Tokyo Olympics organisers reported on Tuesday 18 new Games-related COVID-19 cases, bringing the total since July 1 to 294. 
 
Meanwhile, a&nbsp;Tokyo hospital director warns that Tokyo is on the edge of facing a medical collapse if more beds to treat&nbsp;COVID-19 patients are not secured immediately.

Japan has seen a sharp increase in coronavirus cases. Tokyo, which had a record high of 4,058 new infections on Saturday (July 31), had another 3,709 new cases on Tuesday (August 3).

"At our hospital, the number of seriously ill patients is increasing and among those who are less seriously ill, there are those who cannot be hospitalised... In the midst of all the excitement over the Olympics, the situation for these medical personnel is very severe," Hironori Sagara, director of Showa University Hospital, told Reuters on Monday (August 2).

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Sagara said the number of beds that could accept&nbsp;COVID-19 patients at his hospital is now close to zero, adding that if infections keep rising, the hospital will have to limit surgery and other non-COVID-19 treatments.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced on Monday that Japan will hospitalize only&nbsp;COVID-19 patients who are seriously ill and those at risk of becoming so, while others isolate at home.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-winning-for-my-country-was-important-says-indian-badminton-star-pv-sindhu-on-her-olympics-bronze-402342">EXCLUSIVE: Winning for my country was important, says Indian badminton star PV Sindhu on her Olympics bronze</a>

Japan on Monday expanded its state of emergency to include three prefectures near Tokyo and the western prefecture of Osaka. An existing emergency in Tokyo - its fourth since the pandemic began - and Okinawa is now set to last through August 31.

The Olympics will be held until August 8.

Tokyo Olympics organisers reported on Tuesday 18 new Games-related COVID-19 cases, bringing the total since July 1 to 294. Meanwhile, a Tokyo hospital director warns that Tokyo is on the edge of facing a medical collapse if more beds to treat COVID-19 patients are not secured immediately.

Tokyo Olympics organisers reported on Tuesday 18 new Games-related COVID-19 cases, bringing the total since July 1 to 294. Meanwhile, a Tokyo hospital director warns that Tokyo is on the edge of facing a medical collapse if more beds to treat COVID-19 patients are not secured immediately. Japan has seen a sharp increase in coronavirus cases. Tokyo, which had a record high of 4,058 new infections on Saturday (July 31), had another 3,709 new cases on Tuesday (August 3). "At our hospital, the number of seriously ill patients is increasing and among those who are less seriously ill, there are those who cannot be hospitalised... In the midst of all the excitement over the Olympics, the situation for these medical personnel is very severe," Hironori Sagara, director of Showa University Hospital, told Reuters on Monday (August 2). ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: When and where to watch India vs Argentina women's hockey semifinal match Sagara said the number of beds that could accept COVID-19 patients at his hospital is now close to zero, adding that if infections keep rising, the hospital will have to limit surgery and other non-COVID-19 treatments. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced on Monday that Japan will hospitalize only COVID-19 patients who are seriously ill and those at risk of becoming so, while others isolate at home. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE: Winning for my country was important, says Indian badminton star PV Sindhu on her Olympics bronze Japan on Monday expanded its state of emergency to include three prefectures near Tokyo and the western prefecture of Osaka. An existing emergency in Tokyo - its fourth since the pandemic began - and Okinawa is now set to last through August 31. The Olympics will be held until August 8.

Tokyo Olympics: Organisers report 18 new Games-related COVID-19 cases

Before departing, some Australian athletes caused damage to their rooms in the Tokyo Olympics village and left in an "unacceptable" condition.

They have later apologised. It has also been found that the team's mascots "mysteriously" disappeared for several days.&nbsp;

Ian Chesterman, who is Australia's team chief&nbsp;in Tokyo, said that some of the athletes had damaged beds and put a hole in a wall, however, no disciplinary action will be taken after they apologised.&nbsp;

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As quoted by Reuters, he said, "Some young people made a mistake, they had left the rooms in a condition that was unacceptable."

He added that the damages were "minor" and that it was "not the hardest thing to break the cardboard bed".&nbsp;

"It is a book as old as time: a good young person makes a mistake, chapter two is a good, young person is full of remorse. Chapter three is a good young person learns from the mistake and becomes a better person," said Chesterman.

He informed, "The rooms were not completely trashed in any way."

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One of the funniest stories out here <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Roodunnit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Roodunnit</a>? ...Australian team mascots - Kangaroo and Emu - went missing at the Oly Village..and the chef de mission is relieved the 'stolen' mascots are back home. <a href="https://twitter.com/sntvstories?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sntvstories</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Sports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AP_Sports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australia</a> <a href="https://t.co/nOtXuApBx3">pic.twitter.com/nOtXuApBx3</a>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-india-lose-2-5-to-belgium-in-mens-hockey-semi-final-will-compete-for-bronze-next-402499" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: India lose 2-5 to Belgium in men's hockey semi-final, will compete for bronze next</a>

Mascots go missing

The Australian team chief also mentioned that mascots were removed from Team Australia's accommodation. He said two life-sized mascots – an emu and a kangaroo – were missing but they have been returned after a few days.&nbsp;

"The kangaroo and emu mascots were missing and we were very pleased to say they have returned. It was a bit of a mystery. There was a bit of a search and (we) were about to post wanted signs," Chesterman said.&nbsp;

Referring to team Germany's accommodation nearby, he said, "It seems they enjoyed a pleasant holiday in Deutschland."&nbsp;

"The mascots enjoy holidays in the village from time to time. But we are very pleased they are back," he added.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Before departing, some Australian athletes caused damage to their rooms in the Tokyo Olympics village and left in an "unacceptable" condition. They have later apologised.

Before departing, some Australian athletes caused damage to their rooms in the Tokyo Olympics village and left in an "unacceptable" condition. They have later apologised. It has also been found that the team's mascots "mysteriously" disappeared for several days. Ian Chesterman, who is Australia's team chief in Tokyo, said that some of the athletes had damaged beds and put a hole in a wall, however, no disciplinary action will be taken after they apologised. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: History-maker Laurel Hubbard says not a transgender role model, but an athlete As quoted by Reuters, he said, "Some young people made a mistake, they had left the rooms in a condition that was unacceptable." He added that the damages were "minor" and that it was "not the hardest thing to break the cardboard bed". "It is a book as old as time: a good young person makes a mistake, chapter two is a good, young person is full of remorse. Chapter three is a good young person learns from the mistake and becomes a better person," said Chesterman. He informed, "The rooms were not completely trashed in any way." One of the funniest stories out here #Tokyo2020 #Roodunnit? ...Australian team mascots - Kangaroo and Emu - went missing at the Oly Village..and the chef de mission is relieved the 'stolen' mascots are back home. @sntvstories @AP_Sports #Australia pic.twitter.com/nOtXuApBx3 — Raj Mohan (@Non_rights) August 3, 2021 × ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: India lose 2-5 to Belgium in men's hockey semi-final, will compete for bronze next Mascots go missing The Australian team chief also mentioned that mascots were removed from Team Australia's accommodation. He said two life-sized mascots – an emu and a kangaroo – were missing but they have been returned after a few days. "The kangaroo and emu mascots were missing and we were very pleased to say they have returned. It was a bit of a mystery. There was a bit of a search and (we) were about to post wanted signs," Chesterman said. Referring to team Germany's accommodation nearby, he said, "It seems they enjoyed a pleasant holiday in Deutschland." "The mascots enjoy holidays in the village from time to time. But we are very pleased they are back," he added. (with inputs from agencies)

Tokyo 2020: Australian athletes damage Olympic village rooms; mascots go 'mysteriously' missing - watch

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand failed to qualify for the women's 200m semifinals at Tokyo Olympics after she finished last in her heat on Monday (August 2). Christine Mboma of Namibia topped with a timing of 22.11 seconds.&nbsp;

However, despite the disappointing run, registered a season's best timing of 23.85 seconds to finish seventh and last in Heat 4. Her personal best is 23 seconds and she ended at 38th overall out of 41 competitors.&nbsp;

Previously, failed to progress to the semi-finals of the women's 100m event as well, finishing seventh in her heat with a timing of 11.54s.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-wife-told-me-not-to-fight-boxer-satish-kumar-on-fighting-with-13-stitches-in-quarter-final-402329">Tokyo Olympics - 'Wife told me not to fight': Boxer Satish Kumar on fighting with 13 stitches in quarter-final</a>

India at Tokyo Olympics:&nbsp;

Indian ace shuttler PV Sindhu bagged the third medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics as she overcame the fighting abilities of China's Bing jiao to join Mirabai Chanu (silver) and Lovlina Borgohain (bronze assured).&nbsp;

Both men's and women's hockey teams are also eyeing a medal as they have booked a berth in the semi-final of the hockey event.&nbsp;

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand failed to qualify for the women's 200m semifinals at Tokyo Olympics after she finished last in her heat on Monday (August 2). Christine Mboma of Namibia topped with a timing of 22.

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand failed to qualify for the women's 200m semifinals at Tokyo Olympics after she finished last in her heat on Monday (August 2). Christine Mboma of Namibia topped with a timing of 22.11 seconds. However, despite the disappointing run, registered a season's best timing of 23.85 seconds to finish seventh and last in Heat 4. Her personal best is 23 seconds and she ended at 38th overall out of 41 competitors. Previously, failed to progress to the semi-finals of the women's 100m event as well, finishing seventh in her heat with a timing of 11.54s. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics - 'Wife told me not to fight': Boxer Satish Kumar on fighting with 13 stitches in quarter-final India at Tokyo Olympics: Indian ace shuttler PV Sindhu bagged the third medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics as she overcame the fighting abilities of China's Bing jiao to join Mirabai Chanu (silver) and Lovlina Borgohain (bronze assured). Both men's and women's hockey teams are also eyeing a medal as they have booked a berth in the semi-final of the hockey event.

Tokyo Olympics: Dutee Chand fails to qualify for women's 200m semis

Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya voiced fears for her safety as she refused an order to fly home early from the Olympics for criticising her coaches. She she sought police protection at the terminal so she would not have to board the flight.

Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya voices fears for her safety

A Belarusian athlete who refused to board a flight https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/exclusive-olympics-belarusian-athlete-says-she-was-taken-airport-go-home-after-2021-08-01 after she said she was taken to the airport by her team against her wishes was "safe and secure" in Tokyo, the International Olympic Committee said on Monday.

Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, 24, spent the night in an airport hotel after she went to Japanese police at Haneda airport seeking protection late on Sunday, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams told a media conference. A number of agencies were in contact with the sprinter, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, he added.

In a brewing diplomatic incident, it was unclear where Tsimanouskaya would end up with both Poland and the Czech Republic publicly offering her assistance.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-indian-womens-hockey-beat-australia-1-0-to-enter-semis-at-olympics-for-the-first-time-402319" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020: Indian women's hockey beat Australia 1-0 to enter semis at Olympics for the first time</a>

"She has assured us she is safe and secure. We are talking again to her this morning to understand what the next steps will be," Adams said. "We need to listen to her, find out what she wants and support her in her decision."

The sprinter, who was due to race in the 200 metre heats at Olympic Stadium on Monday, had her Games cut short when she said she was taken to the airport to board a Turkish Airlines flight.

She told a Reuters reporter via Telegram that the Belarusian head coach had turned up at her room on Sunday at the athletes village and told her she had to leave.

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"The head coach came over to me and said there had been an order from above to remove me," she wrote in the message. "At 5 (pm) they came my room and told me to pack and they took me to the airport."

But she refused to board the flight, telling Reuters: "I will not return to Belarus."

The Belarusian Olympic Committee said in a statement coaches had decided to withdraw Tsimanouskaya from the Games on doctors' advice about her "emotional, psychological state".

