

After the fall in Rome, Pearson feared she might have to have her lower arm amputated with doctors describing the injury as a "bone explosion" in her wrist.

She battled back from that injury but was bedevilled by calf and Achilles problems and ultimately prevented from defending her Olympic title in Rio by a torn hamstring.

In testimony to her mental toughness, she was back on the big stage at the 2017 world championships in London, where she reclaimed the hurdles title in 12.59 seconds.

"I would like to say that the Olympic Games in 2012 was my most favourite memory but I must say 2017 world championships for me was something that I proved to myself that I could still do it," she added.

"Even through the hard slog that I went through, I was still able to come back and be the victor at a major world championships.

"For me, that was my most proudest moment, for me as an athlete and coach because I was coaching myself. The London Olympics, though will always take my heart."

More injuries followed, though, with an Achilles issue cruelly robbing her of the chance to race at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in her home city.

Another hamstring injury put in doubt her world title defence in Doha later this year and it was the return of the Achilles problem that finally convinced her to give up on her dream of running at the Tokyo Olympics next year.

"I started hurdling again and the Achilles started to flare up and that was it," she added. "I just hit boiling point. Because of last year and 2018 I wasn't going through that pain again. That was too much to take."

World and former Olympic champion high hurdler Sally Pearson, the most successful Australian track athlete of her generation, gave up on her dream of a swansong at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and retired on Tuesday.

World and former Olympic champion high hurdler Sally Pearson, the most successful Australian track athlete of her generation, gave up on her dream of a swansong at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and retired on Tuesday. The 32-year-old Queenslander, who won Olympic 100 metres hurdles gold at the 2012 London Games and the world title in 2011 and 2017, said she had been forced into the decision by a string of injuries. "After 16 years of being on the Australian team it's time to hang up the spikes," Pearson told a news conference in Sydney. "Every time I want to go fast the body doesn't want to. So I don't think I could take anymore injuries and I have huge doubts for the next year for me to be able to continue at the level that I expect of myself ... "I'm proud of my career and what I've achieved and hopefully inspired our next generation of athletes coming through ..." Pearson grew up on the Gold Coast and was initially an international prospect under her maiden name Sally McLellan in both the hurdles and the flat 100 metres sprint. She got her big breakthrough with the hurdles silver medal at the 2008 Olympics and was named IAAF female athlete of the year after securing her first world title at Daegu in 2011. She dominated the 100 metres hurdles in the year running up to the London Olympics and swept to victory in 12.37 seconds to firmly establish herself among the world's elite. One of a trio of American challengers to her supremacy, Brianna Rollins, kept her to a silver at the 2013 worlds and a horrific injury sustained at the Rome Diamond League meeting in 2015 prevented her from competing to get it back. 'Bone Explosion' After the fall in Rome, Pearson feared she might have to have her lower arm amputated with doctors describing the injury as a "bone explosion" in her wrist. She battled back from that injury but was bedevilled by calf and Achilles problems and ultimately prevented from defending her Olympic title in Rio by a torn hamstring. In testimony to her mental toughness, she was back on the big stage at the 2017 world championships in London, where she reclaimed the hurdles title in 12.59 seconds. "I would like to say that the Olympic Games in 2012 was my most favourite memory but I must say 2017 world championships for me was something that I proved to myself that I could still do it," she added. "Even through the hard slog that I went through, I was still able to come back and be the victor at a major world championships. "For me, that was my most proudest moment, for me as an athlete and coach because I was coaching myself. The London Olympics, though will always take my heart." More injuries followed, though, with an Achilles issue cruelly robbing her of the chance to race at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in her home city. Another hamstring injury put in doubt her world title defence in Doha later this year and it was the return of the Achilles problem that finally convinced her to give up on her dream of running at the Tokyo Olympics next year. "I started hurdling again and the Achilles started to flare up and that was it," she added. "I just hit boiling point. Because of last year and 2018 I wasn't going through that pain again. That was too much to take."

Injury forces former Olympic champion Sally Pearson to retire

Ace Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar's hopes of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics suffered a jolt after aggravating her knee injury during the vault final at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup here Saturday, forcing her to withdraw from next week's Doha World Cup.&nbsp;

The 25-year-old from Tripura had performed a higher-difficulty Hand front 540 vault, scoring 14.466 and 14.133 points in the two qualifying round for an average of 14.299 to qualify for the vault final at the third position.

But she was left crestfallen after aggravating a knee injury while landing during the first vault final.

