German&nbsp;female gymnasts will choose whether they want to wear&nbsp;full&nbsp;body-suits&nbsp;in Sunday's qualifications at the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics after receiving accolades for donning the outfits in the past in a&nbsp;stand&nbsp;against the sexualisation of their sport.

The&nbsp;German&nbsp;team wore fuchsia unitards - combined leotards and leggings extending to the ankles - at their podium training in&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;on Thursday and said they could chose to wear them again when competition begins.

"We wanted to show that every woman, everybody, should decide what to wear," said Elisabeth Seitz, who will be competing in her third Games.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-games-2020-rowing-twigg-borch-blaze-through-field-as-tokyo-competition-kicks-off-400039" hreflang="en">Olympics Games 2020: Rowing-Twigg, Borch blaze through field as Tokyo competition kicks off</a>

In recent years the sport has been rocked by widespread cases of sexual and physical abuse, including in the United States, prompting deep introspection and the introduction of new safety protocols meant to protect athletes.

The&nbsp;German&nbsp;team wore the&nbsp;full-body&nbsp;suits&nbsp;at the European championships in April in a move that was broadly praised by other female gymnasts.

"That doesn't mean we don't want to wear the normal leotard any more," the 27-year-old Seitz said. "It is a decision day by day, based on how we feel and what we want. On competition day, we will decide what to wear."

For&nbsp;women, the&nbsp;standard competition outfit is a leotard, with long, half-length sleeved and sleeveless garments allowed.

Outfits covering legs are allowed by the gymnastics rulebook in international competitions but to date they have been used almost exclusively for religious reasons.

"The coaches were also very much into it," said 21-year-old Sarah Voss. "They said they want us to feel the most confident and comfortable in any case."

Kim Bui, who also competed at the Rio and London Olympics, said the team's fashion choice was just as comfortable as a&nbsp;standard leotard.

"We also train in tights so we are used to the feeling," the 32-year-old said. "It is not that different between competition or training. It is comfortable and that is the most important thing."

German female gymnasts will choose whether they want to wear full body-suits in Sunday's qualifications at the Tokyo Olympics after receiving accolades for donning the outfits in the past in a stand against the sexualisation of their sport.

German female gymnasts will choose whether they want to wear full body-suits in Sunday's qualifications at the Tokyo Olympics after receiving accolades for donning the outfits in the past in a stand against the sexualisation of their sport. The German team wore fuchsia unitards - combined leotards and leggings extending to the ankles - at their podium training in Tokyo on Thursday and said they could chose to wear them again when competition begins. "We wanted to show that every woman, everybody, should decide what to wear," said Elisabeth Seitz, who will be competing in her third Games. ALSO READ: Olympics Games 2020: Rowing-Twigg, Borch blaze through field as Tokyo competition kicks off In recent years the sport has been rocked by widespread cases of sexual and physical abuse, including in the United States, prompting deep introspection and the introduction of new safety protocols meant to protect athletes. The German team wore the full-body suits at the European championships in April in a move that was broadly praised by other female gymnasts. "That doesn't mean we don't want to wear the normal leotard any more," the 27-year-old Seitz said. "It is a decision day by day, based on how we feel and what we want. On competition day, we will decide what to wear." For women, the standard competition outfit is a leotard, with long, half-length sleeved and sleeveless garments allowed. Outfits covering legs are allowed by the gymnastics rulebook in international competitions but to date they have been used almost exclusively for religious reasons. "The coaches were also very much into it," said 21-year-old Sarah Voss. "They said they want us to feel the most confident and comfortable in any case." Kim Bui, who also competed at the Rio and London Olympics, said the team's fashion choice was just as comfortable as a standard leotard. "We also train in tights so we are used to the feeling," the 32-year-old said. "It is not that different between competition or training. It is comfortable and that is the most important thing."

Tokyo 2020 - Gymnastics: German women take a stand in full-body suits in Tokyo

Four-time Olympian Emma Twigg's latest battle for the podium got off to a roaring start on Friday, as compelling matchups in the men's and women's single sculls began to take shape on the first day of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Olympic</a> rowing at the Sea Forest Waterway in Tokyo.

The 34-year-old New Zealander posted the fastest overall time of the women's opening heats in her first race since 2019, cruising through to a 7:35.22 finish at the fan-free venue after two heartbreaking fourth-place finishes at the London and Rio Games.

"It's definitely a lung-buster. A few nerves going into it, but that's to be expected in an Olympic Games. It's good to get underway," she said. "These early races, nobody really shows their cards."

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-opening-ceremony-live-telecast-to-begin-at-430-pm-ist-399834" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics Live: Opening ceremony live telecast to begin at 4:30 pm IST</a></h2>

She faces a stacked field ahead, as American Kara Kohler, 30, clinched her heat in her return to Olympic rowing, and Ireland’s Sanita Puspure, 39, proved she was worth the hype, winning her round by more than eight seconds after bringing home World Championship titles in 2018 and 2019.

Another clear contender, Britain's Victoria Thornley, who picked up silver in the double sculls in 2016, also advanced.

"Coming to the Olympics in the single has been a dream of mine for some time, so it's good to be out there doing what I love," said the 33-year-old three-time Olympian.

On the men's side, a rematch of the 2019 World Championship final was shaping up, after Norwegian Kjetil Borch posted the fastest overall time in 6:54.46, and 24-year-old German Oliver Zeidler and Sverri Nielsen, 27, of Denmark also clinched their rounds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-olympic-games-heres-how-and-where-you-can-watch-the-live-games-and-opening-ceremony-399994" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020 Olympic games: Here's how and where you can watch the live games and opening ceremony</a>

"Everything went as planned," said the 31-year-old, who picked up bronze in the double sculls at the Rio Games, and finished third behind Zeidler and Nielsen, respectively, in 2019.

"You could feel the tension at the start, people are eager to start the Olympics."

Croatia’s Damir Martin, who won silver in Rio, also advanced to the quarter-finals, as he aims to fight his way to the top of the podium after the retirement of New Zealand’s Mahe Drysdale, the winner of back-to-back gold in 2012 and 2016.

The Netherlands dominated across the board as men's double sculls pair Melvin Twellaar and Stef Broenink set a new Olympic best, scorching their opening heat in 6:08.38 and upending an Olympic best set minutes earlier by 2018 World Champions Hugo Boucheron and Matthieu Androdias of France.

Their female counterparts, Roos de Jong and Lisa Scheenaard, clinched a spot in the semifinal after winning their heat in 6:49:90, as the Dutch women's single and quad, and men's quad, moved on as well.

Olympic rowing continues Saturday with the men's and women's pairs, lightweight double sculls, and fours.

Four-time Olympian Emma Twigg's latest battle for the podium got off to a roaring start on Friday, as compelling matchups in the men's and women's single sculls began to take shape on the first day of Olympic rowing at the Sea Forest Waterway in Tokyo.

Four-time Olympian Emma Twigg's latest battle for the podium got off to a roaring start on Friday, as compelling matchups in the men's and women's single sculls began to take shape on the first day of Olympic rowing at the Sea Forest Waterway in Tokyo. The 34-year-old New Zealander posted the fastest overall time of the women's opening heats in her first race since 2019, cruising through to a 7:35.22 finish at the fan-free venue after two heartbreaking fourth-place finishes at the London and Rio Games. "It's definitely a lung-buster. A few nerves going into it, but that's to be expected in an Olympic Games. It's good to get underway," she said. "These early races, nobody really shows their cards." Tokyo Olympics Live: Opening ceremony live telecast to begin at 4:30 pm IST She faces a stacked field ahead, as American Kara Kohler, 30, clinched her heat in her return to Olympic rowing, and Ireland’s Sanita Puspure, 39, proved she was worth the hype, winning her round by more than eight seconds after bringing home World Championship titles in 2018 and 2019. Another clear contender, Britain's Victoria Thornley, who picked up silver in the double sculls in 2016, also advanced. "Coming to the Olympics in the single has been a dream of mine for some time, so it's good to be out there doing what I love," said the 33-year-old three-time Olympian. On the men's side, a rematch of the 2019 World Championship final was shaping up, after Norwegian Kjetil Borch posted the fastest overall time in 6:54.46, and 24-year-old German Oliver Zeidler and Sverri Nielsen, 27, of Denmark also clinched their rounds. Also read | Tokyo 2020 Olympic games: Here's how and where you can watch the live games and opening ceremony "Everything went as planned," said the 31-year-old, who picked up bronze in the double sculls at the Rio Games, and finished third behind Zeidler and Nielsen, respectively, in 2019. "You could feel the tension at the start, people are eager to start the Olympics." Croatia’s Damir Martin, who won silver in Rio, also advanced to the quarter-finals, as he aims to fight his way to the top of the podium after the retirement of New Zealand’s Mahe Drysdale, the winner of back-to-back gold in 2012 and 2016. The Netherlands dominated across the board as men's double sculls pair Melvin Twellaar and Stef Broenink set a new Olympic best, scorching their opening heat in 6:08.38 and upending an Olympic best set minutes earlier by 2018 World Champions Hugo Boucheron and Matthieu Androdias of France. Their female counterparts, Roos de Jong and Lisa Scheenaard, clinched a spot in the semifinal after winning their heat in 6:49:90, as the Dutch women's single and quad, and men's quad, moved on as well. Olympic rowing continues Saturday with the men's and women's pairs, lightweight double sculls, and fours.

Olympics Games 2020: Rowing-Twigg, Borch blaze through field as Tokyo competition kicks off

China's Hou Zhihui, current world record holder in the lightest women's category, may smash her own record on Saturday when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Tokyo 2020</a> weightlifting begins, and take the first gold for her country.

Hou, who holds the world record in snatch with 96 kg, is going up against India's Mirabai Chanu, who holds the world record with 119 kg in clean and jerk. However, with 213 kg in total, Hou holds the world record in that category, too.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-olympic-games-heres-how-and-where-you-can-watch-the-live-games-399994">Tokyo 2020 Olympic games: Here's how and where you can watch the live games</a>

There are two Olympic lifts: the clean and jerk, and the snatch. Each athlete is allowed three attempts at each lift. The best lift in each is combined to determine the overall total. Athletes must successfully attempt the snatch before proceeding to the clean and jerk.

Since the Olympic weightlifting competition restricts the number of entries to one athlete per nation in each weight category, China has entered Hou ahead of reigning world champion Jiang Huihua and Zhang Rong, both of whom have lifted more than Chanu's 86 kg in snatch.

Chanu, India's only representative in weightlifting, has a personal best of 203 kg, and has put forward an entry of 210 kg for Saturday's competition. She's one of India's strongest bets for an Olympic medal this year.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-youngest-archer-at-games-seeds-top-in-mens-event-399834" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics Live: Youngest archer at games seeds top in men’s event</a></h2>

In Rio, Chanu was one of two athletes in her category who didn't register a total, after failing all three of her clean and jerk attempts. She's looking forward to burying the ghosts.

"Since the Rio Olympics, I have evolved a lot. I have worked hard on my technique, especially in snatch. My training methods have changed and I have gotten better. I have worked to bring it at par with my clean and jerk," she said.

Making her Olympic debut, U.S. lifter Jourdan Delacruz, with a total of 200 kg this year, is part of the eight-person weightlifting squad, the biggest U.S. weightlifting team for the Olympics in 25 years.

The United States hasn't been a powerhouse in weightlifting since the 1960s. China won the most weightlifting medals at Rio 2016, with Thailand and North Korea also well-represented on the women's podium.

As all three athletes take the stage on Saturday to lift more than one and a half times their bodyweight off the ground, the women's 49 kg weightlifting is sure to be an exciting event to watch.

China's Hou Zhihui, current world record holder in the lightest women's category, may smash her own record on Saturday when the Tokyo 2020 weightlifting begins, and take the first gold for her country.

China's Hou Zhihui, current world record holder in the lightest women's category, may smash her own record on Saturday when the Tokyo 2020 weightlifting begins, and take the first gold for her country. Hou, who holds the world record in snatch with 96 kg, is going up against India's Mirabai Chanu, who holds the world record with 119 kg in clean and jerk. However, with 213 kg in total, Hou holds the world record in that category, too. Also read | Tokyo 2020 Olympic games: Here's how and where you can watch the live games There are two Olympic lifts: the clean and jerk, and the snatch. Each athlete is allowed three attempts at each lift. The best lift in each is combined to determine the overall total. Athletes must successfully attempt the snatch before proceeding to the clean and jerk. Since the Olympic weightlifting competition restricts the number of entries to one athlete per nation in each weight category, China has entered Hou ahead of reigning world champion Jiang Huihua and Zhang Rong, both of whom have lifted more than Chanu's 86 kg in snatch. Chanu, India's only representative in weightlifting, has a personal best of 203 kg, and has put forward an entry of 210 kg for Saturday's competition. She's one of India's strongest bets for an Olympic medal this year. Tokyo Olympics Live: Youngest archer at games seeds top in men’s event In Rio, Chanu was one of two athletes in her category who didn't register a total, after failing all three of her clean and jerk attempts. She's looking forward to burying the ghosts. "Since the Rio Olympics, I have evolved a lot. I have worked hard on my technique, especially in snatch. My training methods have changed and I have gotten better. I have worked to bring it at par with my clean and jerk," she said. Making her Olympic debut, U.S. lifter Jourdan Delacruz, with a total of 200 kg this year, is part of the eight-person weightlifting squad, the biggest U.S. weightlifting team for the Olympics in 25 years. The United States hasn't been a powerhouse in weightlifting since the 1960s. China won the most weightlifting medals at Rio 2016, with Thailand and North Korea also well-represented on the women's podium. As all three athletes take the stage on Saturday to lift more than one and a half times their bodyweight off the ground, the women's 49 kg weightlifting is sure to be an exciting event to watch.

Tokyo 2020: Olympics Weightlifting- China poised to bag first Tokyo gold

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games</a> kickstarted on July 23 morning, the threat of coronavirus has still not faded away. With the aim of being safe in the pandemic, International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to conduct the games without fans in stadiums this year.

With the opening ceremony a few hours away, here are some of the most popular questions answered for all Olympic Games fans.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-youngest-archer-at-games-seeds-top-in-mens-event-399834" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics Live: Youngest archer at games seeds top in men’s event</a></h2>

<h2>Venue</h2>

This year, the host of the Olympic Games is&nbsp;Tokyo, Japan. Starting from July 23, the Summer Olympics will continue till August 08.

<h2>Live updates</h2>

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will not be live broadcasted on every channel. However, WION is bringing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-youngest-archer-at-games-seeds-top-in-mens-event-399834">live updates</a> to you for all the major games this year. Follow live updates on WION’s website through this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-youngest-archer-at-games-seeds-top-in-mens-event-399834">https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-youngest-archer-at-games-seeds-top-in-mens-event-399834</a>

In addition to this, SonyLiv app and website will also be streaming live updates for this year’s Olympics.

Sony Sports Network is the only media house that has earned the exclusive rights to broadcast all Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games this year in India. Sony TEN 1 and Sony TEN 2 will be broadcasting with English live commentary, while Sony TEN 3 will cater to the Hindi-speaking audience.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-olympic-games-a-guide-of-main-events-schedule-and-timings-399932" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: A guide of main events schedule and timings</a>

<h2>Starting time</h2>

While the seeding events started taking place from 05:30 am IST, the opening ceremony of Tokyo 2020 will begin from 04:30 pm IST on July 23. This year, the opening ceremony will be hosted in the Japan National Stadium.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the guestlist for the opening ceremony has been very limited.

As the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games kickstarted on July 23 morning, the threat of coronavirus has still not faded away. With the aim of being safe in the pandemic, International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to conduct the games without fans in stadiums this year.

