The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will not pressure 2022 Winter Olympics hosts&nbsp;China&nbsp;over its human rights record because it is not in the governing body's remit to dictate to sovereign countries, IOC Vice-President John Coates said on Wednesday (October 13).

Rights groups and U.S. lawmakers have called on the IOC to postpone next year's Beijing Games and relocate the event unless&nbsp;China&nbsp;ends what the United States deems ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups. Chinese authorities have been accused of facilitating forced labour by detaining around a million Uyghurs and other primarily Muslim minorities in camps since 2016.

China&nbsp;denies wrongdoing, saying it has set up vocational training centres to combat extremism.

Coates said the IOC's human rights remit only covered the "Olympic movement" and the National Olympic Committees within it.

"The IOC does place a very high emphasis on human rights," Coates told reporters at the National Press Club of Australia.

"But the IOC is not -- the IOC's remit is to ensure that there is no human rights abuses in respect of the conduct of the Games within the National Olympic Committees or within the Olympic movement.

"We have no ability to go into a country and tell them what to do. All we can do is to award the Olympics to a country, under conditions set out in a host contract ... and then ensure that they are followed."

Coates was asked why the IOC would intervene in Afghanistan, where the Games are not being held, but not take a stand in countries where they are.

The IOC said last month it had helped around 100 members of the "Olympic community" in Afghanistan to leave the country on humanitarian visas after the Taliban took control.

"The work the IOC is doing is to protect the Olympians and those involved in the Olympic moments.... those who comprise the sports federations in Afghanistan," he said.

"That's within our remit. The situations that you have referred to, the humanitarian ones in&nbsp;China, is not within our remit."

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will not pressure 2022 Winter Olympics hosts China over its human rights record because it is not in the governing body's remit to dictate to sovereign countries, IOC Vice-President John Coates said on Wednesday (October 13).

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will not pressure 2022 Winter Olympics hosts China over its human rights record because it is not in the governing body's remit to dictate to sovereign countries, IOC Vice-President John Coates said on Wednesday (October 13). Rights groups and U.S. lawmakers have called on the IOC to postpone next year's Beijing Games and relocate the event unless China ends what the United States deems ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups. Chinese authorities have been accused of facilitating forced labour by detaining around a million Uyghurs and other primarily Muslim minorities in camps since 2016. China denies wrongdoing, saying it has set up vocational training centres to combat extremism. Coates said the IOC's human rights remit only covered the "Olympic movement" and the National Olympic Committees within it. "The IOC does place a very high emphasis on human rights," Coates told reporters at the National Press Club of Australia. "But the IOC is not -- the IOC's remit is to ensure that there is no human rights abuses in respect of the conduct of the Games within the National Olympic Committees or within the Olympic movement. "We have no ability to go into a country and tell them what to do. All we can do is to award the Olympics to a country, under conditions set out in a host contract ... and then ensure that they are followed." Coates was asked why the IOC would intervene in Afghanistan, where the Games are not being held, but not take a stand in countries where they are. The IOC said last month it had helped around 100 members of the "Olympic community" in Afghanistan to leave the country on humanitarian visas after the Taliban took control. "The work the IOC is doing is to protect the Olympians and those involved in the Olympic moments.... those who comprise the sports federations in Afghanistan," he said. "That's within our remit. The situations that you have referred to, the humanitarian ones in China, is not within our remit."

IOC's John Coates rules out pressuring China over human rights

Jacques Rogge, who spent 12 years as president of the International Olympic Committee, has died at the age of 79, the organisation announced on Sunday.

"It is with great sadness that the International Olympic Committee announces the passing of former IOC President Count Jacques Rogge. He was 79 years old," said an IOC statement.

Rogge was the eighth president of the IOC, from 2001 to 2013, after which he was succeeded by Thomas Bach.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It is with great sadness that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announces the passing of former IOC President Count Jacques Rogge. He was 79 years old. <a href="https://t.co/3bVyhbnBP3">https://t.co/3bVyhbnBP3</a>
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iocmedia/status/1432008749137416195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"First and foremost, Jacques loved sport and being with athletes - and he transmitted this passion to everyone who knew him. His joy in sport was infectious," said Bach on Sunday.

"He was an accomplished President, helping to modernise and transform the IOC. He was also a fierce proponent of clean sport, and fought tirelessly against the evils of doping.&nbsp;

"Since we were elected as IOC members together we shared a wonderful bond of friendship, and this continued until his last days.

"The entire Olympic Movement will deeply mourn the loss of a great friend and a passionate fan of sport."

Rogge was an orthopaedic surgeon with a degree in sports medicine.

He also played rugby at international level, winning 16 caps for Belgium and became a world champion sailor.

It was on the water that he took part in three Olympics in 1968, 1972 and 1976.

After his career as an athlete he became president of the Belgian and European Olympic Committees, and was elected president of the IOC in 2001.&nbsp;

After his IOC presidency, he served as a Special Envoy for Youth, Refugees and Sport to the United Nations.

Rogge was married to Anne and he leaves behind a son, a daughter and two grandchildren.

Jacques Rogge, who spent 12 years as president of the International Olympic Committee, has died at the age of 79, the organisation announced on Sunday. "It is with great sadness that the International Olympic Committee announces the passing of former IOC President Count Jacques Rogge.

Jacques Rogge, who spent 12 years as president of the International Olympic Committee, has died at the age of 79, the organisation announced on Sunday. "It is with great sadness that the International Olympic Committee announces the passing of former IOC President Count Jacques Rogge. He was 79 years old," said an IOC statement. Rogge was the eighth president of the IOC, from 2001 to 2013, after which he was succeeded by Thomas Bach. It is with great sadness that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announces the passing of former IOC President Count Jacques Rogge. He was 79 years old. https://t.co/3bVyhbnBP3 — IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) August 29, 2021 × "First and foremost, Jacques loved sport and being with athletes - and he transmitted this passion to everyone who knew him. His joy in sport was infectious," said Bach on Sunday. "He was an accomplished President, helping to modernise and transform the IOC. He was also a fierce proponent of clean sport, and fought tirelessly against the evils of doping. "Since we were elected as IOC members together we shared a wonderful bond of friendship, and this continued until his last days. "The entire Olympic Movement will deeply mourn the loss of a great friend and a passionate fan of sport." Rogge was an orthopaedic surgeon with a degree in sports medicine. He also played rugby at international level, winning 16 caps for Belgium and became a world champion sailor. It was on the water that he took part in three Olympics in 1968, 1972 and 1976. After his career as an athlete he became president of the Belgian and European Olympic Committees, and was elected president of the IOC in 2001. After his IOC presidency, he served as a Special Envoy for Youth, Refugees and Sport to the United Nations. Rogge was married to Anne and he leaves behind a son, a daughter and two grandchildren.

Former IOC president Jacques Rogge dead at 79: Official

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has urged to eliminate all equestrian events from the Olympics. In a letter written to Thomas Bach, who is the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), PETA mentioned the controversy over equestrian sports, citing an incident during the recently concluded 2020 Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;

In the letter dated August 13, PETA gave reference to an incident that happened during the Tokyo Olympics when German pentathlon competitor, Annika Schleu, was spotted spurring and whipping the horse Saint Boy after it refused to enter the course.&nbsp;

Schleu's trainer, Kim Raisner, was also seen hitting the horse, however, the coach was thrown out of the Tokyo Olympics for punching a horse during competition.&nbsp;

But PETA writes that "fines and suspensions aren't enough" to protect other horses who might face similar consequences.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/out-of-touch-north-koreas-state-tv-airs-tokyo-olympics-match-days-after-closing-ceremony-405095">Out of touch: North Korea's state TV airs Tokyo Olympics match days after closing ceremony</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Clearly the horse is in distress as Annika Schleu of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GER</a> in tears struggling to control him. Then her coach Kim Raisner violated the rules by punching the horse. Coach has now been disqualified from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a>. Poor horse. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModernPentathlon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModernPentathlon</a> 
 
<a href="https://t.co/GphQ5g4CkV">pic.twitter.com/GphQ5g4CkV</a>
— 𝗔𝘆𝘀𝗵𝗮 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝘇𝘂𝗮𝗻 (@ayshardzn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ayshardzn/status/1423973863860277248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Apart from Tokyo Games, PETA also noted two incidents in the equestrian eventing competition. In one Jet Set, a horse ridden by a Swiss competitor Robin Godel was injured so badly during a cross-country event that he had to be euthanized.&nbsp;

While the other saw Irish rider Cian O'Connor force his mount Kilkenny to finish the course despite blood pouring from his nostrils.&nbsp;

The letter also included the inclusion of new sports at the Tokyo Games like skateboarding, surfing&nbsp;and sport climbing. The letter further added that&nbsp;it's "time to remove sports" that are no longer supported by the public.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/british-olympic-silver-medallist-cj-ujah-suspended-for-alleged-doping-405069">British Olympic silver medallist CJ Ujah suspended for alleged doping</a>

"The Olympic Games showcase human athletes, not the ability to terrify and injure horses who don't choose to compete yet are doing all the work, sometimes at the cost of their very lives," said PETA President Ingrid Newkirk.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"Just as the games have evolved to include modern sports like skateboarding, PETA is calling on the International Olympic Committee to relegate abusive equestrian events to the history books."&nbsp;

So far, there's no comment from the IOC.&nbsp;

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has urged to eliminate all equestrian events from the Olympics. In a letter written to Thomas Bach, who is the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), PETA mentioned the controversy over equestrian sports, citing an incident during the recently concluded 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has urged to eliminate all equestrian events from the Olympics. In a letter written to Thomas Bach, who is the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), PETA mentioned the controversy over equestrian sports, citing an incident during the recently concluded 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In the letter dated August 13, PETA gave reference to an incident that happened during the Tokyo Olympics when German pentathlon competitor, Annika Schleu, was spotted spurring and whipping the horse Saint Boy after it refused to enter the course. Schleu's trainer, Kim Raisner, was also seen hitting the horse, however, the coach was thrown out of the Tokyo Olympics for punching a horse during competition. But PETA writes that "fines and suspensions aren't enough" to protect other horses who might face similar consequences. ALSO READ | Out of touch: North Korea's state TV airs Tokyo Olympics match days after closing ceremony Clearly the horse is in distress as Annika Schleu of #GER in tears struggling to control him. Then her coach Kim Raisner violated the rules by punching the horse. Coach has now been disqualified from #Tokyo2020. Poor horse. #ModernPentathlon pic.twitter.com/GphQ5g4CkV — 𝗔𝘆𝘀𝗵𝗮 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝘇𝘂𝗮𝗻 (@ayshardzn) August 7, 2021 × Apart from Tokyo Games, PETA also noted two incidents in the equestrian eventing competition. In one Jet Set, a horse ridden by a Swiss competitor Robin Godel was injured so badly during a cross-country event that he had to be euthanized. While the other saw Irish rider Cian O'Connor force his mount Kilkenny to finish the course despite blood pouring from his nostrils. The letter also included the inclusion of new sports at the Tokyo Games like skateboarding, surfing and sport climbing. The letter further added that it's "time to remove sports" that are no longer supported by the public. ALSO READ | British Olympic silver medallist CJ Ujah suspended for alleged doping "The Olympic Games showcase human athletes, not the ability to terrify and injure horses who don't choose to compete yet are doing all the work, sometimes at the cost of their very lives," said PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. "Just as the games have evolved to include modern sports like skateboarding, PETA is calling on the International Olympic Committee to relegate abusive equestrian events to the history books." So far, there's no comment from the IOC.

'Relegate abusive events': PETA urges IOC president to ban equestrian events from Olympic Games

The IOC said it had issued a warning to the two Chinese cycling medallists who wore badges featuring the head of their country's former leader Mao Zedong at the Tokyo Olympics podium, breaching a rule on political gestures, and that the case was now closed. 
 
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Saturday it had received a "clarification" from the Chinese Olympic Committee over the political gesture of its athletes.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

"We have received a clarification and the athletes have been warned," Christian Klaue, IOC Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, told reporters. 
 
"We also received assurances that it will not happen again and with this the IOC considers this case closed."

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/from-ravi-kumar-to-pv-sindhu-indian-athletes-with-mind-boggling-cash-rewards-after-winning-medals-in-tokyo-olympics-india-403367">From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics</a>

The Tokyo Games end on Sunday. 
 
Cyclists Bao Shanju and Zhong Tianshi wore the badges&nbsp;during a medal ceremony on Monday, in a breach of Rule 50 of the Olympic charter that prohibits the display of political paraphernalia on the podium. 
 
The two athletes wore the badges, commonplace in China for half a century and often an identifier of Communist party membership, after retaining the women's cycling team sprint title at the Izu Velodrome. 
 
While the IOC last month relaxed Rule 50 to allow gestures, such as taking the knee on the field of play provided athletes do so without disruption and with respect for fellow competitors, it has made clear that such gestures were not allowed on the podium. 
 
Beijing will host the 2022 winter Olympics in February.

The IOC said it had issued a warning to the two Chinese cycling medallists who wore badges featuring the head of their country's former leader Mao Zedong at the Tokyo Olympics podium, breaching a rule on political gestures, and that the case was now closed.

The IOC said it had issued a warning to the two Chinese cycling medallists who wore badges featuring the head of their country's former leader Mao Zedong at the Tokyo Olympics podium, breaching a rule on political gestures, and that the case was now closed. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Saturday it had received a "clarification" from the Chinese Olympic Committee over the political gesture of its athletes. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list "We have received a clarification and the athletes have been warned," Christian Klaue, IOC Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, told reporters. "We also received assurances that it will not happen again and with this the IOC considers this case closed." IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics The Tokyo Games end on Sunday. Cyclists Bao Shanju and Zhong Tianshi wore the badges during a medal ceremony on Monday, in a breach of Rule 50 of the Olympic charter that prohibits the display of political paraphernalia on the podium. The two athletes wore the badges, commonplace in China for half a century and often an identifier of Communist party membership, after retaining the women's cycling team sprint title at the Izu Velodrome. While the IOC last month relaxed Rule 50 to allow gestures, such as taking the knee on the field of play provided athletes do so without disruption and with respect for fellow competitors, it has made clear that such gestures were not allowed on the podium. Beijing will host the 2022 winter Olympics in February.

Olympics: China athletes warned over Mao badges, case closed - IOC

In a 'very significant change', athletes will now put their medals around their own necks to protect against spreading the coronavirus in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bolt-describes-racist-abuse-of-england-trio-as-horrible-and-unfair-397989" hreflang="en">Football: Bolt describes racist abuse of England trio as ‘horrible’ and ‘unfair’</a>

The change in tradition was revealed by International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday.&nbsp;

“The medals will not be given around the neck,” Bach told international media on a conference call from Tokyo. “They will be presented to the athlete on a tray and then the athlete will take the medal him or herself.”

“It will be made sure that the person who will put the medal on tray will do so only with disinfected gloves so that the athlete can be sure that nobody touched them before,” Bach added.