Belarus athletics head coach Yuri Moisevich told state television he "could see there was something wrong with her... She either secluded herself or didn't want to talk."

The IOC would continue conversations with Tsimanouskaya on Monday and the Olympics governing body had asked for a full report from the Belarus' Olympic committee, Adams said.

In response to a number of questions by journalists about what the IOC would do to ensure other athletes in the village were protected, the IOC spokesperson said they were still collecting details about what exactly occurred.

SEEKING ASYLUM

A member of the local Belarusian community, who had been in contact with the athlete throughout the night, told Reuters that after long talks with various officials she had petitioned for asylum in Japan.

The Japanese government said the athlete had been kept safe while Tokyo 2020 organisers and the IOC checked her intentions.

"Japan is coordinating with relevant parties and continue to take appropriate action," said chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato.

Both Poland and the Czech Republic offered their help on Monday.

Polish foreign ministry official Marcin Przydacz wrote on Twitter https://twitter.com/marcin_przydacz/status/1421908856377065474 that Tsimanouskaya has been "offered a humanitarian visa and is free to pursue her sporting career in Poland if she so chooses."

Poland's Olympic committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Czech foreign minister Jakub Kulhanek said he considered the situation around the Belarusian "scandalous."

"The Czech Republic is ready to help," he tweeted. "We are offering her a visa to enter the territory so that she can apply for international protection with us. Our embassy in Tokyo is also ready to help."

Tsimanouskaya's refusal to board the plane, first reported by Reuters, highlighted discord in Belarus, a former Soviet state that is run with a tight grip by President Alexander Lukashenko.

On Monday, the IOC spokesperson said it had taken a number of actions against Belarus' Olympic Committee in the run up to the Games following nationwide protests in the country.

In March, the IOC refused to recognise https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/olympics-ioc-does-not-recognise-lukashenko-sons-belarus-olympic-vote-2021-03-08 the election of Lukashenko's son Viktor as head of the country's Olympic Committee. Both father and son were banned from attending the Games in December.

A Belarusian athlete who refused to board a flight https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/exclusive-olympics-belarusian-athlete-says-she-was-taken-airport-go-home-after-2021-08-01 after she said she was taken to the airport by her team against her wishes was "safe and secure" in Tokyo, the International Olympic Committee said on Monday.

A Belarusian athlete who refused to board a flight https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/exclusive-olympics-belarusian-athlete-says-she-was-taken-airport-go-home-after-2021-08-01 after she said she was taken to the airport by her team against her wishes was "safe and secure" in Tokyo, the International Olympic Committee said on Monday. Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, 24, spent the night in an airport hotel after she went to Japanese police at Haneda airport seeking protection late on Sunday, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams told a media conference. A number of agencies were in contact with the sprinter, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, he added. In a brewing diplomatic incident, it was unclear where Tsimanouskaya would end up with both Poland and the Czech Republic publicly offering her assistance. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020: Indian women's hockey beat Australia 1-0 to enter semis at Olympics for the first time "She has assured us she is safe and secure. We are talking again to her this morning to understand what the next steps will be," Adams said. "We need to listen to her, find out what she wants and support her in her decision." The sprinter, who was due to race in the 200 metre heats at Olympic Stadium on Monday, had her Games cut short when she said she was taken to the airport to board a Turkish Airlines flight. She told a Reuters reporter via Telegram that the Belarusian head coach had turned up at her room on Sunday at the athletes village and told her she had to leave. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics - 'Can we have two golds': High jumpers agree to share gold medal "The head coach came over to me and said there had been an order from above to remove me," she wrote in the message. "At 5 (pm) they came my room and told me to pack and they took me to the airport." But she refused to board the flight, telling Reuters: "I will not return to Belarus." The Belarusian Olympic Committee said in a statement coaches had decided to withdraw Tsimanouskaya from the Games on doctors' advice about her "emotional, psychological state". Belarus athletics head coach Yuri Moisevich told state television he "could see there was something wrong with her... She either secluded herself or didn't want to talk." The IOC would continue conversations with Tsimanouskaya on Monday and the Olympics governing body had asked for a full report from the Belarus' Olympic committee, Adams said. In response to a number of questions by journalists about what the IOC would do to ensure other athletes in the village were protected, the IOC spokesperson said they were still collecting details about what exactly occurred. SEEKING ASYLUM A member of the local Belarusian community, who had been in contact with the athlete throughout the night, told Reuters that after long talks with various officials she had petitioned for asylum in Japan. The Japanese government said the athlete had been kept safe while Tokyo 2020 organisers and the IOC checked her intentions. "Japan is coordinating with relevant parties and continue to take appropriate action," said chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato. Both Poland and the Czech Republic offered their help on Monday. Polish foreign ministry official Marcin Przydacz wrote on Twitter https://twitter.com/marcin_przydacz/status/1421908856377065474 that Tsimanouskaya has been "offered a humanitarian visa and is free to pursue her sporting career in Poland if she so chooses." Poland's Olympic committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Czech foreign minister Jakub Kulhanek said he considered the situation around the Belarusian "scandalous." "The Czech Republic is ready to help," he tweeted. "We are offering her a visa to enter the territory so that she can apply for international protection with us. Our embassy in Tokyo is also ready to help." Tsimanouskaya's refusal to board the plane, first reported by Reuters, highlighted discord in Belarus, a former Soviet state that is run with a tight grip by President Alexander Lukashenko. On Monday, the IOC spokesperson said it had taken a number of actions against Belarus' Olympic Committee in the run up to the Games following nationwide protests in the country. In March, the IOC refused to recognise https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/olympics-ioc-does-not-recognise-lukashenko-sons-belarus-olympic-vote-2021-03-08 the election of Lukashenko's son Viktor as head of the country's Olympic Committee. Both father and son were banned from attending the Games in December.

Olympics: Belarus athlete 'safe and secure' in Tokyo as Poland, Czech offer visas

India's first super-heavyweight Olympic boxer Satish Kumar went down fighting as he missed out on a medal after losing to Uzbekistan's Bakhokdir Jalolov in the quarter-final of the men's +91kg at Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Sunday (August 1). Despite the loss, the boxer has earned praises for showing an immense courage as he turned up against his opponent with 13 stitches on his face that he sustained during the pre-quarterfinals.&nbsp;

However, the Commonwealth Games silver-medallist has revealed that his wife had asked him "not to fight" and also his father said that "it is too much" to watch him fight like this. In an interview with PTI, Satish said, "My wife had told me not to fight. My father also said that it is too much to watch me fight like this. That's not unexpected, family can't see you hurt. But then they understood that I wanted to do this."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-indian-womens-hockey-beat-australia-1-0-to-enter-semis-at-olympics-for-the-first-time-402319">Tokyo 2020: Indian women's hockey beat Australia 1-0 to enter semis at Olympics for the first time</a>

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𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗢 👏🏻 
 
BFI President Mr. <a href="https://twitter.com/AjaySingh_SG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AjaySingh_SG</a> were all praises for <a href="https://twitter.com/satishyadavbox?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@satishyadavbox</a> on his courageous efforts at the quarterfinals of super heavyweight at <a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tokyo2020</a> earlier today as he took boxing great Jalolov 💪🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RingKeBaazigar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RingKeBaazigar</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Boxing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Boxing</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/TxIzHwBL8U">pic.twitter.com/TxIzHwBL8U</a>
— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) <a href="https://twitter.com/BFI_official/status/1421755335119818752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He opened up about his injury and said, "My chin has seven stitches and my forehead has another six. I knew I wanted to fight. Otherwise, I would have lived with that regret of what if. Now I can be at peace and also probably a little content with myself that I gave my best."

After getting a medical clearance to fight, the 32-year-old boxer displayed a spirited performance in the fight but lost to the technically superior Uzbekistan boxer by unanimous decision.

Also not that, all five Indian men boxers have been knocked out of the tournament, the other four were eliminated in their their respective opening rounds.&nbsp;

However, female boxer Lovlina Borgohain has bagged a medal for India by advancing to the semi-final.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017" hreflang="en">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

Satish Kumar is also a two-time Asian Games bronze-medallist and a multiple-time national champion. He is and the first super heavyweight from India to qualify for the Olympics.&nbsp;

After the bout, he said, "My phone hasn't stopped ringing, people are congratulating me as if I won."

(with inputs from agencies)

India's first super-heavyweight Olympic boxer Satish Kumar went down fighting as he missed out on a medal after losing to Uzbekistan's Bakhokdir Jalolov in the quarter-final of the men's +91kg at Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Sunday (August 1).

India's first super-heavyweight Olympic boxer Satish Kumar went down fighting as he missed out on a medal after losing to Uzbekistan's Bakhokdir Jalolov in the quarter-final of the men's +91kg at Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Sunday (August 1). Despite the loss, the boxer has earned praises for showing an immense courage as he turned up against his opponent with 13 stitches on his face that he sustained during the pre-quarterfinals. However, the Commonwealth Games silver-medallist has revealed that his wife had asked him "not to fight" and also his father said that "it is too much" to watch him fight like this. In an interview with PTI, Satish said, "My wife had told me not to fight. My father also said that it is too much to watch me fight like this. That's not unexpected, family can't see you hurt. But then they understood that I wanted to do this." ALSO READ | Tokyo 2020: Indian women's hockey beat Australia 1-0 to enter semis at Olympics for the first time 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗢 👏🏻 BFI President Mr. @AjaySingh_SG were all praises for @satishyadavbox on his courageous efforts at the quarterfinals of super heavyweight at @Tokyo2020 earlier today as he took boxing great Jalolov 💪🏻#RingKeBaazigar#Boxing#Tokyo2020#Cheer4India#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/TxIzHwBL8U — Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) August 1, 2021 × He opened up about his injury and said, "My chin has seven stitches and my forehead has another six. I knew I wanted to fight. Otherwise, I would have lived with that regret of what if. Now I can be at peace and also probably a little content with myself that I gave my best." After getting a medical clearance to fight, the 32-year-old boxer displayed a spirited performance in the fight but lost to the technically superior Uzbekistan boxer by unanimous decision. Also not that, all five Indian men boxers have been knocked out of the tournament, the other four were eliminated in their their respective opening rounds. However, female boxer Lovlina Borgohain has bagged a medal for India by advancing to the semi-final. ALSO READ | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list Satish Kumar is also a two-time Asian Games bronze-medallist and a multiple-time national champion. He is and the first super heavyweight from India to qualify for the Olympics. After the bout, he said, "My phone hasn't stopped ringing, people are congratulating me as if I won." (with inputs from agencies)

Tokyo Olympics - 'Wife told me not to fight': Boxer Satish Kumar on fighting with 13 stitches in quarter-final

India's ace shuttler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-another-medal-for-india-pv-sindhu-batters-chinas-he-to-win-bronze-402223">PV Sindhu</a> scripted history after winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in badminton women's singles event on Sunday (August 1). With the stunning win, she became the first Indian woman to bag two Olympic medals after Sushil Kumar. The 26-year-old Indian dismissed He Bing jiao 21-13, 21-15 to add a bronze to Rio 2016 silver.

After the third-place&nbsp;match, Sindhu said that she had "a lot of emotions" going through her as after facing a defeat in the semis, it was not easy for India's medal hope to play under pressure, however, she made it looked easier, only because of her grit and dedication.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017" hreflang="en">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

As quoted by BWF, Sindhu after the match said, "It makes me feel really happy because I've worked hard for so many years. I had a lot of emotions going through me -- should I be happy that I won bronze or sad that I lost the opportunity to play in the final? But overall, I had to close off my emotions for this one match and give it my best, my all. I'm really happy and I think I've done really well. It's a proud moment getting a medal for my country."