As the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games kickstarted on July 23 morning, the threat of coronavirus has still not faded away. With the aim of being safe in the pandemic, International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to conduct the games without fans in stadiums this year. With the opening ceremony a few hours away, here are some of the most popular questions answered for all Olympic Games fans. Tokyo Olympics Live: Youngest archer at games seeds top in men’s event Venue This year, the host of the Olympic Games is Tokyo, Japan. Starting from July 23, the Summer Olympics will continue till August 08. Live updates Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will not be live broadcasted on every channel. However, WION is bringing live updates to you for all the major games this year. Follow live updates on WION’s website through this link: https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-youngest-archer-at-games-seeds-top-in-mens-event-399834 In addition to this, SonyLiv app and website will also be streaming live updates for this year’s Olympics. Sony Sports Network is the only media house that has earned the exclusive rights to broadcast all Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games this year in India. Sony TEN 1 and Sony TEN 2 will be broadcasting with English live commentary, while Sony TEN 3 will cater to the Hindi-speaking audience. Also read | Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: A guide of main events schedule and timings Starting time While the seeding events started taking place from 05:30 am IST, the opening ceremony of Tokyo 2020 will begin from 04:30 pm IST on July 23. This year, the opening ceremony will be hosted in the Japan National Stadium. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the guestlist for the opening ceremony has been very limited.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic games: Here's how and where you can watch the live games and opening ceremony

South Korean women archers took the top three places in qualification on Friday, with one breaking an Olympic record that stood for 25 years along the way, as the team aims for the longest gold medal streak at the Olympics.

All 128 archers, 64 women and 64 men shoot a qualifying round for the individual event. They total their points scores, up to a maximum of 720, and are ranked from top to bottom at the end of the round. Each one’s position after the ranking round becomes their seed for matchplay.

An San topped the field, with the 20-year-old shooting 680 points to beat the record set at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

“I did my best, and that led to good results. I feel nothing but happy,” An told reporters after the round.

South Korea’s female archers hold all the Olympic records and have won every team gold since the first in 1988.

If they win their ninth gold medal in the women’s team event in Tokyo, that will tie the longest gold medal streak in all sports at the Olympic Games.

South Korean women archers took the top three places in qualification on Friday, with one breaking an Olympic record that stood for 25 years along the way, as the team aims for the longest gold medal streak at the Olympics.

South Korean women archers took the top three places in qualification on Friday, with one breaking an Olympic record that stood for 25 years along the way, as the team aims for the longest gold medal streak at the Olympics. All 128 archers, 64 women and 64 men shoot a qualifying round for the individual event. They total their points scores, up to a maximum of 720, and are ranked from top to bottom at the end of the round. Each one’s position after the ranking round becomes their seed for matchplay. An San topped the field, with the 20-year-old shooting 680 points to beat the record set at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. “I did my best, and that led to good results. I feel nothing but happy,” An told reporters after the round. South Korea’s female archers hold all the Olympic records and have won every team gold since the first in 1988. If they win their ninth gold medal in the women’s team event in Tokyo, that will tie the longest gold medal streak in all sports at the Olympic Games.

Olympics 2020: South Korean women sweep Archery qualifying, eye longest gold streak

Syria's Hend Zaza was just five when she first picked up a table tennis paddle, and now the 12-year-old is the youngest person to compete at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Tokyo Olympics</a>.

Zaza shot to fame overnight in her war-torn country last year after beating a Lebanese rival in her forties to win the West Asia championships, qualifying her for the Olympics.

She is the only female member of a six-person team vying for her home country's fourth-ever Olympic medal.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-youngest-archer-at-games-seeds-top-in-mens-event-399834" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics Live: Youngest archer at games seeds top in men’s event</a></h2>

On Saturday, she will kick off the competition against 39-year-old Austrian Liu Jia in the preliminary round of the women's singles.

Zaza is set to become the youngest Olympian since 11-year-old Beatrice Hustiu competed in figure skating at the 1968 Winter Olympics.

Coach Adham Jumaan says he discovered Zaza when she was only five years old, three years into Syria's devastating civil war.

She was playing ping-pong with her older brother Obeida, a junior national tennis table champion, in a sports hall in central Syria's Hama.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-olympic-games-heres-how-and-where-you-can-watch-the-live-games-399994" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020 Olympic games: Here's how and where you can watch the live games</a>

"I was struck by her physique, quick reflexes and intuition," Jumaan said.

"She was clearly gifted."

Recognising that she was smart, determined and ambitious, he started off by giving her daily training sessions at the same sports centre.

Just seven months later, it paid off when Zaza finished second in the 2015 Syrian junior championships aged just six.

From there, she rose from one success to the next.

By the age of nine, she had won the under 12s national competition and West Asia championships. And she won the national women's cup.

'Become a pharmacist'

Syria's civil war has killed around 500,000 people, displaced millions, and ravaged infrastructure since it started in 2011 with the repression of anti-government protests.

"We trained in tough conditions," said Jumaan, who was her coach until recently.

There were "power cuts at the sports hall. Sometimes we were stuck inside for hours" as rebel artillery fire fell outside.

"And we struggled to get visas to take part in competitions abroad."

As the death toll mounted at the start of Syria's war, several countries cut diplomatic relations with the Syrian government and closed their missions in Damascus.

But last year, the Chinese Olympic Committee invited Zaza to go and train with its players in China after coronavirus restrictions were lifted.

She is now in Tokyo with fellow Syrians high jumper Majd Eddin Ghazal, weightlifter Man Asaad, showjumper Ahmed Hamsho, swimmer Ayman Kalzieh, and triathlete Mohamed Masso.

Zaza has high hopes.

"I dream of becoming world champion and an Olympic champion" one day, she told AFP.

But I also want "to finish my studies and become a pharmacist".

Her father, an amateur football player, has always made sure she had private tuition so she would not miss out on school while competing.

Syria's Hend Zaza was just five when she first picked up a table tennis paddle, and now the 12-year-old is the youngest person to compete at the Tokyo Olympics. Zaza shot to fame overnight in her war-torn country last year after beating a Lebanese rival in her forties to win the West Asia championships, qualifying her for the Olympics.

Syria's Hend Zaza was just five when she first picked up a table tennis paddle, and now the 12-year-old is the youngest person to compete at the Tokyo Olympics. Zaza shot to fame overnight in her war-torn country last year after beating a Lebanese rival in her forties to win the West Asia championships, qualifying her for the Olympics. She is the only female member of a six-person team vying for her home country's fourth-ever Olympic medal. Tokyo Olympics Live: Youngest archer at games seeds top in men’s event On Saturday, she will kick off the competition against 39-year-old Austrian Liu Jia in the preliminary round of the women's singles. Zaza is set to become the youngest Olympian since 11-year-old Beatrice Hustiu competed in figure skating at the 1968 Winter Olympics. Coach Adham Jumaan says he discovered Zaza when she was only five years old, three years into Syria's devastating civil war. She was playing ping-pong with her older brother Obeida, a junior national tennis table champion, in a sports hall in central Syria's Hama. Also read | Tokyo 2020 Olympic games: Here's how and where you can watch the live games "I was struck by her physique, quick reflexes and intuition," Jumaan said. "She was clearly gifted." Recognising that she was smart, determined and ambitious, he started off by giving her daily training sessions at the same sports centre. Just seven months later, it paid off when Zaza finished second in the 2015 Syrian junior championships aged just six. From there, she rose from one success to the next. By the age of nine, she had won the under 12s national competition and West Asia championships. And she won the national women's cup. 'Become a pharmacist' Syria's civil war has killed around 500,000 people, displaced millions, and ravaged infrastructure since it started in 2011 with the repression of anti-government protests. "We trained in tough conditions," said Jumaan, who was her coach until recently. There were "power cuts at the sports hall. Sometimes we were stuck inside for hours" as rebel artillery fire fell outside. "And we struggled to get visas to take part in competitions abroad." As the death toll mounted at the start of Syria's war, several countries cut diplomatic relations with the Syrian government and closed their missions in Damascus. But last year, the Chinese Olympic Committee invited Zaza to go and train with its players in China after coronavirus restrictions were lifted. She is now in Tokyo with fellow Syrians high jumper Majd Eddin Ghazal, weightlifter Man Asaad, showjumper Ahmed Hamsho, swimmer Ayman Kalzieh, and triathlete Mohamed Masso. Zaza has high hopes. "I dream of becoming world champion and an Olympic champion" one day, she told AFP. But I also want "to finish my studies and become a pharmacist". Her father, an amateur football player, has always made sure she had private tuition so she would not miss out on school while competing.

Syria's table tennis tween navigates 'tough' road to Olympics 2020

Muslim athletes in Tokyo for the Olympics marked a pared-down Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, thousands of miles from their loved ones with shared prayers and cheery online messages.

One of the most important holidays on the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha is typically celebrated with families coming together in fine clothes to partake of large feasts, slaughtering livestock for the occasion and giving presents to children.

The Tokyo Olympics are being held under tight coronavirus restrictions with athletes, officials and journalists from around the globe all but cut off from the rest of the city and subject to mask-wearing and social distancing.

After years of training to make it this far, some Muslim athletes and officials from Muslim countries, gathered together for a shared prayer in masks.

"The delegations of Islamic countries conduct the prayer for the blessed Eid al-Adha holiday in the athletes' village," Jordan's Olympic Committee posted on Twitter alongside pictures of athletes and officials praying amid sports shoes and clothes.

Some officials wearing Saudi-branded tracksuits appeared to be praying on a stone floor without the usual prayer mats. Their masks hiding smiles, Moroccan and Jordanian representatives shared sweets from small tins for the occasion.

Much of the celebrations were confined to online messages.

All fourteen players of the Turkish women's volleyball team dubbed the "Sultans of the Net" back home, published a video message on Instagram and Twitter.

"Happy Eid to everyone from Tokyo," the women chanted.

Turkey's volleyball team is one of the country's medal hopes, after bagging the bronze medal last month at the Volleyball Women's Nations League tournament.

As for the Olympic refugee team, which includes athletes from Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Iran, the International Olympic Committee's director of Olympic solidarity, James Macleod, said at a virtual news conference on Friday:

"The Muslim athletes celebrated Eid and we were happy that they were able to do that. Obviously, with the measures in place, we can't have a party, so they were doing it in a personal way."

Muslim athletes in Tokyo for the Olympics marked a pared-down Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, thousands of miles from their loved ones with shared prayers and cheery online messages.

Muslim athletes in Tokyo for the Olympics marked a pared-down Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, thousands of miles from their loved ones with shared prayers and cheery online messages. One of the most important holidays on the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha is typically celebrated with families coming together in fine clothes to partake of large feasts, slaughtering livestock for the occasion and giving presents to children. The Tokyo Olympics are being held under tight coronavirus restrictions with athletes, officials and journalists from around the globe all but cut off from the rest of the city and subject to mask-wearing and social distancing. After years of training to make it this far, some Muslim athletes and officials from Muslim countries, gathered together for a shared prayer in masks. "The delegations of Islamic countries conduct the prayer for the blessed Eid al-Adha holiday in the athletes' village," Jordan's Olympic Committee posted on Twitter alongside pictures of athletes and officials praying amid sports shoes and clothes. Some officials wearing Saudi-branded tracksuits appeared to be praying on a stone floor without the usual prayer mats. Their masks hiding smiles, Moroccan and Jordanian representatives shared sweets from small tins for the occasion. Much of the celebrations were confined to online messages. All fourteen players of the Turkish women's volleyball team dubbed the "Sultans of the Net" back home, published a video message on Instagram and Twitter. "Happy Eid to everyone from Tokyo," the women chanted. Turkey's volleyball team is one of the country's medal hopes, after bagging the bronze medal last month at the Volleyball Women's Nations League tournament. As for the Olympic refugee team, which includes athletes from Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Iran, the International Olympic Committee's director of Olympic solidarity, James Macleod, said at a virtual news conference on Friday: "The Muslim athletes celebrated Eid and we were happy that they were able to do that. Obviously, with the measures in place, we can't have a party, so they were doing it in a personal way."

Olympics 2020: Muslim Olympians celebrate Eid far from home in Tokyo

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 is benefited from more gender diversity. India is one of the countries that have profited the most from the surge in female athletes.

In a historic event for India, the country has sent 56 female athletes to the Tokyo Olympics, making it the country's largest female contingent at the Summer Games.&nbsp;

There are 71 males of the 127 athletes who have qualified for the Olympics, while the remaining 56 are women.

In keeping with the Tokyo Olympics' 'gender balanced' Games theme, five major countries are sending more women athletes than men to the main event.

The United Kingdom, the United States, China, Australia, and Canada have all declared contingents with much more female representation.&nbsp;

Athletics will have the largest representation from India, with a total of 26 athletes qualifying for the Olympics thanks to their outstanding performance.

Shooting, on the other hand, will have the second-largest contingent in the country, with 15 qualified athletes.&nbsp;

India's Olympic team for Tokyo 2020 consists of 127 athletes from 18 sports, including two alternate players and one reserve goalkeeper from the men's and women's hockey teams, respectively.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 is benefited from more gender diversity. India is one of the countries that have profited the most from the surge in female athletes. In a historic event for India, the country has sent 56 female athletes to the Tokyo Olympics, making it the country's largest female contingent at the Summer Games.

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 is benefited from more gender diversity. India is one of the countries that have profited the most from the surge in female athletes. In a historic event for India, the country has sent 56 female athletes to the Tokyo Olympics, making it the country's largest female contingent at the Summer Games. There are 71 males of the 127 athletes who have qualified for the Olympics, while the remaining 56 are women. In keeping with the Tokyo Olympics' 'gender balanced' Games theme, five major countries are sending more women athletes than men to the main event. The United Kingdom, the United States, China, Australia, and Canada have all declared contingents with much more female representation. Athletics will have the largest representation from India, with a total of 26 athletes qualifying for the Olympics thanks to their outstanding performance. Shooting, on the other hand, will have the second-largest contingent in the country, with 15 qualified athletes. India's Olympic team for Tokyo 2020 consists of 127 athletes from 18 sports, including two alternate players and one reserve goalkeeper from the men's and women's hockey teams, respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

Tokyo Olympics 2020: India's highest-ever female participants

&nbsp;

Indian men's hockey team has gone through a lot of highs and lows in the last few years however the year 2019 has certainly finished on a superior note as the team sealed the Olympic spot after crushing Russia in a two-match season finisher at the last phase of FIH Olympic qualifiers in Bhubaneshwar.&nbsp;

The year began fabulously as the Men in Blue, driven by Manpreet Singh, ended as runners-up subsequent to going down to South Korea in a nail-gnawing final at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.&nbsp;

Positioned at No. 5 in the world, the team then proceeded to whitewash Spain and Belgium. They won 2-0 against the World Ranked 2 and current World Champions Belgium in the opening clash prior to whipping Spain 6-1 and 5-1 in the following two games.&nbsp;

This was then trailed by 2-1 and 5-1 triumph against a lot more grounded Belgian young men, consequently guaranteeing a decisive victory against the European forces to be reckoned with.&nbsp;

In the FIH Series finals that occurred in Bhubaneshwar in June, tea, India crushed South Africa 5-1 in the culmination clash to become the champions.&nbsp;

After forgettable exhibitions at London and Rio Olympics where the team completed last and eighth separately, Team India would endeavor to accomplish a podium finish in Tokyo.

Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics Hockey event&nbsp;let us take a look at three Indian key players to watch out for:

<h2>Manpreet Singh</h2>

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will be the main summer games in which Manpreet Singh will be driving the men's hockey group. He has procured more than 150 caps for the national team since making his first appearance in 2013.

Under Manpreet Singh's administration, the Indian men's team won the Asia Cup. After a year, they likewise won the Asian Champions Trophy. The team enjoyed and proceeded with progress under Manpreet, who additionally helped India to a win in the FIH Series Final in 2019.&nbsp;

The men's team was noteworthy under Manpreet's leadership as it advanced toward the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup in Bhubaneswar. They likewise performed extremely well in the FIH Hockey Pro League.

<h2>Mandeep Singh</h2>

The 26-year-old had a splendid run for Ranchi Rhinos at the 2013 Hockey India League season, where he scored a goal, to help his side secure 2-1 success over Punjab Warriors at the Surjit Hockey Stadium. He was instrumental in driving the Ranchi franchise to the title, in the debut period of the Hockey India League.&nbsp;

He was the second most noteworthy scorer in the alliance, with ten goals in thirteen matches, and was granted the trophy for the upcoming Player of the Tournament award.&nbsp;

Since, then he has been a vital member of the India men's hockey team's gold medal-winning run at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy, silver medal at the 2016 and 2018 Champions Trophy, and a bronze medal at the Asian Games.&nbsp;

<h2>Lalit Kumar Upadhyay</h2>

The 27-year-old&nbsp;has arisen as one of the vital forwards in the India men's hockey team since making his debut for his national team in 2014. He has been a significant patron in the team's exhibition by scoring 22 goals in his 93 appearances.&nbsp;

He was stupendous with his performance in India's FIH Pro League debut against the Netherlands as netted twice in their overwhelming 5-2 triumph in Bhubaneswar. He has additionally decreed the player of the match.&nbsp;

He had additionally dazzled India hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay, who offered him to play for Air India, where he was voted for the 'Rookie of the Year' award at the World Series Hockey competition in 2012.&nbsp;

He has additionally assisted India with securing the gold medals at the 2016 and 2018 Champions Trophy. He was likewise a vital part of the Indian team which sacked the gold medal at the 2017 Asian Games. It will arrive now to do his absolute best and help India seal a podium spot at Tokyo 2020.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian men's hockey team has gone through a lot of highs and lows in the last few years however the year 2019 has certainly finished on a superior note as the team sealed the Olympic spot after crushing Russia in a two-match season finisher at the last phase of FIH Olympic qualifiers in Bhubaneshwar.