Bach said that there will be no hand shales and hugs during the medal ceremony.&nbsp;

Earlier, the medals were presented by an IOC member or a leading official in a sport’s governing body.&nbsp;

The IOC also said that the medallists and the ceremony officials will have to wear masks due to the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

The Summer Games will kick off on July 23 and will be held behind closed doors due to a state of emergency in Japan in the wake of the surge in COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;

In a 'very significant change', athletes will now put their medals around their own necks to protect against spreading the coronavirus in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

In a 'very significant change', athletes will now put their medals around their own necks to protect against spreading the coronavirus in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. ALSO READ: Football: Bolt describes racist abuse of England trio as ‘horrible’ and ‘unfair’ The change in tradition was revealed by International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday. “The medals will not be given around the neck,” Bach told international media on a conference call from Tokyo. “They will be presented to the athlete on a tray and then the athlete will take the medal him or herself.” “It will be made sure that the person who will put the medal on tray will do so only with disinfected gloves so that the athlete can be sure that nobody touched them before,” Bach added. Bach said that there will be no hand shales and hugs during the medal ceremony. Earlier, the medals were presented by an IOC member or a leading official in a sport’s governing body. The IOC also said that the medallists and the ceremony officials will have to wear masks due to the COVID-19 crisis. The Summer Games will kick off on July 23 and will be held behind closed doors due to a state of emergency in Japan in the wake of the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Social distancing: Tokyo Olympics winners will have to put their medals on necks by themselves

The International Olympic Committee's longest-serving member assured Thursday that the Tokyo Games are "a go," as IOC officials huddled with local organizers for online talks.

"There's nothing to indicate that there's an elephant in the room that we don't know about," Richard Pound told AFP two months before the scheduled start of the Games, which have already been pushed from last year due to the pandemic.

Japanese public sentiment is against the mega event, with polls showing a majority in the country want the Olympics delayed further or altogether cancelled.

"Based on everything we know today it's a go," Pound said, adding, "I have my ticket."

"If the host country (Japan) doesn't want to host, it doesn't host," he said, but added that the IOC ultimately retains "the power to cancel the Games if the conditions are dangerous enough."

Organisers have outlined extensive virus countermeasures to keep the Olympics safe, including barring overseas fans for the first time ever.

But with Japan battling the fourth wave of infections, doctors' associations have warned that the healthcare system is already overstretched and the Games could add further stress.

As currently planned, there will be less "celebratory stuff, the streets (won't be) filled with athletes and spectators and so on. The excitement of being in an Olympic city, that's going to be a lot more subdued," Pound said.

Athletes will be tested for Covid-19 at the Tokyo airport upon arrival and then effectively isolated at the Olympic village. After competing, they will be asked to quickly leave the country.

"It's not going to have all the frills and bells and whistles that we've come to expect," he said. "That kind of ambience is not going to be there."

But "there will be Olympic competitions and the athletes from all 206 countries are expected to participate."

Pound, a former Canadian swimming champion who later became the first president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, acknowledged the pushback in Japan against the Games, but downplayed its likelihood of forcing a cancellation.

He drew parallels with the 1984 Games in Los Angeles in which there were concerns "about how many Olympic athletes were going to die because of the smog," and a Zika virus outbreak prior to the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

"It was the wrong season and the wrong area (for Zika) but people still thought that Zika would decimate the crowds and the athletes," he said. In the end, no foreign visitors to the Rio Games contracted the virus.

"So you've got to expect some of that stuff and just persist through it," he said, adding that "communications could be better to try and reassure the public at large."

"At the moment, the big question is will there be spectators and if so, what percentage of the venues will be available."

He said the IOC has agreed, in addition to banning foreign spectators, to halving the number of people with Olympic responsibilities entering Japan from overseas for the Olympics, which take place from July 23 to August 8.

If the Games are cancelled at the last minute, Pound said, "certainly there would be massive disappointment on the part of the athletes, (and) around the world that this opportunity could not be seized upon."

The IOC, sponsors, broadcasters and "almost anybody connected with the risks" of putting on the world's premier sporting event, he said, are insured for that eventuality.

Financial losses resulting from a cancellation "would be significant."

But it "would not put the entire international sports system or the Olympic movement in dire straits," Pound assured. "We'd have to tighten the belts a little bit of course but it certainly would not cause financial ruin."

It would, however, be regrettable for competitors as "three out of four Olympic athletes get one kick at the can," he said.

The Games have only been cancelled on three occasions, because of World War I in 1916 and due to World War II in 1940 and 1946.

The coronavirus pandemic, Pound said, is certainly the biggest "existential threat since the Spanish flu" (1918-1920), but he added that vaccines now exist for it, and "we know how to prevent the transmission of it with masks, social distancing and all that sort of stuff."

The International Olympic Committee's longest-serving member assured Thursday that the Tokyo Games are "a go," as IOC officials huddled with local organizers for online talks.

The International Olympic Committee's longest-serving member assured Thursday that the Tokyo Games are "a go," as IOC officials huddled with local organizers for online talks. "There's nothing to indicate that there's an elephant in the room that we don't know about," Richard Pound told AFP two months before the scheduled start of the Games, which have already been pushed from last year due to the pandemic. Japanese public sentiment is against the mega event, with polls showing a majority in the country want the Olympics delayed further or altogether cancelled. "Based on everything we know today it's a go," Pound said, adding, "I have my ticket." "If the host country (Japan) doesn't want to host, it doesn't host," he said, but added that the IOC ultimately retains "the power to cancel the Games if the conditions are dangerous enough." Organisers have outlined extensive virus countermeasures to keep the Olympics safe, including barring overseas fans for the first time ever. But with Japan battling the fourth wave of infections, doctors' associations have warned that the healthcare system is already overstretched and the Games could add further stress. As currently planned, there will be less "celebratory stuff, the streets (won't be) filled with athletes and spectators and so on. The excitement of being in an Olympic city, that's going to be a lot more subdued," Pound said. Athletes will be tested for Covid-19 at the Tokyo airport upon arrival and then effectively isolated at the Olympic village. After competing, they will be asked to quickly leave the country. "It's not going to have all the frills and bells and whistles that we've come to expect," he said. "That kind of ambience is not going to be there." But "there will be Olympic competitions and the athletes from all 206 countries are expected to participate." Pound, a former Canadian swimming champion who later became the first president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, acknowledged the pushback in Japan against the Games, but downplayed its likelihood of forcing a cancellation. He drew parallels with the 1984 Games in Los Angeles in which there were concerns "about how many Olympic athletes were going to die because of the smog," and a Zika virus outbreak prior to the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. "It was the wrong season and the wrong area (for Zika) but people still thought that Zika would decimate the crowds and the athletes," he said. In the end, no foreign visitors to the Rio Games contracted the virus. "So you've got to expect some of that stuff and just persist through it," he said, adding that "communications could be better to try and reassure the public at large." "At the moment, the big question is will there be spectators and if so, what percentage of the venues will be available." He said the IOC has agreed, in addition to banning foreign spectators, to halving the number of people with Olympic responsibilities entering Japan from overseas for the Olympics, which take place from July 23 to August 8. If the Games are cancelled at the last minute, Pound said, "certainly there would be massive disappointment on the part of the athletes, (and) around the world that this opportunity could not be seized upon." The IOC, sponsors, broadcasters and "almost anybody connected with the risks" of putting on the world's premier sporting event, he said, are insured for that eventuality. Financial losses resulting from a cancellation "would be significant." But it "would not put the entire international sports system or the Olympic movement in dire straits," Pound assured. "We'd have to tighten the belts a little bit of course but it certainly would not cause financial ruin." It would, however, be regrettable for competitors as "three out of four Olympic athletes get one kick at the can," he said. The Games have only been cancelled on three occasions, because of World War I in 1916 and due to World War II in 1940 and 1946. The coronavirus pandemic, Pound said, is certainly the biggest "existential threat since the Spanish flu" (1918-1920), but he added that vaccines now exist for it, and "we know how to prevent the transmission of it with masks, social distancing and all that sort of stuff."

International Olympic Committee veteran Pound says Tokyo Games 'a go'

The ruling could not have been more clear.

One of soccer’s six regional bodies had engaged in discriminatory behavior against a female official by hindering her chances of getting a seat on its board and a leadership position with the sport’s global governing body, FIFA.

The official, Mariyam Mohamed, also convinced judges at sports’ top court that an influential Kuwaiti sheikh had actively interfered in elections held by the Asian Football Confederation in 2019 to achieve his desired outcome.

The full ruling, which has not been published, was obtained by The New York Times. In it, a panel at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland concluded that the inaction by Asian soccer officials over several months amounted to a “denial of justice” for Mohamed. Yet two months since the decision was announced, the effect of what appears to be a powerful denunciation of ethics breaches and a disregard for women’s rights has had all the effect of a snowball hitting a tank.

Nothing has happened.

The tainted elections will not be rerun. The men who offered Mohamed inducements to drop out have not been punished. And soccer’s leaders have taken no action.

FIFA said in an email it had no comment, even though it previously insisted it would follow up on the court’s findings with soccer officials in Asia. Asian soccer’s governing body also declined to comment, saying its leaders had nothing to add to a January statement in which they had pledged the organization would review the findings.

For Mohamed, the silence has been maddening.

“It’s just a game for them, justice denial, the same process that I was in,” she said in a phone interview. “They’re waiting for time to pass by, and hoping I get fed up. Now the verdict has come, and it’s just very sad. I don’t know where else to go now.”

Mohamed, who filed her complaints to the Asian federation’s disciplinary department in May 2019, says she initially celebrated the ruling, but came to realize it may amount to a Pyrrhic victory.

She has not been contacted by officials from the AFC, she said. Nor has she heard from ethics investigators from FIFA, even though the organization’s rules state that gender discrimination is “strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.”

The case and its aftermath have highlighted how power works in global sports. It shows how a tainted Gulf royal linked to other cases of corruption has been able to exert significant control over one of soccer’s largest governing bodies even though he has no official role in its affairs. And it shows how a strategy of delay can be its own kind of injustice.

Mohamed’s case had roots in FIFA’s response to its own problems with discrimination: To address a lack of women on its governing board, the organization since 2013 set aside specific seats for women, starting with one voting member in 2013 and now a minimum of one from each of FIFA’s six regional confederations.

Mohamed, a former soccer player and coach from the Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, had hoped to win the AFC’s spot in a vote in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in April 2019. It did not take her long to realize that the power brokers of Asian soccer had already decided the election’s outcome.

She filed her first complaints about the election to the Asian confederation’s disciplinary department a month later. Emails show the organization responded to her inquiries by insisting it had begun an investigation, although it appears little was done. The AFC, citing confidentiality, refused to supply any evidence of its investigation to the court.

At a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport last July, the AFC hardly put up a defense. Its lawyers offered no witnesses to challenge Mohamed’s testimony that a top confederation official and the head of the soccer federation of Qatar had been present in a luxury hotel suite when the Kuwaiti sheikh, Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, told Mohamed he had decided that his preferred candidate, Mahfuza Akhter Kiron of Bangladesh, would be elected as the AFC’s female representative to the FIFA Council.

Mohamed was told she should drop her candidacy, and do so within 24 hours. She later claimed, in testimony that went unchallenged by the AFC, that Sheikh Ahmad attempted to mollify her by saying he had so much sway in international soccer circles that he could obtain for her “any other position of her choosing at the AFC or FIFA” in exchange for her withdrawal.

By this point, Sheikh Ahmad had no official role in soccer, having resigned his position on the FIFA Council in 2017 after allegations emerged in a U.S. federal court that he had bribed Asian officials. But Mohamed’s decision to take her case to court provided a rare public glimpse into his continuing stature as a power broker in global sports through his role as the president of the Olympic Council of Asia, an organization created by his father in 1982.

At a 2013 International Olympic Committee meeting, for example, Sheikh Ahmad’s support helped Thomas Bach secure the IOC presidency and also deliver the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo. Since he was indicted in a forgery case unrelated to sports in 2018, he has “self-suspended” from two prominent Olympic roles. But his opinion still carries weight.

Before the AFC’s 2019 elections, his legal troubles did not seem to be an issue. A list of his favored candidates was distributed to AFC voters on the eve of the elections and, aware of the talks with Mohamed and of Sheikh Ahmad’s preference for a different candidate, the leaders of several federations pressured Mohamed to drop out, she said. She declined to withdraw, and lost the vote, 31-15. Every candidate on Sheikh Ahmad’s list, however, was elected to seats on the AFC’s executive board or, as in Kiron’s case, as a confederation representative to FIFA.

After reviewing the evidence presented by Mohamed and her lawyers, the CAS panel made clear in the summary of its decision that it agreed with her version of the events. The panel confirmed that the 2019 elections had breached FIFA and AFC rules on gender discrimination. It concluded that Sheikh Ahmad had tried to influence the outcome, and that the AFC had denied Mohamed justice by not making a ruling on her complaint. It did, however, also say that by not bowing out of the elections, Mohamed ensured the sheikh’s efforts to influence the election in her case were not effective.

But the court said it was powerless to order that the flawed elections be annulled, or to punish any of the individuals accused of interfering with them. Any decision on further action was for FIFA, and the AFC, to decide, the court said.

Because of the rules governing the court, the panel’s full findings have been cloaked in secrecy since the verdict was announced on Jan. 25.

“If nothing happens it is a disgrace for FIFA, the AFC, and undermines the authority of CAS indirectly,” said Miguel Maduro, the former FIFA governance head who gave evidence in Mohamed’s case. “This award and what follows tells us at once that CAS has exposed corruption at the highest level of elections in football and at the same time tells us they cannot do anything about it.”

Maduro added that at the very least, FIFA should have initiated an ethics inquiry after the ruling. To date, it has not.

Such a move, though, would be extremely sensitive for soccer’s global leadership. The FIFA official responsible for overseeing the 2019 election, Eduardo Ache, told the CAS panel that soccer’s guidelines to improve female representation were mere recommendations. The panel said Ache’s evidence suggested he was “prepared to accept any discrimination provided at least one woman was elected to FIFA.”

But pressing for discipline in the case also could be uncomfortable for FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, who relies on the support of national and regional soccer leaders to push his agenda. He recently spent two weeks touring Africa, for example, to ensure that his favored candidate, a South African billionaire with no high-level experience in soccer administration, was elected president of the continent’s regional confederation. And he is unlikely to press for discipline against the leader of Qatar’s soccer federation — reportedly present when Mohamed was offered inducements to step aside — or any other Asian leader a year before Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup.

The longer the full ruling in Mohamed’s case goes unpublished, though, the more it will give the appearance soccer’s leaders are trying to brush a problematic situation under the carpet, said Johan Lindholm, a professor of law at Umea University in Sweden who has published a book on CAS.

“Whether it’s because of bad PR or there are other things going on, then you would probably want to keep it as secret as possible,” Lindholm said.

The ruling could not have been more clear. One of soccer’s six regional bodies had engaged in discriminatory behavior against a female official by hindering her chances of getting a seat on its board and a leadership position with the sport’s global governing body, FIFA.