She further added, "I'm on cloud nine. I'm going to enjoy this moment. My family have worked hard for me and put in a lot of effort so I'm very thankful. And my sponsors have given me their best so I'd like to thank them and enjoy the moment."

It's important to note that apart from the semi-final against Tai Tzu Ying, Sindhu was performed consistently well in her Tokyo campaign as she didn't drop a single game in her five wins.

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PV Sindhu creates history, becomes the first 🇮🇳 woman to win two medals at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a>. 
 
Her hardwork and determination is an inspiration for athletes all over the world. We are proud of her! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a><a href="https://t.co/29Oq8pNGS8">https://t.co/29Oq8pNGS8</a>
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IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/olympics-as-pv-sindhu-wins-bronze-for-india-a-look-at-her-outstanding-journey-at-tokyo-2020-bronze-medal-402245">Olympics: As PV Sindhu wins bronze for India, a look at her outstanding journey at Tokyo 2020</a>

Sindhu bagged the third medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics as she overcame the fighting abilities of China's Bing jiao to &nbsp;join Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain with an outstanding performance at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza court 1.&nbsp;

About the match, Sindhu said, "We both (Bing Jio) had losses yesterday. For us, it was very important in getting a medal for the country. There were really long rallies but I had to be patient. Even though I was leading, I did not relax."

India's ace shuttler PV Sindhu scripted history after winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in badminton women's singles event on Sunday (August 1). With the stunning win, she became the first Indian woman to bag two Olympic medals after Sushil Kumar.

India's ace shuttler PV Sindhu scripted history after winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in badminton women's singles event on Sunday (August 1). With the stunning win, she became the first Indian woman to bag two Olympic medals after Sushil Kumar. The 26-year-old Indian dismissed He Bing jiao 21-13, 21-15 to add a bronze to Rio 2016 silver. After the third-place match, Sindhu said that she had "a lot of emotions" going through her as after facing a defeat in the semis, it was not easy for India's medal hope to play under pressure, however, she made it looked easier, only because of her grit and dedication. ALSO READ | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list As quoted by BWF, Sindhu after the match said, "It makes me feel really happy because I've worked hard for so many years. I had a lot of emotions going through me -- should I be happy that I won bronze or sad that I lost the opportunity to play in the final? But overall, I had to close off my emotions for this one match and give it my best, my all. I'm really happy and I think I've done really well. It's a proud moment getting a medal for my country." She further added, "I'm on cloud nine. I'm going to enjoy this moment. My family have worked hard for me and put in a lot of effort so I'm very thankful. And my sponsors have given me their best so I'd like to thank them and enjoy the moment." It's important to note that apart from the semi-final against Tai Tzu Ying, Sindhu was performed consistently well in her Tokyo campaign as she didn't drop a single game in her five wins. PV Sindhu creates history, becomes the first 🇮🇳 woman to win two medals at the #Olympics. Her hardwork and determination is an inspiration for athletes all over the world. We are proud of her! #Tokyo2020 #Cheer4Indiahttps://t.co/29Oq8pNGS8 — SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) August 2, 2021 × IN PICS | Olympics: As PV Sindhu wins bronze for India, a look at her outstanding journey at Tokyo 2020 Sindhu bagged the third medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics as she overcame the fighting abilities of China's Bing jiao to join Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain with an outstanding performance at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza court 1. About the match, Sindhu said, "We both (Bing Jio) had losses yesterday. For us, it was very important in getting a medal for the country. There were really long rallies but I had to be patient. Even though I was leading, I did not relax."

Tokyo Olympics: 'I had to close off my emotions,' says PV Sindhu after bronze-medal win

Great Britain's diver Tom Daley has caused quite a stir at the Olympics just by sitting at the stands and watching women's 3m springboard final on Sunday morning.&nbsp;

Daley, an Olympic gold medalist and an LGBTQ icon in Britain was clicked knitting as he watched women's 3m springboard finals.&nbsp;

A sports star casually knitting a pink pouch is a rare sight and hence social media was flooded with images of 27-year-old Daley on Sunday as he, wearing his country's jersey, sat wielding needles at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

Daley watched the third round of the dives when China's Shi Tingmo took the lead. No British divers were competing at that moment. 
&nbsp; 
Daley's concentration with needles drew attention on Twitter.&nbsp;

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Oh this? Just Olympic champ <a href="https://twitter.com/TomDaley1994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomDaley1994</a> knitting in the stands while watching the diving. 🧶 <a href="https://t.co/o17i6vsG2j">pic.twitter.com/o17i6vsG2j</a>
— Olympics (@Olympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/1421746461583323138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The perfect de-stress activity! So great to see <a href="https://twitter.com/TomDaley1994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomDaley1994</a> bringing his knitting with him to the Olympics. <a href="https://t.co/U20WDGU4zl">https://t.co/U20WDGU4zl</a>
— Knit for Peace (@knitforpeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/knitforpeace/status/1422142917880201217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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not tom daley knitting at the olympics i- <a href="https://t.co/E70zamUhvk">pic.twitter.com/E70zamUhvk</a>
— sarah (@livrodcloset) <a href="https://twitter.com/livrodcloset/status/1421713331564462080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Tom Daley knitting during the women’s final is absolutely sending me <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diving?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diving</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/JjrUB6DCAq">pic.twitter.com/JjrUB6DCAq</a>
— ✿ 𝐸𝑠𝑚𝑎 ✿ (@EsmahSultan) <a href="https://twitter.com/EsmahSultan/status/1421713513593008129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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i am so warmed by tom daley knitting himself a little pouch for his olympic medal <a href="https://t.co/OojA330YHk">pic.twitter.com/OojA330YHk</a>
— lucy ford 🍊 (@lucyj_ford) <a href="https://twitter.com/lucyj_ford/status/1420307801499385858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Tom Daley is knitting at the 3m women final <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/cyR5rGRRxE">pic.twitter.com/cyR5rGRRxE</a>
— Dal Bologknees 🍝 (@DalBologknees) <a href="https://twitter.com/DalBologknees/status/1421719023482544130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The British diver won his first Olympic medal alongside Matty Lee in the synchronised 10m event that took place on Monday.&nbsp;

It seems Daley is fond of knitting and is also good at it. Earlier last week, the gold medalist had showed off "a little cosy" which he had knitted for his gold medal "to stop it getting scratched".&nbsp;

The woolen pouch has Great Britain's flag on one side and the Japanese flag on the other side.&nbsp;

"The one thing that has kept me sane throughout this whole process is my love for knitting and crochet and all things stitching," he told followers on his Instagram knitting page which has over 100, 000 followers. Daley uses the platform to showcase his various woolly creations.&nbsp;

This is Daley's fourth Olympic Games. His win last week is his third Olympic medal. He has previously won two Bronze medals.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/indian-women-hockeys-coach-sjoerd-marijne-responds-to-ex-coach-shah-rukh-khan-as-team-enters-semi-finals-at-the-olympics-402382" hreflang="en">Indian women hockey's coach Sjoerd Marijne responds to 'ex coach' Shah Rukh Khan as team enters semi finals at the Olympics </a>

Great Britain's diver Tom Daley has caused quite a stir at the Olympics just by sitting at the stands and watching women's 3m springboard final on Sunday morning.

Great Britain's diver Tom Daley has caused quite a stir at the Olympics just by sitting at the stands and watching women's 3m springboard final on Sunday morning. Daley, an Olympic gold medalist and an LGBTQ icon in Britain was clicked knitting as he watched women's 3m springboard finals. A sports star casually knitting a pink pouch is a rare sight and hence social media was flooded with images of 27-year-old Daley on Sunday as he, wearing his country's jersey, sat wielding needles at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. Daley watched the third round of the dives when China's Shi Tingmo took the lead. No British divers were competing at that moment. Daley's concentration with needles drew attention on Twitter. Oh this? Just Olympic champ @TomDaley1994 knitting in the stands while watching the diving. 🧶 pic.twitter.com/o17i6vsG2j — Olympics (@Olympics) August 1, 2021 × The perfect de-stress activity! So great to see @TomDaley1994 bringing his knitting with him to the Olympics. https://t.co/U20WDGU4zl — Knit for Peace (@knitforpeace) August 2, 2021 × not tom daley knitting at the olympics i- pic.twitter.com/E70zamUhvk — sarah (@livrodcloset) August 1, 2021 × Tom Daley knitting during the women’s final is absolutely sending me #Diving #Olympics pic.twitter.com/JjrUB6DCAq — ✿ 𝐸𝑠𝑚𝑎 ✿ (@EsmahSultan) August 1, 2021 × i am so warmed by tom daley knitting himself a little pouch for his olympic medal pic.twitter.com/OojA330YHk — lucy ford 🍊 (@lucyj_ford) July 28, 2021 × Tom Daley is knitting at the 3m women final #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/cyR5rGRRxE — Dal Bologknees 🍝 (@DalBologknees) August 1, 2021 × The British diver won his first Olympic medal alongside Matty Lee in the synchronised 10m event that took place on Monday. It seems Daley is fond of knitting and is also good at it. Earlier last week, the gold medalist had showed off "a little cosy" which he had knitted for his gold medal "to stop it getting scratched". The woolen pouch has Great Britain's flag on one side and the Japanese flag on the other side. "The one thing that has kept me sane throughout this whole process is my love for knitting and crochet and all things stitching," he told followers on his Instagram knitting page which has over 100, 000 followers. Daley uses the platform to showcase his various woolly creations. This is Daley's fourth Olympic Games. His win last week is his third Olympic medal. He has previously won two Bronze medals. Also read: Indian women hockey's coach Sjoerd Marijne responds to 'ex coach' Shah Rukh Khan as team enters semi finals at the Olympics

Britain's gold medalist Tom Daley is clicked knitting on the stands, earns fans on the Internet

Jean Quiquampoix of France won the gold in the men`s 25-metre rapid fire pistol event in the Tokyo Olympics at the Asaka Shooting Range on Monday. 
 
Cuba`s Leuris Pupo won silver, while the bronze went to Li Yuehong of China. 
 
Quiquampoix, who had claimed the silver in the 2016 Rio Games, registered 34 hits out of 40 for a comprehensive victory ahead of 2012 London champion Pupo who managed 29.\

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-indian-womens-hockey-team-beat-australia-1-0-to-enter-semis-at-olympics-for-the-first-time-402319">Tokyo 2020: Indian women's hockey team beat Australia 1-0 to enter semis at Olympics for the first time</a> 
 
Defending champion Christian Reitz had topped the two-stage qualifying round before faltering in the final. 
 
The German was the fifth to be eliminated from medal contention following world champion Lin Junmin of China. 
 
Li repeated his Rio performance to claim his second consecutive Olympic bronze in the event. 
 
Zhang Changhong of China won the men`s 50-metre rifle three positions gold with a world record score of 466. 
 
Russian Sergey Kamenskiy took the silver while Serbian Milenko Sebic claimed the bronze.

Jean Quiquampoix of France won the gold in the men`s 25-metre rapid fire pistol event in the Tokyo Olympics at the Asaka Shooting Range on Monday. Cuba`s Leuris Pupo won silver, while the bronze went to Li Yuehong of China.

Jean Quiquampoix of France won the gold in the men`s 25-metre rapid fire pistol event in the Tokyo Olympics at the Asaka Shooting Range on Monday. Cuba`s Leuris Pupo won silver, while the bronze went to Li Yuehong of China. Quiquampoix, who had claimed the silver in the 2016 Rio Games, registered 34 hits out of 40 for a comprehensive victory ahead of 2012 London champion Pupo who managed 29.\ ALSO READ | Tokyo 2020: Indian women's hockey team beat Australia 1-0 to enter semis at Olympics for the first time Defending champion Christian Reitz had topped the two-stage qualifying round before faltering in the final. The German was the fifth to be eliminated from medal contention following world champion Lin Junmin of China. Li repeated his Rio performance to claim his second consecutive Olympic bronze in the event. Zhang Changhong of China won the men`s 50-metre rifle three positions gold with a world record score of 466. Russian Sergey Kamenskiy took the silver while Serbian Milenko Sebic claimed the bronze.