Indian men's hockey team has gone through a lot of highs and lows in the last few years however the year 2019 has certainly finished on a superior note as the team sealed the Olympic spot after crushing Russia in a two-match season finisher at the last phase of FIH Olympic qualifiers in Bhubaneshwar. The year began fabulously as the Men in Blue, driven by Manpreet Singh, ended as runners-up subsequent to going down to South Korea in a nail-gnawing final at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Positioned at No. 5 in the world, the team then proceeded to whitewash Spain and Belgium. They won 2-0 against the World Ranked 2 and current World Champions Belgium in the opening clash prior to whipping Spain 6-1 and 5-1 in the following two games. This was then trailed by 2-1 and 5-1 triumph against a lot more grounded Belgian young men, consequently guaranteeing a decisive victory against the European forces to be reckoned with. In the FIH Series finals that occurred in Bhubaneshwar in June, tea, India crushed South Africa 5-1 in the culmination clash to become the champions. After forgettable exhibitions at London and Rio Olympics where the team completed last and eighth separately, Team India would endeavor to accomplish a podium finish in Tokyo. Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics Hockey event let us take a look at three Indian key players to watch out for: Manpreet Singh The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will be the main summer games in which Manpreet Singh will be driving the men's hockey group. He has procured more than 150 caps for the national team since making his first appearance in 2013. Under Manpreet Singh's administration, the Indian men's team won the Asia Cup. After a year, they likewise won the Asian Champions Trophy. The team enjoyed and proceeded with progress under Manpreet, who additionally helped India to a win in the FIH Series Final in 2019. The men's team was noteworthy under Manpreet's leadership as it advanced toward the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup in Bhubaneswar. They likewise performed extremely well in the FIH Hockey Pro League. Mandeep Singh The 26-year-old had a splendid run for Ranchi Rhinos at the 2013 Hockey India League season, where he scored a goal, to help his side secure 2-1 success over Punjab Warriors at the Surjit Hockey Stadium. He was instrumental in driving the Ranchi franchise to the title, in the debut period of the Hockey India League. He was the second most noteworthy scorer in the alliance, with ten goals in thirteen matches, and was granted the trophy for the upcoming Player of the Tournament award. Since, then he has been a vital member of the India men's hockey team's gold medal-winning run at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy, silver medal at the 2016 and 2018 Champions Trophy, and a bronze medal at the Asian Games. Lalit Kumar Upadhyay The 27-year-old has arisen as one of the vital forwards in the India men's hockey team since making his debut for his national team in 2014. He has been a significant patron in the team's exhibition by scoring 22 goals in his 93 appearances. He was stupendous with his performance in India's FIH Pro League debut against the Netherlands as netted twice in their overwhelming 5-2 triumph in Bhubaneswar. He has additionally decreed the player of the match. He had additionally dazzled India hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay, who offered him to play for Air India, where he was voted for the 'Rookie of the Year' award at the World Series Hockey competition in 2012. He has additionally assisted India with securing the gold medals at the 2016 and 2018 Champions Trophy. He was likewise a vital part of the Indian team which sacked the gold medal at the 2017 Asian Games. It will arrive now to do his absolute best and help India seal a podium spot at Tokyo 2020.

Tokyo Olympics: Three players to watch out for in India men's Hockey team

Many Olympic nations are expected to demonstrate their support for gender equality and racial justice on Friday night with their selections of athletes to carry flags at the opening ceremony.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">International Olympic Committee</a> changed it rules and asked each nation to select two flagbearers in an effort to increase gender equality at the Tokyo Games.

Gold-medal rower Mohamed Sbihi will be the first Muslim to carry the British flag at the Games, alongside sailor Hannah Mills.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-youngest-archer-at-games-seeds-top-in-mens-event-399834" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics Live: Youngest archer at games seeds top in men’s event</a></h2>

"It is such an honour to be invited to be the flagbearer for Team GB," Sbihi said. "It is an iconic moment within the Olympic movement – people remember those images."

Aussies Cate Campbell and Patty Mills are both attending their fourth Olympics. Mills, a basketballer who plays for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, will be the first indigenous Australian selected to carry the flag for the Opening Ceremony.

"It's identity, it's being able to showcase who you are throughout the world," Mills said. "It's one of those things that makes you proud of who you are. We have definitely come a long way for Australian sport and it's special."

Have a look&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/olympic-games-super-fan-kyoko-ishikawa-gears-up-for-covid-ridden-tokyo-2020-399973" hreflang="en">Olympic Games' super fan, Kyoko Ishikawa, gears up for Covid-ridden Tokyo 2020</a>

Team USA will be represented by 40-year-old basketballer Sue Bird and Cuban-American baseballer Eddy Alvarez. Alvarez, who also won a silver medal for speedskating in the 2014 Winter Olympics, has expressed support for those in Cuba who have joined recent protests over the country's economic crisis.

"We feel for the people of Cuba right now. We're so proud of them because they are going out there to protest with stones, forks and broomsticks," he said.

For the Netherlands, it will be 36-year-old Dutch sprinter and Black athlete Churandy Martina, from Curaçao, and skateboarder Keet Oldenbeuving, 16. They are the oldest and youngest members of the Dutch Olympic team.

In Belgium's case, the two will also represent the country’s linguistic divide – heptathlete Nafi Thiam, a French speaker, and hockey player Felix Denayer, a Dutch speaker.

"What an honor!" posted Black sprinter Mujinga Kambundji with an emoji of the Swiss flag on Instagram after she was selected alongside Max Heinzer.

"When I started athletics as a child, going to the Olympics never sounded really realistic. Today, I’m preparing for my third Olympic Games, and this honor makes the experience even more special."

Many Olympic nations are expected to demonstrate their support for gender equality and racial justice on Friday night with their selections of athletes to carry flags at the opening ceremony.

Many Olympic nations are expected to demonstrate their support for gender equality and racial justice on Friday night with their selections of athletes to carry flags at the opening ceremony. The International Olympic Committee changed it rules and asked each nation to select two flagbearers in an effort to increase gender equality at the Tokyo Games. Gold-medal rower Mohamed Sbihi will be the first Muslim to carry the British flag at the Games, alongside sailor Hannah Mills. Tokyo Olympics Live: Youngest archer at games seeds top in men’s event "It is such an honour to be invited to be the flagbearer for Team GB," Sbihi said. "It is an iconic moment within the Olympic movement – people remember those images." Aussies Cate Campbell and Patty Mills are both attending their fourth Olympics. Mills, a basketballer who plays for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, will be the first indigenous Australian selected to carry the flag for the Opening Ceremony. "It's identity, it's being able to showcase who you are throughout the world," Mills said. "It's one of those things that makes you proud of who you are. We have definitely come a long way for Australian sport and it's special." Have a look Olympic Games' super fan, Kyoko Ishikawa, gears up for Covid-ridden Tokyo 2020 Team USA will be represented by 40-year-old basketballer Sue Bird and Cuban-American baseballer Eddy Alvarez. Alvarez, who also won a silver medal for speedskating in the 2014 Winter Olympics, has expressed support for those in Cuba who have joined recent protests over the country's economic crisis. "We feel for the people of Cuba right now. We're so proud of them because they are going out there to protest with stones, forks and broomsticks," he said. For the Netherlands, it will be 36-year-old Dutch sprinter and Black athlete Churandy Martina, from Curaçao, and skateboarder Keet Oldenbeuving, 16. They are the oldest and youngest members of the Dutch Olympic team. In Belgium's case, the two will also represent the country’s linguistic divide – heptathlete Nafi Thiam, a French speaker, and hockey player Felix Denayer, a Dutch speaker. "What an honor!" posted Black sprinter Mujinga Kambundji with an emoji of the Swiss flag on Instagram after she was selected alongside Max Heinzer. "When I started athletics as a child, going to the Olympics never sounded really realistic. Today, I’m preparing for my third Olympic Games, and this honor makes the experience even more special."

Tokyo 2020: Flagbearers to send messages of equality and justice at opening ceremony

All 29 athletes in the Olympic refugee team will march behind the Olympic flag at the Tokyo Games opening ceremony on Friday, an organiser said, to represent the more than 82 million displaced people across the globe.

The International Olympic Committee unveiled its first refugee team at the Rio 2016 Olympics to raise awareness of the issue as hundreds of thousands of people poured into Europe from the Middle East and elsewhere escaping conflict and poverty.

"The Olympic refugee team is representing 82.5 million forcibly displaced people and refugees around the world," James Macleod, the IOC's director of Olympic solidarity, told a virtual news conference.

"There is a feeling of hope that they can shine a spotlight on this issue."

For the Tokyo Games, the team comprised of people from countries including Syria, South Sudan, Eritrea, Afghanistan and Iran is almost three times as big as the inaugural team at the Rio.

All of the athletes arrived in Tokyo by late Thursday after a delay in some of their trips following a positive COVID-19 test of a team official at a training camp in Qatar.

The athletes will march into the stadium during the opening ceremony in second place behind ancient Games founders Greece and will compete in 12 sports.

"Everyone is excited, but they are, like any other elite-level athletes, trying to concentrate on the Games," Macleod said.

Six of them competed at Rio, but for the rest, it will be their first Games.

"What we don't do with the refugee Olympic team is to project medals and results," Macleod said."We want the athletes not to have that pressure, we want them to be able to enjoy the participation here."

All 29 athletes in the Olympic refugee team will march behind the Olympic flag at the Tokyo Games opening ceremony on Friday, an organiser said, to represent the more than 82 million displaced people across the globe.

All 29 athletes in the Olympic refugee team will march behind the Olympic flag at the Tokyo Games opening ceremony on Friday, an organiser said, to represent the more than 82 million displaced people across the globe. The International Olympic Committee unveiled its first refugee team at the Rio 2016 Olympics to raise awareness of the issue as hundreds of thousands of people poured into Europe from the Middle East and elsewhere escaping conflict and poverty. "The Olympic refugee team is representing 82.5 million forcibly displaced people and refugees around the world," James Macleod, the IOC's director of Olympic solidarity, told a virtual news conference. "There is a feeling of hope that they can shine a spotlight on this issue." For the Tokyo Games, the team comprised of people from countries including Syria, South Sudan, Eritrea, Afghanistan and Iran is almost three times as big as the inaugural team at the Rio. All of the athletes arrived in Tokyo by late Thursday after a delay in some of their trips following a positive COVID-19 test of a team official at a training camp in Qatar. The athletes will march into the stadium during the opening ceremony in second place behind ancient Games founders Greece and will compete in 12 sports. "Everyone is excited, but they are, like any other elite-level athletes, trying to concentrate on the Games," Macleod said. Six of them competed at Rio, but for the rest, it will be their first Games. "What we don't do with the refugee Olympic team is to project medals and results," Macleod said."We want the athletes not to have that pressure, we want them to be able to enjoy the participation here."

Tokyo Olympics: All athletes in refugee team to join opening ceremony

Olympic Games' super fan, Kyoko Ishikawa, gears up for Covid-ridden Tokyo 2020

The Tokyo Olympics organising committee announced on Friday that 110 people have been infected with the coronavirus as a result of the Games.

The coronavirus has been diagnosed in 19 persons, including three who are living at the Olympic Village in the capital's Harumi seaside district.

The daily figure was the highest since the committee began announcing COVID-19 positive cases among persons associated with the Olympics on July 1st.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is determined to hold the Olympics, placed Tokyo under a state of emergency on July 12, but daily cases have sharply increased since then.

Meanwhile, new COVID-19 cases in Tokyo touched a six-month high on Thursday, one day before the Olympics begin, raising fears of a worsening of infections during the Games.

The 1,979 new cases reported on Thursday are the most since 2,044 were reported on January 15.

Japan has reported about 853,000 cases and 15,100 deaths since the pandemic began, most of them this year.

Still, the number of cases and deaths as a share of the population are much lower than in many other countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Tokyo Olympics organising committee announced on Friday that 110 people have been infected with the coronavirus as a result of the Games. The coronavirus has been diagnosed in 19 persons, including three who are living at the Olympic Village in the capital's Harumi seaside district.

The Tokyo Olympics organising committee announced on Friday that 110 people have been infected with the coronavirus as a result of the Games. The coronavirus has been diagnosed in 19 persons, including three who are living at the Olympic Village in the capital's Harumi seaside district. The daily figure was the highest since the committee began announcing COVID-19 positive cases among persons associated with the Olympics on July 1st. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is determined to hold the Olympics, placed Tokyo under a state of emergency on July 12, but daily cases have sharply increased since then. Meanwhile, new COVID-19 cases in Tokyo touched a six-month high on Thursday, one day before the Olympics begin, raising fears of a worsening of infections during the Games. The 1,979 new cases reported on Thursday are the most since 2,044 were reported on January 15. Japan has reported about 853,000 cases and 15,100 deaths since the pandemic began, most of them this year. Still, the number of cases and deaths as a share of the population are much lower than in many other countries. (With inputs from agencies)

Tokyo Olympics: COVID-19 cases among Games-related persons cross 100

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have finally started. After being postponed for nearly a year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Tokyo is ready to host one of the biggest and most controversial games.

With the opening ceremony a few hours away, here is a list of main events that will be taking place from July 23 onwards (all time slots are in BST).

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-indian-men-archers-finish-below-30-places-399834" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics Live: Indian men archers finish below 30 places</a></h2>

<h1>July 23, Friday — Day Zero</h1>

<h2>Archery</h2>

In the morning in Tokyo, archers set out to compete for a ranking round. While this round will not result in anyone’s elimination, it will help determine seeding for women’s and men’s individual tournaments.

<h2>Rowing</h2>

A similar rowing competition is also scheduled for the morning which will see the participation of known players such as Vicky Thornley, Olaf Tufte and more.

<h2>Opening ceremony</h2>

The opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will begin around 12pm BST and will continue till 4 pm.

While usually there are always some elements of surprise and air of curiosity around the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, this year’s ceremony will be toned down.

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the guest list has been limited to a selected few, including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-jill-biden-emmanuel-macron-arrives-in-japan-for-tokyo-2020-opening-ceremony-399840">First Lady of the United States Jill Biden, and the French President Emmanuel Macron</a>. Due to the fear of COVID-19 in Tokyo, no fans will be allowed to enjoy the games from the Olympic stands this year.

This year, the opening ceremony is hoped to be based on Japan’s influence and place in the world of technology. However, the same has not been confirmed by the authorities yet.

In a first, teams will be entering the opening ceremony as per the Japanese-language order, rather than following the English alphabet as usual. However, like every year, Greece will be entering first as it is the originating Olympic host country, and since the host nation enters last, Japan will be the last team to enter the stadium.

<h1 class="MsoNormal">July 24, Saturday — Day one</h1>

Day one of the Olympic Games after the opening ceremony will host 11 medal events. The events that are scheduled for July 24 are Archery (mixed), cycling (men’s road race at 03:00), fencing (men’s sabre and women’s epee), Judo (women’s 48kg and men’s 60kg), weightlifting for women’s 49 kg category, taekwondo (women’s 49 kg and men’s 58 kg) and shooting (women’s 10m air rifle and men’s 10m air pistol).