The ruling could not have been more clear. One of soccer’s six regional bodies had engaged in discriminatory behavior against a female official by hindering her chances of getting a seat on its board and a leadership position with the sport’s global governing body, FIFA. The official, Mariyam Mohamed, also convinced judges at sports’ top court that an influential Kuwaiti sheikh had actively interfered in elections held by the Asian Football Confederation in 2019 to achieve his desired outcome. The full ruling, which has not been published, was obtained by The New York Times. In it, a panel at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland concluded that the inaction by Asian soccer officials over several months amounted to a “denial of justice” for Mohamed. Yet two months since the decision was announced, the effect of what appears to be a powerful denunciation of ethics breaches and a disregard for women’s rights has had all the effect of a snowball hitting a tank. Nothing has happened. The tainted elections will not be rerun. The men who offered Mohamed inducements to drop out have not been punished. And soccer’s leaders have taken no action. FIFA said in an email it had no comment, even though it previously insisted it would follow up on the court’s findings with soccer officials in Asia. Asian soccer’s governing body also declined to comment, saying its leaders had nothing to add to a January statement in which they had pledged the organization would review the findings. For Mohamed, the silence has been maddening. “It’s just a game for them, justice denial, the same process that I was in,” she said in a phone interview. “They’re waiting for time to pass by, and hoping I get fed up. Now the verdict has come, and it’s just very sad. I don’t know where else to go now.” Mohamed, who filed her complaints to the Asian federation’s disciplinary department in May 2019, says she initially celebrated the ruling, but came to realize it may amount to a Pyrrhic victory. She has not been contacted by officials from the AFC, she said. Nor has she heard from ethics investigators from FIFA, even though the organization’s rules state that gender discrimination is “strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.” The case and its aftermath have highlighted how power works in global sports. It shows how a tainted Gulf royal linked to other cases of corruption has been able to exert significant control over one of soccer’s largest governing bodies even though he has no official role in its affairs. And it shows how a strategy of delay can be its own kind of injustice. Mohamed’s case had roots in FIFA’s response to its own problems with discrimination: To address a lack of women on its governing board, the organization since 2013 set aside specific seats for women, starting with one voting member in 2013 and now a minimum of one from each of FIFA’s six regional confederations. Mohamed, a former soccer player and coach from the Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, had hoped to win the AFC’s spot in a vote in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in April 2019. It did not take her long to realize that the power brokers of Asian soccer had already decided the election’s outcome. She filed her first complaints about the election to the Asian confederation’s disciplinary department a month later. Emails show the organization responded to her inquiries by insisting it had begun an investigation, although it appears little was done. The AFC, citing confidentiality, refused to supply any evidence of its investigation to the court. At a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport last July, the AFC hardly put up a defense. Its lawyers offered no witnesses to challenge Mohamed’s testimony that a top confederation official and the head of the soccer federation of Qatar had been present in a luxury hotel suite when the Kuwaiti sheikh, Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, told Mohamed he had decided that his preferred candidate, Mahfuza Akhter Kiron of Bangladesh, would be elected as the AFC’s female representative to the FIFA Council. Mohamed was told she should drop her candidacy, and do so within 24 hours. She later claimed, in testimony that went unchallenged by the AFC, that Sheikh Ahmad attempted to mollify her by saying he had so much sway in international soccer circles that he could obtain for her “any other position of her choosing at the AFC or FIFA” in exchange for her withdrawal. By this point, Sheikh Ahmad had no official role in soccer, having resigned his position on the FIFA Council in 2017 after allegations emerged in a U.S. federal court that he had bribed Asian officials. But Mohamed’s decision to take her case to court provided a rare public glimpse into his continuing stature as a power broker in global sports through his role as the president of the Olympic Council of Asia, an organization created by his father in 1982. At a 2013 International Olympic Committee meeting, for example, Sheikh Ahmad’s support helped Thomas Bach secure the IOC presidency and also deliver the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo. Since he was indicted in a forgery case unrelated to sports in 2018, he has “self-suspended” from two prominent Olympic roles. But his opinion still carries weight. Before the AFC’s 2019 elections, his legal troubles did not seem to be an issue. A list of his favored candidates was distributed to AFC voters on the eve of the elections and, aware of the talks with Mohamed and of Sheikh Ahmad’s preference for a different candidate, the leaders of several federations pressured Mohamed to drop out, she said. She declined to withdraw, and lost the vote, 31-15. Every candidate on Sheikh Ahmad’s list, however, was elected to seats on the AFC’s executive board or, as in Kiron’s case, as a confederation representative to FIFA. After reviewing the evidence presented by Mohamed and her lawyers, the CAS panel made clear in the summary of its decision that it agreed with her version of the events. The panel confirmed that the 2019 elections had breached FIFA and AFC rules on gender discrimination. It concluded that Sheikh Ahmad had tried to influence the outcome, and that the AFC had denied Mohamed justice by not making a ruling on her complaint. It did, however, also say that by not bowing out of the elections, Mohamed ensured the sheikh’s efforts to influence the election in her case were not effective. But the court said it was powerless to order that the flawed elections be annulled, or to punish any of the individuals accused of interfering with them. Any decision on further action was for FIFA, and the AFC, to decide, the court said. Because of the rules governing the court, the panel’s full findings have been cloaked in secrecy since the verdict was announced on Jan. 25. “If nothing happens it is a disgrace for FIFA, the AFC, and undermines the authority of CAS indirectly,” said Miguel Maduro, the former FIFA governance head who gave evidence in Mohamed’s case. “This award and what follows tells us at once that CAS has exposed corruption at the highest level of elections in football and at the same time tells us they cannot do anything about it.” Maduro added that at the very least, FIFA should have initiated an ethics inquiry after the ruling. To date, it has not. Such a move, though, would be extremely sensitive for soccer’s global leadership. The FIFA official responsible for overseeing the 2019 election, Eduardo Ache, told the CAS panel that soccer’s guidelines to improve female representation were mere recommendations. The panel said Ache’s evidence suggested he was “prepared to accept any discrimination provided at least one woman was elected to FIFA.” But pressing for discipline in the case also could be uncomfortable for FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, who relies on the support of national and regional soccer leaders to push his agenda. He recently spent two weeks touring Africa, for example, to ensure that his favored candidate, a South African billionaire with no high-level experience in soccer administration, was elected president of the continent’s regional confederation. And he is unlikely to press for discipline against the leader of Qatar’s soccer federation — reportedly present when Mohamed was offered inducements to step aside — or any other Asian leader a year before Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup. The longer the full ruling in Mohamed’s case goes unpublished, though, the more it will give the appearance soccer’s leaders are trying to brush a problematic situation under the carpet, said Johan Lindholm, a professor of law at Umea University in Sweden who has published a book on CAS. “Whether it’s because of bad PR or there are other things going on, then you would probably want to keep it as secret as possible,” Lindholm said.

A soccer official proved her discrimination case. No one was punished.

The International Olympic Committee on Friday reacted to the speculations of the Tokyo Olympics 2020&nbsp;getting cancelled&nbsp;as the IOC dismissed all the reports while terming it "categorically untrue".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier on Friday, The Times reported that the Japanese government has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai dismissed the report, the IOC has given an official statement saying that "they will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue their preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer".&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-games-may-be-too-big-a-gamble-disease-expert-says-358262" hreflang="en">Tokyo Games may be too big a gamble, disease expert says</a>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5e26cd38-371c-46d9-b12d-5cf040f9145f}{210}" paraid="631709021" >Full statement by the International Olympic Committee on Tokyo Olympics:&nbsp;</h2>

We refer you to the strong and clear statement that the Japanese Government made today, saying that the report is "categorically untrue". Please find the statement here:&nbsp;

"Some news reports circulating today are claiming that the Government of Japan has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled because of the coronavirus. This is categorically untrue.&nbsp;

"At an IOC Executive Board meeting in July last year, it was agreed that the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Tokyo&nbsp;2020 would be held on July 23 this year, and the&nbsp;programme&nbsp;and venues for the Games were rescheduled accordingly. All parties involved are working together to prepare for a successful Games this summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue to work closely with the IOC, the Tokyo 2020&nbsp;Organising&nbsp;Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in our preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer."&nbsp;

Together with its Japanese partners and friends, the IOC is fully concentrated on and committed to the successful delivery of the Olympic and Paralympics Games Tokyo 2020 this year.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
IOC statement on media reports regarding Tokyo 2020 <a href="https://t.co/647pj5mx9U">pic.twitter.com/647pj5mx9U</a>
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iocmedia/status/1352574361425895425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-cancelled-japanese-government-issues-clarification-358428" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics cancelled? Japanese government issues clarification</a>

Earlier, both Australia and United States Olympic Committees said that they are completely focused on the Games as scheduled after the report from The Times surfaced that&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics, which was pushed back by a year due to the pandemic, will be cancelled. The report further stated that the Japanese&nbsp;government&nbsp;is now looking to&nbsp;secure the quadrennial event in the next available year in 2032.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The International Olympic Committee on Friday reacted to the speculations of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 getting cancelled as the IOC dismissed all the reports while terming it "categorically untrue".

The International Olympic Committee on Friday reacted to the speculations of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 getting cancelled as the IOC dismissed all the reports while terming it "categorically untrue". Earlier on Friday, The Times reported that the Japanese government has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. While Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai dismissed the report, the IOC has given an official statement saying that "they will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue their preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer". ALSO READ: Tokyo Games may be too big a gamble, disease expert says Full statement by the International Olympic Committee on Tokyo Olympics: We refer you to the strong and clear statement that the Japanese Government made today, saying that the report is "categorically untrue". Please find the statement here: "Some news reports circulating today are claiming that the Government of Japan has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled because of the coronavirus. This is categorically untrue. "At an IOC Executive Board meeting in July last year, it was agreed that the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 would be held on July 23 this year, and the programme and venues for the Games were rescheduled accordingly. All parties involved are working together to prepare for a successful Games this summer. "We will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue to work closely with the IOC, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in our preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer." Together with its Japanese partners and friends, the IOC is fully concentrated on and committed to the successful delivery of the Olympic and Paralympics Games Tokyo 2020 this year. IOC statement on media reports regarding Tokyo 2020 pic.twitter.com/647pj5mx9U — IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) January 22, 2021 × ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics cancelled? Japanese government issues clarification Earlier, both Australia and United States Olympic Committees said that they are completely focused on the Games as scheduled after the report from The Times surfaced that Tokyo Olympics, which was pushed back by a year due to the pandemic, will be cancelled. The report further stated that the Japanese government is now looking to secure the quadrennial event in the next available year in 2032.

IOC reacts to reports of Tokyo Olympics getting cancelled, says it is 'categorically untrue'

As Tokyo entered its second state of emergency on Friday (January 8), less than 200 days before the start of the postponed Olympics, many believe it will be difficult, perhaps impossible, to host the Games safely.

"It's impossible" - Japanese concerned over prospects of hosting Games

Dick Pound, the longest-serving member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has raised doubts&nbsp;over the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics as the said he “can’t be certain” about the Games due to the continued spread of the dreaded COVID-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I can’t be certain because the ongoing elephant in the room would be the surges in the virus,”&nbsp;Pound told the BBC.&nbsp;

Pound’s statement comes after the IOC said it has “full confidence” in the Tokyo Olympic&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;and remains committed to the quadrennial event going ahead as per the revised scheduled in July despite Tokyo going under a state of emergency on Thursday.&nbsp;

The Japanese capital is witnessing the third wave of infections in recent weeks which prompted prime minister Yoshihide Suga to declare a month-long state of emergency in Tokyo and three&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;areas.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-japan-postpones-torch-exhibitions-over-covid-19-fears-355068" hreflang="en">Olympics: Japan postpones torch exhibitions over COVID-19 fears</a>

Pound further said that all Olympic-bound athletes should be vaccinated as a priority. In November 2020, IOC President Thomas Bach had urged athletes to get vaccinated before the Games but said it would not be mandatory for the event.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the IOC responded to the state of emergency announced in Tokyo as they said they are fully committed and concentrated on delivering a safe and successful Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 in the summer.&nbsp;

“The IOC has full confidence in the Japanese authorities and the measures they are taking,” it said in a statement released to Kyodo News.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Together with our Japanese partners, we continue to be fully concentrated and committed to the safe and successful delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 this summer.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-safe-and-secure-despite-virus-emergency-organisers-355315" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 'safe and secure' despite virus emergency: organisers</a>

Tokyo announced a record 2,447 new COVID-19 cases before the state of emergency was declared by the Japanese&nbsp;PM.&nbsp;

The Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are scheduled to commence on July 23 with Paralympics set to open on August 24.&nbsp;

Earlier, in a New Year video message, Bach had called Tokyo&nbsp;“still the best prepared Olympic city ever” and thanked Japan for its commitment and determination to organize the games “in a safe and secure way for all the participants” that will fit a post-coronavirus world.&nbsp;

Dick Pound, the longest-serving member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has raised doubts over the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics as the said he “can’t be certain” about the Games due to the continued spread of the dreaded COVID-19.

Dick Pound, the longest-serving member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has raised doubts over the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics as the said he “can’t be certain” about the Games due to the continued spread of the dreaded COVID-19. “I can’t be certain because the ongoing elephant in the room would be the surges in the virus,” Pound told the BBC. Pound’s statement comes after the IOC said it has “full confidence” in the Tokyo Olympic organisers and remains committed to the quadrennial event going ahead as per the revised scheduled in July despite Tokyo going under a state of emergency on Thursday. The Japanese capital is witnessing the third wave of infections in recent weeks which prompted prime minister Yoshihide Suga to declare a month-long state of emergency in Tokyo and three neighbouring areas. ALSO READ: Olympics: Japan postpones torch exhibitions over COVID-19 fears Pound further said that all Olympic-bound athletes should be vaccinated as a priority. In November 2020, IOC President Thomas Bach had urged athletes to get vaccinated before the Games but said it would not be mandatory for the event. On Thursday, the IOC responded to the state of emergency announced in Tokyo as they said they are fully committed and concentrated on delivering a safe and successful Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 in the summer. “The IOC has full confidence in the Japanese authorities and the measures they are taking,” it said in a statement released to Kyodo News. “Together with our Japanese partners, we continue to be fully concentrated and committed to the safe and successful delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 this summer.” ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 'safe and secure' despite virus emergency: organisers Tokyo announced a record 2,447 new COVID-19 cases before the state of emergency was declared by the Japanese PM. The Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are scheduled to commence on July 23 with Paralympics set to open on August 24. Earlier, in a New Year video message, Bach had called Tokyo “still the best prepared Olympic city ever” and thanked Japan for its commitment and determination to organize the games “in a safe and secure way for all the participants” that will fit a post-coronavirus world.

IOC's senior official says Tokyo Olympics uncertain due to coronavirus surge

After Japan postponed the Olympics due to the coronavirus pandemic, Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee(IOC) said that he was looking at ways to "simplify the organisation of the Games".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-asks-international-federations-to-finalise-olympic-qualifying-events-dates-299682">Also Read: IOC asks international federations to finalise Olympic qualifying events dates</a>

The Olympic Games were due to begin in&nbsp;July but were postponed until 2021 as the pandemic began to affect Japan and top athletes began to feel uncomfortable. It is the first time the Games were postponed since World War II.

The Games are now due to start on July 23, 2021. Bach however said there was "no timeline or deadline" for the Games, since &nbsp;"issues evolve by the day, sometimes by the hour".

The Olympic president said the committee was looking at "reducing the complexity of the games" in order to save costs for Japan which has been hit by coroanvirus with the country slipping into a recession for the first time since 2015.

The country's MPs passed a budget few days back worth nearly $300 billion handing out subsidies for small businesses and cash for medical workers as the nation continued to grapple with the virus.

Japan had recently ordered easing of the lockdown but PM Shinzo Abe cautioned against rise in cases with capital Tokyo the epicenter of the virus.

Yoshiro Mori, president of the Tokyo organising committee backed&nbsp;calls by the IOC chief, saying: "Olympic Games used to be conducted in extravagance and&nbsp;splendour. But the point is that in the face of COVID-19, would that kind of Games be accepted?"

IOC's Sports Director, Christophe Dubi, said that "sometimes we overplan and underconsume" asserting that ,"We will not let any stone unturned. The result will be positive."

After Japan postponed the Olympics due to the coronavirus pandemic, Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee(IOC) said that he was looking at ways to "simplify the organisation of the Games".