"She had some problems in her knee before today's final. She was feeling some pain yesterday but felt better after working with physio. She&nbsp; 
attempted the vault finals today but fell on her first vault, aggravating the injury due to undesired landing," Gymnastic Federation of India (GFI) vice president Riyaz Bhati told PTI.

"She did not attempt the second vault due to the injury and finished her campaign at the Baku World Cup. She will now skip the World Cup in Doha and come back to India for rehabilitation and aim for Asian and World Championships this year."

The two World Cups are part of an eight-event qualifying system for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, under which the gymnasts will make the cut based on their top three scores.

The Asian Championship is scheduled to be held in Mongolia from June 13-16, while the World Championship is slated for October 4-13 in Germany later this year.

"Dipa can still qualify by doing well at World Championship this year," Bhati said.

Dipa had claimed the bronze at the vault event of the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Cottbus, Germany, in November last year to fuel her Olympic dream. It was her first appearance after recovering from a knee strain, which had forced her to miss the vault final in the Jakarta Asian Games.

Dipa has been troubled by her knee ever since she finished fourth at the 2016 Olympics. She had almost two years of injury lay-off after the Rio Games.

She had an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery in Mumbai and had to skip the Asian Championships in Thailand in May last year.

However, returning to action in July, Dipa created history by becoming the first Indian gymnast to clinch gold at a global event when she emerged triumphant at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup at Mersin, Turkey.&nbsp;

Ace Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar's hopes of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics suffered a jolt after aggravating her knee injury during the vault final at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup here Saturday, forcing her to withdraw from next week's Doha World Cup.

Ace Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar's hopes of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics suffered a jolt after aggravating her knee injury during the vault final at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup here Saturday, forcing her to withdraw from next week's Doha World Cup. The 25-year-old from Tripura had performed a higher-difficulty Hand front 540 vault, scoring 14.466 and 14.133 points in the two qualifying round for an average of 14.299 to qualify for the vault final at the third position. But she was left crestfallen after aggravating a knee injury while landing during the first vault final. "She had some problems in her knee before today's final. She was feeling some pain yesterday but felt better after working with physio. She attempted the vault finals today but fell on her first vault, aggravating the injury due to undesired landing," Gymnastic Federation of India (GFI) vice president Riyaz Bhati told PTI. "She did not attempt the second vault due to the injury and finished her campaign at the Baku World Cup. She will now skip the World Cup in Doha and come back to India for rehabilitation and aim for Asian and World Championships this year." The two World Cups are part of an eight-event qualifying system for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, under which the gymnasts will make the cut based on their top three scores. The Asian Championship is scheduled to be held in Mongolia from June 13-16, while the World Championship is slated for October 4-13 in Germany later this year. "Dipa can still qualify by doing well at World Championship this year," Bhati said. Dipa had claimed the bronze at the vault event of the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Cottbus, Germany, in November last year to fuel her Olympic dream. It was her first appearance after recovering from a knee strain, which had forced her to miss the vault final in the Jakarta Asian Games. Dipa has been troubled by her knee ever since she finished fourth at the 2016 Olympics. She had almost two years of injury lay-off after the Rio Games. She had an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery in Mumbai and had to skip the Asian Championships in Thailand in May last year. However, returning to action in July, Dipa created history by becoming the first Indian gymnast to clinch gold at a global event when she emerged triumphant at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup at Mersin, Turkey.

Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar aggravates knee injury during vault final, to skip Doha World Cup

India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Neeraj+Chopra">Neeraj Chopra</a> is reluctant to discuss specific targets for the next couple of years but his coach Uwe Hohn has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the former javelin world junior champion to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;

Chopra shot to prominence last year when he won javelin gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games, bringing rare track-and-field success for India.&nbsp;

His winning throw on the Gold Coast measured 86.47 metres and he followed that up with a 87.43m throw at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May.&nbsp;

At the Asian Games in Jakarta, Chopra took the title with a season's best throw of 88.06m, placing him sixth in the IAAF's rankings for 2018.