In addition to this, men’s artistic gymnastics qualifiers are also scheduled to start from 02:00 till 14:00. Other swimming events, majorly only heats, will also start from Saturday.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have finally started. After being postponed for nearly a year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Tokyo is ready to host one of the biggest and most controversial games.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have finally started. After being postponed for nearly a year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Tokyo is ready to host one of the biggest and most controversial games. With the opening ceremony a few hours away, here is a list of main events that will be taking place from July 23 onwards (all time slots are in BST). Tokyo Olympics Live: Indian men archers finish below 30 places July 23, Friday — Day Zero Archery In the morning in Tokyo, archers set out to compete for a ranking round. While this round will not result in anyone’s elimination, it will help determine seeding for women’s and men’s individual tournaments. Rowing A similar rowing competition is also scheduled for the morning which will see the participation of known players such as Vicky Thornley, Olaf Tufte and more. Opening ceremony The opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will begin around 12pm BST and will continue till 4 pm. While usually there are always some elements of surprise and air of curiosity around the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, this year’s ceremony will be toned down. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the guest list has been limited to a selected few, including the First Lady of the United States Jill Biden, and the French President Emmanuel Macron. Due to the fear of COVID-19 in Tokyo, no fans will be allowed to enjoy the games from the Olympic stands this year. This year, the opening ceremony is hoped to be based on Japan’s influence and place in the world of technology. However, the same has not been confirmed by the authorities yet. In a first, teams will be entering the opening ceremony as per the Japanese-language order, rather than following the English alphabet as usual. However, like every year, Greece will be entering first as it is the originating Olympic host country, and since the host nation enters last, Japan will be the last team to enter the stadium. July 24, Saturday — Day one Day one of the Olympic Games after the opening ceremony will host 11 medal events. The events that are scheduled for July 24 are Archery (mixed), cycling (men’s road race at 03:00), fencing (men’s sabre and women’s epee), Judo (women’s 48kg and men’s 60kg), weightlifting for women’s 49 kg category, taekwondo (women’s 49 kg and men’s 58 kg) and shooting (women’s 10m air rifle and men’s 10m air pistol). In addition to this, men’s artistic gymnastics qualifiers are also scheduled to start from 02:00 till 14:00. Other swimming events, majorly only heats, will also start from Saturday.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: A guide of main events schedule and timings

The road to Tokyo 2020 has not been smooth. Postponed by nearly 12 months, the Olympic Games&nbsp;are now set into motion.

The Indian contingent expects to get their best medal haul. India bagged the&nbsp;most medals in the 2012 London Olympics: two silvers and four bronzes.&nbsp;

Throughout the Olympic Games, India has won 28 medals which include nine gold, seven silver&nbsp;and 12 bronze medals. The hockey team has been the most successful winning 11 medals, followed by wrestling&nbsp;with five medals.&nbsp;

But there's a twist when it comes to two silver medals won by Norman Pritchard for athletics in 1900.&nbsp; In 2005, World Athletics listed Pritchard, a British Indian, as having competed for Great Britain. Olympic historians also concur that he represented Britain after competing in the British athletics championship in June 1900. However, the International Olympic Committee&nbsp;continued to regard Pritchard as having competed for India, and his two medals are credited to India.

In any case, India's population is enormous and we have just 28 Olympic medals, or 26 if you remove Pritchard's silvers, in our kitty up until now.&nbsp;

India won a gold in field hockey in 1980 and the next time we won a medal was in 1996.&nbsp;Abhinav Bindra's gold in 2008 changed attitude towards sports in India.&nbsp;

Sports in India has&nbsp;faced high and low points. In a&nbsp;country largely obsessed with cricket,&nbsp;sportsmen and women are now exploring different games and this is an accomplishment in itself.&nbsp;

India has commendable competitors, but our medal tally never takes off and sports infrastructure continues to leave much to be desired.

India&nbsp;needs an appropriate framework for preparation and practice sessions of competitors that could make them more skillful and exceptional to manage A-list contenders.

With plans like Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Khelo India and Fit India, we are seeing the government putting stress on allowing opportunities to competitors to exhibit their ability. Our competitors have endeavoured to get the due acknowledgement they deserve.

Every Olympics is challenging, Tokyo 2020 will be especially overwhelming and will test each competitor. It's difficult to get ready for an event of this magnitude when the world is going through such difficulties.&nbsp;

Adjusting to the changing circumstances will be the key.&nbsp;In spite of the challenges, Tokyo will be India's best chance at the Olympics. Arriving at double-digits in the medal count isn't completely incomprehensible.

India's medal haul in Olympics so far can't be called spectacular.&nbsp;But there has been a fast ascent in interest in Olympic games in India.&nbsp;

Sports infrastructure has improved and with the developing spotlight on sports and fitness, there is no reason why India can't improve.&nbsp;Like clockwork, basically for a short period, the focus shifts to the Olympics and everyone applauds the Olympic medalists.&nbsp;

Whether India penetrates the double-digit hindrance or not, we trust new stars to rise up out of Tokyo who then proceed to motivate the country in sports.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The road to Tokyo 2020 has not been smooth. Postponed by nearly 12 months, the Olympic Games are now set into motion. The Indian contingent expects to get their best medal haul.

The road to Tokyo 2020 has not been smooth. Postponed by nearly 12 months, the Olympic Games are now set into motion. The Indian contingent expects to get their best medal haul. India bagged the most medals in the 2012 London Olympics: two silvers and four bronzes. Throughout the Olympic Games, India has won 28 medals which include nine gold, seven silver and 12 bronze medals. The hockey team has been the most successful winning 11 medals, followed by wrestling with five medals. But there's a twist when it comes to two silver medals won by Norman Pritchard for athletics in 1900. In 2005, World Athletics listed Pritchard, a British Indian, as having competed for Great Britain. Olympic historians also concur that he represented Britain after competing in the British athletics championship in June 1900. However, the International Olympic Committee continued to regard Pritchard as having competed for India, and his two medals are credited to India. In any case, India's population is enormous and we have just 28 Olympic medals, or 26 if you remove Pritchard's silvers, in our kitty up until now. India won a gold in field hockey in 1980 and the next time we won a medal was in 1996. Abhinav Bindra's gold in 2008 changed attitude towards sports in India. Sports in India has faced high and low points. In a country largely obsessed with cricket, sportsmen and women are now exploring different games and this is an accomplishment in itself. India has commendable competitors, but our medal tally never takes off and sports infrastructure continues to leave much to be desired. India needs an appropriate framework for preparation and practice sessions of competitors that could make them more skillful and exceptional to manage A-list contenders. With plans like Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Khelo India and Fit India, we are seeing the government putting stress on allowing opportunities to competitors to exhibit their ability. Our competitors have endeavoured to get the due acknowledgement they deserve. Every Olympics is challenging, Tokyo 2020 will be especially overwhelming and will test each competitor. It's difficult to get ready for an event of this magnitude when the world is going through such difficulties. Adjusting to the changing circumstances will be the key. In spite of the challenges, Tokyo will be India's best chance at the Olympics. Arriving at double-digits in the medal count isn't completely incomprehensible. India's medal haul in Olympics so far can't be called spectacular. But there has been a fast ascent in interest in Olympic games in India. Sports infrastructure has improved and with the developing spotlight on sports and fitness, there is no reason why India can't improve. Like clockwork, basically for a short period, the focus shifts to the Olympics and everyone applauds the Olympic medalists. Whether India penetrates the double-digit hindrance or not, we trust new stars to rise up out of Tokyo who then proceed to motivate the country in sports. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Will India improve its medal tally at Olympics?

Japan is struggling as a host of the Olympics. Athletes have tested positive at the Olympic village. A venue is "smelling like a toilet". A major sponsor has pulled TV ads & South Korea's President has called off visit Tokyo.

Gravitas: With 4 days left for the games, Japan struggles as a host

After the latest meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB), IOC President Thomas Bach highlighted the successful implementation of the COVID-19 countermeasures outlined in the key stakeholder Playbooks and promised to bring the vibe of the world into the venues of Tokyo Olympics.

During the meeting, the IOC EB was informed by Tokyo 2020 that, between July 1 and 16, around 15,000 athletes, officials, and representatives from the media and other stakeholders had arrived in Tokyo. Only 15 had tested positive on their arrival or during a screening test, accounting for 0.1 per cent of arrivals so far.

Details were also shared about a state-of-the-art virtual audio experience that will be used in all venues. This will see sounds from individual sports from past Games broadcast through audio systems to create the effect of spectators despite their absence, providing strong, emotional connections with athletes.

Speaking about this, the IOC President said in a release: "We will make every effort to bring the vibe of the world into the venues. Billions of people around the world will follow the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 via rights-holding broadcasters and other digital and media platforms. These will be the most followed Games in Olympic history."

Further updates from the Tokyo 2020 organisers emphasised their Games readiness. This was illustrated through the full opening of the Olympic Village, International Broadcast Centre (IBC), and Main Press Centre (MPC) earlier this week, venues moving into operational mode, and the knowledge that athletes are making their final preparations.As part of measures to manage the COVID-19 situation, the Organising Committee highlighted the decision made earlier this month that no spectators will be allowed to attend Tokyo 2020 events.&nbsp;

To mitigate the impact of this, the IOC shared details of its plans to connect billions of fans to this year`s Games through unprecedented broadcast coverage and digital innovations. These include the use of digital, real-time live cheer maps, fan videos that will be broadcast in venues, and the possibility for athletes to speak to close family and friends directly after they have competed.

After the latest meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB), IOC President Thomas Bach highlighted the successful implementation of the COVID-19 countermeasures outlined in the key stakeholder Playbooks and promised to bring the vibe of the world into the venues of Tokyo Olympics.

After the latest meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB), IOC President Thomas Bach highlighted the successful implementation of the COVID-19 countermeasures outlined in the key stakeholder Playbooks and promised to bring the vibe of the world into the venues of Tokyo Olympics. During the meeting, the IOC EB was informed by Tokyo 2020 that, between July 1 and 16, around 15,000 athletes, officials, and representatives from the media and other stakeholders had arrived in Tokyo. Only 15 had tested positive on their arrival or during a screening test, accounting for 0.1 per cent of arrivals so far. Details were also shared about a state-of-the-art virtual audio experience that will be used in all venues. This will see sounds from individual sports from past Games broadcast through audio systems to create the effect of spectators despite their absence, providing strong, emotional connections with athletes. Speaking about this, the IOC President said in a release: "We will make every effort to bring the vibe of the world into the venues. Billions of people around the world will follow the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 via rights-holding broadcasters and other digital and media platforms. These will be the most followed Games in Olympic history." Further updates from the Tokyo 2020 organisers emphasised their Games readiness. This was illustrated through the full opening of the Olympic Village, International Broadcast Centre (IBC), and Main Press Centre (MPC) earlier this week, venues moving into operational mode, and the knowledge that athletes are making their final preparations.As part of measures to manage the COVID-19 situation, the Organising Committee highlighted the decision made earlier this month that no spectators will be allowed to attend Tokyo 2020 events. To mitigate the impact of this, the IOC shared details of its plans to connect billions of fans to this year`s Games through unprecedented broadcast coverage and digital innovations. These include the use of digital, real-time live cheer maps, fan videos that will be broadcast in venues, and the possibility for athletes to speak to close family and friends directly after they have competed.

Will make every effort to bring vibes of the world to Tokyo 2020 venues: IOC President Bach

Germany walked off after 85 minutes of Saturday's pre-Olympics friendly with Honduras after Jordan Torunarigha suffered racist abuse.

The 2016 silver medallists played the Central Americans in Wakayama, Japan, as they warmed up for their Games campaign which starts on July 22 against champions Brazil.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-olympic-most-restrictive-sports-event-ioc-chief-urges-japanese-locals-support-398705" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympic 'most restrictive sports event': IOC chief urges Japanese locals' support</a>

"The game has ended 5 minutes early with the score at 1-1. The Germany players left the pitch after Jordan Torunarigha was racially abused," the German Football Association (DFB) tweeted.

German head coach Stefan Kuntz defended his 23-year-old squad member.

"When one of our players is racially abused, playing on is not an option," told DFB's Twitter account.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/missing-ugandan-weightlifter-wanted-to-stay-in-japan-reports-398649" hreflang="en">Missing Ugandan weightlifter wanted to stay in Japan: Reports</a>

The Honduras Football Federation said on Twitter the situation was down to a "misunderstanding on the pitch."

In February 2020, Hertha Berlin centre-back Torunarigha was sent off for reacting to alleged monkey chants from Schalke fans during a German Cup loss.

In that match, Torunarigha, who is of Nigerian descent, picked up a water bottle carrier and slammed it to the ground before being shown a red card for second bookable offence.

Germany walked off after 85 minutes of Saturday's pre-Olympics friendly with Honduras after Jordan Torunarigha suffered racist abuse. The 2016 silver medallists played the Central Americans in Wakayama, Japan, as they warmed up for their Games campaign which starts on July 22 against champions Brazil.

Germany walked off after 85 minutes of Saturday's pre-Olympics friendly with Honduras after Jordan Torunarigha suffered racist abuse. The 2016 silver medallists played the Central Americans in Wakayama, Japan, as they warmed up for their Games campaign which starts on July 22 against champions Brazil. Also read | Tokyo Olympic 'most restrictive sports event': IOC chief urges Japanese locals' support "The game has ended 5 minutes early with the score at 1-1. The Germany players left the pitch after Jordan Torunarigha was racially abused," the German Football Association (DFB) tweeted. German head coach Stefan Kuntz defended his 23-year-old squad member. "When one of our players is racially abused, playing on is not an option," told DFB's Twitter account. Also read | Missing Ugandan weightlifter wanted to stay in Japan: Reports The Honduras Football Federation said on Twitter the situation was down to a "misunderstanding on the pitch." In February 2020, Hertha Berlin centre-back Torunarigha was sent off for reacting to alleged monkey chants from Schalke fans during a German Cup loss. In that match, Torunarigha, who is of Nigerian descent, picked up a water bottle carrier and slammed it to the ground before being shown a red card for second bookable offence.

Germany walk off Olympics friendly after Torunarigha racist abuse

A little after the International Olympic Committee reported the first coronavirus case in the Olympic village, the Chief, Thomas Bach, has urged Japan locals to support the games.

"I appeal to the Japanese people to welcome these athletes here for the competition of their life," Bach said. In a bid to prove how secure the games are, he called the Tokyo Olympics to be the "most restrictive sports event... in the entire world."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tokyo-olympics-first-case-of-coronavirus-in-olympic-village-398641">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tokyo-olympics-first-case-of-coronavirus-in-olympic-village-398641/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His statement came after the Olympic village reported its first coronavirus case. "I would like once more to ask and to invite the Japanese people, humbly, to welcome and support the athletes from around the world," Bach urged Japanese people.

While the nation is worried about the first reported Covid case, Bach claims that it is just 15 people who have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, out of 15,000. He used this data to support his argument that the IOC is following strict anti-coronavirus measures and are conducting daily tests for athletes.

To make the locals tad happy and hopeful, Bach also teased the idea of inviting fans back to the stadiums as spectators. "We will keep monitoring the anti-Covid developments. And if the circumstances should change, then we do have another immediate five parties meeting to address this with the relevant anti COVID-19 measures," he said.

A little after the International Olympic Committee reported the first coronavirus case in the Olympic village, the Chief, Thomas Bach, has urged Japan locals to support the games.

A little after the International Olympic Committee reported the first coronavirus case in the Olympic village, the Chief, Thomas Bach, has urged Japan locals to support the games. "I appeal to the Japanese people to welcome these athletes here for the competition of their life," Bach said. In a bid to prove how secure the games are, he called the Tokyo Olympics to be the "most restrictive sports event... in the entire world." WATCH | His statement came after the Olympic village reported its first coronavirus case. "I would like once more to ask and to invite the Japanese people, humbly, to welcome and support the athletes from around the world," Bach urged Japanese people. While the nation is worried about the first reported Covid case, Bach claims that it is just 15 people who have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, out of 15,000. He used this data to support his argument that the IOC is following strict anti-coronavirus measures and are conducting daily tests for athletes. To make the locals tad happy and hopeful, Bach also teased the idea of inviting fans back to the stadiums as spectators. "We will keep monitoring the anti-Covid developments. And if the circumstances should change, then we do have another immediate five parties meeting to address this with the relevant anti COVID-19 measures," he said.

Tokyo Olympic 'most restrictive sports event': IOC chief urges Japanese locals' support

Japan’s locals have been hesitant about hosting Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games. Therefore, there was a lot of pressure on the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to convince the locals about hosting the games.