After Japan postponed the Olympics due to the coronavirus pandemic, Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee(IOC) said that he was looking at ways to "simplify the organisation of the Games". Also Read: IOC asks international federations to finalise Olympic qualifying events dates The Olympic Games were due to begin in July but were postponed until 2021 as the pandemic began to affect Japan and top athletes began to feel uncomfortable. It is the first time the Games were postponed since World War II. The Games are now due to start on July 23, 2021. Bach however said there was "no timeline or deadline" for the Games, since "issues evolve by the day, sometimes by the hour". The Olympic president said the committee was looking at "reducing the complexity of the games" in order to save costs for Japan which has been hit by coroanvirus with the country slipping into a recession for the first time since 2015. The country's MPs passed a budget few days back worth nearly $300 billion handing out subsidies for small businesses and cash for medical workers as the nation continued to grapple with the virus. Japan had recently ordered easing of the lockdown but PM Shinzo Abe cautioned against rise in cases with capital Tokyo the epicenter of the virus. Yoshiro Mori, president of the Tokyo organising committee backed calls by the IOC chief, saying: "Olympic Games used to be conducted in extravagance and splendour. But the point is that in the face of COVID-19, would that kind of Games be accepted?" IOC's Sports Director, Christophe Dubi, said that "sometimes we overplan and underconsume" asserting that ,"We will not let any stone unturned. The result will be positive."

IOC president Bach wants 'simplified' Olympics amid COVID-19 in Japan

India's only individual Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra believes athletes the world over will have to adapt to changing circumstances to stay in shape for the 2021 Olympics. The International Olympic Committee or IOC has pushed the start of the Tokyo games by exactly a year to July 23, 2021 which ends the prevailing uncertainty in the minds of Olympic hopefuls. Bindra was speaking exclusively to WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo on our special show, WION Sports Broadband Edition.

Olympic champ Bindra calls on athletes worldwide to adapt to changed circumstances

Skepticism is sweeping through the world but the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Thursday backed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) assertion that the upcoming Tokyo Olympics will weather the COVID-19 pandemic and be held on schedule, without a glitch.&nbsp;

The IOC and the Tokyo Games organisers are adamant that the Olympics will start on July 24 as scheduled, despite the coronavirus pandemic crippling health care systems and destroying economies across the world.&nbsp;

"The coronavirus is creating havoc throughout the world but we are hopeful it will be contained in one or two months. It has already been controlled in China, the epicenter of the disease; and we are expecting the Olympics to be held without any hindrance on its scheduled time," a senior IOA office-bearer said.&nbsp;

"But having said that, IOC is our parent body, (so) we will have to abide by what the IOC decides. If the IOC says the Olympics will go on, we will have to participate irrespective of any threat," he said.&nbsp;

The IOC's stance has angered many athletes, who have accused it of putting them at risk. Some officials have also expressed their apprehension. Responding to the criticism, the world body on Wednesday conceded that there are no easy solutions for the current situation.&nbsp;

The pandemic, which has caused more than 8,000 deaths since being discovered in China, has wreaked havoc on Olympic preparations of athletes, including those from India. Several qualifiers have been suspended and training trips abroad are off the table thanks to COVID-19 travel restrictions.&nbsp;

The IOA admitted that country's preparations have been hit hard but should the Games happen, it is nonetheless expecting an unprecedented double-digit medal haul from the athletes. "Yes, it is true our preparations have been hit with many Olympic qualifiers, Test events and preparatory camps abroad being postponed or cancelled because of the coronavirus," the official said.&nbsp;

"But it is not just India, every country is facing the same situation so, the impact is same for every competing nation. So our expectations still remain the same -- 10 or more medals in Tokyo," he asserted. He said the IOA is closely monitoring the situation with all the stakeholders in the country.&nbsp; 
"We are monitoring all our athletes' preparations as well as their well-being. We are also closely working with the Government of India, Tokyo Games orgainsers as well as the IOC in this tough time," he said.&nbsp;

The number of people infected with the highly contagious novel coronavirus has gone past 160 in India with three deaths reported in the country so far. The total number of cases reported worldwide so far stand at more than 218,800. 
<o:p></o:p>

Skepticism is sweeping through the world but the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Thursday backed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) assertion that the upcoming Tokyo Olympics will weather the COVID-19 pandemic and be held on schedule, without a glitch.

Skepticism is sweeping through the world but the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Thursday backed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) assertion that the upcoming Tokyo Olympics will weather the COVID-19 pandemic and be held on schedule, without a glitch. The IOC and the Tokyo Games organisers are adamant that the Olympics will start on July 24 as scheduled, despite the coronavirus pandemic crippling health care systems and destroying economies across the world. "The coronavirus is creating havoc throughout the world but we are hopeful it will be contained in one or two months. It has already been controlled in China, the epicenter of the disease; and we are expecting the Olympics to be held without any hindrance on its scheduled time," a senior IOA office-bearer said. "But having said that, IOC is our parent body, (so) we will have to abide by what the IOC decides. If the IOC says the Olympics will go on, we will have to participate irrespective of any threat," he said. The IOC's stance has angered many athletes, who have accused it of putting them at risk. Some officials have also expressed their apprehension. Responding to the criticism, the world body on Wednesday conceded that there are no easy solutions for the current situation. The pandemic, which has caused more than 8,000 deaths since being discovered in China, has wreaked havoc on Olympic preparations of athletes, including those from India. Several qualifiers have been suspended and training trips abroad are off the table thanks to COVID-19 travel restrictions. The IOA admitted that country's preparations have been hit hard but should the Games happen, it is nonetheless expecting an unprecedented double-digit medal haul from the athletes. "Yes, it is true our preparations have been hit with many Olympic qualifiers, Test events and preparatory camps abroad being postponed or cancelled because of the coronavirus," the official said. "But it is not just India, every country is facing the same situation so, the impact is same for every competing nation. So our expectations still remain the same -- 10 or more medals in Tokyo," he asserted. He said the IOA is closely monitoring the situation with all the stakeholders in the country. "We are monitoring all our athletes' preparations as well as their well-being. We are also closely working with the Government of India, Tokyo Games orgainsers as well as the IOC in this tough time," he said. The number of people infected with the highly contagious novel coronavirus has gone past 160 in India with three deaths reported in the country so far. The total number of cases reported worldwide so far stand at more than 218,800.

If 2020 Tokyo Olympics happen, India will have to participate irrespective of any threat: IOA official

Scenarios of Olympics under the shadow of coronavirus

Comcast Corp's&nbsp;NBCUniversal said on Tuesday it had sold more than $1.25 billion&nbsp;in national advertising for the Tokyo Olympics, a new record for any broadcaster for the games.

Nearly 90 per cent&nbsp;of its ad inventory for the games has been booked, said NBCUniversal, which holds US&nbsp;broadcast rights for the Summer Olympics on July 24 to August&nbsp;9, in a statement.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/preparing-for-successful-tokyo-olympics-2020-says-ioc-chief-283977">Preparing for 'successful' Tokyo Olympics 2020, says IOC chief</a>

The previous record, of $1.2 billion for the 2016 Rio Olympics, was also held by NBC.

Advertisers flock to major live sports events because they still attract huge audiences at a time when TV viewers are watching content on their own time on streaming services.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-scare-olympic-contract-allows-postponement-within-2020-says-japan-minister-283975">Coronavirus scare: Olympic contract allows postponement within 2020, says Japan minister</a>

The global spread of the coronavirus has prompted fears the Olympics could be cancelled, though the International Olympic Committee said Tuesday it was preparing for successful games and urged athletes to prepare "full steam."

Comcast has insurance for its expenses and should not incur losses if the games do not occur, Chief Executive Brian Roberts said at a Morgan Stanley conference on Tuesday.

The Olympic games occur every two years, alternating between summer and winter games.

Comcast Corp's NBCUniversal said on Tuesday it had sold more than $1.25 billion in national advertising for the Tokyo Olympics, a new record for any broadcaster for the games.

Comcast Corp's NBCUniversal said on Tuesday it had sold more than $1.25 billion in national advertising for the Tokyo Olympics, a new record for any broadcaster for the games. Nearly 90 per cent of its ad inventory for the games has been booked, said NBCUniversal, which holds US broadcast rights for the Summer Olympics on July 24 to August 9, in a statement. Also read: Preparing for 'successful' Tokyo Olympics 2020, says IOC chief The previous record, of $1.2 billion for the 2016 Rio Olympics, was also held by NBC. Advertisers flock to major live sports events because they still attract huge audiences at a time when TV viewers are watching content on their own time on streaming services. Also read: Coronavirus scare: Olympic contract allows postponement within 2020, says Japan minister The global spread of the coronavirus has prompted fears the Olympics could be cancelled, though the International Olympic Committee said Tuesday it was preparing for successful games and urged athletes to prepare "full steam." Comcast has insurance for its expenses and should not incur losses if the games do not occur, Chief Executive Brian Roberts said at a Morgan Stanley conference on Tuesday. The Olympic games occur every two years, alternating between summer and winter games.

NBCUniversal sells record $1.25 billion in Tokyo Olympic advertisements

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-to-appeal-against-wadas-four-year-doping-ban-269167">Tokyo Olympics</a> organisers sought to reassure Japan's public that the cost for hosting the Games will not exceed budgeted estimates, amid worries over possible overruns caused partly by late venue switches for the marathon and walking events.

"We will keep telling the public that costs will stay at 1.35 trillion yen ($12 billion) and won't rise from here," Toshiro Mutoh, CEO of Tokyo 2020, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday.

But that the budgeted figure did not include an estimated 3 billion yen needed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/more-tokyo-olympic-events-rescheduled-due-to-heat-concern-266444">move the marathon</a> and walking races to the northern city of Sapporo.

Mutoh did not comment on who would be footing the bill for moving the venue, saying only that it would be the next big issue that needed to be sorted out by stake-holders including the Tokyo and Sapporo municipal governments.

"There's an incentive to make the budget appear as small as possible. But you do need money to host the Games. As a compromise, you may need to lower the level of service. But garnering a consensus for this is very difficult," he said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-recieves-a-four-year-olympic-ban-266130">International Olympic Committee</a> (IOC) stunned Games organisers in October by announcing the marathon and race walk would be moved to Sapporo to avoid Tokyo's scorching summer heat.

The announcement enraged Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who had insisted that the prestigious events remain in the capital.

Mutoh said while there were "problems" in the process in which the decision was made, it was an appropriate one to protect athletes.

"The process was a bit abrupt. But the decision was the right one," he said. "If we proceeded with our original plan to hold the marathon and race walk games in Tokyo, and ended up having athletes being sent to hospitals, the public backlash could be huge."

Mutoh countered criticism that the budget for hosting Tokyo 2020 was far exceeding initial estimates, saying the disparity was due to the difference in the definition of "Games-related" costs.

Expenditures for launching a weather-monitoring satellite and promoting environment-friendly vehicles, for instance, were defined as "Games-related" spending by Japan's Board of Audit, even though they were for more general purposes, Mutoh said.

The Tokyo Olympics run from July 24 to August&nbsp;9 next year.

Tokyo Olympics organisers sought to reassure Japan's public that the cost for hosting the Games will not exceed budgeted estimates, amid worries over possible overruns caused partly by late venue switches for the marathon and walking events.

Tokyo Olympics organisers sought to reassure Japan's public that the cost for hosting the Games will not exceed budgeted estimates, amid worries over possible overruns caused partly by late venue switches for the marathon and walking events. "We will keep telling the public that costs will stay at 1.35 trillion yen ($12 billion) and won't rise from here," Toshiro Mutoh, CEO of Tokyo 2020, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday. But that the budgeted figure did not include an estimated 3 billion yen needed to move the marathon and walking races to the northern city of Sapporo. Mutoh did not comment on who would be footing the bill for moving the venue, saying only that it would be the next big issue that needed to be sorted out by stake-holders including the Tokyo and Sapporo municipal governments. "There's an incentive to make the budget appear as small as possible. But you do need money to host the Games. As a compromise, you may need to lower the level of service. But garnering a consensus for this is very difficult," he said. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stunned Games organisers in October by announcing the marathon and race walk would be moved to Sapporo to avoid Tokyo's scorching summer heat. The announcement enraged Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who had insisted that the prestigious events remain in the capital. Mutoh said while there were "problems" in the process in which the decision was made, it was an appropriate one to protect athletes. "The process was a bit abrupt. But the decision was the right one," he said. "If we proceeded with our original plan to hold the marathon and race walk games in Tokyo, and ended up having athletes being sent to hospitals, the public backlash could be huge." Mutoh countered criticism that the budget for hosting Tokyo 2020 was far exceeding initial estimates, saying the disparity was due to the difference in the definition of "Games-related" costs. Expenditures for launching a weather-monitoring satellite and promoting environment-friendly vehicles, for instance, were defined as "Games-related" spending by Japan's Board of Audit, even though they were for more general purposes, Mutoh said. The Tokyo Olympics run from July 24 to August 9 next year.

Tokyo 2020 CEO pledges to keep Games costs under budget

US&nbsp;home-sharing site&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspects-held-in-halloween-shooting-at-california-airbnb-262454">Airbnb</a>&nbsp;on Thursday won its battle to&nbsp;remain&nbsp;exempt&nbsp;from&nbsp;onerous&nbsp;European&nbsp;property&nbsp;regulations, as the EU's top court ruled it was an online platform and not a&nbsp;property&nbsp;agent.

The case came before the Court of Justice of the&nbsp;European&nbsp;Union (CJEU) following a complaint by French tourism association AHTOP.

The issue underlines the quandary regulators face in dealing with new online services venturing into traditional businesses, but not subjected to the same&nbsp;rules.

For&nbsp;Airbnb, the French case is significant as the International Olympic Committee has agreed to promote the company for accommodation during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-recieves-a-four-year-olympic-ban-266130">2024 Olympics</a> in Paris.

Judges in essence accepted the company's arguments that it is an online platform and not a&nbsp;property&nbsp;agent.

"The nature of the links between the intermediation service and the provision of accommodation did not justify departing&nbsp;from&nbsp;the classification of that intermediation service as an 'information society service'," the CJEU said.

The court also faulted France for not notifying the&nbsp;European&nbsp;Commission, the EU executive, of the requirement for&nbsp;Airbnb&nbsp;to hold an estate agent's professional licence.

Airbnb&nbsp;welcomed the judgment.

"We want to be good partners to everyone and already we have worked with more than 500 governments to help hosts share their homes, follow the&nbsp;rules&nbsp;and pay tax," it said in a statement.

Airbnb&nbsp;has in recent years dueled with hoteliers and authorities in cities&nbsp;from&nbsp;New York to Amsterdam, Berlin and Paris, accused of worsening housing shortages and pushing out lower income residents.

The case is C-390/18&nbsp;Airbnb&nbsp;Ireland.

US home-sharing site Airbnb on Thursday won its battle to remain exempt from onerous European property regulations, as the EU's top court ruled it was an online platform and not a property agent.

US home-sharing site Airbnb on Thursday won its battle to remain exempt from onerous European property regulations, as the EU's top court ruled it was an online platform and not a property agent. The case came before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) following a complaint by French tourism association AHTOP. The issue underlines the quandary regulators face in dealing with new online services venturing into traditional businesses, but not subjected to the same rules. For Airbnb, the French case is significant as the International Olympic Committee has agreed to promote the company for accommodation during the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Judges in essence accepted the company's arguments that it is an online platform and not a property agent. "The nature of the links between the intermediation service and the provision of accommodation did not justify departing from the classification of that intermediation service as an 'information society service'," the CJEU said. The court also faulted France for not notifying the European Commission, the EU executive, of the requirement for Airbnb to hold an estate agent's professional licence. Airbnb welcomed the judgment. "We want to be good partners to everyone and already we have worked with more than 500 governments to help hosts share their homes, follow the rules and pay tax," it said in a statement. Airbnb has in recent years dueled with hoteliers and authorities in cities from New York to Amsterdam, Berlin and Paris, accused of worsening housing shortages and pushing out lower income residents. The case is C-390/18 Airbnb Ireland.