Olympics shooting: Jean Quiquampoix of France wins 25m rapid fire pistol gold

Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, a 24-year-old Belarusian athlete, has triggered a political row after she <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-belarus-athlete-safe-and-secure-in-tokyo-as-poland-czech-offer-visas-402334">refused an order to fly home</a> early from the Tokyo Olympics 2020. The track sprinter has also voiced fears for her safety and urged the International Olympic Committee for help. Krystsina was asked to pack and was taken to the airport in Tokyo 'against her will' for allegedly 'criticising' her coaches. However, she did not board the flight and took help from the Japanese police at the airport.&nbsp;

After refusing to go back home, the Belarusian athlete was spotted being walked into a Polish embassy on Monday. Now, Poland has granted her a humanitarian visa, Poland deputy foreign minister said Monday (August 2).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017" hreflang="en">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

Tsimanouskaya "is already in direct contact with Polish diplomats in Tokyo. She has received a humanitarian visa. Poland will do whatever is necessary to help her to continue her sporting career," Marcin Przydacz wrote on Twitter.

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Kryscina Tsimanouskaya a Belarusian athlet is already in direct contact with Polish diplomats in Tokyo. She has received a humanitarian Visa. Poland will do whatever is necessary to help her to continue her sporting career. 🇵🇱 always stands for Solidarity.
— Marcin Przydacz (@marcin_przydacz) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcin_przydacz/status/1422146358958596100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Foreign ministry officials were quoted by Polish media saying they expected the athlete to travel to Poland this week

Here's what happened:

In a video, shared on the Telegram channel of the Belarusian Sport Solidarity Foundation (BSSF), Krystsina revealed that "They [the officials] are trying to get me out of the country without my permission". However, she refused to leave and sought the protection of Japanese police at the airport. BSSF, which was set up in August 2020, supports athletes that have been jailed or sidelined for their political views.&nbsp;

The sprinter, who was supposed to compete in the women's 200m event on Monday (August 2), had also complained about being asked to enter into another race at short notice. In the video, she alleged that after some teammates were found to be ineligible to compete, she was added to the 400m relay event (scheduled for this Thursday (August 5)) at short notice by Belarusian officials. She said,&nbsp;she was "put under pressure".&nbsp;

"The head coach came over to me and said there had been an order from above to remove me," she wrote in the message. "At 5 (pm) they came my room and told me to pack and they took me to the airport."

But she refused to board the flight, telling Reuters: "I will not return to&nbsp;Belarus."

"I think I am safe. I am with the police," she was heard saying at the airport.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-indian-womens-hockey-team-beat-australia-1-0-to-enter-semis-at-olympics-for-the-first-time-402319">Tokyo 2020: Indian women's hockey team beat Australia 1-0 to enter semis at Olympics for the first time</a>

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Kristina <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Timanovskaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Timanovskaya</a> asks for help from the International Olympic Committee, since she can be deported from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo</a> by the Belarusian invaders at any time. She's under pressure. 
Pay attention <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Olympic</a>, please<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeBelarus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeBelarus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D0%96%D1%8B%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%91%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%83%D1%81%D1%8C?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ЖывеБеларусь</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithBelarus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithBelarus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BelarusSolidarity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BelarusSolidarity</a> <a href="https://t.co/UEC9RSGBon">pic.twitter.com/UEC9RSGBon</a>
— Camilla Sadirova (@camilllca) <a href="https://twitter.com/camilllca/status/1421822925192237057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<meta name="uuid" content="uuidDsd9u65N5uty" /><meta charset="utf-8" />What Belarusian Olympic Committee said?

As soon as the incident came into the limelight, The Belarusian Olympic Committee said in a statement that the coaches had decided to withdraw Tsimanouskaya from the Games on doctors' advice about her "emotional, psychological state".&nbsp;

Yuri Moisevich, as quoted by Reuters, the Belarus athletics head coach told state television that he "could see there was something wrong with her... She either secluded herself or didn't want to talk."&nbsp;

<meta name="uuid" content="uuidDsd9u65N5uty" /><meta charset="utf-8" />

What IOC said?

On being asked about the safety of athletes, the IOC said they were still collecting details about what exactly happened.&nbsp;

<meta name="uuid" content="uuidDsd9u65N5uty" /><meta charset="utf-8" />

What Japanese government say?

The Japanese government said the athlete had been kept safe while Tokyo 2020 organisers and the IOC checked her intentions. "Japan is coordinating with relevant parties and continue to take appropriate action," said chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato.

What's next?

Poland has granted a humanitarian visa to Krystsina. Poland's deputy foreign minister said said Tsimanouskaya had turned to Poland for help out of her "very difficult" situation and was "safe on the grounds of our embassy" in Tokyo, news channel TVN24 reported.

"Poland offers support to Belarusian citizens who for political reasons either want to leave Belarusian territory or do not want to return to Belarus," he said.&nbsp;

Earlier, the minister had raised the issue and wrote on Twitter that Tsimanouskaya has been "offered a humanitarian visa and is free to pursue her sporting career in Poland if she so chooses."

&nbsp;

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Poland 🇵🇱 is ready to help Kryscina Tsimanouskaya a Belarusian athlete ordered by the Lukashenka regime to return form Olympic Games to Minsk. She was offered a humanitarian visa and is free to pursue her sporting career in Poland if she so chooses.
— Marcin Przydacz (@marcin_przydacz) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcin_przydacz/status/1421908856377065474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(with inputs from agencies)

Click <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports">here</a> for all sports updates!

Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, a 24-year-old Belarusian athlete, has triggered a political row after she refused an order to fly home early from the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, a 24-year-old Belarusian athlete, has triggered a political row after she refused an order to fly home early from the Tokyo Olympics 2020. The track sprinter has also voiced fears for her safety and urged the International Olympic Committee for help. Krystsina was asked to pack and was taken to the airport in Tokyo 'against her will' for allegedly 'criticising' her coaches. However, she did not board the flight and took help from the Japanese police at the airport. After refusing to go back home, the Belarusian athlete was spotted being walked into a Polish embassy on Monday. Now, Poland has granted her a humanitarian visa, Poland deputy foreign minister said Monday (August 2). ALSO READ | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list Tsimanouskaya "is already in direct contact with Polish diplomats in Tokyo. She has received a humanitarian visa. Poland will do whatever is necessary to help her to continue her sporting career," Marcin Przydacz wrote on Twitter. Kryscina Tsimanouskaya a Belarusian athlet is already in direct contact with Polish diplomats in Tokyo. She has received a humanitarian Visa. Poland will do whatever is necessary to help her to continue her sporting career. 🇵🇱 always stands for Solidarity. — Marcin Przydacz (@marcin_przydacz) August 2, 2021 × Foreign ministry officials were quoted by Polish media saying they expected the athlete to travel to Poland this week Here's what happened: In a video, shared on the Telegram channel of the Belarusian Sport Solidarity Foundation (BSSF), Krystsina revealed that "They [the officials] are trying to get me out of the country without my permission". However, she refused to leave and sought the protection of Japanese police at the airport. BSSF, which was set up in August 2020, supports athletes that have been jailed or sidelined for their political views. The sprinter, who was supposed to compete in the women's 200m event on Monday (August 2), had also complained about being asked to enter into another race at short notice. In the video, she alleged that after some teammates were found to be ineligible to compete, she was added to the 400m relay event (scheduled for this Thursday (August 5)) at short notice by Belarusian officials. She said, she was "put under pressure". "The head coach came over to me and said there had been an order from above to remove me," she wrote in the message. "At 5 (pm) they came my room and told me to pack and they took me to the airport." But she refused to board the flight, telling Reuters: "I will not return to Belarus." "I think I am safe. I am with the police," she was heard saying at the airport. ALSO READ | Tokyo 2020: Indian women's hockey team beat Australia 1-0 to enter semis at Olympics for the first time Kristina #Timanovskaya asks for help from the International Olympic Committee, since she can be deported from #Tokyo by the Belarusian invaders at any time. She's under pressure. Pay attention @Olympic, please#FreeBelarus #ЖывеБеларусь #StandWithBelarus #BelarusSolidarity pic.twitter.com/UEC9RSGBon — Camilla Sadirova (@camilllca) August 1, 2021 × What Belarusian Olympic Committee said? As soon as the incident came into the limelight, The Belarusian Olympic Committee said in a statement that the coaches had decided to withdraw Tsimanouskaya from the Games on doctors' advice about her "emotional, psychological state". Yuri Moisevich, as quoted by Reuters, the Belarus athletics head coach told state television that he "could see there was something wrong with her... She either secluded herself or didn't want to talk." What IOC said? On being asked about the safety of athletes, the IOC said they were still collecting details about what exactly happened. What Japanese government say? The Japanese government said the athlete had been kept safe while Tokyo 2020 organisers and the IOC checked her intentions. "Japan is coordinating with relevant parties and continue to take appropriate action," said chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato. What's next? Poland has granted a humanitarian visa to Krystsina. Poland's deputy foreign minister said said Tsimanouskaya had turned to Poland for help out of her "very difficult" situation and was "safe on the grounds of our embassy" in Tokyo, news channel TVN24 reported. "Poland offers support to Belarusian citizens who for political reasons either want to leave Belarusian territory or do not want to return to Belarus," he said. Earlier, the minister had raised the issue and wrote on Twitter that Tsimanouskaya has been "offered a humanitarian visa and is free to pursue her sporting career in Poland if she so chooses." Poland 🇵🇱 is ready to help Kryscina Tsimanouskaya a Belarusian athlete ordered by the Lukashenka regime to return form Olympic Games to Minsk. She was offered a humanitarian visa and is free to pursue her sporting career in Poland if she so chooses. — Marcin Przydacz (@marcin_przydacz) August 1, 2021 × (with inputs from agencies) Click here for all sports updates!

Tokyo Olympics - 'I will not return': Belarusian athlete gets Poland visa, here's how the drama unfolded

Badminton World Champion PV Sindhu has maintained her impeccable track record of winning medals at the major tournaments by bagging a Bronze in the Women's Singles competition at the Tokyo Games. Sindhu is the first female sportsperson from India to win back-to-back Olympic medals and told WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo that she is on 'cloud nine'.

PV Sindhu: India medal magnet | Olympic Icon Sindhu speaks to WION

American Jade Carey won women's gymnastics floor gold at the Olympics on Monday in a quick upturn in fortune after disappointing in the vault final 24 hours earlier.

The 21-year-old from Arizona tumbled her way to a score of 14.366 to take the title from Italian 30-year-old veteran Vanessa Ferrari.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-gymnastics-simone-biles-to-compete-in-balance-beam-final-402369" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics gymnastics: Simone Biles to compete in balance beam final</a>

There was a rare dead-heat for bronze between&nbsp;Japan's Mai Murakami and Angelina Melnikova, who led the Russians to team gold last week.

For Carey, this was rapid redemption after she stumbled on landing on her first vault on Sunday and cut a sorrowful figure after her second jump.

Those tears of frustration were well and truly dissipated when her technically taxing and expertly executed floor routine earned her gold to continue the USA's productive time at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, despite Simone Biles's absence.

American Jade Carey won women's gymnastics floor gold at the Olympics on Monday in a quick upturn in fortune after disappointing in the vault final 24 hours earlier.