"Our targets for this year are, besides staying healthy and getting better, to throw 92 metres and finish in the top six at the World Championships in Doha," Hohn told Reuters in an interview. "Then 94 metres in 2020 and a medal in Tokyo."&nbsp;

Hohn is the only athlete to throw a javelin over 100m, with his world record of 104.8m for East Germany in 1984. Two years later the men's javelin was redesigned and its centre of gravity was moved forward by four centimetres.&nbsp;

Czech thrower Jan Zelezny, who won three successive Olympic gold medals from 1992, has the five best throws ever with his 1996 world record of 98.48m still standing.&nbsp;

While India is credited with Norman Pritchard's hurdles silver medals from 1900 before it gained independence from Britain, the world's second-most populous nation considers itself never to have won an athletics medal at an Olympics.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old Chopra is currently ranked fourth in the IAAF world rankings and is by far the best chance India has of ending that drought in Tokyo next year.&nbsp;

The athlete told Reuters in a recent interview that 2019 will be an even more important year than 2018.&nbsp;

Hohn said Chopra had to be as consistent as he was last year but raise his game further.&nbsp;

"We are also aware that there are a few others in the world, not only from Germany but also in Asia, who are also working to get still better," he said from an altitude training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

"We are concentrating on taking little steps forward without getting injured and we will see where we get with this."&nbsp;

Chopra suffered a setback with an elbow injury late last year and also needs to work on his technique, Hohn said.&nbsp;

"We are working to improve in many ways and adjust the training to his needs and ability at all times and we will continue this in cooperation with his physio," he added.&nbsp;

India's Neeraj Chopra is reluctant to discuss specific targets for the next couple of years but his coach Uwe Hohn has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the former javelin world junior champion to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

India's Neeraj Chopra is reluctant to discuss specific targets for the next couple of years but his coach Uwe Hohn has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the former javelin world junior champion to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Chopra shot to prominence last year when he won javelin gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games, bringing rare track-and-field success for India. His winning throw on the Gold Coast measured 86.47 metres and he followed that up with a 87.43m throw at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May. At the Asian Games in Jakarta, Chopra took the title with a season's best throw of 88.06m, placing him sixth in the IAAF's rankings for 2018. "Our targets for this year are, besides staying healthy and getting better, to throw 92 metres and finish in the top six at the World Championships in Doha," Hohn told Reuters in an interview. "Then 94 metres in 2020 and a medal in Tokyo." Hohn is the only athlete to throw a javelin over 100m, with his world record of 104.8m for East Germany in 1984. Two years later the men's javelin was redesigned and its centre of gravity was moved forward by four centimetres. Czech thrower Jan Zelezny, who won three successive Olympic gold medals from 1992, has the five best throws ever with his 1996 world record of 98.48m still standing. While India is credited with Norman Pritchard's hurdles silver medals from 1900 before it gained independence from Britain, the world's second-most populous nation considers itself never to have won an athletics medal at an Olympics. The 21-year-old Chopra is currently ranked fourth in the IAAF world rankings and is by far the best chance India has of ending that drought in Tokyo next year. The athlete told Reuters in a recent interview that 2019 will be an even more important year than 2018. Hohn said Chopra had to be as consistent as he was last year but raise his game further. "We are also aware that there are a few others in the world, not only from Germany but also in Asia, who are also working to get still better," he said from an altitude training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa. "We are concentrating on taking little steps forward without getting injured and we will see where we get with this." Chopra suffered a setback with an elbow injury late last year and also needs to work on his technique, Hohn said. "We are working to improve in many ways and adjust the training to his needs and ability at all times and we will continue this in cooperation with his physio," he added.

Coach Uwe Hohn lays out pathway for Neeraj Chopra's Tokyo success

Pakistan's shooters were Monday granted visas to participate in the New Delhi World Cup, a top Indian shooting official told PTI, ending speculation about their presence in the event in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack.&nbsp;

The ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation) event, which will offer 16 quota places for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, starts at the Dr Karni Singh Range on Thursday.&nbsp;

"Their visa has been cleared and we have received communication from the Indian High Commission and the Pakistan shooting federation. The two shooters and the manager's tickets are also being booked," National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) secretary Rajiv Bhatia told PTI.&nbsp;

Earlier, the terrorist attack had cast a doubt over Pakistan shooters' participation in the World Cup, with the country's federation saying in Karachi that it would not send its marksmen if the visas don't come through by this evening.&nbsp;

At least 40 CRPF paramilitary troopers were killed while several others injured in what is being termed as the deadliest terrorist strike in three decades in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Indian government had given clearance for the applications, but that was before last Thursday's dastardly attack.&nbsp;

Pakistan applied for visas for two shooters in the rapid fire category -- GM Bashir and Khalil Ahmed -- for the World Cup.&nbsp;

Pakistan's National Rifle Shooting Federation President Razi Ahmed had earlier said that the secretary of NRAI had assured him that visas would be granted since the Indian home ministry has given its clearance.&nbsp;

He added that air tickets had been booked and NOCs (No Objection Certificates) obtained for taking the ammunition to New Delhi for use in the championship.