Airbnb wins fight to remain exempt from European property rules

The women's marathon at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/water-bacteria-cancels-tokyo-2020-paratriathlon-test-swim-243604">Tokyo 2020</a> Olympics and all the race walks have been rescheduled, following the controversial decision taken in October to move the events out of the capital 800 kilometres north to the city of Sapporo.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/with-eight-months-from-tokyo-2020-venue-preparations-enter-final-stretch-263688">Tokyo 2020</a> organisers announced the rescheduling on Wednesday, following discussions with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-recieves-a-four-year-olympic-ban-266130">International Olympic Committee </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-athletics-championships-bolt-pulls-up-injured-in-final-race-of-his-career-397">World Athletics</a>, to ease the burden on National Olympic Committees and athletes travelling to northern Japan.

It now means that all the marathon and race walk events are scheduled to be held on four consecutive days, from August 6 to 9, with the men's marathon remaining on the final day of the Games, as per tradition.

"Athletes’ health and well-being are always at the heart of our concerns, and the decision to move the marathon and race walk events to Sapporo shows how seriously we take such concerns," the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission chair, Kirsty Coventry, said in a statement.

Both marathons will start at 7.00 am local time. The women's marathon was initially set for August&nbsp;2.

The IOC stunned Games organisers in October by announcing the marathon, one of the most prestigious events at any Olympics and one especially beloved in Japan, would be moved to the northern Japanese city of Sapporo to avoid the worst of Tokyo's summer heat.

Tokyo temperatures in July and August, when the city will host the Games, regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity adding to the discomfort.

Additionally, organisers wanted to make travelling to Sapporo as easy as possible for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nocs-confident-tokyo-2020-can-overcome-heat-water-quality-issues-244462">National Olympics Committees</a> (NOCs).

"There are some countries with the same person (coaches and officials) taking charge of both marathon and race-walking, or the same person taking charge of both male and female events," explained Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto on Wednesday.

"They (would) have to go back and forth (if marathon and race-walking are held in the separate schedule) and it produces extra costs.

"So there was a request to make the schedule as consecutive as possible."

The October decision did not go down well with organisers, who had already done extensive planning for the events, including a series of cooling measures for the athletes, nor with the Tokyo governor, who reluctantly consented to the move.

When Tokyo hosted the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2020-olympic-games-can-be-springboard-to-transform-tokyo-198067"> Summer Olympics</a> in 1964, they were held in October an option no longer possible due to international sports schedules. Next year's Games run from July 24 to August&nbsp;9.

The women's marathon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and all the race walks have been rescheduled, following the controversial decision taken in October to move the events out of the capital 800 kilometres north to the city of Sapporo.

The women's marathon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and all the race walks have been rescheduled, following the controversial decision taken in October to move the events out of the capital 800 kilometres north to the city of Sapporo. Tokyo 2020 organisers announced the rescheduling on Wednesday, following discussions with the International Olympic Committee and World Athletics, to ease the burden on National Olympic Committees and athletes travelling to northern Japan. It now means that all the marathon and race walk events are scheduled to be held on four consecutive days, from August 6 to 9, with the men's marathon remaining on the final day of the Games, as per tradition. "Athletes’ health and well-being are always at the heart of our concerns, and the decision to move the marathon and race walk events to Sapporo shows how seriously we take such concerns," the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission chair, Kirsty Coventry, said in a statement. Both marathons will start at 7.00 am local time. The women's marathon was initially set for August 2. The IOC stunned Games organisers in October by announcing the marathon, one of the most prestigious events at any Olympics and one especially beloved in Japan, would be moved to the northern Japanese city of Sapporo to avoid the worst of Tokyo's summer heat. Tokyo temperatures in July and August, when the city will host the Games, regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity adding to the discomfort. Additionally, organisers wanted to make travelling to Sapporo as easy as possible for National Olympics Committees (NOCs). "There are some countries with the same person (coaches and officials) taking charge of both marathon and race-walking, or the same person taking charge of both male and female events," explained Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto on Wednesday. "They (would) have to go back and forth (if marathon and race-walking are held in the separate schedule) and it produces extra costs. "So there was a request to make the schedule as consecutive as possible." The October decision did not go down well with organisers, who had already done extensive planning for the events, including a series of cooling measures for the athletes, nor with the Tokyo governor, who reluctantly consented to the move. When Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics in 1964, they were held in October an option no longer possible due to international sports schedules. Next year's Games run from July 24 to August 9.

Tokyo 2020 marathon, race walk events rescheduled after Sapporo move

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/international-olympic-committee-approves-exclusion-of-boxing-body-from-tokyo-2020-games-230612">International Olympic Committee</a> is&nbsp;extremely&nbsp;upset&nbsp;by the latest&nbsp;doping&nbsp;scandal involving Russia and swift progress is being made to bring the issue to a conclusion, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

A World Anti-Doping&nbsp;Agency (WADA) compliance committee recommended last week that Russia receive a four-year Olympic ban, which would keep it out of next year’s Tokyo Games, as part of a sanctions package to punish Moscow for having provided the agency with doctored and incomplete laboratory&nbsp;data.

WADA's executive committee will meet in Lausanne on December&nbsp;9 to consider the recommendations, which the head of Russia's Olympic Committee described last week as "excessive, inappropriate and wrong."

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-anti-doping-agency-pleads-case-ahead-of-wada-meeting-191475">Russian&nbsp;Anti-Doping&nbsp;Agency</a> (RUSADA) was initially suspended after a 2015 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-moves-crucial-exco-meeting-to-lausanne-from-paris-265865">WADA report</a> found evidence of widespread state-sponsored&nbsp;doping&nbsp;in&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;sport involving athletes across many sports.

"Things are moving pretty quickly,"&nbsp;IOC&nbsp;spokesman Mark Adams said. "We condemn (the&nbsp;manipulation&nbsp;of&nbsp;data) in the strongest terms. We asked for the raw&nbsp;data&nbsp;to be given up if it can be.

"There is a WADA meeting in the next few days so it could be happening more quickly.

"People (within the&nbsp;IOC&nbsp;Executive Board) are&nbsp;extremely&nbsp;upset&nbsp;and condemn it."

The&nbsp;IOC&nbsp;is still unclear about the next steps in a&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;doping&nbsp;saga that has dragged on since 2015 and tarnished several Olympics, including the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016 and the Pyeongchang Winter Games last year.

The WADA decision is likely to determine whether&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;athletes, who can prove they are clean, will compete as neutrals or whether some will be invited by the&nbsp;IOC&nbsp;to compete in Tokyo.

"I am not totally clear on that. I would imagine the (IOC) Executive Board would be able to make a decision," Adams said when asked about the process after WADA's decision next Monday.

"To be honest WADA is responsible. It is a process that needs to go from WADA eventually to the Court of Arbitration for Sport."

The&nbsp;IOC&nbsp;is eager to have clarity on the matter as soon as possible to avoid a protracted legal fight similar to the one prior to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/olympics-2016/rio-olympics-2016-games-end-in-blaze-of-colour-japan-takes-the-baton-5309">Rio Olympics</a> when dozens of&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;athletes appealed to CAS to be allowed to compete in Brazil only weeks or even days before their competitions.

The International Olympic Committee is extremely upset by the latest doping scandal involving Russia and swift progress is being made to bring the issue to a conclusion, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

The International Olympic Committee is extremely upset by the latest doping scandal involving Russia and swift progress is being made to bring the issue to a conclusion, a spokesman said on Tuesday. A World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) compliance committee recommended last week that Russia receive a four-year Olympic ban, which would keep it out of next year’s Tokyo Games, as part of a sanctions package to punish Moscow for having provided the agency with doctored and incomplete laboratory data. WADA's executive committee will meet in Lausanne on December 9 to consider the recommendations, which the head of Russia's Olympic Committee described last week as "excessive, inappropriate and wrong." The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) was initially suspended after a 2015 WADA report found evidence of widespread state-sponsored doping in Russian sport involving athletes across many sports. "Things are moving pretty quickly," IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. "We condemn (the manipulation of data) in the strongest terms. We asked for the raw data to be given up if it can be. "There is a WADA meeting in the next few days so it could be happening more quickly. "People (within the IOC Executive Board) are extremely upset and condemn it." The IOC is still unclear about the next steps in a Russian doping saga that has dragged on since 2015 and tarnished several Olympics, including the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016 and the Pyeongchang Winter Games last year. The WADA decision is likely to determine whether Russian athletes, who can prove they are clean, will compete as neutrals or whether some will be invited by the IOC to compete in Tokyo. "I am not totally clear on that. I would imagine the (IOC) Executive Board would be able to make a decision," Adams said when asked about the process after WADA's decision next Monday. "To be honest WADA is responsible. It is a process that needs to go from WADA eventually to the Court of Arbitration for Sport." The IOC is eager to have clarity on the matter as soon as possible to avoid a protracted legal fight similar to the one prior to the Rio Olympics when dozens of Russian athletes appealed to CAS to be allowed to compete in Brazil only weeks or even days before their competitions.

International Olympic Committee extremely upset by Russian doping data manipulation

The Indian government gave written assurance to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), on Tuesday, that qualified athletes from all the countries, including Pakistan, will be allowed to take part in future events hosted by India. Watch this video to know more.

India gives guarantee to IOC

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach on Wednesday demanded swift and tough sanctions for doping offenders -- both athletes and their support staff -- involved in a German-Austrian doping ring.

At least 21 athletes from eight nations across five sports are suspected of blood-doping linked to a German doctor who was arrested as part of an Austria-Germany doping raid last month.

Five athletes, including two Austrians, were initially arrested on February 27 at the Nordic skiing world championships in the Austrian resort of Seefeld.

The arrests were part of a joint operation with German police targeting a suspected international blood-doping ring believed to have been run out of Germany.

"We hope that all this will be clarified and everything will come on the table and there those responsible and the entourage of these athletes, the doctors and the personnel, that they will be punished soon and hard," Bach said.

"I hope that this is not dragging on, that their justice will really set an example. I hope there will be hard sanctions to have a deterrent effect on everybody," he added.

A doctor in the German city of Erfurt was also arrested along with five other suspected accomplices.

According to German prosecutors, the doping of the 21 athletes from five sports -- three winter and two summer -- occurred from 2011 onwards and blood transfusions took place in many countries across the world.

Since the arrests other Austrian athletes have been implicated in blood doping. Cyclist Georg Preidler told police this month that he had attempted doping.

Cross-country skier Johannes Duerr, whose interview with Germany's ARD television in which he admitted doping triggered the investigation and raids, was arrested on March 5.

The IOC has had to deal with its own major doping scandal, stemming from the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and involving many Russian athletes, including medal winners.

Some of those case are ongoing, making their way through the sports and civil courts, years after the athletes in question were identified.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach on Wednesday demanded swift and tough sanctions for doping offenders -- both athletes and their support staff -- involved in a German-Austrian doping ring.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach on Wednesday demanded swift and tough sanctions for doping offenders -- both athletes and their support staff -- involved in a German-Austrian doping ring. At least 21 athletes from eight nations across five sports are suspected of blood-doping linked to a German doctor who was arrested as part of an Austria-Germany doping raid last month. Five athletes, including two Austrians, were initially arrested on February 27 at the Nordic skiing world championships in the Austrian resort of Seefeld. The arrests were part of a joint operation with German police targeting a suspected international blood-doping ring believed to have been run out of Germany. "We hope that all this will be clarified and everything will come on the table and there those responsible and the entourage of these athletes, the doctors and the personnel, that they will be punished soon and hard," Bach said. "I hope that this is not dragging on, that their justice will really set an example. I hope there will be hard sanctions to have a deterrent effect on everybody," he added. A doctor in the German city of Erfurt was also arrested along with five other suspected accomplices. According to German prosecutors, the doping of the 21 athletes from five sports -- three winter and two summer -- occurred from 2011 onwards and blood transfusions took place in many countries across the world. Since the arrests other Austrian athletes have been implicated in blood doping. Cyclist Georg Preidler told police this month that he had attempted doping. Cross-country skier Johannes Duerr, whose interview with Germany's ARD television in which he admitted doping triggered the investigation and raids, was arrested on March 5. The IOC has had to deal with its own major doping scandal, stemming from the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and involving many Russian athletes, including medal winners. Some of those case are ongoing, making their way through the sports and civil courts, years after the athletes in question were identified.

IOC wants swift and tough punishment for doping offenders

The International Olympic Committee have suspended all Indian applications to host future events and urged international sports federations not to stage competitions in the country after two Pakistanis were denied visas to compete in New Delhi.&nbsp;

India denied&nbsp;entry visas for two Pak shooters who were due to take part in a World Cup event in New Delhi this weekend. The move followed last week's deadly terror attack by a Pakistan-based militant group in the Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which killed over 40 CRPF personnel.

India has accused Pakistan of not doing enough to control the militant groups responsible for the Kashmir attacks. Pakistan has denied any involvement.

The IOC said the refusal of visas for competitors went against the principles of the Olympic charter relating to discrimination and political interference from the host country.&nbsp;

"Since becoming aware of the issue, and in spite of intense last-minute ... efforts ... and discussions with the Indian government authorities, no solution has been found to allow the Pakistani delegation to enter India in time to compete," the IOC statement said.

"As a result, the IOC Executive Board also decided to suspend all discussions with the Indian NOC and government regarding the potential applications for hosting future sports and Olympic-related events in India," it said.&nbsp;

The body also urged all international sports federations not to hold events in India, or grant hosting rights to the country for future competitions, until the government had provided "clear written guarantees" to ensure access for all athletes.

The Indian Olympic Association last year laid out an ambitious roadmap to host the Youth Olympics in 2026, the Asian Games in 2030 and the Summer Olympics for the first time in 2032.&nbsp;

The shooters were scheduled to take part in the 25m pistol event and the IOC said two spots at next year's Tokyo Olympics that had been up for grabs in that competition had been revoked.

The International Shooting Sport Federation said on Wednesday it faced "an urgent situation as Pakistani athletes cannot get entry visas to participate in the competition" because of the Kashmir attack.

The IOC said Olympic berths would still be up for grabs in other events.

"The IOC restricted the withdrawal of recognition as an Olympic qualification event to the 25m rapid fire pistol competition in which the two Pakistani athletes were supposed to participate," it said.

"This happened in the interest of the other 500 athletes from 61 countries participating in the other events who are already in India for their competition."

The International Olympic Committee have suspended all Indian applications to host future events and urged international sports federations not to stage competitions in the country after two Pakistanis were denied visas to compete in New Delhi.