However, Thomas Bach’s attempts to win over the locals got caught up in a racist controversy, as he ended up confusing Chinese with Japanese.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/police-arrest-four-olympic-contractors-in-tokyo-over-alleged-cocaine-consumption-397845" hreflang="en">Police arrest four Olympic contractors in Tokyo over alleged cocaine consumption</a>

During his first public speech since arriving in Tokyo last week, Bach was reassuring locals that the Olympics Games will be held safely and will not turn out to be a super-spreader event.

"Our common target is safe and secure Games," he said before making an embarrassing mistake. "For everybody – for the athletes, for all the delegations, and most importantly also for the Chinese people … Japanese people."

His mistake was not translated by the English to Japanese interpreters but the slip of tongue was caught by the local media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-hotel-apologises-for-japanese-only-elevator-signs-397641" hreflang="en">Tokyo hotel&nbsp;apologises&nbsp;for 'Japanese only' elevator signs&nbsp;</a>

"The Japanese people can have confidence in all the efforts we are undertaking to make these Games for them secure and safe, with all the intensive, most strict COVID-19 countermeasures,"&nbsp;he continued.

Bach further complimented locals for helping the officials put together the games in these special circumstances. "You have managed to make Tokyo the best-ever prepared city for the&nbsp;Olympic Games. This is even more remarkable under the difficult circumstances we all have to face," he said 10 days before the opening ceremony.

Japan’s locals have been hesitant about hosting Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games. Therefore, there was a lot of pressure on the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to convince the locals about hosting the games.

Japan’s locals have been hesitant about hosting Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games. Therefore, there was a lot of pressure on the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to convince the locals about hosting the games. However, Thomas Bach’s attempts to win over the locals got caught up in a racist controversy, as he ended up confusing Chinese with Japanese. Also read | Police arrest four Olympic contractors in Tokyo over alleged cocaine consumption During his first public speech since arriving in Tokyo last week, Bach was reassuring locals that the Olympics Games will be held safely and will not turn out to be a super-spreader event. "Our common target is safe and secure Games," he said before making an embarrassing mistake. "For everybody – for the athletes, for all the delegations, and most importantly also for the Chinese people … Japanese people." His mistake was not translated by the English to Japanese interpreters but the slip of tongue was caught by the local media. Also read | Tokyo hotel apologises for 'Japanese only' elevator signs "The Japanese people can have confidence in all the efforts we are undertaking to make these Games for them secure and safe, with all the intensive, most strict COVID-19 countermeasures," he continued. Bach further complimented locals for helping the officials put together the games in these special circumstances. "You have managed to make Tokyo the best-ever prepared city for the Olympic Games. This is even more remarkable under the difficult circumstances we all have to face," he said 10 days before the opening ceremony.

Olympic Chief confuses 'Chinese' with 'Japanese' in first public speech

The pressure that comes along with the Olympic Games is starting to take a toll. The shooting coaches are feeling the heat in Zagreb which is the base for the Indian shooting team ahead of Tokyo2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A few days ago, Pavel Smirnov, India’s foreign coach in Pistol, got into an argument with a security guard posted outside the military facility where the shooting range is located. Those present there admit matters got extremely heated and a few senior coaches had to step in to defuse the situation. The guard allowed the team in but reported the matter to his superiors and the Indian team was informed that Smirnov would henceforth not be allowed to enter the facility.

Once again, the situation was defused and a truce declared with officials from the Croatian Shooting Federation playing peacemaker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smirnov has been prone to displaying temper tantrums and such incidents have been increasing over the last few months. However such meltdowns are surprising as he has no reason to feel the heat, his pistol shooters had an excellent showing at the ISSF World Cup in Osijek.&nbsp;

Smirnov’s compatriot Oleg Mikhailov, India’s foreign coach in rifle, though is spending long hours after training ends at the 10m range. Something feels terribly wrong and Mikhailov hasn’t been able to get to the bottom of what exactly has caused a dip in form of his top medal contenders. He has been putting Elavenil Valarivan and Divyansh Singh Panwar’s rifles through microscopic scrutiny hoping to spot a flaw which led to a poor outing in Osijek.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Elavenil Valarivan is the World No. 1 in the Women’s Air Rifle, Divyansh Panwar is the World No. 2 in the Men’s discipline. Both have been picked to shoot in the Mixed Air Rifle event in the Olympics, an event the National Rifle Association is banking on.

Panwar shot a 624.7 in qualification and finished 25th, Valarivan managed a score of 621.2 following a deduction of two points.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anyone can have a bad competition. But the warning bells start ringing when the scores drop so dramatically. The top two rifle shooters were consistently getting above 630 in training according to one of those in Zagreb. Deepak Kumar the other Air Rifle shooter in the Olympic team shot 626 while former World No. 1 Apurvi Chandela shot 624.2. Anjum Moudgil also competed in that event and had 622.3.&nbsp;&nbsp;

None of these scores is good enough for a high level of competition expected at the Olympic Games. Anjum Moudgil and Apurvi Chandela won Olympic quotas for India at the 2018 World Championships but lost form during the pandemic.

NRAI dropped Anjum Moudgil from the Air Rifle team but gave her a means of overcoming the disappointment by picking her for the mixed event while Apurvi Chandela just had the Air Rifle event to prepare for.&nbsp;

NRAI President Raninder Singh knows what an Olympic disappointment feels like. In 2016, he had to explain to the media (this writer included) why his team returned empty-handed from the Olympics.

As President of the National Rifle Association of India, he has been heavily involved in the planning of the Olympic campaign and instrumental alongside former Double Trap star Ronjan Sodhi in airlifting his team to Zagreb with training in India affected by the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Raninder Singh one learns did not waste time. He summoned the rifle coaches to a virtual meeting and told them this performance was unacceptable. Those in the know say he read the riot act, told coaches to stop mollycoddling their wards and to work together as a team and get the shooters back to their best. He had drafted a stern letter to the pistol coaches in June, asking them to put aside their differences and stop squabbling.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He also took another important step. He asked the coaches to pair Apurvi Chandela and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar to compete against the selected pairs of Elavenil Valarivan/ Divyansh Panwar and Deepak Kumar/Anjum Moudgil. Aishwary Tomar, who will shoot the Men’s Rifle 3 position event in Tokyo, caused a flutter by reaching the Men’s Air Rifle final in Croatia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Apurvi Chandela’s form has started to pick up and the Olympian is starting to find her feet after hitting rock bottom in March at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi.

She continuously maintained that her dipping scores were a result of some changes in her kit and was backed to the hilt by the coaches. She has started to repay that faith and has started to shoot high scores in training. Apurvi Chandela and Aishwary Tomar have already started training together and the reports from Zagreb suggest the pairing has potential.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So, who makes way then? Informed sources point at Anjum Moudgil. Her confidence they say has been shattered after Elavenil Valarivan was picked in her place. Some say the decision to replace her has been made and will be announced in due course, perhaps after the team lands in Tokyo to avoid any controversy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anjum Moudgil’s lack of confidence is also attributed to poor decision-making on the part of the coaching staff. Too many changes have been made in a bid to help her regain her form. Senior shooters maintain there is a time and place for changing equipment or making technical adjustments. You do not make those changes a month ahead of the Olympics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

You also do not fix what is not broken. Divyansh Panwar’s dip in form is being attributed to an error of judgement from the coaches. A decision was made to change the trigger of his weapon a day or so ahead of the Osijek World Cup. It backfired. From shooting in the 630s, he lost the ‘feeling’ and ended up shooting below 625. He was made to do holding exercises with his gun the night before his competition. Team sources say the old trigger has been restored and the scores are on their way up again.&nbsp; But what of his confidence and self-belief?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Deepak Kumar is fighting hard to retain his spot in the Mixed Rifle team and his coach is making him go for runs in the morning in a bid to increase his stamina and endurance. Deepak Kumar had tested positive for Covid earlier this year and there are concerns that he could still be feeling the after-effects. He isn’t one to give up easily. He has been a part of the team for many years now and won a silver in the Men’s Air Rifle at the 2018 Asian Games.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There is a growing concern within the team about the lack of conditioning for the Olympics. Apurvi Chandela and Sanjeev Rajput are the only two shooters in the Rifle team with prior Olympic experience. Apurvi Chandela is drawing on her knowhow from Rio and is attempting to train for various scenarios. She struggled for sleep the night before her competition in Rio, disturbed by those coming back from the opening ceremony. Women’s Air Rifle is again scheduled for the first day of the Games. On a couple of occasions already, she has dragged herself to training, after staying awake entire nights.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pistol shooter Manu Bhaker and her current coach Ronak Pandit have already started to set their alarm clocks to 5.00 a.m. and hope to further attune their body clock to the Tokyo time zone over the next 10 days.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yet, not everyone is on the same page, busy as they are trying to get a grip on what is going wrong. There has been a suggestion to have a few days of quarantine training before departure on July 16 where the shooters will be confined to their rooms through the day barring a few hours of controlled match situations. There is a possibility that such a situation could arise in Tokyo but no formal decision has been made yet to go down this route.

(Digvijay Singh Deo is Sports Editor, WION and has covered the sport of Shooting from 2003)&nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The pressure that comes along with the Olympic Games is starting to take a toll. The shooting coaches are feeling the heat in Zagreb which is the base for the Indian shooting team ahead of Tokyo2020.

The pressure that comes along with the Olympic Games is starting to take a toll. The shooting coaches are feeling the heat in Zagreb which is the base for the Indian shooting team ahead of Tokyo2020. A few days ago, Pavel Smirnov, India’s foreign coach in Pistol, got into an argument with a security guard posted outside the military facility where the shooting range is located. Those present there admit matters got extremely heated and a few senior coaches had to step in to defuse the situation. The guard allowed the team in but reported the matter to his superiors and the Indian team was informed that Smirnov would henceforth not be allowed to enter the facility. Once again, the situation was defused and a truce declared with officials from the Croatian Shooting Federation playing peacemaker. Smirnov has been prone to displaying temper tantrums and such incidents have been increasing over the last few months. However such meltdowns are surprising as he has no reason to feel the heat, his pistol shooters had an excellent showing at the ISSF World Cup in Osijek. Smirnov’s compatriot Oleg Mikhailov, India’s foreign coach in rifle, though is spending long hours after training ends at the 10m range. Something feels terribly wrong and Mikhailov hasn’t been able to get to the bottom of what exactly has caused a dip in form of his top medal contenders. He has been putting Elavenil Valarivan and Divyansh Singh Panwar’s rifles through microscopic scrutiny hoping to spot a flaw which led to a poor outing in Osijek. Elavenil Valarivan is the World No. 1 in the Women’s Air Rifle, Divyansh Panwar is the World No. 2 in the Men’s discipline. Both have been picked to shoot in the Mixed Air Rifle event in the Olympics, an event the National Rifle Association is banking on. Panwar shot a 624.7 in qualification and finished 25th, Valarivan managed a score of 621.2 following a deduction of two points. Anyone can have a bad competition. But the warning bells start ringing when the scores drop so dramatically. The top two rifle shooters were consistently getting above 630 in training according to one of those in Zagreb. Deepak Kumar the other Air Rifle shooter in the Olympic team shot 626 while former World No. 1 Apurvi Chandela shot 624.2. Anjum Moudgil also competed in that event and had 622.3. None of these scores is good enough for a high level of competition expected at the Olympic Games. Anjum Moudgil and Apurvi Chandela won Olympic quotas for India at the 2018 World Championships but lost form during the pandemic. NRAI dropped Anjum Moudgil from the Air Rifle team but gave her a means of overcoming the disappointment by picking her for the mixed event while Apurvi Chandela just had the Air Rifle event to prepare for. NRAI President Raninder Singh knows what an Olympic disappointment feels like. In 2016, he had to explain to the media (this writer included) why his team returned empty-handed from the Olympics. As President of the National Rifle Association of India, he has been heavily involved in the planning of the Olympic campaign and instrumental alongside former Double Trap star Ronjan Sodhi in airlifting his team to Zagreb with training in India affected by the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Raninder Singh one learns did not waste time. He summoned the rifle coaches to a virtual meeting and told them this performance was unacceptable. Those in the know say he read the riot act, told coaches to stop mollycoddling their wards and to work together as a team and get the shooters back to their best. He had drafted a stern letter to the pistol coaches in June, asking them to put aside their differences and stop squabbling. He also took another important step. He asked the coaches to pair Apurvi Chandela and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar to compete against the selected pairs of Elavenil Valarivan/ Divyansh Panwar and Deepak Kumar/Anjum Moudgil. Aishwary Tomar, who will shoot the Men’s Rifle 3 position event in Tokyo, caused a flutter by reaching the Men’s Air Rifle final in Croatia. Apurvi Chandela’s form has started to pick up and the Olympian is starting to find her feet after hitting rock bottom in March at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi. She continuously maintained that her dipping scores were a result of some changes in her kit and was backed to the hilt by the coaches. She has started to repay that faith and has started to shoot high scores in training. Apurvi Chandela and Aishwary Tomar have already started training together and the reports from Zagreb suggest the pairing has potential. So, who makes way then? Informed sources point at Anjum Moudgil. Her confidence they say has been shattered after Elavenil Valarivan was picked in her place. Some say the decision to replace her has been made and will be announced in due course, perhaps after the team lands in Tokyo to avoid any controversy. Anjum Moudgil’s lack of confidence is also attributed to poor decision-making on the part of the coaching staff. Too many changes have been made in a bid to help her regain her form. Senior shooters maintain there is a time and place for changing equipment or making technical adjustments. You do not make those changes a month ahead of the Olympics. You also do not fix what is not broken. Divyansh Panwar’s dip in form is being attributed to an error of judgement from the coaches. A decision was made to change the trigger of his weapon a day or so ahead of the Osijek World Cup. It backfired. From shooting in the 630s, he lost the ‘feeling’ and ended up shooting below 625. He was made to do holding exercises with his gun the night before his competition. Team sources say the old trigger has been restored and the scores are on their way up again. But what of his confidence and self-belief? Deepak Kumar is fighting hard to retain his spot in the Mixed Rifle team and his coach is making him go for runs in the morning in a bid to increase his stamina and endurance. Deepak Kumar had tested positive for Covid earlier this year and there are concerns that he could still be feeling the after-effects. He isn’t one to give up easily. He has been a part of the team for many years now and won a silver in the Men’s Air Rifle at the 2018 Asian Games. There is a growing concern within the team about the lack of conditioning for the Olympics. Apurvi Chandela and Sanjeev Rajput are the only two shooters in the Rifle team with prior Olympic experience. Apurvi Chandela is drawing on her knowhow from Rio and is attempting to train for various scenarios. She struggled for sleep the night before her competition in Rio, disturbed by those coming back from the opening ceremony. Women’s Air Rifle is again scheduled for the first day of the Games. On a couple of occasions already, she has dragged herself to training, after staying awake entire nights. Pistol shooter Manu Bhaker and her current coach Ronak Pandit have already started to set their alarm clocks to 5.00 a.m. and hope to further attune their body clock to the Tokyo time zone over the next 10 days. Yet, not everyone is on the same page, busy as they are trying to get a grip on what is going wrong. There has been a suggestion to have a few days of quarantine training before departure on July 16 where the shooters will be confined to their rooms through the day barring a few hours of controlled match situations. There is a possibility that such a situation could arise in Tokyo but no formal decision has been made yet to go down this route. (Digvijay Singh Deo is Sports Editor, WION and has covered the sport of Shooting from 2003) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Pre-Olympic jitters for Indian shooting

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically.

So, there's a market, there's demand, there's a push from the government and India has the technological know-how, then why hasn't Make in India made a difference?

Last year, Former Army Chief General VP Malik - the man who led the Indian Army during the Kargil war spoke about it. And he made a strong case for making defence equipment in India. &nbsp;

He said that unless India becomes adequately self-reliant in defence, our national security remains vulnerable. 
 
So, why has India's domestic arms industry not flourished?&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the longest time, defence manufacturing in India was in the hands of state-owned companies. Private players were allowed only in 2001. A report from 2019 says that even today, bulk of the business goes to the public sector units.&nbsp;

Last year, the annual turnover of private sector companies was close to Rs 15 thousand crores. Public sector units earned more than four times this figure. Their turnover was well over Rs 60 thousand crores.