Pakistan's shooters were Monday granted visas to participate in the New Delhi World Cup, a top Indian shooting official told PTI, ending speculation about their presence in the event in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack.

Pakistan's shooters were Monday granted visas to participate in the New Delhi World Cup, a top Indian shooting official told PTI, ending speculation about their presence in the event in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack. The ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation) event, which will offer 16 quota places for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, starts at the Dr Karni Singh Range on Thursday. "Their visa has been cleared and we have received communication from the Indian High Commission and the Pakistan shooting federation. The two shooters and the manager's tickets are also being booked," National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) secretary Rajiv Bhatia told PTI. Earlier, the terrorist attack had cast a doubt over Pakistan shooters' participation in the World Cup, with the country's federation saying in Karachi that it would not send its marksmen if the visas don't come through by this evening. At least 40 CRPF paramilitary troopers were killed while several others injured in what is being termed as the deadliest terrorist strike in three decades in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government had given clearance for the applications, but that was before last Thursday's dastardly attack. Pakistan applied for visas for two shooters in the rapid fire category -- GM Bashir and Khalil Ahmed -- for the World Cup. Pakistan's National Rifle Shooting Federation President Razi Ahmed had earlier said that the secretary of NRAI had assured him that visas would be granted since the Indian home ministry has given its clearance. He added that air tickets had been booked and NOCs (No Objection Certificates) obtained for taking the ammunition to New Delhi for use in the championship.

Pakistan shooters granted visas for New Delhi World Cup

Visitors to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics can expect to arrive at an airport &quot;scattered&quot; with robots to help them, an official said Tuesday as he unveiled seven new machines to perform tasks from helping with luggage to language assistance.

Among the seven robots on show was a fluffy cat mascot that can carry out simultaneous interpretation in four different languages.

Visitors speak into a furry microphone, and translations appear instantly on a smart screen.

Travellers may also be approached by a small white humanoid robot, Cinnamon, asking if they need its help.

The sleek white robot can converse with visitors through its AI system and give directions.

Another robot on display can carry luggage through the airport alongside the traveller.

Yutaka Kuratomi, a representative from the Japan Airport Terminal, hopes that by 2020, the terminals will be &quot;scattered with robots&quot;, and it will be &quot;normal&quot; to see visitors communicating with machines.

They are also aimed especially at foreign visitors, who already have high expectations that Japan will show off its world-beating technology in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

&quot;We want foreign tourists to think that the Japanese people are cool when they come here,&quot; Kuratomi told AFP.

The launch of the robots also comes as Japan grapples with a labour shortage against the backdrop of an ageing population.

With Tokyo hosting the 2020 Olympics, Haneda Airport is bracing for a sharp increase in visitors from abroad and hopes robots can compensate for a lack of staff.

The robots will be on a trial for a month at Haneda from January 9.

Travellers may also be approached by a small white humanoid robot, Cinnamon, asking if they need its help

Visitors to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics can expect to arrive at an airport "scattered" with robots to help them, an official said Tuesday as he unveiled seven new machines to perform tasks from helping with luggage to language assistance. Among the seven robots on show was a fluffy cat mascot that can carry out simultaneous interpretation in four different languages. Visitors speak into a furry microphone, and translations appear instantly on a smart screen. Travellers may also be approached by a small white humanoid robot, Cinnamon, asking if they need its help. The sleek white robot can converse with visitors through its AI system and give directions. Another robot on display can carry luggage through the airport alongside the traveller. Yutaka Kuratomi, a representative from the Japan Airport Terminal, hopes that by 2020, the terminals will be "scattered with robots", and it will be "normal" to see visitors communicating with machines. They are also aimed especially at foreign visitors, who already have high expectations that Japan will show off its world-beating technology in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. "We want foreign tourists to think that the Japanese people are cool when they come here," Kuratomi told AFP. The launch of the robots also comes as Japan grapples with a labour shortage against the backdrop of an ageing population. With Tokyo hosting the 2020 Olympics, Haneda Airport is bracing for a sharp increase in visitors from abroad and hopes robots can compensate for a lack of staff. The robots will be on a trial for a month at Haneda from January 9.

Tokyo airport to be 'scattered' with robots for 2020 Olympics