The International Olympic Committee have suspended all Indian applications to host future events and urged international sports federations not to stage competitions in the country after two Pakistanis were denied visas to compete in New Delhi. India denied entry visas for two Pak shooters who were due to take part in a World Cup event in New Delhi this weekend. The move followed last week's deadly terror attack by a Pakistan-based militant group in the Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which killed over 40 CRPF personnel. India has accused Pakistan of not doing enough to control the militant groups responsible for the Kashmir attacks. Pakistan has denied any involvement. The IOC said the refusal of visas for competitors went against the principles of the Olympic charter relating to discrimination and political interference from the host country. "Since becoming aware of the issue, and in spite of intense last-minute ... efforts ... and discussions with the Indian government authorities, no solution has been found to allow the Pakistani delegation to enter India in time to compete," the IOC statement said. "As a result, the IOC Executive Board also decided to suspend all discussions with the Indian NOC and government regarding the potential applications for hosting future sports and Olympic-related events in India," it said. The body also urged all international sports federations not to hold events in India, or grant hosting rights to the country for future competitions, until the government had provided "clear written guarantees" to ensure access for all athletes. The Indian Olympic Association last year laid out an ambitious roadmap to host the Youth Olympics in 2026, the Asian Games in 2030 and the Summer Olympics for the first time in 2032. The shooters were scheduled to take part in the 25m pistol event and the IOC said two spots at next year's Tokyo Olympics that had been up for grabs in that competition had been revoked. The International Shooting Sport Federation said on Wednesday it faced "an urgent situation as Pakistani athletes cannot get entry visas to participate in the competition" because of the Kashmir attack. The IOC said Olympic berths would still be up for grabs in other events. "The IOC restricted the withdrawal of recognition as an Olympic qualification event to the 25m rapid fire pistol competition in which the two Pakistani athletes were supposed to participate," it said. "This happened in the interest of the other 500 athletes from 61 countries participating in the other events who are already in India for their competition."

Olympics: IOC punishes India, urges isolation after New Delhi denied visas to Pak athletes over Pulwama

A group of Japanese doctors on Wednesday urged Olympic organisers to start the Tokyo 2020 marathon as early as 5:30 am, saying failure to do so could "lead to deaths" from heatstroke.

The warning is the latest in a chorus of concern about how extreme heat could affect several sporting events at the Olympic games, particularly after Tokyo sweltered through a record heatwave this year.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo 2020 organisers have acknowledged the concerns and already moved the marathon start time up 30 minutes to 7:00 am, with competitive walking starting even earlier.

But the Japan Medical Association and the Tokyo Medical Association said that was insufficient because most of the course would still be run in heat levels that were dangerous, and under which physical activity should be halted.

"We are seriously concerned about it," Kimiyuki Nagashima, a senior official with the Japan Medical Association told reporters Wednesday.

"If the risk of heatstroke is high for not only athletes but also staff members and the audience, there will be a rising demand for emergency services, which will have a serious impact on medical institutions and regular patients."

The associations are calling for the start time to be moved to 5:30 am, and the presidents of both groups met earlier this week with the head of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee to press the issue.

"We wouldn't have visited the organising committee if we'd thought it was only slightly worrying... we fear the current plan could lead to deaths," Haruo Ozaki, president of the Tokyo Medical Association, told AFP.

Heat stroke kills hundreds of people each year across Japan, and this year record temperatures caused a spike in fatalities and hospital visits.

Masa Takaya, a spokesman for the 2020 organisers, said the doctors had presented "a serious opinion based on expert knowledge."

"We'll share it with working groups of the IOC and IPC (International Paralympic Committee)" that are discussing issues of heat, he told AFP.

The IOC has backed calls for Japan to adopt daylight savings during the Games to ease the heat situation, but there is little support among Japanese lawmakers or the public for the proposal, which is viewed as too disruptive.

When Japan last hosted the Olympics, in 1964, the Games were held in October to avoid the country's stifling summer humidity and heat.

A group of Japanese doctors on Wednesday urged Olympic organisers to start the Tokyo 2020 marathon as early as 5:30 am, saying failure to do so could "lead to deaths" from heatstroke.

A group of Japanese doctors on Wednesday urged Olympic organisers to start the Tokyo 2020 marathon as early as 5:30 am, saying failure to do so could "lead to deaths" from heatstroke. The warning is the latest in a chorus of concern about how extreme heat could affect several sporting events at the Olympic games, particularly after Tokyo sweltered through a record heatwave this year. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo 2020 organisers have acknowledged the concerns and already moved the marathon start time up 30 minutes to 7:00 am, with competitive walking starting even earlier. But the Japan Medical Association and the Tokyo Medical Association said that was insufficient because most of the course would still be run in heat levels that were dangerous, and under which physical activity should be halted. "We are seriously concerned about it," Kimiyuki Nagashima, a senior official with the Japan Medical Association told reporters Wednesday. "If the risk of heatstroke is high for not only athletes but also staff members and the audience, there will be a rising demand for emergency services, which will have a serious impact on medical institutions and regular patients." The associations are calling for the start time to be moved to 5:30 am, and the presidents of both groups met earlier this week with the head of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee to press the issue. "We wouldn't have visited the organising committee if we'd thought it was only slightly worrying... we fear the current plan could lead to deaths," Haruo Ozaki, president of the Tokyo Medical Association, told AFP. Heat stroke kills hundreds of people each year across Japan, and this year record temperatures caused a spike in fatalities and hospital visits. Masa Takaya, a spokesman for the 2020 organisers, said the doctors had presented "a serious opinion based on expert knowledge." "We'll share it with working groups of the IOC and IPC (International Paralympic Committee)" that are discussing issues of heat, he told AFP. The IOC has backed calls for Japan to adopt daylight savings during the Games to ease the heat situation, but there is little support among Japanese lawmakers or the public for the proposal, which is viewed as too disruptive. When Japan last hosted the Olympics, in 1964, the Games were held in October to avoid the country's stifling summer humidity and heat.

Heat could make 2020 Olympic marathon 'deadly', warn Japan doctors

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has no backup plan for the 2026 Winter Games if more cities drop out of the race, IOC President Thomas Bach said on Saturday.

Calgary, Stockholm and an Italian bid involving Cortina D'Ampezzo and Milan made the IOC shortlist this week, with Turkey's Erzurum dropped.

But all three bids face major obstacles that could potentially end their candidacies.

Calgary has planned a non-binding plebiscite in November which could bury the Canadian bid to host the winter Olympics for the second time since 1988 as early as next month.

The Italian bid and Stockholm have both struggled with getting crucial government support for their projects, while Torino pulled out of the Italian bid over project differences.

Three other cities -- Austria's Graz, Switzerland's Sion and Japan's Sapporo -- have dropped out in recent months, scared off by the size and cost of the Games or after facing strong local opposition to the bids.

"There is no Plan B and we will not enter into any speculation," Bach told reporters when asked about what the IOC would do if more cities dropped out ahead of next year's vote for the 2026 Games host.

Bach said although there was a need to continue with cost-reducing measures for the Olympics, especially the Winter Games, there was still strong demand for them.

"We have more than a dozen sports who would like to join Olympic programme," he said in the Argentine capital ahead of the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics.

"Quite a number of interested cities, big number of interested cities (for the 2032 summer Games). We should not be worried for the future."

Indonesia, North and South Korea and India, among other, have expressed an interest in bidding for the 2032 Olympics.

Tokyo will stage the 2020 summer Games, Beijing will host the 2022 winter Olympics while Paris and Los Angeles will organise the 2024 and the 2028 summer editions respectively.

"What is true is we have to continue our efforts, particularly with regard to winter sports, to be more flexible in order to reduce costs, avoid construction of sports facilities that have no legacy," Bach said.

The IOC will no longer demand the construction of new sliding centres for luge and bobsleigh for future Olympics -- apart from Beijing 2022 -- as it looks to cut costs and make the Games more attractive to potential hosts.

"The same goes for the ski jumping. There is no need for further (new) ski jumping venues for the Olympics," he said.

"We have made good progress in this respect."&nbsp;

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has no backup plan for the 2026 Winter Games if more cities drop out of the race, IOC President Thomas Bach said on Saturday.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has no backup plan for the 2026 Winter Games if more cities drop out of the race, IOC President Thomas Bach said on Saturday. Calgary, Stockholm and an Italian bid involving Cortina D'Ampezzo and Milan made the IOC shortlist this week, with Turkey's Erzurum dropped. But all three bids face major obstacles that could potentially end their candidacies. Calgary has planned a non-binding plebiscite in November which could bury the Canadian bid to host the winter Olympics for the second time since 1988 as early as next month. The Italian bid and Stockholm have both struggled with getting crucial government support for their projects, while Torino pulled out of the Italian bid over project differences. Three other cities -- Austria's Graz, Switzerland's Sion and Japan's Sapporo -- have dropped out in recent months, scared off by the size and cost of the Games or after facing strong local opposition to the bids. "There is no Plan B and we will not enter into any speculation," Bach told reporters when asked about what the IOC would do if more cities dropped out ahead of next year's vote for the 2026 Games host. Bach said although there was a need to continue with cost-reducing measures for the Olympics, especially the Winter Games, there was still strong demand for them. "We have more than a dozen sports who would like to join Olympic programme," he said in the Argentine capital ahead of the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics. "Quite a number of interested cities, big number of interested cities (for the 2032 summer Games). We should not be worried for the future." Indonesia, North and South Korea and India, among other, have expressed an interest in bidding for the 2032 Olympics. Tokyo will stage the 2020 summer Games, Beijing will host the 2022 winter Olympics while Paris and Los Angeles will organise the 2024 and the 2028 summer editions respectively. "What is true is we have to continue our efforts, particularly with regard to winter sports, to be more flexible in order to reduce costs, avoid construction of sports facilities that have no legacy," Bach said. The IOC will no longer demand the construction of new sliding centres for luge and bobsleigh for future Olympics -- apart from Beijing 2022 -- as it looks to cut costs and make the Games more attractive to potential hosts. "The same goes for the ski jumping. There is no need for further (new) ski jumping venues for the Olympics," he said. "We have made good progress in this respect."

No plan B for 2026 Winter Games campaign: IOC's Thomas Bach

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/legendary-actor-sridevi-dies-tributes-pour-in-from-all-over-the-world-33953">Legendary actor Sridevi dies at 54 in Dubai, tributes pour in from all over the world</a>

Veteran film actor and Padma Shri awardee Sridevi, who had an illustrious career spanning over four decades, passed away. She was 54.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syria-war-un-security-council-approves-30-day-ceasefire-33958">Syria war: UN Security Council approves 30-day ceasefire as death toll in rebel enclave tops 500</a>

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Saturday unanimously backed a 30-day ceasefire resolution in Syria to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries and medical evacuations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/high-level-n-korean-delegates-arrive-in-the-south-33960">High-level N&nbsp;Korean delegates arrive in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/high-level-n-korean-delegates-arrive-in-the-south-33960">the South</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/high-level-n-korean-delegates-arrive-in-the-south-33960"> Korea</a>

A blacklisted North Korean general arrived in the South on Sunday for the Winter Olympics closing ceremony, which will also be attended by US President Donald Trump`s daughter Ivanka.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/film-fraternity-fans-react-to-sridevis-tragic-demise-33959">Film fraternity, fans react to Sridevi&#39;s tragic demise</a>

The entire film fraternity is in deep shock over the news of the sudden demise of Bollywood actress Sridevi. Bollywood actors including Riteish Deshmukh, Priyanka Chopra, Bhagyashree, Sushmita Sen, Nimrat Kaur, Richa Sharma took to Twitter to express grief over the loss.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/olympics-russia-barred-from-flying-flag-at-games-closing-ceremony-amid-fresh-doping-violations-33962">Olympics: Russia barred from flying flag at Games closing ceremony amid fresh doping violations</a>

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) dashed Russian athletes&#39; hopes of marching behind their national flag at the Winter Games on Sunday, deciding against immediately lifting Russia&#39;s Olympic suspension after fresh doping violations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-man-renovates-hanuman-temple-in-ahmedabad-33957">Muslim man renovates Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad</a>

Amid the widespread communal unrest, a Muslim man in Gujarat has set a shining example of communal harmony by renovating a Hanuman temple.

Legendary actor Sridevi dies at 54 in Dubai, tributes pour in from all over the world Veteran film actor and Padma Shri awardee Sridevi, who had an illustrious career spanning over four decades, passed away. She was 54. Syria war: UN Security Council approves 30-day ceasefire as death toll in rebel enclave tops 500 The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Saturday unanimously backed a 30-day ceasefire resolution in Syria to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries and medical evacuations. High-level N Korean delegates arrive in the South Korea A blacklisted North Korean general arrived in the South on Sunday for the Winter Olympics closing ceremony, which will also be attended by US President Donald Trump`s daughter Ivanka. Film fraternity, fans react to Sridevi's tragic demise The entire film fraternity is in deep shock over the news of the sudden demise of Bollywood actress Sridevi. Bollywood actors including Riteish Deshmukh, Priyanka Chopra, Bhagyashree, Sushmita Sen, Nimrat Kaur, Richa Sharma took to Twitter to express grief over the loss. Olympics: Russia barred from flying flag at Games closing ceremony amid fresh doping violations The International Olympic Committee (IOC) dashed Russian athletes' hopes of marching behind their national flag at the Winter Games on Sunday, deciding against immediately lifting Russia's Olympic suspension after fresh doping violations. Muslim man renovates Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad Amid the widespread communal unrest, a Muslim man in Gujarat has set a shining example of communal harmony by renovating a Hanuman temple.

WION Morning News Brief, February 25, 2018

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) dashed Russian athletes&#39; hopes of marching behind their national flag at the Winter Games on Sunday, deciding against immediately lifting Russia&#39;s Olympic suspension after fresh doping violations.

Russians have been competing as neutral athletes at the Games, their Olympic status suspended, as IOC punishment for years of drug scandals involving allegations that Russia ran a systematic, state-backed drug-cheating programme.

The IOC said two Russian doping violations during the Pyeongchang Games had marred an otherwise clean report card for the Russian delegation at the Games.

&quot;This was hugely disappointing and, in addition to other considerations, prevented the IOC from even considering lifting the suspension for the closing ceremony,&quot; IOC President Thomas Bach said in presenting the recommendation to IOC members.

Bach said Russia&#39;s Olympic status should only be restored once it was confirmed the Russians had committed no other doping violations at Pyeongchang.

Competition at the Winter Games concludes on Sunday and final drug testing results might not be known for several days or even weeks.

&quot;I&#39;m very disappointed,&quot; said Elena Valbe, president of the Russian cross-country skiing federation.

&quot;We really had hoped for it. Some athletes stayed behind later with the hope that they would be walking under the Russian flag. I&#39;ve heard athletes say that they were staying just because they wanted to walk with the flag and in our uniform.&quot;

Russia&#39;s Olympic delegation chief and its figure skating silver medallist, Evgenia Medvedeva, had made a last appeal to the IOC on Saturday for their suspension to be lifted, apologising for the two doping violations during the Games.

Medal-winning curler Alexander Krushelnitsky and bobsledder Nadezhda Sergeeva failed doping tests, angering a team that had been through extensive testing before and during the first days of Games competition without returning any positive results.

At the Games, the Russians have been unable to wear national uniforms or have their anthem played at medal presentations.

Russian delegation chief Stanislav Pozdnyakov has said that the prospect of flying the flag at Sunday night&#39;s closing ceremony meant more to his athletes than winning medals.

In December, the IOC had held out the prospect of lifting Russia&#39;s suspension for the closing ceremony, on the condition its athletes met a strict code of conduct, including compliance with anti-doping rules and observance of athlete neutrality.

Before voting on Sunday to maintain the suspension, Russian IOC member Shamil Tarpischev said the team had complied with all of the conditions.

&quot;The two doping cases account for the lack of culture and education (of the individuals). They are isolated,&quot; he said.