But, the Armed Forces have not had good experiences working with India's Defence PSUs. They give three reasons:

First, professionalism, or the lack of it. Second, delays in deliveries, and third, overshooting the budget.&nbsp;

Let's take the case of HAL, it had the exclusive rights to manufacture foreign jets in India. Last year, the Indian Air Force told the government that production delays are impacting its combat strength, particularly, when it comes to the Mirage 2000 and Jaguar Fighter fleets that were undergoing upgrades.&nbsp;

The IAF pointed out delays, ranging from two to six years. As a result, costs have also gone up. Furthermore, India lacks the talent to develop futuristic weapons.

Research and Development is still restricted to government agencies like DRDO. So, the Defence Forces have little choice and they have to resort to off the shelf purchases.

All the major contracts the Narendra Modi government has signed have been off the shelf. There has been no transfer of technology, this includes 36 Rafale jets from France, the S400 Missile Defence system from Russia, and the Apache and Chinook from the US.

Although, the government should be given credit where it's due. Some major bottlenecks for the entry of the private sector have been removed under the Modi government, like - increasing the FDI cap, easing licensing conditions and reduced time frame for obtaining defence exports approvals.

Several private players have entered the market - Adani Defence and Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge and Mahindra and Mahindra. They have all tied up with foreign Defence manufacturing firms.

But as of last year, some deals were yet to be finalised, a few have even hit dead ends or have been cancelled.

The private sector hasn't really been able to graduate from making small components to creating full-blown systems.

First of all, finalise the pending deals. Second, invest more in defence research and development. Third, encourage private players and startups to build indigenous offerings. And fourth, push for weapons imports that come with a technology transfer.

This will boost India's know-how in defence manufacturing.&nbsp;

Another major concern is the budget. India might not have enough money to clear big-ticket purchases. This is where the Defence Forces must consider deeper integration of resources and talent and open up some room in the budget.

The appointment of the Chief of Defence staff is a step in that direction. The more immediate concern is the pending defence procurement. Public-private partnerships must be encouraged to complete priority purchases.

Delaying the development of India's defence manufacturing not just makes our imports bills bigger, it even forces the Armed Forces, bureaucrats and the government to make compromises with national security.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically.

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically. So, there's a market, there's demand, there's a push from the government and India has the technological know-how, then why hasn't Make in India made a difference? Last year, Former Army Chief General VP Malik - the man who led the Indian Army during the Kargil war spoke about it. And he made a strong case for making defence equipment in India. He said that unless India becomes adequately self-reliant in defence, our national security remains vulnerable. So, why has India's domestic arms industry not flourished? For the longest time, defence manufacturing in India was in the hands of state-owned companies. Private players were allowed only in 2001. A report from 2019 says that even today, bulk of the business goes to the public sector units. Last year, the annual turnover of private sector companies was close to Rs 15 thousand crores. Public sector units earned more than four times this figure. Their turnover was well over Rs 60 thousand crores. But, the Armed Forces have not had good experiences working with India's Defence PSUs. They give three reasons: First, professionalism, or the lack of it. Second, delays in deliveries, and third, overshooting the budget. Let's take the case of HAL, it had the exclusive rights to manufacture foreign jets in India. Last year, the Indian Air Force told the government that production delays are impacting its combat strength, particularly, when it comes to the Mirage 2000 and Jaguar Fighter fleets that were undergoing upgrades. The IAF pointed out delays, ranging from two to six years. As a result, costs have also gone up. Furthermore, India lacks the talent to develop futuristic weapons. Research and Development is still restricted to government agencies like DRDO. So, the Defence Forces have little choice and they have to resort to off the shelf purchases. All the major contracts the Narendra Modi government has signed have been off the shelf. There has been no transfer of technology, this includes 36 Rafale jets from France, the S400 Missile Defence system from Russia, and the Apache and Chinook from the US. Although, the government should be given credit where it's due. Some major bottlenecks for the entry of the private sector have been removed under the Modi government, like - increasing the FDI cap, easing licensing conditions and reduced time frame for obtaining defence exports approvals. Several private players have entered the market - Adani Defence and Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge and Mahindra and Mahindra. They have all tied up with foreign Defence manufacturing firms. But as of last year, some deals were yet to be finalised, a few have even hit dead ends or have been cancelled. The private sector hasn't really been able to graduate from making small components to creating full-blown systems. First of all, finalise the pending deals. Second, invest more in defence research and development. Third, encourage private players and startups to build indigenous offerings. And fourth, push for weapons imports that come with a technology transfer. This will boost India's know-how in defence manufacturing. Another major concern is the budget. India might not have enough money to clear big-ticket purchases. This is where the Defence Forces must consider deeper integration of resources and talent and open up some room in the budget. The appointment of the Chief of Defence staff is a step in that direction. The more immediate concern is the pending defence procurement. Public-private partnerships must be encouraged to complete priority purchases. Delaying the development of India's defence manufacturing not just makes our imports bills bigger, it even forces the Armed Forces, bureaucrats and the government to make compromises with national security. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

Olympic anxiety leaves Japanese sponsors counting the cost

The United States warned its citizens Monday not to travel to Olympic host Japan, citing the growing risk of the Covid-19 pandemic in the Asian nation just two months before the Games begin.

But the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee said it was still "confident" that American athletes will be able to participate this summer in Tokyo.

The warning came in a travel advisory issued by the State Department as Japan, which has been criticized for its slow inoculation rate, opened its first mass vaccination centers in a push ahead of the Olympics, which were postponed last year due to the pandemic.

The decision was based primarily on government health advice, as well as "secondary factors such as  commercial flight availability,  restrictions on US citizen entry, and impediments to obtaining Covid test results within three calendar days," the advisory said. 

Just two percent of Japan's population of 125 million has been fully vaccinated so far.

The government aims to finish inoculating the over-65s by late July, when the Olympics begin, but ministers say the Games do not figure in their rollout schedule, and no date has been announced for other age groups.

In Tokyo, government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said the US advisory would not affect the Olympics.

"It is our understanding that there is no change to the US position to support Japan's effort to hold the Olympic and Paralympic Games," he told a regular briefing.

He said Japan had been briefed that the advisory would not impact the US Olympic team and noted the measure was not a ban.

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee also played down the impact of the travel advisory.

"We feel confident that the current mitigation practices in place for athletes and staff... coupled with the testing before travel, on arrival in Japan, and during Games time, will allow for safe participation of Team USA athletes this summer," it said in a statement.

A State Department spokesman said Washington understands "the careful considerations that the Japanese government and the International Olympic Committee are weighing as they prepare for the Tokyo Olympics this summer."

"President Biden proudly supports the US athletes who have trained for these Games and will be competing in the best traditions of the Olympic spirit," he said.

Japan has seen a relatively small coronavirus outbreak, with around 12,000 deaths overall, but a recent surge in infections has put hospitals under strain.

Tokyo, Osaka and eight other regions are under a state of emergency curbing commercial activity until the end of May, with reports saying the measures could be extended.

Public opinion is largely opposed to holding the Olympics this summer but organizers say the event can be held safely.

The majority of athletes and others staying in the Olympic village will be vaccinated before they enter Japan, but inoculation is not required to participate.

The United States warned its citizens Monday not to travel to Olympic host Japan, citing the growing risk of the Covid-19 pandemic in the Asian nation just two months before the Games begin.

The United States warned its citizens Monday not to travel to Olympic host Japan, citing the growing risk of the Covid-19 pandemic in the Asian nation just two months before the Games begin. But the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee said it was still "confident" that American athletes will be able to participate this summer in Tokyo. The warning came in a travel advisory issued by the State Department as Japan, which has been criticized for its slow inoculation rate, opened its first mass vaccination centers in a push ahead of the Olympics, which were postponed last year due to the pandemic. The decision was based primarily on government health advice, as well as "secondary factors such as  commercial flight availability,  restrictions on US citizen entry, and impediments to obtaining Covid test results within three calendar days," the advisory said.  Just two percent of Japan's population of 125 million has been fully vaccinated so far. The government aims to finish inoculating the over-65s by late July, when the Olympics begin, but ministers say the Games do not figure in their rollout schedule, and no date has been announced for other age groups. In Tokyo, government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said the US advisory would not affect the Olympics. "It is our understanding that there is no change to the US position to support Japan's effort to hold the Olympic and Paralympic Games," he told a regular briefing. He said Japan had been briefed that the advisory would not impact the US Olympic team and noted the measure was not a ban. The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee also played down the impact of the travel advisory. "We feel confident that the current mitigation practices in place for athletes and staff... coupled with the testing before travel, on arrival in Japan, and during Games time, will allow for safe participation of Team USA athletes this summer," it said in a statement. A State Department spokesman said Washington understands "the careful considerations that the Japanese government and the International Olympic Committee are weighing as they prepare for the Tokyo Olympics this summer." "President Biden proudly supports the US athletes who have trained for these Games and will be competing in the best traditions of the Olympic spirit," he said. Japan has seen a relatively small coronavirus outbreak, with around 12,000 deaths overall, but a recent surge in infections has put hospitals under strain. Tokyo, Osaka and eight other regions are under a state of emergency curbing commercial activity until the end of May, with reports saying the measures could be extended. Public opinion is largely opposed to holding the Olympics this summer but organizers say the event can be held safely. The majority of athletes and others staying in the Olympic village will be vaccinated before they enter Japan, but inoculation is not required to participate.

Citing Covid risk, US warns against travel to Olympic host Japan

Olympic chief Thomas Bach will visit Japan by mid-July, the IOC has announced, after he was forced to cancel a planned trip this month over virus restrictions.

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates said in a letter to officials published late Wednesday that Bach would arrive by July 12 -- less than two weeks before the virus-postponed Games are set to begin.

Bach had originally planned to visit in May, but was forced to scrap the trip with parts of Japan under a virus state of emergency.

He had planned to take part in the Olympic torch relay in Hiroshima, at the city's atomic bomb Peace Memorial Park. But virus restrictions mean the event was held without spectators.

Public sentiment is against the Games, with polls showing a majority of Japanese want the event delayed further or cancelled.

Organisers have outlined extensive virus countermeasures to keep the Games safe, including barring overseas fans for the first time ever.

But with Japan battling a fourth wave of infections, doctors' associations have warned that the healthcare system is already overstretched and the Games could add further stress.

IOC officials are currently hunkered with local organisers for three days of online talks that began Wednesday.

Bach announced in opening remarks that he believes more than 80 percent of athletes and team members staying at the Olympic village will be vaccinated by the time the Games open on July 23.

He also said the IOC was willing to bring extra medical personnel to reduce the burden on Japan's healthcare system.

Local media reported Thursday that the total number of people entering Japan from overseas for the Olympics and Paralympics would be halved, as organisers look to allay public anxiety over the Games.

Around 94,000, they said, would arrive from abroad -- including athletes, coaches, backroom staff, officials, IOC members, media and broadcasters -- down from an original estimate of 200,000.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach will visit Japan by mid-July, the IOC has announced, after he was forced to cancel a planned trip this month over virus restrictions. International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates said in a letter to officials published late Wednesday that Bach would arrive by July 12 -- less than two weeks before the virus-postponed Games are set to begin.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach will visit Japan by mid-July, the IOC has announced, after he was forced to cancel a planned trip this month over virus restrictions. International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates said in a letter to officials published late Wednesday that Bach would arrive by July 12 -- less than two weeks before the virus-postponed Games are set to begin. Bach had originally planned to visit in May, but was forced to scrap the trip with parts of Japan under a virus state of emergency. He had planned to take part in the Olympic torch relay in Hiroshima, at the city's atomic bomb Peace Memorial Park. But virus restrictions mean the event was held without spectators. Public sentiment is against the Games, with polls showing a majority of Japanese want the event delayed further or cancelled. Organisers have outlined extensive virus countermeasures to keep the Games safe, including barring overseas fans for the first time ever. But with Japan battling a fourth wave of infections, doctors' associations have warned that the healthcare system is already overstretched and the Games could add further stress. IOC officials are currently hunkered with local organisers for three days of online talks that began Wednesday. Bach announced in opening remarks that he believes more than 80 percent of athletes and team members staying at the Olympic village will be vaccinated by the time the Games open on July 23. He also said the IOC was willing to bring extra medical personnel to reduce the burden on Japan's healthcare system. Local media reported Thursday that the total number of people entering Japan from overseas for the Olympics and Paralympics would be halved, as organisers look to allay public anxiety over the Games. Around 94,000, they said, would arrive from abroad -- including athletes, coaches, backroom staff, officials, IOC members, media and broadcasters -- down from an original estimate of 200,000.

IOC chief's delayed pre-Olympics Japan trip to happen by mid-July

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday assured that most athletes and members staying at the Tokyo Olympic Village will be vaccinated for coronavirus by the Games. The statement for IOC head came amidst fears of staging the mega event as COVID-19 cases soar in Japan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pelosi-calls-for-us-world-leaders-to-boycott-chinas-2022-olympics-385931" hreflang="en">Pelosi calls for US, world leaders to boycott China's 2022 Olympics&nbsp;</a>

"The most important principle is very clear, the Olympic village is a safe place and the Olympic and Paralympic Games of Tokyo 2020 will be organised in a safe way," he said, appearing by video call.

"At this moment, already as many as 75 percent of the residents of the Olympic village are already vaccinated or have secured vaccination in time before the Olympic Games," Bach added.

Japan is still under a state of emergency due to rising cases of coronavirus, due to which, Thomas Bach had to cancel his visit to the country last week.&nbsp;

The Asian country is currently batting a fourth wave of coronavirus and two doctors' association have said that the Olympics will add extra pressure to already over-stretched medical facilities in Japan.&nbsp;

To address the situation, Bach said the IOC was willing to bring extra medical personnel.

"The IOC has offered to the organising committee to have additional medical personnel as part of the NOC (National Olympic Committee) delegations," Bach said, without detailing how many people could come.

The additional personnel would "support the medical operations and the strict implementation of the Covid-19 countermeasures in the Olympic Village and the Olympic venues," he added.

According to a survey conducted by the Kyodo news agency a month ago, around 72 per cent wanted the Summer Games to be cancelled or postponed.&nbsp;

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday assured that most athletes and members staying at the Tokyo Olympic Village will be vaccinated for coronavirus by the Games.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday assured that most athletes and members staying at the Tokyo Olympic Village will be vaccinated for coronavirus by the Games. The statement for IOC head came amidst fears of staging the mega event as COVID-19 cases soar in Japan. ALSO READ: Pelosi calls for US, world leaders to boycott China's 2022 Olympics "The most important principle is very clear, the Olympic village is a safe place and the Olympic and Paralympic Games of Tokyo 2020 will be organised in a safe way," he said, appearing by video call. "At this moment, already as many as 75 percent of the residents of the Olympic village are already vaccinated or have secured vaccination in time before the Olympic Games," Bach added. Japan is still under a state of emergency due to rising cases of coronavirus, due to which, Thomas Bach had to cancel his visit to the country last week. The Asian country is currently batting a fourth wave of coronavirus and two doctors' association have said that the Olympics will add extra pressure to already over-stretched medical facilities in Japan. To address the situation, Bach said the IOC was willing to bring extra medical personnel. "The IOC has offered to the organising committee to have additional medical personnel as part of the NOC (National Olympic Committee) delegations," Bach said, without detailing how many people could come. The additional personnel would "support the medical operations and the strict implementation of the Covid-19 countermeasures in the Olympic Village and the Olympic venues," he added. According to a survey conducted by the Kyodo news agency a month ago, around 72 per cent wanted the Summer Games to be cancelled or postponed.

Most in Tokyo Olympic Village will be vaccinated for COVID-19 by Games: IOC chief Thomas Bach

More than 80 per cent of Japanese oppose hosting the virus-postponed Olympics this year, a new poll showed on Monday, underlining public antipathy less than 10 weeks before the Tokyo Games.

The latest downbeat survey comes after Japan expanded a coronavirus state of emergency Friday as the nation battles a fourth wave of infections.

The surge in cases has put pressure on the country's healthcare system, with medical professionals repeatedly warning about shortages and burnout.

The weekend poll by the Asahi Shimbun daily found 43 per cent of respondents want the 2020 Games cancelled, and 40 per cent want a further postponement.

Those figures are up from 35 per cent who backed cancellation in a survey by the paper a month ago, and 34 per cent who wanted a further delay.

"I am one of those in the 80 per cent. I think the Olympics should be postponed. Is it that difficult to postpone it?" passer-by Sumiko Usui, 74, told AFP in Tokyo.

Takahiro Yoshida, 53, also expressed doubts over the event, which involves thousands of overseas athletes, officials and media.