American Jade Carey won women's gymnastics floor gold at the Olympics on Monday in a quick upturn in fortune after disappointing in the vault final 24 hours earlier. The 21-year-old from Arizona tumbled her way to a score of 14.366 to take the title from Italian 30-year-old veteran Vanessa Ferrari. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics gymnastics: Simone Biles to compete in balance beam final There was a rare dead-heat for bronze between Japan's Mai Murakami and Angelina Melnikova, who led the Russians to team gold last week. For Carey, this was rapid redemption after she stumbled on landing on her first vault on Sunday and cut a sorrowful figure after her second jump. Those tears of frustration were well and truly dissipated when her technically taxing and expertly executed floor routine earned her gold to continue the USA's productive time at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, despite Simone Biles's absence.

Tokyo 2020: America's Jade Carey wins women's gymnastics floor gold at Olympics

Simone Biles will compete in Tuesday's balance beam final, the last women's event on the Tokyo Olympics gymnastics schedule, officials confirmed on Monday.

"We are so excited to confirm that you will see two U.S. athletes in the balance beam final tomorrow - Suni Lee AND Simone Biles!! Can’t wait to watch you both!" USA Gymnastics said in a statement.

It will be the first time the American will be seen competing in Tokyo following her withdrawal from last Tuesday's women's team final after her opening vault, citing mental health issues.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-winning-for-my-country-was-important-says-indian-badminton-star-pv-sindhu-on-her-olympics-bronze-402342">EXCLUSIVE: Winning for my country was important, says Indian badminton star PV Sindhu on her Olympics bronze</a>

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BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/Simone_Biles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simone_Biles</a> will compete in Tuesday's women's balance beam final on the last day of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/artisticgymnastics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#artisticgymnastics</a> competition at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a><a href="https://twitter.com/TeamUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeamUSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAGym</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StrongerTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StrongerTogether</a><a href="https://t.co/x3T9JoYIuc">https://t.co/x3T9JoYIuc</a>
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The 24-year-old American, who won four golds at the 2016 Rio Games, dropped out of the all-around, floor exercise, vault and asymmetric bars finals.

Biles is the reigning world champion on the beam and picked up an Olympic bronze on the apparatus in Rio.

Biles has suffered a crisis of confidence in Tokyo as she dealt with the "twisties" -- where gymnasts are disoriented during their gravity-defying sequences.

"It's honestly petrifying trying to do a skill but not having your mind &amp; body in sync," Biles explained in an Instagram story, in which she answered fan questions and shared practice videos.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017" hreflang="en">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

While a number of difficult acrobatic skills have to be performed on the beam, fast-paced tumbling and aerial twisting manoeuvres are limited on the apparatus, hence providing Biles with the opportunity to add to the team silver medal she picked up last week.

Despite not competing, Biles has been a constant presence at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre over the past week to support her U.S. team mates. Biles cheered on Sunisa Lee, who succeeded her as Olympic all-around champion, and Mykayla Skinner, who stepped in for her in women's vault final on Sunday and won silver.

Simone Biles will compete in Tuesday's balance beam final, the last women's event on the Tokyo Olympics gymnastics schedule, officials confirmed on Monday. "We are so excited to confirm that you will see two U.

Simone Biles will compete in Tuesday's balance beam final, the last women's event on the Tokyo Olympics gymnastics schedule, officials confirmed on Monday. "We are so excited to confirm that you will see two U.S. athletes in the balance beam final tomorrow - Suni Lee AND Simone Biles!! Can’t wait to watch you both!" USA Gymnastics said in a statement. It will be the first time the American will be seen competing in Tokyo following her withdrawal from last Tuesday's women's team final after her opening vault, citing mental health issues. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE: Winning for my country was important, says Indian badminton star PV Sindhu on her Olympics bronze BREAKING: @Simone_Biles will compete in Tuesday's women's balance beam final on the last day of #artisticgymnastics competition at #Tokyo2020@TeamUSA @USAGym #StrongerTogetherhttps://t.co/x3T9JoYIuc — Olympics (@Olympics) August 2, 2021 × The 24-year-old American, who won four golds at the 2016 Rio Games, dropped out of the all-around, floor exercise, vault and asymmetric bars finals. Biles is the reigning world champion on the beam and picked up an Olympic bronze on the apparatus in Rio. Biles has suffered a crisis of confidence in Tokyo as she dealt with the "twisties" -- where gymnasts are disoriented during their gravity-defying sequences. "It's honestly petrifying trying to do a skill but not having your mind & body in sync," Biles explained in an Instagram story, in which she answered fan questions and shared practice videos. ALSO READ | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list While a number of difficult acrobatic skills have to be performed on the beam, fast-paced tumbling and aerial twisting manoeuvres are limited on the apparatus, hence providing Biles with the opportunity to add to the team silver medal she picked up last week. Despite not competing, Biles has been a constant presence at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre over the past week to support her U.S. team mates. Biles cheered on Sunisa Lee, who succeeded her as Olympic all-around champion, and Mykayla Skinner, who stepped in for her in women's vault final on Sunday and won silver.

Tokyo Olympics gymnastics: Simone Biles to compete in balance beam final

Former Indian hockey player Ashok Kumar wants the Men In Blue to bring the gold medal back to the country in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.

The Asian side has not claimed a medal in the Summer Olympics since 1980 and the Manpreet Singh-led squad is looking to end the 41-year-old medal drought.

Carrying the hopes of an entire nation, the Indian men's hockey team lived up to the billing with a scintillating 3-1 win against Great Britain in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Ashok, son of hockey wizard Dhyan Chand, said that the focus of the Manpreet Singh-led side will be on winning the next game against Belgium.

Hardik scored in the closing stages as India defeated Great Britain 3-1 to reach the semi-finals of the Tokyo Olympics. The team will face Belgium in the semis.

"I am very happy with the win and we were waiting for the side to script history. The way the Indian side has been playing in the recent past, be it Pro League matches or the ongoing Olympics, they will finish at the podium," Ashok told ANI.

"Semi-final is a deciding match for a medal and our team focus is on the next match and not on the summit clash," he added.

The World No.4 side, which kickstarted their Olympics campaign with a 3-2 win over New Zealand, went down against Australia (1-7) in their second match.

However, the Men in Blue staged a stunning comeback to win all the games before meeting Great Britain in the quarter-finals today.

"The team had a bad game where they were thrashed by Australia but the side came back and defeated Spain and Argentina, so things are going nicely with the side. The luck is with Team India right now," said Ashok.

Ashok was a part of the bronze medal-winning Indian side in the 1972 Olympics and he wants the Manpreet-led team to go for gold in the ongoing Games.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017" hreflang="en">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

"When I started playing Hockey, I wanted to be an Olympian. I tried to create an impact at an individual level when I was playing for India. We won the bronze medal and I want to show that medal. This is the medal which I want the Indian team to convert into gold," said Ashok.

"I expect that in the upcoming semi-final the team will fulfill the dream of every Indian of seeing the Men In Blue on the podium in the Games," he added.

On Sunday, PV Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals as she defeated China's He Bing Jiao in the bronze medal match.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-indian-womens-hockey-team-beat-australia-1-0-to-enter-semis-at-olympics-for-the-first-time-402319">Tokyo 2020: Indian women's hockey team beat Australia 1-0 to enter semis at Olympics for the first time</a>

Sindhu defeated Bing Jiao 21-13, 21-15 in the bronze medal match that lasted for 52 minutes. Sindhu had earlier returned with a silver medal at the Rio Olympics 2016.

Hailing Sindhu for a remarkable feat, the former Indian hockey player said," I watched the game and Sindhu played confidently. With this bronze, she became the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals.

"I had met her when she was just a child and I had never imagined that she will script history for India. PV Sindhu is an asset for India, she has come here after defeating big players in the world," Ashok signed off.&nbsp;

Former Indian hockey player Ashok Kumar wants the Men In Blue to bring the gold medal back to the country in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. The Asian side has not claimed a medal in the Summer Olympics since 1980 and the Manpreet Singh-led squad is looking to end the 41-year-old medal drought.

Former Indian hockey player Ashok Kumar wants the Men In Blue to bring the gold medal back to the country in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. The Asian side has not claimed a medal in the Summer Olympics since 1980 and the Manpreet Singh-led squad is looking to end the 41-year-old medal drought. Carrying the hopes of an entire nation, the Indian men's hockey team lived up to the billing with a scintillating 3-1 win against Great Britain in the quarter-finals on Sunday. Ashok, son of hockey wizard Dhyan Chand, said that the focus of the Manpreet Singh-led side will be on winning the next game against Belgium. Hardik scored in the closing stages as India defeated Great Britain 3-1 to reach the semi-finals of the Tokyo Olympics. The team will face Belgium in the semis. "I am very happy with the win and we were waiting for the side to script history. The way the Indian side has been playing in the recent past, be it Pro League matches or the ongoing Olympics, they will finish at the podium," Ashok told ANI. "Semi-final is a deciding match for a medal and our team focus is on the next match and not on the summit clash," he added. The World No.4 side, which kickstarted their Olympics campaign with a 3-2 win over New Zealand, went down against Australia (1-7) in their second match. However, the Men in Blue staged a stunning comeback to win all the games before meeting Great Britain in the quarter-finals today. "The team had a bad game where they were thrashed by Australia but the side came back and defeated Spain and Argentina, so things are going nicely with the side. The luck is with Team India right now," said Ashok. Ashok was a part of the bronze medal-winning Indian side in the 1972 Olympics and he wants the Manpreet-led team to go for gold in the ongoing Games. ALSO READ | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list "When I started playing Hockey, I wanted to be an Olympian. I tried to create an impact at an individual level when I was playing for India. We won the bronze medal and I want to show that medal. This is the medal which I want the Indian team to convert into gold," said Ashok. "I expect that in the upcoming semi-final the team will fulfill the dream of every Indian of seeing the Men In Blue on the podium in the Games," he added. On Sunday, PV Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals as she defeated China's He Bing Jiao in the bronze medal match. ALSO READ | Tokyo 2020: Indian women's hockey team beat Australia 1-0 to enter semis at Olympics for the first time Sindhu defeated Bing Jiao 21-13, 21-15 in the bronze medal match that lasted for 52 minutes. Sindhu had earlier returned with a silver medal at the Rio Olympics 2016. Hailing Sindhu for a remarkable feat, the former Indian hockey player said," I watched the game and Sindhu played confidently. With this bronze, she became the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals. "I had met her when she was just a child and I had never imagined that she will script history for India. PV Sindhu is an asset for India, she has come here after defeating big players in the world," Ashok signed off.

Tokyo Olympics: The way India is playing, they will finish at podium, says hockey legend Ashok Kumar

Star shuttler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-i-had-to-close-off-my-emotions-says-pv-sindhu-after-bronze-medal-win-402308">PV Sindhu</a>, who ended her Tokyo Olympics campaign with an emphatic finish in badminton women singles event by bagging a coveted bronze medal, opened up about her journey at the Games. In an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-winning-for-my-country-was-important-says-indian-badminton-star-pv-sindhu-on-her-olympics-bronze-402342">exclusive chat with WION</a>, Sindhu&nbsp;spoke on a range of topics.&nbsp;

In the bronze-medal match, PV Sindhu defeated China's He Bing jiao 21-13, 21-15 to add a bronze to Rio 2016 silver. With the win, she became the first Indian woman athlete to win two individual Olympic medals, and second Indian after wrestler Sushil Kumar.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/olympics-as-pv-sindhu-wins-bronze-for-india-a-look-at-her-outstanding-journey-at-tokyo-2020-bronze-medal-402245">Olympics: As PV Sindhu wins bronze for India, a look at her outstanding journey at Tokyo 2020</a>

Amid the buzz over her extraordinary achievement, Sindhu has been making headlines for her plans&nbsp;of eating ice cream. Recently, her father PV Ramana spoke to ANI and apprised them of Sindhu's plans to eat ice cream with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Well, Sindhu said that it's not just ice cream, she wishes to do a lot more. "Not just ice cream, I want to do a lot more. I want to spend time with my family. Maybe go on a holiday. And just relax for a while," said Sindhu in an exclusive chat with WION's&nbsp;Digvijay Singh Deo.&nbsp;

Watch her exclusive interview here:

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The reference to ice cream came in limelight, as on July 13th, PM Modi had interacted with PV Sindhu and her parents virtually over preparation for Tokyo Olympics and asked them about the shuttler's diet. He also asked whether Sindhu was allowed to have what she wanted to eat including her favourite ice cream.&nbsp;

When Sindhu said that she has to control her diet, keeping in mind the preparation, PM Modi promised that he would eat ice cream with the athlete after her competition concluded.&nbsp;

Watch PM Modi's interaction with Sindhu and her parents:

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Being an athlete requires a rigorous schedule and hardwork. I asked <a href="https://twitter.com/Pvsindhu1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pvsindhu1</a> about her love for ice-cream and also interacted with her parents. <a href="https://t.co/Hlapc8VJhp">pic.twitter.com/Hlapc8VJhp</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1414966949084209155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Not just Sindhu, recently, India's star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won a silver medal at Tokyo Olympics, was heard in one of the media interviews that she wishes to eat pizza and that too 'a lot of it'.&nbsp;

Star shuttler PV Sindhu, who ended her Tokyo Olympics campaign with an emphatic finish in badminton women singles event by bagging a coveted bronze medal, opened up about her journey at the Games.