Competition at the Winter Games concludes on Sunday and final drug testing results might not be known for several days or even weeks

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) dashed Russian athletes' hopes of marching behind their national flag at the Winter Games on Sunday, deciding against immediately lifting Russia's Olympic suspension after fresh doping violations. Russians have been competing as neutral athletes at the Games, their Olympic status suspended, as IOC punishment for years of drug scandals involving allegations that Russia ran a systematic, state-backed drug-cheating programme. The IOC said two Russian doping violations during the Pyeongchang Games had marred an otherwise clean report card for the Russian delegation at the Games. "This was hugely disappointing and, in addition to other considerations, prevented the IOC from even considering lifting the suspension for the closing ceremony," IOC President Thomas Bach said in presenting the recommendation to IOC members. Bach said Russia's Olympic status should only be restored once it was confirmed the Russians had committed no other doping violations at Pyeongchang. Competition at the Winter Games concludes on Sunday and final drug testing results might not be known for several days or even weeks. "I'm very disappointed," said Elena Valbe, president of the Russian cross-country skiing federation. "We really had hoped for it. Some athletes stayed behind later with the hope that they would be walking under the Russian flag. I've heard athletes say that they were staying just because they wanted to walk with the flag and in our uniform." Russia's Olympic delegation chief and its figure skating silver medallist, Evgenia Medvedeva, had made a last appeal to the IOC on Saturday for their suspension to be lifted, apologising for the two doping violations during the Games. Medal-winning curler Alexander Krushelnitsky and bobsledder Nadezhda Sergeeva failed doping tests, angering a team that had been through extensive testing before and during the first days of Games competition without returning any positive results. At the Games, the Russians have been unable to wear national uniforms or have their anthem played at medal presentations. Russian delegation chief Stanislav Pozdnyakov has said that the prospect of flying the flag at Sunday night's closing ceremony meant more to his athletes than winning medals. In December, the IOC had held out the prospect of lifting Russia's suspension for the closing ceremony, on the condition its athletes met a strict code of conduct, including compliance with anti-doping rules and observance of athlete neutrality. Before voting on Sunday to maintain the suspension, Russian IOC member Shamil Tarpischev said the team had complied with all of the conditions. "The two doping cases account for the lack of culture and education (of the individuals). They are isolated," he said.

Olympics: Russia barred from flying flag at Games closing ceremony amid fresh doping violations

Sport, and particularly the International Olympic Committee (IOC), needs a new approach to doping &ndash; one in which it frankly and independently interrogates what went wrong and uses that analysis to secure the future.

Mistakes have been made to the extent that doping scandals have dominated the build-up to the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. This is one of the IOC&rsquo;s marquee events, and the financial viability of the Olympic &ldquo;movement&rdquo; depends on it.

The background to the latest scandal is easily explained. But the lessons that need to be learned are not so simply analysed.

Background to the saga&nbsp;

Allegations of a Russian state-sponsored doping conspiracy at the 2014 Sochi Olympics prompted the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to commission an investigation by Canadian sports lawyer Richard McLaren. His report fed into the IOC&rsquo;s investigation of the Sochi Olympics and its own disciplinary process.

This all led to the IOC&rsquo;s decision in December 2017 to suspend the Russian Olympic Committee with immediate effect.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, the IOC also decided it would still be open to inviting individual Russian athletes to compete in Pyeongchang. But this would be under strict conditions that, if met, would only allow them to participate under a separate designation of &ldquo;Olympic Athlete from Russia&rdquo;.

An IOC panel appointed to oversee this process initially reviewed applications submitted by 500 Russian athletes &ndash; 111 were refused almost immediately. It now looks as if 169 Russian athletes will compete in Pyeongchang.

The IOC disciplined a separate tranche of 43 Russian athletes. These athletes had to forfeit the medals they won at Sochi and received life bans from future Olympics. But 39 of them appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and 28 were successful. The court held there was insufficient evidence to establish they had committed anti-doping infractions.

Although the court&rsquo;s mandate was to consider the individual appeals and not to determine whether there was systemic doping at Sochi, its decision was a bad defeat for the IOC.

With 169 Russians permitted to go to Pyeongchang by its own review panel plus the 28 cleared by case, it could be said there are now 197 holes in the key pieces of evidence relied upon by the IOC &ndash; the McLaren report and that of Russian whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov.

Also, the Russian press has interpreted the CAS decision annulling the medal forfeiture as meaning that Russia is reinstated in first place on the unofficial Sochi Olympics medal tally.

Even in the CAS decision to uphold the findings of doping violations against the other 11 Russian athletes, the IOC&rsquo;s victory was partial. These athletes had their life bans reduced to a ban for the duration of the Pyeongchang Games only.

After the CAS decision, IOC President Thomas Bach said reform may be needed to the way the court operates &ndash; as did WADA vice-president Linda Hofstad Helleland.

So, sport is now in a politically charged and totally conflicted situation. Its doping prosecutor (WADA) and the executive that governs sports policy globally (the IOC) have both said an inquiry is needed into the workings of sport&rsquo;s judiciary. And that inquiry has been prompted by a CAS judgment that applied the anti-doping laws WADA and the IOC wrote, but with whose interpretation they now disagree.

The IOC has refused to invite the CAS-cleared athletes to compete in Pyeongchang. It seems to have suggested its rationale is twofold: it still has to get the full reasons for the CAS decision, and it has &ldquo;additional information&rdquo; on doping related to those athletes.

But this raises fresh questions about why this supplementary evidence wasn&rsquo;t supplied to CAS and what exactly are the criteria used &ndash; as opposed to the evidence relied upon by the IOC in deciding whether to invite the athletes.

Some of those athletes are now (re)challenging the IOC and the carousel of Sochi-related appeals at CAS continues. It&rsquo;s unclear if it will stop before the Pyeongchang Olympics begin on Friday.

What lessons can be learned?

The International Paralympic Committee comprehensively banned Russia &ndash; a move CAS upheld. The IOC did not do this; it pursued individuals. There are questions over whether it &nbsp;unnecessarily rushed that process (and its lawyers), and whether it had a contingency plan to respond to the worst-case scenario of losing at CAS.

In the long term, questions may well be asked of CAS and whether it has outgrown its current structures to the extent that a permanent, standing court is needed for sport.

More importantly, it must be asked whether the current anti-doping system, which has its origins in responses to the systemic doping of East Germany and others in the 1980s, is designed to pursue and punish instances of institutional or collective or team-mandated doping.

In addition, the system is premised largely on catching individual dopers. Maybe a better way to test the system&rsquo;s integrity is for entities such as WADA, in conjunction with athlete representative bodies, to continuously and first to ask itself: what if we accuse someone in the wrong? What about a false positive?

If the anti-doping system is scrutinised in this way, it may well prompt uncomfortable questions about the scientific integrity and efficacy of current testing, the resources needed to independently prosecute doping, and the political will to do so.

And yet, if those questions are answered honestly and the necessary checks and balances are put in place, the anti-doping system would be strengthened &ndash; and the mistakes of the recent past would be confined to the past.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Doping scandals have dominated the build-up to the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.

Sport, and particularly the International Olympic Committee (IOC), needs a new approach to doping – one in which it frankly and independently interrogates what went wrong and uses that analysis to secure the future. Mistakes have been made to the extent that doping scandals have dominated the build-up to the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. This is one of the IOC’s marquee events, and the financial viability of the Olympic “movement” depends on it. The background to the latest scandal is easily explained. But the lessons that need to be learned are not so simply analysed. Background to the saga Allegations of a Russian state-sponsored doping conspiracy at the 2014 Sochi Olympics prompted the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to commission an investigation by Canadian sports lawyer Richard McLaren. His report fed into the IOC’s investigation of the Sochi Olympics and its own disciplinary process. This all led to the IOC’s decision in December 2017 to suspend the Russian Olympic Committee with immediate effect. Nevertheless, the IOC also decided it would still be open to inviting individual Russian athletes to compete in Pyeongchang. But this would be under strict conditions that, if met, would only allow them to participate under a separate designation of “Olympic Athlete from Russia”. An IOC panel appointed to oversee this process initially reviewed applications submitted by 500 Russian athletes – 111 were refused almost immediately. It now looks as if 169 Russian athletes will compete in Pyeongchang. The IOC disciplined a separate tranche of 43 Russian athletes. These athletes had to forfeit the medals they won at Sochi and received life bans from future Olympics. But 39 of them appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and 28 were successful. The court held there was insufficient evidence to establish they had committed anti-doping infractions. Although the court’s mandate was to consider the individual appeals and not to determine whether there was systemic doping at Sochi, its decision was a bad defeat for the IOC. With 169 Russians permitted to go to Pyeongchang by its own review panel plus the 28 cleared by case, it could be said there are now 197 holes in the key pieces of evidence relied upon by the IOC – the McLaren report and that of Russian whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov. Also, the Russian press has interpreted the CAS decision annulling the medal forfeiture as meaning that Russia is reinstated in first place on the unofficial Sochi Olympics medal tally. Even in the CAS decision to uphold the findings of doping violations against the other 11 Russian athletes, the IOC’s victory was partial. These athletes had their life bans reduced to a ban for the duration of the Pyeongchang Games only. After the CAS decision, IOC President Thomas Bach said reform may be needed to the way the court operates – as did WADA vice-president Linda Hofstad Helleland. So, sport is now in a politically charged and totally conflicted situation. Its doping prosecutor (WADA) and the executive that governs sports policy globally (the IOC) have both said an inquiry is needed into the workings of sport’s judiciary. And that inquiry has been prompted by a CAS judgment that applied the anti-doping laws WADA and the IOC wrote, but with whose interpretation they now disagree. The IOC has refused to invite the CAS-cleared athletes to compete in Pyeongchang. It seems to have suggested its rationale is twofold: it still has to get the full reasons for the CAS decision, and it has “additional information” on doping related to those athletes. But this raises fresh questions about why this supplementary evidence wasn’t supplied to CAS and what exactly are the criteria used – as opposed to the evidence relied upon by the IOC in deciding whether to invite the athletes. Some of those athletes are now (re)challenging the IOC and the carousel of Sochi-related appeals at CAS continues. It’s unclear if it will stop before the Pyeongchang Olympics begin on Friday. What lessons can be learned? The International Paralympic Committee comprehensively banned Russia – a move CAS upheld. The IOC did not do this; it pursued individuals. There are questions over whether it unnecessarily rushed that process (and its lawyers), and whether it had a contingency plan to respond to the worst-case scenario of losing at CAS. In the long term, questions may well be asked of CAS and whether it has outgrown its current structures to the extent that a permanent, standing court is needed for sport. More importantly, it must be asked whether the current anti-doping system, which has its origins in responses to the systemic doping of East Germany and others in the 1980s, is designed to pursue and punish instances of institutional or collective or team-mandated doping. In addition, the system is premised largely on catching individual dopers. Maybe a better way to test the system’s integrity is for entities such as WADA, in conjunction with athlete representative bodies, to continuously and first to ask itself: what if we accuse someone in the wrong? What about a false positive? If the anti-doping system is scrutinised in this way, it may well prompt uncomfortable questions about the scientific integrity and efficacy of current testing, the resources needed to independently prosecute doping, and the political will to do so. And yet, if those questions are answered honestly and the necessary checks and balances are put in place, the anti-doping system would be strengthened – and the mistakes of the recent past would be confined to the past. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Russian Olympic doping calls for different approach in future Olympics

The message of the 2018 Pyeongchang &ldquo;Peace Olympics&rdquo; is clear.

Athletes using performance-enhancing drugs will be exiled, stripped of national colours and shunned. &ldquo;Olympic Athletes from Russia&rdquo; participating in the Winter Games are feeling such scorn.

Meanwhile, North Korea&rsquo;s 500-person Olympic delegation &mdash; attending the Olympics under duress, constant surveillance and potential abuse &mdash;are venerated. The 22 athletes and some 200 cheerleaders &mdash; an Olympic first &mdash; bear as much resemblance to the Olympic values of &ldquo;friendship, respect and excellence&rdquo; as do the Harlem Globetrotters to the NBA championships.

This sets an alarming precedent. Banning Russia while embracing North Korea reveals the deeper moral value of the Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee opposes performance-enhancing drugs that can carry an athlete to the podium. However, it remains eerily silent on how North Korea pushes their athletes towards that same podium.

&lsquo;Peaceful resolve&rsquo;

&ldquo;Olympic Truce&rdquo; dates back to ancient Greece. It allows athletes to travel safely to participate in Olympic events during times of conflict. North Korean athletes are in Pyeongchang under this edict. It is meant to build peaceful resolve to the Korean conflict.

But is diplomacy possible with North Korea? Kim Jong-un&rsquo;s state of iron-fisted control breaks international agreements with impunity.

North Koreans are not seeing live footage of the 2018 Winter Games. At most, only small snippets through state-controlled media will enter the country. As of today, North Korea has yet to broadcast any footage of the Olympics.

North Korean athletes will not interact with other delegations. They are under 24-hour surveillance by their North Korean minders. Even washroom breaks are closely scrutinized. While worried about potential defections, the North Korean regime is mostly concerned about defamation against it. South Korea even advised anti-North Korean activists to &ldquo;be quiet&rdquo; during the Games.

The process of becoming an elite athlete in North Korea is best described as &ldquo;brutal.&rdquo; Choi Hyun Mi, a North Korean boxer who defected in 2004, has described how North Korea creates Olympians. The government selected her at the age of 11 to box. Food was used for both control and incentive. Fight harder, and you will eat more. Falter, and you will starve.

Abused and condemned

Demoralizing tasks are doled out to those who perform poorly. Choi recalls how athletes were forced to stand in front of crowds to be publicly abused and condemned if they fail to win.

&ldquo;Shaming was particularly bad to competitors who lost to rivals from South Korea, Japan or the United States,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;

There will be consequences if any of the North Korean delegates err from the script. The regime monitors the families of its athletes, and occasionally holds them as collateral. Speaking off script, or causing shame to the leader or the regime in any way, can result in detention and political re-education.

Three generations can be punished in North Korea if a family member is suspected of defamation of the leader, espionage or contact with foreigners.

To such accounts of human rights abuses, the International Olympic Committee turns a blind eye. But to weed out performance-enhancing dopers, it will scour every last drop of urine.

Sports diplomacy can be an effective means of engagement. The Olympics has in the past shown the communality of sport between Soviet and Western nations. &nbsp;The 1972 Canada/Soviet Union Summit Series was a moment of nationalist fervour and served as a diplomatic gateway to view the other side as human beings passionate about a sport both countries adore.

Great political moment

In 1991, pending the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba hosted the Pan-American games to open up to its neighbours. The 1995 Rugby World Cup is credited as an important diplomatic moment for post-Apartheid South Africa.

But in what sense can there be sports diplomacy with a regime willing to punish family members of athletes, and one that systematically abuses its athletes as part of their Olympic training?

The theme &ldquo;Peace Olympics&rdquo; and the Olympic Truce imply that politics are put on hold, but for North Korea, Pyeongchang is a great political moment. It is a chance to capitalize on the world&rsquo;s fascination about the Hermit Kingdom, while turning a blind eye to the gruesome human rights abuses within the regime.

Make no mistake, sending some 200 female cheerleaders to the Olympics makes for a fantastic diversion from the fact that most North Korean refugees are women, and many are &nbsp;trafficked into the sex trade in China.&nbsp;

The Olympics are also an opportunity to have direct talks free of Donald Trump&rsquo;s dim-witted Tweets about North Korea. But seeking sport diplomacy with North Korea sets a precedent that overlooks human rights abuses, and even validates them as a means to engagement.

So let it be declared that doping and sport diplomacy do not mix. But as North Korea shows, hunger, abuse and propaganda represent a path to the medal podium.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

It is strange that International Olympic Committee is okay with states violating human rights, such as North Korea but banning Russia on charges of doping.