"In my honest opinion, it will be difficult to hold the Games... Athletes from overseas must be worried as well,&nbsp;because&nbsp;Japan's coronavirus&nbsp;situation is bad," he said.

"I want to see it happen, but it will probably be difficult when you think about the bigger picture."

Only 14 percent support holding the Games this summer as scheduled, down from 28 percent, according to the Asahi poll of 1,527 replies from 3,191 telephone calls.

If the Games go ahead, 59 percent of respondents said they want no spectators, with 33 percent backing lower fan numbers and three percent a regular-capacity Games.

<h2>- Mass vaccinations -</h2>

For months, polling has found a majority in Japan oppose holding the Games this summer.

A separate poll by Kyodo News published Sunday showed 59.7 percent back cancellation, though further postponement was not listed as an option.

Olympic organisers say tough anti-virus measures, including regular testing of athletes and a ban on overseas fans, will keep the Games safe.

But the Kyodo poll found 87.7 per cent of respondents worry that an influx of athletes and staff members from abroad may spread the virus.

Asked about the polls, government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said the government would "make efforts so that the Japanese people understand the Tokyo Games will be held in a safe and secure manner".

"We need to give explanations on details of the concrete (coronavirus) measures," he said, insisting that the Games would not put further pressure on medical services.

Japan has seen a smaller Covid-19 outbreak than many countries, with fewer than 11,500 deaths so far. But the government has come under pressure for its vaccine rollout.

The Kyodo poll found 85 per cent of respondents considered the rollout slow, with 71.5 per cent unhappy with the government's handling of the pandemic.

Thousands of slots were snapped up on Monday as online bookings opened for two mass vaccination centres which will deliver up to 10,000 shots a day in Tokyo and 5,000 in Osaka, initially to the elderly.

All 25,000 available slots were already booked up in Osaka, the centre said, while around 21,000 reservations were made in Tokyo.

More than 80 per cent of Japanese oppose hosting the virus-postponed Olympics this year, a new poll showed on Monday, underlining public antipathy less than 10 weeks before the Tokyo Games.

More than 80 per cent of Japanese oppose hosting the virus-postponed Olympics this year, a new poll showed on Monday, underlining public antipathy less than 10 weeks before the Tokyo Games. The latest downbeat survey comes after Japan expanded a coronavirus state of emergency Friday as the nation battles a fourth wave of infections. The surge in cases has put pressure on the country's healthcare system, with medical professionals repeatedly warning about shortages and burnout. The weekend poll by the Asahi Shimbun daily found 43 per cent of respondents want the 2020 Games cancelled, and 40 per cent want a further postponement. Those figures are up from 35 per cent who backed cancellation in a survey by the paper a month ago, and 34 per cent who wanted a further delay. "I am one of those in the 80 per cent. I think the Olympics should be postponed. Is it that difficult to postpone it?" passer-by Sumiko Usui, 74, told AFP in Tokyo. Takahiro Yoshida, 53, also expressed doubts over the event, which involves thousands of overseas athletes, officials and media. "In my honest opinion, it will be difficult to hold the Games... Athletes from overseas must be worried as well, because Japan's coronavirus situation is bad," he said. "I want to see it happen, but it will probably be difficult when you think about the bigger picture." Only 14 percent support holding the Games this summer as scheduled, down from 28 percent, according to the Asahi poll of 1,527 replies from 3,191 telephone calls. If the Games go ahead, 59 percent of respondents said they want no spectators, with 33 percent backing lower fan numbers and three percent a regular-capacity Games. - Mass vaccinations - For months, polling has found a majority in Japan oppose holding the Games this summer. A separate poll by Kyodo News published Sunday showed 59.7 percent back cancellation, though further postponement was not listed as an option. Olympic organisers say tough anti-virus measures, including regular testing of athletes and a ban on overseas fans, will keep the Games safe. But the Kyodo poll found 87.7 per cent of respondents worry that an influx of athletes and staff members from abroad may spread the virus. Asked about the polls, government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said the government would "make efforts so that the Japanese people understand the Tokyo Games will be held in a safe and secure manner". "We need to give explanations on details of the concrete (coronavirus) measures," he said, insisting that the Games would not put further pressure on medical services. Japan has seen a smaller Covid-19 outbreak than many countries, with fewer than 11,500 deaths so far. But the government has come under pressure for its vaccine rollout. The Kyodo poll found 85 per cent of respondents considered the rollout slow, with 71.5 per cent unhappy with the government's handling of the pandemic. Thousands of slots were snapped up on Monday as online bookings opened for two mass vaccination centres which will deliver up to 10,000 shots a day in Tokyo and 5,000 in Osaka, initially to the elderly. All 25,000 available slots were already booked up in Osaka, the centre said, while around 21,000 reservations were made in Tokyo.

Over 80 per cent in Japan oppose Olympics this year: poll

Full stadiums will be "very difficult" at the Tokyo Olympics, the head of the Games warned Wednesday, as organisers pushed back a decision on how many domestic fans can attend until June.

Overseas spectators have already been barred from the Games for the first time, and a ruling on Japan-based fans was expected by the end of this month.

But with parts of the country including Tokyo under a coronavirus state of emergency, organisers said they needed more time. The Games open in less than three months on July 23.

"As we look into the evolving situation with the domestic infections status involving new strains, we have agreed that a decision regarding spectator capacity at the Olympic and Paralympic venues will be made in June," Olympic officials said after top-level talks.

Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto said it was now unlikely that fans would fill venues as in past Olympics.

"We have to watch the situation and consider accordingly. As of now, full venues is very difficult, I understand that," she said.

"There may be a time that we have to decide on the Games behind closed doors, no spectators," she added.

But "to the extent possible, as many people as possible should be able to enjoy the Tokyo Games".

Organisers also announced new virus rules for athletes including daily antigen virus testing -- up from a previous plan for tests every four days.

Unclear or positive results will be followed up with additional tests to confirm.

"If you have a confirmed positive test for Covid-19 during the Games... you will not be allowed to compete," an updated virus rule book warns.

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'All necessary measures' -</h2>

&nbsp;

Those deemed "close contacts" of any athlete testing positive may still be able to compete, with their situation assessed on a "case-by-case basis" and depending on "the likelihood of you spreading the virus", the guide added.

Athletes are encouraged, but not required, to get vaccinated before the Games, and the restrictions will still apply to those who are inoculated.

Olympic organisers hope that bolstering virus rules for the Games will help build support in Japan, where polls show most people back either a cancellation or further delay.

Updates to the rules for other Games participants including thousands of foreign media are expected on Friday.

"We are ready with you to take all the necessary measures to minimise the risks to make the Japanese people feel safe," International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said at the start of talks with organisers and Japanese officials.

"Our top priority is health and safety for everyone –- not only for the participants of the Olympic Games but, first and foremost, also of our gracious hosts, the Japanese people."

Those violating the rules will face a disciplinary committee and could be stripped of their right to compete.

Japan has seen a comparatively minor virus outbreak, with just over 10,000 deaths, but it is now battling what experts call a fourth wave of cases.

<h2>- 'People are anxious' -</h2>

A new state of emergency was imposed on Tokyo and three other areas on April 25, and the government's top medical adviser warned Wednesday that discussions should start soon on how the Games could be held if infections remain high by the summer.

"What's very important is the situation of the infections and how overwhelmed the medical system is," Shigeru Omi told parliament in response to a question from an opposition lawmaker.

"I think it is time to discuss the Olympics," he added, while stopping short of calling for either a postponement or cancellation.

Olympic officials insist the Games can still be held safely, with Hashimoto last week saying organisers are "not thinking about cancellation".

And Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto also ruled out a further delay to the Games on Wednesday.

"That's something we've never discussed with the IOC or others," he said, noting that the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and 2024 Paris Games leave little room for further postponement.

Hashimoto also defended the decision to keep moving ahead, telling reporters "there are so many people who are looking forward to the Games", while acknowledging "there are a lot of people who are anxious".

"That's the reality, and we need to look at both sides," she added.

Olympic chiefs took the unprecedented decision to ban overseas fans in March, in a bid to reduce virus risks.&nbsp;

Domestic ticket sales have not yet resumed after last year's postponement. Organisers said around 4.48 million tickets had been sold in Japan, and nearly a million for the Paralympics.

Tickets purchased by overseas fans are being refunded, and organisers have also said that anyone who bought tickets in Japan is eligible for a refund if crowd numbers are cut.

nf-amk-sah/kaf/jfx

Full stadiums will be "very difficult" at the Tokyo Olympics, the head of the Games warned Wednesday, as organisers pushed back a decision on how many domestic fans can attend until June.

Full stadiums will be "very difficult" at the Tokyo Olympics, the head of the Games warned Wednesday, as organisers pushed back a decision on how many domestic fans can attend until June. Overseas spectators have already been barred from the Games for the first time, and a ruling on Japan-based fans was expected by the end of this month. But with parts of the country including Tokyo under a coronavirus state of emergency, organisers said they needed more time. The Games open in less than three months on July 23. "As we look into the evolving situation with the domestic infections status involving new strains, we have agreed that a decision regarding spectator capacity at the Olympic and Paralympic venues will be made in June," Olympic officials said after top-level talks. Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto said it was now unlikely that fans would fill venues as in past Olympics. "We have to watch the situation and consider accordingly. As of now, full venues is very difficult, I understand that," she said. "There may be a time that we have to decide on the Games behind closed doors, no spectators," she added. But "to the extent possible, as many people as possible should be able to enjoy the Tokyo Games". Organisers also announced new virus rules for athletes including daily antigen virus testing -- up from a previous plan for tests every four days. Unclear or positive results will be followed up with additional tests to confirm. "If you have a confirmed positive test for Covid-19 during the Games... you will not be allowed to compete," an updated virus rule book warns. - 'All necessary measures' - Those deemed "close contacts" of any athlete testing positive may still be able to compete, with their situation assessed on a "case-by-case basis" and depending on "the likelihood of you spreading the virus", the guide added. Athletes are encouraged, but not required, to get vaccinated before the Games, and the restrictions will still apply to those who are inoculated. Olympic organisers hope that bolstering virus rules for the Games will help build support in Japan, where polls show most people back either a cancellation or further delay. Updates to the rules for other Games participants including thousands of foreign media are expected on Friday. "We are ready with you to take all the necessary measures to minimise the risks to make the Japanese people feel safe," International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said at the start of talks with organisers and Japanese officials. "Our top priority is health and safety for everyone –- not only for the participants of the Olympic Games but, first and foremost, also of our gracious hosts, the Japanese people." Those violating the rules will face a disciplinary committee and could be stripped of their right to compete. Japan has seen a comparatively minor virus outbreak, with just over 10,000 deaths, but it is now battling what experts call a fourth wave of cases. - 'People are anxious' - A new state of emergency was imposed on Tokyo and three other areas on April 25, and the government's top medical adviser warned Wednesday that discussions should start soon on how the Games could be held if infections remain high by the summer. "What's very important is the situation of the infections and how overwhelmed the medical system is," Shigeru Omi told parliament in response to a question from an opposition lawmaker. "I think it is time to discuss the Olympics," he added, while stopping short of calling for either a postponement or cancellation. Olympic officials insist the Games can still be held safely, with Hashimoto last week saying organisers are "not thinking about cancellation". And Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto also ruled out a further delay to the Games on Wednesday. "That's something we've never discussed with the IOC or others," he said, noting that the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and 2024 Paris Games leave little room for further postponement. Hashimoto also defended the decision to keep moving ahead, telling reporters "there are so many people who are looking forward to the Games", while acknowledging "there are a lot of people who are anxious". "That's the reality, and we need to look at both sides," she added. Olympic chiefs took the unprecedented decision to ban overseas fans in March, in a bid to reduce virus risks. Domestic ticket sales have not yet resumed after last year's postponement. Organisers said around 4.48 million tickets had been sold in Japan, and nearly a million for the Paralympics. Tickets purchased by overseas fans are being refunded, and organisers have also said that anyone who bought tickets in Japan is eligible for a refund if crowd numbers are cut. nf-amk-sah/kaf/jfx

Full venues at Tokyo Olympics 'very difficult': organisers

Hundreds of Japanese towns and cities have been forced to rethink plans to host Olympic teams because the coronavirus will prevent public appearances and require costly safety measures.

The western town of Okuizumo spent more than $5 million preparing to welcome India's hockey team for a pre-Games training camp, only to scrap the visit because of Covid-19.

After sinking money into upgrading sports facilities, Okuizomo balked when it became clear it would have to provide bubble-like biosecurity measures with regular virus tests and medical care.

"We wanted to have one of the world's top tier teams visit our town and show their skills to local children," town official Katsumi Nagase told AFP.

"But that seems impossible now."

More than 500 municipalities signed up to host athletes and officials in a scheme aimed at broadening the Olympics' benefits beyond Tokyo.

Some, like Okuizumo, have already scrapped plans to host overseas athletes, while others are devising careful programmes they hope will keep everyone safe.

Instead of giving residents the chance to meet elite athletes and try out new sports, towns will have to ditch any physical contact, school visits and public training sessions.

Kurihara city in northern Miyagi prefecture was planning to host South Africa's hockey team, but decided the expense was no longer worth it given the limitations imposed by virus measures.

"It's a project that will use our tax resources," Hidenori Sasaki, an official with the local board of education, told AFP.

"If it becomes just athletes holding a training camp without any exchanges with local residents, local citizens won't enjoy the benefits."

In some cases, Olympic teams have cancelled, worried about the risk of infection before the Games.

Australia's swimming team ditched its plan to train in Niigata's Nagaoka city, its mayor told &nbsp;media in March.

And Canada's table tennis team will no longer go to Nagano's Okaya city, which instead plans to put posters of athletes around town, said Tomoko Hirose of the city's planning division.

"Our cheering may become a one-way engagement, without physical exchanges, but given the situation, we just have to move on," she told AFP.

<h2>- Limited contact -</h2>

Not all host towns have given up on their plans.

Tsuruoka city in northern Yamagata prefecture will host several dozen Olympic and Paralympic athletes and officials from Moldova and Germany.

The city has had ties for years with Moldova, said Takayuki Ito, an official with the city's board of education.

"What's important for us is to continue our exchanges," Ito told AFP, describing recent online archery competitions held with Moldovans.

"There are things you can do without spending a lot of money," Ito said.&nbsp;"We have a good feeling about our programme."

But it won't be simple. The athletes will stay in their own dormitory and move only along designated routes to gyms and training fields, avoiding contact with residents.

In western Tottori, Yonago city will host several dozen people from Jamaica's swimming, gymnastics and Paralympic boat teams.

The city has had ties with Jamaica since 2015, and believes its host duties will strengthen that bond, said Kyohei Takahashi at the city's sports promotion division.

The athletes will be on a designated floor and use a staff elevator of their hotel, avoiding the lobby and main entrance to limit contact.

They will also be offered frequent virus testing, as well as designated routes to gyms and pools.

"We planned very early," Takahashi said.

"We won't be able to have exchanges with athletes this time. But the legacy will remain," he added.

Hundreds of Japanese towns and cities have been forced to rethink plans to host Olympic teams because the coronavirus will prevent public appearances and require costly safety measures.