Star shuttler PV Sindhu, who ended her Tokyo Olympics campaign with an emphatic finish in badminton women singles event by bagging a coveted bronze medal, opened up about her journey at the Games. In an exclusive chat with WION, Sindhu spoke on a range of topics. In the bronze-medal match, PV Sindhu defeated China's He Bing jiao 21-13, 21-15 to add a bronze to Rio 2016 silver. With the win, she became the first Indian woman athlete to win two individual Olympic medals, and second Indian after wrestler Sushil Kumar. IN PICS | Olympics: As PV Sindhu wins bronze for India, a look at her outstanding journey at Tokyo 2020 Amid the buzz over her extraordinary achievement, Sindhu has been making headlines for her plans of eating ice cream. Recently, her father PV Ramana spoke to ANI and apprised them of Sindhu's plans to eat ice cream with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Well, Sindhu said that it's not just ice cream, she wishes to do a lot more. "Not just ice cream, I want to do a lot more. I want to spend time with my family. Maybe go on a holiday. And just relax for a while," said Sindhu in an exclusive chat with WION's Digvijay Singh Deo. Watch her exclusive interview here: × ALSO READ | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list The reference to ice cream came in limelight, as on July 13th, PM Modi had interacted with PV Sindhu and her parents virtually over preparation for Tokyo Olympics and asked them about the shuttler's diet. He also asked whether Sindhu was allowed to have what she wanted to eat including her favourite ice cream. When Sindhu said that she has to control her diet, keeping in mind the preparation, PM Modi promised that he would eat ice cream with the athlete after her competition concluded. Watch PM Modi's interaction with Sindhu and her parents: Being an athlete requires a rigorous schedule and hardwork. I asked @Pvsindhu1 about her love for ice-cream and also interacted with her parents. pic.twitter.com/Hlapc8VJhp — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2021 × Not just Sindhu, recently, India's star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won a silver medal at Tokyo Olympics, was heard in one of the media interviews that she wishes to eat pizza and that too 'a lot of it'.

'Not just ice cream...': PV Sindhu reveals other plans after winning bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics

Indian women's hockey team defeated Australia 1-0 in the quarter-final clash at Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Monday (August 2). The team has booked a historic berth in the semi-finals as they will play semis for the first time at Olympics.&nbsp;

One goal from Gurjit Kaur, which she scored in the first half, gave an advantage to India as the team managed to maintain the lead. The Rani Rampal-led team will next play Argentina next.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017" hreflang="en">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

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HISTORY!!! OUR WOMEN'S <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HOCKEY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HOCKEY</a> TEAM HAS MADE THE SEMIS OF AN OLYMPICS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!! 
 
It's that one goal from Gurjit Kaur that has been the highlight of the day!!! 
 
We play Argentina next !!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> <a href="https://t.co/lnouabnJ9B">pic.twitter.com/lnouabnJ9B</a>
— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI/status/1422053264074317830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In what comes as a historic day and possibly the greatest moment for women's hockey in India, Gurjit Kaur scored the lone goal in the match during the first half through a penalty corner in a very tightly contested match.

The Indian players looked to give it their all as they ensured Gurjit's effort didn't go in vain.

The Australians threw it their all, but the Indian women refused to buckle even though the Aussies kept piling the pressure with each passing minute.

After rather a disappointing start in the Olympics campaign, as they began with losses against the Netherlands (5-1), Germany (2-0) and Great Britain 4-1), India then picked up the momentum and defeat Ireland (1-0) and South Africa (4-3) in back-to-back clashes in Pool A.

After that Great Britain crushed Ireland 2-0 in their last Group A clash that helped India to enter the quarter-finals.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Indian women's hockey team defeated Australia 1-0 in the quarter-final clash at Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Monday (August 2). The team has booked a historic berth in the semi-finals as they will play semis for the first time at Olympics.

Indian women's hockey team defeated Australia 1-0 in the quarter-final clash at Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Monday (August 2). The team has booked a historic berth in the semi-finals as they will play semis for the first time at Olympics. One goal from Gurjit Kaur, which she scored in the first half, gave an advantage to India as the team managed to maintain the lead. The Rani Rampal-led team will next play Argentina next. ALSO READ | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list HISTORY!!! OUR WOMEN'S #HOCKEY TEAM HAS MADE THE SEMIS OF AN OLYMPICS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!! It's that one goal from Gurjit Kaur that has been the highlight of the day!!! We play Argentina next !!!#Cheer4India pic.twitter.com/lnouabnJ9B — SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) August 2, 2021 × In what comes as a historic day and possibly the greatest moment for women's hockey in India, Gurjit Kaur scored the lone goal in the match during the first half through a penalty corner in a very tightly contested match. The Indian players looked to give it their all as they ensured Gurjit's effort didn't go in vain. The Australians threw it their all, but the Indian women refused to buckle even though the Aussies kept piling the pressure with each passing minute. After rather a disappointing start in the Olympics campaign, as they began with losses against the Netherlands (5-1), Germany (2-0) and Great Britain 4-1), India then picked up the momentum and defeat Ireland (1-0) and South Africa (4-3) in back-to-back clashes in Pool A. After that Great Britain crushed Ireland 2-0 in their last Group A clash that helped India to enter the quarter-finals. (with inputs from agencies)

Tokyo 2020: Indian women's hockey team beat Australia 1-0 to enter semis at Olympics for the first time

Badminton star PV Sindhu, who became the first Indian woman athlete to win two individual Olympic medals, spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo. She said that winning the elusive medal for the country was important for her. In the third-place&nbsp;match, the 26-year-old dismissed China's He Bing jiao 21-13, 21-15 to add a bronze to Rio 2016 silver.

"I knew the difference between the third position and fourth position and winning a medal for the country was important for me," she said during the exclusive chat.&nbsp;

During her outstanding Tokyo run, apart from the semi-final against Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei, Sindhu performed consistently well as she didn't drop a single game in her five wins.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/olympics-as-pv-sindhu-wins-bronze-for-india-a-look-at-her-outstanding-journey-at-tokyo-2020-bronze-medal-402245">Olympics: As PV Sindhu wins bronze for India, a look at her outstanding journey at Tokyo 2020</a>

On her bronze-medal match, she said, "It makes me feel really happy. I had a lot of emotions going through me but my coach [Park Tae-Sang] motivated me. I told myself that need to get this medal for my country and need to play for myself."

Sindhu bagged the third medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics as she overcame the fighting abilities of China's Bing jiao to join Mirabai Chanu (silver) and Lovlina Borgohain (bronze medal assured) with an outstanding performance at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza court 1.&nbsp;

Sindhu also praised the performance of women at the Tokyo Olympics, she said, "It's really good women are doing really well in sports. We should take a step forward and say we are strong. We should be able to face anyone."

Watch her exclusive interview here:

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017" hreflang="en">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

On being asked, how her win will motivate others, Sindhu said, "The medal will motivate youngsters. A lot of people will take up the sport and work hard. Hard work is the key to success. And also you need to have passion. End of the day hard work brings success, you need to know what's your passion."

The ace shuttler also spoke about how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacted her preparations as she said that the extra time helped her in honing her skills. She said, "During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government supported us and we got facilities. But during the gap, I utilised the time and worked on my skills and technique. Playing without the fans was not easy but I got used to it as I have been playing since January like this."&nbsp;

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PV Sindhu shared words of encouragement&nbsp;to other athletes at Tokyo Olympics as she asked them to "take positives and don't be disheartened".&nbsp;

Finally, on the famous ice cream joke, she said, "Not just ice cream, I want to do a lot more. I want to spend time with my family. Maybe go on a holiday. And just relax for a while."

Badminton star PV Sindhu, who became the first Indian woman athlete to win two individual Olympic medals, spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo. She said that winning the elusive medal for the country was important for her.

Badminton star PV Sindhu, who became the first Indian woman athlete to win two individual Olympic medals, spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo. She said that winning the elusive medal for the country was important for her. In the third-place match, the 26-year-old dismissed China's He Bing jiao 21-13, 21-15 to add a bronze to Rio 2016 silver. "I knew the difference between the third position and fourth position and winning a medal for the country was important for me," she said during the exclusive chat. During her outstanding Tokyo run, apart from the semi-final against Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei, Sindhu performed consistently well as she didn't drop a single game in her five wins. IN PICS | Olympics: As PV Sindhu wins bronze for India, a look at her outstanding journey at Tokyo 2020 On her bronze-medal match, she said, "It makes me feel really happy. I had a lot of emotions going through me but my coach [Park Tae-Sang] motivated me. I told myself that need to get this medal for my country and need to play for myself." Sindhu bagged the third medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics as she overcame the fighting abilities of China's Bing jiao to join Mirabai Chanu (silver) and Lovlina Borgohain (bronze medal assured) with an outstanding performance at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza court 1. Sindhu also praised the performance of women at the Tokyo Olympics, she said, "It's really good women are doing really well in sports. We should take a step forward and say we are strong. We should be able to face anyone." Watch her exclusive interview here: × ALSO READ | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list On being asked, how her win will motivate others, Sindhu said, "The medal will motivate youngsters. A lot of people will take up the sport and work hard. Hard work is the key to success. And also you need to have passion. End of the day hard work brings success, you need to know what's your passion." The ace shuttler also spoke about how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacted her preparations as she said that the extra time helped her in honing her skills. She said, "During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government supported us and we got facilities. But during the gap, I utilised the time and worked on my skills and technique. Playing without the fans was not easy but I got used to it as I have been playing since January like this." #Exclusive | "Compare to 2016, this was very different. This time it was lot of pressure and responsibility. I am very thankful to my coach. My coach was dedicated to me every single day", says @Pvsindhu1 in a chat with @DiggySinghDeo #Tokyo2020 #PVSinduToWION #PVSindhu pic.twitter.com/UpqMP7D935 — WION (@WIONews) August 2, 2021 × PV Sindhu shared words of encouragement to other athletes at Tokyo Olympics as she asked them to "take positives and don't be disheartened". Finally, on the famous ice cream joke, she said, "Not just ice cream, I want to do a lot more. I want to spend time with my family. Maybe go on a holiday. And just relax for a while."