The message of the 2018 Pyeongchang “Peace Olympics” is clear. Athletes using performance-enhancing drugs will be exiled, stripped of national colours and shunned. “Olympic Athletes from Russia” participating in the Winter Games are feeling such scorn. Meanwhile, North Korea’s 500-person Olympic delegation — attending the Olympics under duress, constant surveillance and potential abuse —are venerated. The 22 athletes and some 200 cheerleaders — an Olympic first — bear as much resemblance to the Olympic values of “friendship, respect and excellence” as do the Harlem Globetrotters to the NBA championships. This sets an alarming precedent. Banning Russia while embracing North Korea reveals the deeper moral value of the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee opposes performance-enhancing drugs that can carry an athlete to the podium. However, it remains eerily silent on how North Korea pushes their athletes towards that same podium. ‘Peaceful resolve’ “Olympic Truce” dates back to ancient Greece. It allows athletes to travel safely to participate in Olympic events during times of conflict. North Korean athletes are in Pyeongchang under this edict. It is meant to build peaceful resolve to the Korean conflict. But is diplomacy possible with North Korea? Kim Jong-un’s state of iron-fisted control breaks international agreements with impunity. North Koreans are not seeing live footage of the 2018 Winter Games. At most, only small snippets through state-controlled media will enter the country. As of today, North Korea has yet to broadcast any footage of the Olympics. North Korean athletes will not interact with other delegations. They are under 24-hour surveillance by their North Korean minders. Even washroom breaks are closely scrutinized. While worried about potential defections, the North Korean regime is mostly concerned about defamation against it. South Korea even advised anti-North Korean activists to “be quiet” during the Games. The process of becoming an elite athlete in North Korea is best described as “brutal.” Choi Hyun Mi, a North Korean boxer who defected in 2004, has described how North Korea creates Olympians. The government selected her at the age of 11 to box. Food was used for both control and incentive. Fight harder, and you will eat more. Falter, and you will starve. Abused and condemned Demoralizing tasks are doled out to those who perform poorly. Choi recalls how athletes were forced to stand in front of crowds to be publicly abused and condemned if they fail to win. “Shaming was particularly bad to competitors who lost to rivals from South Korea, Japan or the United States,” she said. There will be consequences if any of the North Korean delegates err from the script. The regime monitors the families of its athletes, and occasionally holds them as collateral. Speaking off script, or causing shame to the leader or the regime in any way, can result in detention and political re-education. Three generations can be punished in North Korea if a family member is suspected of defamation of the leader, espionage or contact with foreigners. To such accounts of human rights abuses, the International Olympic Committee turns a blind eye. But to weed out performance-enhancing dopers, it will scour every last drop of urine. Sports diplomacy can be an effective means of engagement. The Olympics has in the past shown the communality of sport between Soviet and Western nations. The 1972 Canada/Soviet Union Summit Series was a moment of nationalist fervour and served as a diplomatic gateway to view the other side as human beings passionate about a sport both countries adore. Great political moment In 1991, pending the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba hosted the Pan-American games to open up to its neighbours. The 1995 Rugby World Cup is credited as an important diplomatic moment for post-Apartheid South Africa. But in what sense can there be sports diplomacy with a regime willing to punish family members of athletes, and one that systematically abuses its athletes as part of their Olympic training? The theme “Peace Olympics” and the Olympic Truce imply that politics are put on hold, but for North Korea, Pyeongchang is a great political moment. It is a chance to capitalize on the world’s fascination about the Hermit Kingdom, while turning a blind eye to the gruesome human rights abuses within the regime. Make no mistake, sending some 200 female cheerleaders to the Olympics makes for a fantastic diversion from the fact that most North Korean refugees are women, and many are trafficked into the sex trade in China. The Olympics are also an opportunity to have direct talks free of Donald Trump’s dim-witted Tweets about North Korea. But seeking sport diplomacy with North Korea sets a precedent that overlooks human rights abuses, and even validates them as a means to engagement. So let it be declared that doping and sport diplomacy do not mix. But as North Korea shows, hunger, abuse and propaganda represent a path to the medal podium. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: North Korea trains Olympic athletes through hunger, abuse and propaganda

The Australian Football League has agreed to let a transgender player participate in the country`s second-tier state women`s competition while the governing body considers its gender diversity policy for the national league.

Hannah Mouncey, a former national men`s handball representative, last October lost her bid to take part in the AFL Women`s (AFLW) national draft, barring her from the 2018 elite-level season.&nbsp;

Several clubs had reportedly shown interest in drafting Mouncey, who is 1.90 metres tall (6ft 2in).

The league ruled her out due to the advantage her physical strength and stamina would have over opponents in the newly formed semi-professional competition but left the door ajar for this year`s draft as it finalises its gender diversity policy.&nbsp;

On Tuesday the AFL made a landmark recommendation clearing Mouncey to play in the country`s second-tier state competition.&nbsp;

The pioneering transgender player welcomed the decision but described the last four months of deliberation as a &quot;circus&quot;, with a lack of understanding of the science of gender transition.

&quot;I welcome the AFL`s decision, and I look forward to hopefully playing this season,&quot; Mouncey said in a Twitter statement.

But she added: &quot;I will not and I think it would be highly inappropriate for me to thank the AFL for allowing me to do something open to every other Australian, which the science and the research has supported all along.&quot;

The AFL in 2017 introduced a semi-professional national women`s league, which has been heralded as a pioneer for inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

The national league said Tuesday it was still finalising its gender diversity policy, noting the International Olympic Committee was also reviewing its guidelines on trans participation.&nbsp;

It added the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Human Rights Commission were also working on a framework for trans and gender participation in Australian sport more generally.&nbsp;

&quot;We are committed to inclusion, and want all Australians to be able to play or participate in our game,&quot; AFL inclusion and social policy manager Tanya Hosch said in a statement.

Hannah Mouncey, a former national men`s handball representative, last October lost her bid to take part in the AFL Women`s (AFLW) national draft, barring her from the 2018 elite-level season

The Australian Football League has agreed to let a transgender player participate in the country`s second-tier state women`s competition while the governing body considers its gender diversity policy for the national league. Hannah Mouncey, a former national men`s handball representative, last October lost her bid to take part in the AFL Women`s (AFLW) national draft, barring her from the 2018 elite-level season. Several clubs had reportedly shown interest in drafting Mouncey, who is 1.90 metres tall (6ft 2in). The league ruled her out due to the advantage her physical strength and stamina would have over opponents in the newly formed semi-professional competition but left the door ajar for this year`s draft as it finalises its gender diversity policy. On Tuesday the AFL made a landmark recommendation clearing Mouncey to play in the country`s second-tier state competition. The pioneering transgender player welcomed the decision but described the last four months of deliberation as a "circus", with a lack of understanding of the science of gender transition. "I welcome the AFL`s decision, and I look forward to hopefully playing this season," Mouncey said in a Twitter statement. But she added: "I will not and I think it would be highly inappropriate for me to thank the AFL for allowing me to do something open to every other Australian, which the science and the research has supported all along." The AFL in 2017 introduced a semi-professional national women`s league, which has been heralded as a pioneer for inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated sport. The national league said Tuesday it was still finalising its gender diversity policy, noting the International Olympic Committee was also reviewing its guidelines on trans participation. It added the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Human Rights Commission were also working on a framework for trans and gender participation in Australian sport more generally. "We are committed to inclusion, and want all Australians to be able to play or participate in our game," AFL inclusion and social policy manager Tanya Hosch said in a statement.

Australian Football League Rules allows transgender player at state level

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach will host talks over North Korea&#39;s possible participation in the Winter Olympics, which are being staged in South Korea, in &quot;the middle of the week&quot;, a source told AFP on Sunday.

Discussions will be held at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne between IOC President Thomas Bach and Chang Ung, a member of the North Korean Olympic body, the source added.

On Saturday, Chang said the hermit state was &quot;likely to participate&quot; in the Games in Pyeongchang from February 9-25, Kyodo news agency reported.

South Korea said Saturday that they already proposed sending a five-member delegation led by a government minister to rare talks with North Korea next week, the Unification Ministry in Seoul said Saturday.

The offer came a day after the two Koreas agreed to hold their first official dialogue in more than two years to discuss the North&#39;s participation in the Winter Olympics.

The tentative rapprochement comes after the North&#39;s leader Kim Jong-Un warned in his New Year speech that he had a nuclear button on his desk, but also said Pyongyang could send a team to the Olympics.

The two Koreas have been separated by the world&#39;s most heavily militarised border since the Korean War ended in a stalemate in 1953.

In recent months, the North has held multiple missile launches and its sixth and most powerful nuclear test -- purportedly of a hydrogen bomb -- in violation of UN resolutions banning such activity by the isolated nation.

Discussions will be held at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach will host talks over North Korea's possible participation in the Winter Olympics, which are being staged in South Korea, in "the middle of the week", a source told AFP on Sunday. Discussions will be held at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne between IOC President Thomas Bach and Chang Ung, a member of the North Korean Olympic body, the source added. On Saturday, Chang said the hermit state was "likely to participate" in the Games in Pyeongchang from February 9-25, Kyodo news agency reported. South Korea said Saturday that they already proposed sending a five-member delegation led by a government minister to rare talks with North Korea next week, the Unification Ministry in Seoul said Saturday. The offer came a day after the two Koreas agreed to hold their first official dialogue in more than two years to discuss the North's participation in the Winter Olympics. The tentative rapprochement comes after the North's leader Kim Jong-Un warned in his New Year speech that he had a nuclear button on his desk, but also said Pyongyang could send a team to the Olympics. The two Koreas have been separated by the world's most heavily militarised border since the Korean War ended in a stalemate in 1953. In recent months, the North has held multiple missile launches and its sixth and most powerful nuclear test -- purportedly of a hydrogen bomb -- in violation of UN resolutions banning such activity by the isolated nation.

IOC to host North Korea 2018 Games talks 'midweek': Sources

North Korea&#39;s Olympic representative said Saturday the reclusive nation was &quot;likely to participate&quot; in next month&#39;s Winter Games in South Korea, Kyodo news agency reported, in the latest sign of a thaw in tensions on the peninsula.

The comments by Chang Ung, Pyongyang&#39;s representative to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), come a day after the North and South agreed to hold rare talks next week and follow Seoul and Washington&#39;s announcement that they would postpone joint military exercises that rile North Korea.

The Japanese news agency said Chang made the brief comment to reporters during a stopover at Beijing&#39;s international airport.

Kyodo said Chang was believed to be travelling to Switzerland, where the IOC is based, quoting unnamed sources as saying the trip may be aimed at meeting the committee to discuss the North&#39;s potential participation in the Games at Pyeongchang.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un said in a new year speech that his country wished success for the Olympics, to be held from February 9-25, and would consider sending a delegation.

The two Koreas have been separated by the world&#39;s most heavily militarised border since the Korean War ended in a stalemate in 1953.

Seoul and organisers are keen for the North to take part in the Games to help ease worsening tensions on the Korean peninsula stemming from Pyongyang&#39;s nuclear and missile programmes.

In recent months, North Korea has held multiple missile launches and its sixth and most powerful nuclear test -- purportedly of a hydrogen bomb -- in violation of UN resolutions banning such activity by the isolated nation.

The region has been further rattled by tit-for-tat threats and insults between Kim and US President Donald Trump.

&nbsp;Winter thaw&nbsp;

But the new year has witnessed a marked softening of tone.

Seoul has reacted warmly to Kim&#39;s Olympic overture and the two Koreas this past week restored a cross-border hotline that had been shut down since 2016 and agreed to hold high-level talks next week -- the first since December 2015.

Those talks are expected to focus on matters including Olympic participation.

Also in recent days, the United States and South Korea agreed to delay their joint military exercises until after the Games, apparently to help ease nerves.

The regular joint drills have been criticised by some as adding to regional tensions. Beijing and Moscow have both called for them to be suspended.

North Korea&#39;s young leader has shrugged off multiple sets of new UN Security Council sanctions as his regime drives forward with its weapons programmes, which it says are needed to defend against US aggression.

The latest round of sanctions passed in December bans the supply of nearly 75 percent of refined oil products to North Korea, puts a cap on crude deliveries and orders all North Korean nationals working abroad to be sent back by the end of 2019.

Sales of all industrial machinery, trucks, iron, steel and other metals to North Korea have been banned, as well as a range of Northern exports.

China, North Korea&#39;s longtime ally and most important economic lifeline, said it had begun enforcing the new restrictions on Saturday.

South Korean opposition parties have struck a cautious tone over the latest developments, warning against making concessions to the North to secure its Olympic participation.

Kim Jong-Un in his new year speech said his country wished success for the Olympics and would consider sending a delegation

North Korea's Olympic representative said Saturday the reclusive nation was "likely to participate" in next month's Winter Games in South Korea, Kyodo news agency reported, in the latest sign of a thaw in tensions on the peninsula. The comments by Chang Ung, Pyongyang's representative to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), come a day after the North and South agreed to hold rare talks next week and follow Seoul and Washington's announcement that they would postpone joint military exercises that rile North Korea. The Japanese news agency said Chang made the brief comment to reporters during a stopover at Beijing's international airport. Kyodo said Chang was believed to be travelling to Switzerland, where the IOC is based, quoting unnamed sources as saying the trip may be aimed at meeting the committee to discuss the North's potential participation in the Games at Pyeongchang. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un said in a new year speech that his country wished success for the Olympics, to be held from February 9-25, and would consider sending a delegation. The two Koreas have been separated by the world's most heavily militarised border since the Korean War ended in a stalemate in 1953. Seoul and organisers are keen for the North to take part in the Games to help ease worsening tensions on the Korean peninsula stemming from Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes. In recent months, North Korea has held multiple missile launches and its sixth and most powerful nuclear test -- purportedly of a hydrogen bomb -- in violation of UN resolutions banning such activity by the isolated nation. The region has been further rattled by tit-for-tat threats and insults between Kim and US President Donald Trump. Winter thaw But the new year has witnessed a marked softening of tone. Seoul has reacted warmly to Kim's Olympic overture and the two Koreas this past week restored a cross-border hotline that had been shut down since 2016 and agreed to hold high-level talks next week -- the first since December 2015. Those talks are expected to focus on matters including Olympic participation. Also in recent days, the United States and South Korea agreed to delay their joint military exercises until after the Games, apparently to help ease nerves. The regular joint drills have been criticised by some as adding to regional tensions. Beijing and Moscow have both called for them to be suspended. North Korea's young leader has shrugged off multiple sets of new UN Security Council sanctions as his regime drives forward with its weapons programmes, which it says are needed to defend against US aggression. The latest round of sanctions passed in December bans the supply of nearly 75 percent of refined oil products to North Korea, puts a cap on crude deliveries and orders all North Korean nationals working abroad to be sent back by the end of 2019. Sales of all industrial machinery, trucks, iron, steel and other metals to North Korea have been banned, as well as a range of Northern exports. China, North Korea's longtime ally and most important economic lifeline, said it had begun enforcing the new restrictions on Saturday. South Korean opposition parties have struck a cautious tone over the latest developments, warning against making concessions to the North to secure its Olympic participation.

North Korea 'likely' to join Winter Games, says IOC official

international-olympic-committee

International Olympic Committee, News on International Olympic Committee, stories on International Olympic Committee, articles on International Olympic Committee, International Olympic Committee stories at Wion, International Olympic Committee news, International Olympic Committee latest news

international olympic-committee