Hundreds of Japanese towns and cities have been forced to rethink plans to host Olympic teams because the coronavirus will prevent public appearances and require costly safety measures. The western town of Okuizumo spent more than $5 million preparing to welcome India's hockey team for a pre-Games training camp, only to scrap the visit because of Covid-19. After sinking money into upgrading sports facilities, Okuizomo balked when it became clear it would have to provide bubble-like biosecurity measures with regular virus tests and medical care. "We wanted to have one of the world's top tier teams visit our town and show their skills to local children," town official Katsumi Nagase told AFP. "But that seems impossible now." More than 500 municipalities signed up to host athletes and officials in a scheme aimed at broadening the Olympics' benefits beyond Tokyo. Some, like Okuizumo, have already scrapped plans to host overseas athletes, while others are devising careful programmes they hope will keep everyone safe. Instead of giving residents the chance to meet elite athletes and try out new sports, towns will have to ditch any physical contact, school visits and public training sessions. Kurihara city in northern Miyagi prefecture was planning to host South Africa's hockey team, but decided the expense was no longer worth it given the limitations imposed by virus measures. "It's a project that will use our tax resources," Hidenori Sasaki, an official with the local board of education, told AFP. "If it becomes just athletes holding a training camp without any exchanges with local residents, local citizens won't enjoy the benefits." In some cases, Olympic teams have cancelled, worried about the risk of infection before the Games. Australia's swimming team ditched its plan to train in Niigata's Nagaoka city, its mayor told media in March. And Canada's table tennis team will no longer go to Nagano's Okaya city, which instead plans to put posters of athletes around town, said Tomoko Hirose of the city's planning division. "Our cheering may become a one-way engagement, without physical exchanges, but given the situation, we just have to move on," she told AFP. - Limited contact - Not all host towns have given up on their plans. Tsuruoka city in northern Yamagata prefecture will host several dozen Olympic and Paralympic athletes and officials from Moldova and Germany. The city has had ties for years with Moldova, said Takayuki Ito, an official with the city's board of education. "What's important for us is to continue our exchanges," Ito told AFP, describing recent online archery competitions held with Moldovans. "There are things you can do without spending a lot of money," Ito said. "We have a good feeling about our programme." But it won't be simple. The athletes will stay in their own dormitory and move only along designated routes to gyms and training fields, avoiding contact with residents. In western Tottori, Yonago city will host several dozen people from Jamaica's swimming, gymnastics and Paralympic boat teams. The city has had ties with Jamaica since 2015, and believes its host duties will strengthen that bond, said Kyohei Takahashi at the city's sports promotion division. The athletes will be on a designated floor and use a staff elevator of their hotel, avoiding the lobby and main entrance to limit contact. They will also be offered frequent virus testing, as well as designated routes to gyms and pools. "We planned very early," Takahashi said. "We won't be able to have exchanges with athletes this time. But the legacy will remain," he added.

'Impossible now' - Japan's Olympic host towns pull out over pandemic

Tokyo Olympics organisers may put off an announcement on how many fans can attend until June, media reported Wednesday, as surging coronavirus infections play havoc with preparations.

Organisers have already barred overseas fans from the pandemic-delayed Games, and were expected to announce an upper limit on domestic spectators sometime in April.

But Japanese reports said the decision was now likely in June, possibly just a month before the Games open on July 23. The move would further delay ticket sales, which were put on hold when the Olympics were postponed last year.

The organising committee said the timing of the decision needed to stay "flexible" as the coronavirus situation develops.

"We&nbsp;remain in discussions&nbsp;with the IOC and IPC (International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee) and intend to reach a consensus on the direction to take," a Tokyo 2020 statement added.

Athletes may also face daily virus testing, rather than once every four days as originally planned, separate reports said.&nbsp;

Japan's sharp rise in cases is causing further disruption for the postponed Games, with a number of test events delayed, cancelled or moved abroad.

In the latest upheaval, an artistic swimming qualifying competition has been moved from Japan, organisers said, and spectators will reportedly be barred from an athletics event at the main Olympic stadium.

The artistic swimming qualifier was originally set to take place in Tokyo in March before being rescheduled to May 1-4, but will now be held in June at "a location to be defined, outside Japan", organisers said late Tuesday.

World swimming governing body FINA said in a statement that "challenges related to the international calendar and the necessary adaptation of the venue to the Olympic Games operations" were behind the decision.

FINA has already rescheduled a Diving World Cup event in Tokyo and moved a marathon swimming Olympic qualifier from Japan to Portugal, amid reported dissatisfaction over virus countermeasures.

Japanese media said Wednesday that an athletics test event -- which will double as a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet and feature athletes from overseas -- will be held without spectators.

Organisers were set to allow 20,000 fans into the May 9 meet, according to Kyodo news agency, but tougher restrictions imposed by the Tokyo city government this month have forced a rethink.

Virus restrictions are expected to be tightened further this week, with Tokyo and several other regions seeking a state of emergency to tackle rising cases.

Despite the situation, Olympic organisers and local officials insist the Games can be held safely. They will unveil updated virus rulebooks later this month.

Tokyo Olympics organisers may put off an announcement on how many fans can attend until June, media reported Wednesday, as surging coronavirus infections play havoc with preparations.

Tokyo Olympics organisers may put off an announcement on how many fans can attend until June, media reported Wednesday, as surging coronavirus infections play havoc with preparations. Organisers have already barred overseas fans from the pandemic-delayed Games, and were expected to announce an upper limit on domestic spectators sometime in April. But Japanese reports said the decision was now likely in June, possibly just a month before the Games open on July 23. The move would further delay ticket sales, which were put on hold when the Olympics were postponed last year. The organising committee said the timing of the decision needed to stay "flexible" as the coronavirus situation develops. "We remain in discussions with the IOC and IPC (International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee) and intend to reach a consensus on the direction to take," a Tokyo 2020 statement added. Athletes may also face daily virus testing, rather than once every four days as originally planned, separate reports said. Japan's sharp rise in cases is causing further disruption for the postponed Games, with a number of test events delayed, cancelled or moved abroad. In the latest upheaval, an artistic swimming qualifying competition has been moved from Japan, organisers said, and spectators will reportedly be barred from an athletics event at the main Olympic stadium. The artistic swimming qualifier was originally set to take place in Tokyo in March before being rescheduled to May 1-4, but will now be held in June at "a location to be defined, outside Japan", organisers said late Tuesday. World swimming governing body FINA said in a statement that "challenges related to the international calendar and the necessary adaptation of the venue to the Olympic Games operations" were behind the decision. FINA has already rescheduled a Diving World Cup event in Tokyo and moved a marathon swimming Olympic qualifier from Japan to Portugal, amid reported dissatisfaction over virus countermeasures. Japanese media said Wednesday that an athletics test event -- which will double as a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet and feature athletes from overseas -- will be held without spectators. Organisers were set to allow 20,000 fans into the May 9 meet, according to Kyodo news agency, but tougher restrictions imposed by the Tokyo city government this month have forced a rethink. Virus restrictions are expected to be tightened further this week, with Tokyo and several other regions seeking a state of emergency to tackle rising cases. Despite the situation, Olympic organisers and local officials insist the Games can be held safely. They will unveil updated virus rulebooks later this month.

Virus surge to delay decision on Olympics fans' attendance till June: reports

North Korea will not attend this year's Tokyo Olympics because of the coronavirus pandemic, Pyongyang's sports ministry said, blowing the final whistle on Seoul's hopes of using the Games to restart talks with its nuclear-armed neighbour.

The isolated North's participation in the last Winter Games, hosted by the South in Pyeongchang, was a key catalyst in the diplomatic rapprochement of 2018.

Leader Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong attended as his envoy in a blaze of publicity, and the South's President Moon Jae-in seized the opportunity to broker talks between Pyongyang and Washington that led to a series of high-profile meetings between Kim and then US president Donald Trump.

But Pyongyang's announcement puts an end to Seoul's hopes of using the postponed Tokyo Games, due to begin in July, to kick off a reset in the now deadlocked talks process.

North Korea's&nbsp;Olympic Committee "decided not to participate in the 32nd Olympic Games in order to protect players from the world public health crisis caused by Covid-19", said the Sports in the DPR Korea website, run by the sports ministry in Pyongyang.

But analysts said other factors may have been at play.

The announcement -- dated Monday -- reported a meeting of the national Olympic committee on March 25.

The North's official KCNA news agency had previously carried a dispatch on the committee meeting, without mentioning the Olympic decision.

Pyongyang is more isolated than ever after imposing a strict border closure more than a year ago in an effort to protect itself from the virus that first emerged in neighbouring China and went on to sweep the world.

The North insists it has had no coronavirus cases, although experts doubt the assertion, but the lockdown has exacerbated the economic pain from multiple international sanctions over its banned weapons programmes.&nbsp;

The new US administration of Joe Biden is in the final stages of a review of North Korea policy, with officials widely expected to support a resumption of lower-level talks rather than high-stakes, high-drama summits.

On the campaign trail Biden characterised Kim as a "thug" and has sharply criticised Trump's meetings, saying he legitimised one of the world's most ruthless leaders, but has also said he is open to diplomacy.

Biden has also warned North Korea of consequences for violations of UN Security Council resolutions after Pyongyang recently tested what US officials judged to be ballistic missiles.

<h2>- 'Shameless distortion' -</h2>

Inter-Korean relations are also at a standstill, with the North repeatedly saying it has no interest in talking to Seoul, and last year blowing up a liaison office on its side of the border.

Even so Moon in his Independence Day speech on March 1 said: "This year's Tokyo Olympics could be an opportunity for dialogues between South Korea and Japan, the North and the South, North Korea and Japan, and North Korea and the US."

The day commemorates mass protests that took place in 1919 across the Korean peninsula against Tokyo's colonial rule.

Seoul's unification ministry said it was "sorry that the Covid situation" had prevented the Games from serving as "an opportunity to advance peace on the Korean peninsula".

Japan's chief government spokesman&nbsp;Katsunobu Kato said it was monitoring the reports and authorities were seeking to improve the environment, "including infection countermeasures, so that many countries and regions can participate in the Tokyo Games".

Analysts said the virus may not be the only reason behind Pyongyang's decision.&nbsp;

"Pyongyang seems to be protesting against Japan's policies on North Korea, as sensitive issues such as human rights and sanctions have been raised by Tokyo, along with the US," Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP.

The North regularly excoriates Olympic host nation Japan over its brutal 20th-century annexation, with KCNA carrying a report Sunday condemning new Japanese history textbooks as "persistent and shameless distortion of history".

Tokyo regularly demands resolution of the issue of Japanese citizens kidnapped by the North, although Pyongyang insists it has returned all those it seized who are still alive.

North Korea will not attend this year's Tokyo Olympics because of the coronavirus pandemic, Pyongyang's sports ministry said, blowing the final whistle on Seoul's hopes of using the Games to restart talks with its nuclear-armed neighbour.

North Korea will not attend this year's Tokyo Olympics because of the coronavirus pandemic, Pyongyang's sports ministry said, blowing the final whistle on Seoul's hopes of using the Games to restart talks with its nuclear-armed neighbour. The isolated North's participation in the last Winter Games, hosted by the South in Pyeongchang, was a key catalyst in the diplomatic rapprochement of 2018. Leader Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong attended as his envoy in a blaze of publicity, and the South's President Moon Jae-in seized the opportunity to broker talks between Pyongyang and Washington that led to a series of high-profile meetings between Kim and then US president Donald Trump. But Pyongyang's announcement puts an end to Seoul's hopes of using the postponed Tokyo Games, due to begin in July, to kick off a reset in the now deadlocked talks process. North Korea's Olympic Committee "decided not to participate in the 32nd Olympic Games in order to protect players from the world public health crisis caused by Covid-19", said the Sports in the DPR Korea website, run by the sports ministry in Pyongyang. But analysts said other factors may have been at play. The announcement -- dated Monday -- reported a meeting of the national Olympic committee on March 25. The North's official KCNA news agency had previously carried a dispatch on the committee meeting, without mentioning the Olympic decision. Pyongyang is more isolated than ever after imposing a strict border closure more than a year ago in an effort to protect itself from the virus that first emerged in neighbouring China and went on to sweep the world. The North insists it has had no coronavirus cases, although experts doubt the assertion, but the lockdown has exacerbated the economic pain from multiple international sanctions over its banned weapons programmes. The new US administration of Joe Biden is in the final stages of a review of North Korea policy, with officials widely expected to support a resumption of lower-level talks rather than high-stakes, high-drama summits. On the campaign trail Biden characterised Kim as a "thug" and has sharply criticised Trump's meetings, saying he legitimised one of the world's most ruthless leaders, but has also said he is open to diplomacy. Biden has also warned North Korea of consequences for violations of UN Security Council resolutions after Pyongyang recently tested what US officials judged to be ballistic missiles. - 'Shameless distortion' - Inter-Korean relations are also at a standstill, with the North repeatedly saying it has no interest in talking to Seoul, and last year blowing up a liaison office on its side of the border. Even so Moon in his Independence Day speech on March 1 said: "This year's Tokyo Olympics could be an opportunity for dialogues between South Korea and Japan, the North and the South, North Korea and Japan, and North Korea and the US." The day commemorates mass protests that took place in 1919 across the Korean peninsula against Tokyo's colonial rule. Seoul's unification ministry said it was "sorry that the Covid situation" had prevented the Games from serving as "an opportunity to advance peace on the Korean peninsula". Japan's chief government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said it was monitoring the reports and authorities were seeking to improve the environment, "including infection countermeasures, so that many countries and regions can participate in the Tokyo Games". Analysts said the virus may not be the only reason behind Pyongyang's decision. "Pyongyang seems to be protesting against Japan's policies on North Korea, as sensitive issues such as human rights and sanctions have been raised by Tokyo, along with the US," Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP. The North regularly excoriates Olympic host nation Japan over its brutal 20th-century annexation, with KCNA carrying a report Sunday condemning new Japanese history textbooks as "persistent and shameless distortion of history". Tokyo regularly demands resolution of the issue of Japanese citizens kidnapped by the North, although Pyongyang insists it has returned all those it seized who are still alive.

N. Korea says will not go to Olympics over Covid fears

A Tokyo Olympics water polo test event has been cancelled because sport officials cannot enter Japan due to coronavirus restrictions, reports said Tuesday.

The event is only the latest victim of virus restrictions, which have forced the cancellation or postponement of a series of Olympic qualifiers and tests.

The two-day water polo event was supposed to open on Saturday, but has been scrapped because of Japan's strict travel regulations, which bar virtually all foreign nationals from entering the country, local media reported.

The restrictions mean time-keepers and record-keepers who were due to travel to Japan cannot take part in the event, although Kyodo news agency said it may be rescheduled to a later date.

Tokyo Olympics organisers declined to comment.

Test events for the virus-delayed Games resumed last weekend for the first time since the pandemic began, with a wheelchair rugby event held at Tokyo's Yoyogi National Stadium.

But there are doubts over whether the remaining 17 test events can be held as scheduled.

Last week, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) said it was considering moving its Olympic qualifiers from Japan.

Those events include the Diving World Cup scheduled for this month and the Artistic Swimming qualifier scheduled for May.

FINA's competition calendar already lists both events, along with the May 29-30 Olympic marathon swim qualifier in Japan's Fukuoka, as cancelled.

The governing body reportedly told member nations last week that it had received "worrying" information about the organiser's proposed Covid-19 countermeasures.

On Monday, the Japan Triathlon Union also announced that a triathlon World Cup event due to be held in Osaka in May has been cancelled because of virus restrictions.

The competition was not an Olympic test event but helps decide which athletes will qualify for the Games, and was meant to feature 130 triathletes from 30 different countries.

A Tokyo Olympics water polo test event has been cancelled because sport officials cannot enter Japan due to coronavirus restrictions, reports said Tuesday. The event is only the latest victim of virus restrictions, which have forced the cancellation or postponement of a series of Olympic qualifiers and tests.

A Tokyo Olympics water polo test event has been cancelled because sport officials cannot enter Japan due to coronavirus restrictions, reports said Tuesday. The event is only the latest victim of virus restrictions, which have forced the cancellation or postponement of a series of Olympic qualifiers and tests. The two-day water polo event was supposed to open on Saturday, but has been scrapped because of Japan's strict travel regulations, which bar virtually all foreign nationals from entering the country, local media reported. The restrictions mean time-keepers and record-keepers who were due to travel to Japan cannot take part in the event, although Kyodo news agency said it may be rescheduled to a later date. Tokyo Olympics organisers declined to comment. Test events for the virus-delayed Games resumed last weekend for the first time since the pandemic began, with a wheelchair rugby event held at Tokyo's Yoyogi National Stadium. But there are doubts over whether the remaining 17 test events can be held as scheduled. Last week, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) said it was considering moving its Olympic qualifiers from Japan. Those events include the Diving World Cup scheduled for this month and the Artistic Swimming qualifier scheduled for May. FINA's competition calendar already lists both events, along with the May 29-30 Olympic marathon swim qualifier in Japan's Fukuoka, as cancelled. The governing body reportedly told member nations last week that it had received "worrying" information about the organiser's proposed Covid-19 countermeasures. On Monday, the Japan Triathlon Union also announced that a triathlon World Cup event due to be held in Osaka in May has been cancelled because of virus restrictions. The competition was not an Olympic test event but helps decide which athletes will qualify for the Games, and was meant to feature 130 triathletes from 30 different countries.

Tokyo Olympics test event cancelled over virus: reports

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