EXCLUSIVE: Winning for my country was important, says Indian badminton star PV Sindhu on her Olympics bronze

The organisers of Tokyo Olympics 2020 are probing an incident related to athletes that were found "drinking alcohol" in the Olympic village. The incident is now been attended to by the police too. In a press conference, the CEO of Tokyo 2020 Toshiro Muto said that the athletes were caught drinking in a park in the athletes' village on Friday night.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-2020-us-swimmer-caeleb-dressel-joins-olympic-pantheon-with-five-golds-in-tokyo-402128">&nbsp;Olympics 2020: US swimmer Caeleb Dressel joins Olympic pantheon with five golds in Tokyo</a>

During the presser, Muto said, "At the night of July 31 (later corrected to the night of July 30) multiple athletes and members of the delegation were at the park within the village and they were drinking alcohol."

He further added, "We are aware of this fact. Currently we are investigating the situation and based on the result we are to take appropriate action."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-australias-emma-mckeon-becomes-first-female-swimmer-to-win-7-medals-at-single-games-402137">Tokyo Olympics: Australia's Emma McKeon becomes first female swimmer to win 7 medals at single Games</a>

Muto also informed that the police were also there but it is still unclear that what action took. However, he refrained from giving out details about the names and number of athletes present at the scene.&nbsp;

As a precaution against the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the organisers said athletes were permitted to drink alcohol only in their rooms and only if they are alone. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Games have been affected as the events are taking place in Tokyo without spectators and athletes and Olympic visitors have remained in a "bubble" with regular testing for the virus.&nbsp;

The organisers of Tokyo Olympics 2020 are probing an incident related to athletes that were found "drinking alcohol" in the Olympic village. The incident is now been attended to by the police too.

The organisers of Tokyo Olympics 2020 are probing an incident related to athletes that were found "drinking alcohol" in the Olympic village. The incident is now been attended to by the police too. In a press conference, the CEO of Tokyo 2020 Toshiro Muto said that the athletes were caught drinking in a park in the athletes' village on Friday night. ALSO READ | Olympics 2020: US swimmer Caeleb Dressel joins Olympic pantheon with five golds in Tokyo During the presser, Muto said, "At the night of July 31 (later corrected to the night of July 30) multiple athletes and members of the delegation were at the park within the village and they were drinking alcohol." He further added, "We are aware of this fact. Currently we are investigating the situation and based on the result we are to take appropriate action." ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: Australia's Emma McKeon becomes first female swimmer to win 7 medals at single Games Muto also informed that the police were also there but it is still unclear that what action took. However, he refrained from giving out details about the names and number of athletes present at the scene. As a precaution against the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the organisers said athletes were permitted to drink alcohol only in their rooms and only if they are alone. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Games have been affected as the events are taking place in Tokyo without spectators and athletes and Olympic visitors have remained in a "bubble" with regular testing for the virus.

Tokyo 2020: Police investigate as athletes involved in 'drinking incident' in Olympic Village

Australia's&nbsp;Emma&nbsp;McKeon&nbsp;experienced pride and disbelief in equal measures after winning two more golds at the Tokyo Games on Sunday as she became the first female swimmer to win seven medals at a single Olympics.

The 27-year-old from Wollongong, New South Wales set an Olympic record to win the 50m freestyle in 23.81 seconds, completing the Tokyo sprint double after her victory in the 100.

Half an hour later she was back in the pool to win gold again, this time as part of Australia's 4x100 medley relay team.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-india-to-face-australia-in-the-womens-hockey-quarter-finals-402113" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: India to face Australia in the women's hockey quarter-finals</a>

McKeon&nbsp;delivered a strong butterfly leg before Cate Campbell sprinted home for gold.

"It still feels pretty surreal. I never thought I would win two golds in one session ... I’m very proud of myself,"&nbsp;McKeon&nbsp;said.

Soaking up the outpouring of support from her team in Australia and fans back home,&nbsp;McKeon&nbsp;said she "grew up watching the swimming and watching amazing athletes do amazing things in Australia.

"I grew up wanting to do a similar same thing and so I was literally the same kid as these children are."

McKeon&nbsp;won four gold medals in Tokyo, playing a big part in Australia's haul of nine, and she joins Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi as the only swimmers with seven medals at a Games. Phelps won a record eight in Athens and Beijing.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-2020-us-swimmer-caeleb-dressel-joins-olympic-pantheon-with-five-golds-in-tokyo-402128">&nbsp;Olympics 2020: US swimmer Caeleb Dressel joins Olympic pantheon with five golds in Tokyo</a>

Russian gymnast Maria Gorokhovskaya, in 1952, is the only woman to have won seven in any other sport.

"That’s also very surreal," said&nbsp;McKeon, whose father and brother both swam at Olympics.

McKeon&nbsp;had broken the Olympic record in the 50m heats in a time of 24.02 seconds, again in the semis with 24.00 and steamrolled through the final to set a new mark on Sunday.

"Growing up in sport, it is a pretty cool thing to be a part of. If you work hard and enjoy what you are doing and go after your dreams anything is possible," she said.

Campbell was delighted for her team mate.

“I would just like to say full credit to&nbsp;Emma&nbsp;... I think that we just need to acknowledge what an incredible job she has done,” she told Channel 7 after the relay win.

“And I honestly could not be happier for her. And ... she is such an important part of this team and I think that needs to be recognised.”

Australia's Emma McKeon experienced pride and disbelief in equal measures after winning two more golds at the Tokyo Games on Sunday as she became the first female swimmer to win seven medals at a single Olympics.

Australia's Emma McKeon experienced pride and disbelief in equal measures after winning two more golds at the Tokyo Games on Sunday as she became the first female swimmer to win seven medals at a single Olympics. The 27-year-old from Wollongong, New South Wales set an Olympic record to win the 50m freestyle in 23.81 seconds, completing the Tokyo sprint double after her victory in the 100. Half an hour later she was back in the pool to win gold again, this time as part of Australia's 4x100 medley relay team. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: India to face Australia in the women's hockey quarter-finals McKeon delivered a strong butterfly leg before Cate Campbell sprinted home for gold. "It still feels pretty surreal. I never thought I would win two golds in one session ... I’m very proud of myself," McKeon said. Soaking up the outpouring of support from her team in Australia and fans back home, McKeon said she "grew up watching the swimming and watching amazing athletes do amazing things in Australia. "I grew up wanting to do a similar same thing and so I was literally the same kid as these children are." McKeon won four gold medals in Tokyo, playing a big part in Australia's haul of nine, and she joins Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi as the only swimmers with seven medals at a Games. Phelps won a record eight in Athens and Beijing. ALSO READ | Olympics 2020: US swimmer Caeleb Dressel joins Olympic pantheon with five golds in Tokyo Russian gymnast Maria Gorokhovskaya, in 1952, is the only woman to have won seven in any other sport. "That’s also very surreal," said McKeon, whose father and brother both swam at Olympics. McKeon had broken the Olympic record in the 50m heats in a time of 24.02 seconds, again in the semis with 24.00 and steamrolled through the final to set a new mark on Sunday. "Growing up in sport, it is a pretty cool thing to be a part of. If you work hard and enjoy what you are doing and go after your dreams anything is possible," she said. Campbell was delighted for her team mate. “I would just like to say full credit to Emma ... I think that we just need to acknowledge what an incredible job she has done,” she told Channel 7 after the relay win. “And I honestly could not be happier for her. And ... she is such an important part of this team and I think that needs to be recognised.”

Tokyo Olympics: Australia's Emma McKeon becomes first female swimmer to win 7 medals at single Games

Gymnastics great Simone&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;has withdrawn from the Olympic floor final, leaving the American with just one more chance of competition at the Tokyo Games, USA Gymnastics said Sunday.

"Simone has withdrawn from the event final for floor and will make a decision on beam later this week. Either way, we're all behind you, Simone," USAG tweeted.

Biles, the four-time Olympic champion widely considered to have pushed the sport to new limits, has said she is struggling with the "twisties", a condition where gymnasts lose the ability to orientate themselves in mid-air.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-tokyo-2020-olympics-novak-djokovic-smashes-racket-during-bronze-medal-match-402078">Tokyo Olympics: Novak Djokovic smashes racket during bronze medal match - watch</a>

The 24-year-old came to Tokyo seeking five gold medals to equal the Olympic all-time gymnastics career record of nine, but dramatically withdrew during her first event, the women's team competition.

Biles&nbsp;then skipped her all-around title defence and on Saturday it was announced she was dropping the vault and uneven bars.

She has documented her struggles with mental health during the Games in regular posts on her social media accounts.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-indias-star-badminton-player-pv-sindhu-to-face-he-bingjiao-in-bronze-medal-match-402101">Tokyo Olympics: India's star badminton player PV Sindhu to face He Bingjiao in bronze medal match</a>

Gymnastics great Simone Biles has withdrawn from the Olympic floor final, leaving the American with just one more chance of competition at the Tokyo Games, USA Gymnastics said Sunday.

Gymnastics great Simone Biles has withdrawn from the Olympic floor final, leaving the American with just one more chance of competition at the Tokyo Games, USA Gymnastics said Sunday. "Simone has withdrawn from the event final for floor and will make a decision on beam later this week. Either way, we're all behind you, Simone," USAG tweeted. Biles, the four-time Olympic champion widely considered to have pushed the sport to new limits, has said she is struggling with the "twisties", a condition where gymnasts lose the ability to orientate themselves in mid-air. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: Novak Djokovic smashes racket during bronze medal match - watch The 24-year-old came to Tokyo seeking five gold medals to equal the Olympic all-time gymnastics career record of nine, but dramatically withdrew during her first event, the women's team competition. Biles then skipped her all-around title defence and on Saturday it was announced she was dropping the vault and uneven bars. She has documented her struggles with mental health during the Games in regular posts on her social media accounts. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: India's star badminton player PV Sindhu to face He Bingjiao in bronze medal match

Tokyo 2020- Simone Biles withdraws from another Olympic final: USA Gymnastics

Indian star badminton player PV Sindhu will now focus on the bronze medal match after losing the women's singles semifinal at Tokyo Olympics 2020. To book a place on the podium, The 2016 Rio silver medallist Sindhu will face He Bingjiao on August 1 (Sunday) at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza.&nbsp;

In the semi-final match, the Indian No. 6 seed lost 21-18, 21-12 to the No. 2 seed Tai Tzu-Ying of Chinese Taipei, who will clash with top seed Chen Yu Fei in the gold medal match.&nbsp;

After the semi-final loss, Sindhu said, "It was a good match. I fought until the end. In the second game I gave away a huge lead but still I was fighting back because you never know, it can change at any moment. It‘s the Olympics, you have to fight until the last point and I have done that."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-tokyo-2020-olympics-novak-djokovic-smashes-racket-during-bronze-medal-match-402078">Tokyo Olympics: Novak Djokovic smashes racket during bronze medal match - watch</a>

She added, "I'm a bit sad because it’s the semifinals. I’ve tried my best, but it was just not my day."

The reigning world champion PV Sindhu has the chance to become the first Indian female to win two Olympic medals. As far as the third-place match is considered, Sindhu and Bingjiao have met multiple times in the past. However, Bingjiao leads PV Sindhu 9-6 in the head-to-head record.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-vandana-kataria-becomes-first-female-from-india-to-score-hat-trick-at-olympics-401939">Tokyo 2020: Vandana Kataria becomes first female from India to score hat-trick at Olympics</a>

Sindhu and Bingjiao's journey at Tokyo Games:&nbsp;

Sindhu suffered a heartbreaking loss in the semi-final to world number one Tai Tzu Ying 18-21, 12-21. Earlier, she had defeated Yamaguchi in the quarter-final. She had entered the women's singles quarterfinals after beating Denmark's Mia Blichfeldt in straight games in the Round of 16 match. Sindhu had defeated world No. 34 Hong Kong's NY Cheung 21-9 21-16 to top Group J.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the Chinese shuttler Bingjiao lost her semi-final match against her compatriot Chen Yufei. Bingjiao boasts of some outrageous scorelines like 21-6, 21-3. She topped the group stage and entered the quarters. After receiving a bye due to the retirement of Beiwen Zhang of the USA in the Pre-quarters, she defeated Nozomi Okuhara in the quarters by 13-21, 21-13, 21-14.&nbsp;

Indian star badminton player PV Sindhu will now focus on the bronze medal match after losing the women's singles semifinal at Tokyo Olympics 2020. To book a place on the podium, The 2016 Rio silver medallist Sindhu will face He Bingjiao on August 1 (Sunday) at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza.

Indian star badminton player PV Sindhu will now focus on the bronze medal match after losing the women's singles semifinal at Tokyo Olympics 2020. To book a place on the podium, The 2016 Rio silver medallist Sindhu will face He Bingjiao on August 1 (Sunday) at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza. In the semi-final match, the Indian No. 6 seed lost 21-18, 21-12 to the No. 2 seed Tai Tzu-Ying of Chinese Taipei, who will clash with top seed Chen Yu Fei in the gold medal match. After the semi-final loss, Sindhu said, "It was a good match. I fought until the end. In the second game I gave away a huge lead but still I was fighting back because you never know, it can change at any moment. It‘s the Olympics, you have to fight until the last point and I have done that." ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: Novak Djokovic smashes racket during bronze medal match - watch She added, "I'm a bit sad because it’s the semifinals. I’ve tried my best, but it was just not my day." The reigning world champion PV Sindhu has the chance to become the first Indian female to win two Olympic medals. As far as the third-place match is considered, Sindhu and Bingjiao have met multiple times in the past. However, Bingjiao leads PV Sindhu 9-6 in the head-to-head record. ALSO READ | Tokyo 2020: Vandana Kataria becomes first female from India to score hat-trick at Olympics Sindhu and Bingjiao's journey at Tokyo Games: Sindhu suffered a heartbreaking loss in the semi-final to world number one Tai Tzu Ying 18-21, 12-21. Earlier, she had defeated Yamaguchi in the quarter-final. She had entered the women's singles quarterfinals after beating Denmark's Mia Blichfeldt in straight games in the Round of 16 match. Sindhu had defeated world No. 34 Hong Kong's NY Cheung 21-9 21-16 to top Group J. On the other hand, the Chinese shuttler Bingjiao lost her semi-final match against her compatriot Chen Yufei. Bingjiao boasts of some outrageous scorelines like 21-6, 21-3. She topped the group stage and entered the quarters. After receiving a bye due to the retirement of Beiwen Zhang of the USA in the Pre-quarters, she defeated Nozomi Okuhara in the quarters by 13-21, 21-13, 21-14.

Tokyo Olympics: India's star badminton player PV Sindhu to face He Bingjiao in bronze medal match

Olympics: As PV Sindhu wins bronze for India, a look at her outstanding journey at Tokyo 2020

Newly-crowned Olympic singles tennis champion, Belinda Bencic, has dedicated her gold medal to Swiss great Roger Federer, whose pre-match message inspired her to victory in Tokyo.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has never won Olympic gold in the singles competition, collecting silver after losing to Andy Murray at London 2012 and bronze in the 2008 doubles event alongside Stan Wawrinka.

Not even Martina Hingis, the Swiss player who Bencic's career was inspired after, claimed an Olympic title. Her best result was silver in women's doubles in 2016 with Timea Bacsinszky.

The 12th-ranked Bencic beat Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 at the Tokyo Games on Saturday for the first major title of her career and she'll also contest the women's doubles gold medal match on Sunday.

On winning Olympic singles gold, something her idols Hingis and Federer failed to do, she said, "I think I accomplished it for them. I think they did so much in their careers. I'm not sure I will ever be able to do what they have done. But maybe I could help them to accomplish this one by giving them this Olympics. So it's both for Martina and for Roger."

Bencic and Swiss partner Viktorija Golubic face the top-seeded Czech team of Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova. She was also asked if Federer has been in touch with her.

"Yes, he wrote to me today. He said this was the perfect day to reach my dreams and I was really happy about that. And he was absolutely right. "He is incredible in that way, he really supports all of the Swiss players. He is behind us and it's just incredible the type of support I receive from Roger Federer, so this win is also for him."&nbsp;

Newly-crowned Olympic singles tennis champion, Belinda Bencic, has dedicated her gold medal to Swiss great Roger Federer, whose pre-match message inspired her to victory in Tokyo.

Newly-crowned Olympic singles tennis champion, Belinda Bencic, has dedicated her gold medal to Swiss great Roger Federer, whose pre-match message inspired her to victory in Tokyo. The 20-time Grand Slam champion has never won Olympic gold in the singles competition, collecting silver after losing to Andy Murray at London 2012 and bronze in the 2008 doubles event alongside Stan Wawrinka. Not even Martina Hingis, the Swiss player who Bencic's career was inspired after, claimed an Olympic title. Her best result was silver in women's doubles in 2016 with Timea Bacsinszky. The 12th-ranked Bencic beat Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 at the Tokyo Games on Saturday for the first major title of her career and she'll also contest the women's doubles gold medal match on Sunday. On winning Olympic singles gold, something her idols Hingis and Federer failed to do, she said, "I think I accomplished it for them. I think they did so much in their careers. I'm not sure I will ever be able to do what they have done. But maybe I could help them to accomplish this one by giving them this Olympics. So it's both for Martina and for Roger." Bencic and Swiss partner Viktorija Golubic face the top-seeded Czech team of Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova. She was also asked if Federer has been in touch with her. "Yes, he wrote to me today. He said this was the perfect day to reach my dreams and I was really happy about that. And he was absolutely right. "He is incredible in that way, he really supports all of the Swiss players. He is behind us and it's just incredible the type of support I receive from Roger Federer, so this win is also for him."

Tokyo Olympics: Belinda Bencic dedicates singles gold to idols Roger Federer, Martina Hingis

Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who was ruled out of the Olympics after being temporarily banned for testing positive for cannabis, on Sunday applauded Jamaica's sweep of the 100 metres led by Elaine Thompson-Herah`s record-breaking performance. 
 
Thompson-Herah obliterated the Olympic record with a blistering 10.61 seconds sprint on her way to defend the title she won in Rio five years ago, becoming the second fastest woman in history and elevating herself to among the greats in the iconic 100m event. 
 
Double Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won silver while fellow compatriot Shericka Jackson took bronze. 
 
"Congratulations to the ladies of Jamaica for the clean sweep," Richardson, who had been a Tokyo medal contender before the ban, wrote&nbsp;on Twitter. "Powerful, strong black women dominating the sport." 
 
The 21-year-old Richardson streaked to victory in the 100m at the US&nbsp;Olympic trials in June, and was expected to be one of the top stars at the Games in Japan. 
 
She represented the best US&nbsp;chance of a first gold since Gail Devers won in 1996, and after Marion Jones was stripped of the 2000 title for doping offences. 
 
But things unravelled for her after she won the US&nbsp;trials with an impressive 10.86s and tested positive for cannabis and was banned for a month, which ruled her out of the tournament. 
 
Richardson said she was dealing with the death of her mother at the time and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said that her ban was reduced to one month because she had used cannabis out of competition and it was unrelated to sport performance. 
 
On Saturday in Tokyo, the lone American competing in the final Teahna Daniels finished seventh with a time of 11.02. 
 
It was one of the fastest finals on record with six sprinters out of the eight finalists running under 11 seconds. 
 
Silver medallist Fraser-Pryce, who said Tokyo 2020 would be her last Olympics, said the performances on the track showed how high the level of female sprinting has reached. 
 
"I`m really excited that female sprinting is going (to) another level and that`s truly remarkable," she said after the race. "It speaks to the depth that we have in terms of females." 
 
Richardson could be part of that future of the sport.

Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who was ruled out of the Olympics after being temporarily banned for testing positive for cannabis, on Sunday applauded Jamaica's sweep of the 100 metres led by Elaine Thompson-Herah`s record-breaking performance.

Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who was ruled out of the Olympics after being temporarily banned for testing positive for cannabis, on Sunday applauded Jamaica's sweep of the 100 metres led by Elaine Thompson-Herah`s record-breaking performance. Thompson-Herah obliterated the Olympic record with a blistering 10.61 seconds sprint on her way to defend the title she won in Rio five years ago, becoming the second fastest woman in history and elevating herself to among the greats in the iconic 100m event. Double Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won silver while fellow compatriot Shericka Jackson took bronze. "Congratulations to the ladies of Jamaica for the clean sweep," Richardson, who had been a Tokyo medal contender before the ban, wrote on Twitter. "Powerful, strong black women dominating the sport." The 21-year-old Richardson streaked to victory in the 100m at the US Olympic trials in June, and was expected to be one of the top stars at the Games in Japan. She represented the best US chance of a first gold since Gail Devers won in 1996, and after Marion Jones was stripped of the 2000 title for doping offences. But things unravelled for her after she won the US trials with an impressive 10.86s and tested positive for cannabis and was banned for a month, which ruled her out of the tournament. Richardson said she was dealing with the death of her mother at the time and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said that her ban was reduced to one month because she had used cannabis out of competition and it was unrelated to sport performance. On Saturday in Tokyo, the lone American competing in the final Teahna Daniels finished seventh with a time of 11.02. It was one of the fastest finals on record with six sprinters out of the eight finalists running under 11 seconds. Silver medallist Fraser-Pryce, who said Tokyo 2020 would be her last Olympics, said the performances on the track showed how high the level of female sprinting has reached. "I`m really excited that female sprinting is going (to) another level and that`s truly remarkable," she said after the race. "It speaks to the depth that we have in terms of females." Richardson could be part of that future of the sport.

Tokyo Olympics athletics: US sprinter Richardson applauds Jamaica's 100m clean sweep

Sjoerd Marijne, the coach of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-india-to-face-australia-in-the-womens-hockey-quarter-finals-402113">Indian women's hockey team</a> believes that the pressure will be on Australia in the quarter-final clash at Tokyo Olympics 2020. The Rani Rampal-led team will take on the Pool B toppers Australia in their maiden quarter-final appearance at Olympics Games on Monday (August 2).&nbsp;

Ahead of the match, coach Marijne opened about the crucial match and said that the focus is to "keep improving" with every match and stay in a "good rhythm" for the next one.&nbsp;

"The pressure will be on Australia as they are one of the highest-ranked teams in the competition. We will be able to play freely, which is very important for us," Sjoerd Marijne said.&nbsp;

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"Our own focus is on approaching each game one at a time and to keep improving with every match. We have a training session today to stay in good rhythm ahead of the game, and then tomorrow we will take the field and try to express ourselves there," he added.&nbsp;

"We have to keep playing our game, like we did in the group stage. We won our last two matches because we learnt from the mistakes we made early on and made improvements accordingly.&nbsp;

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After rather a disappointing start in the Olympics campaign, as they began with losses against the Netherlands (5-1), Germany (2-0) and Great Britain 4-1), India then picked up the momentum and defeat Ireland (1-0) and South Africa (4-3) in back-to-back clashes in Pool A. After that Great Britain crushed Ireland 2-0 in their last Group A clash that helped India to enter the quarter-finals.&nbsp;

Now the next opposition for India is not an easy one, as they will face a fierce side Australia, who boasts the best defensive record thus far in the Olympics, having conceded just one goal in the entire group stage and picking up an impressive 15 points out 15.&nbsp;

"We have been creating a lot of chances throughout the competition, but our conversion of those chances has not been up to the mark. We need to get better in that department, while also giving away fewer chances to the opposition," the coach further added.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Sjoerd Marijne, the coach of the Indian women's hockey team believes that the pressure will be on Australia in the quarter-final clash at Tokyo Olympics 2020. The Rani Rampal-led team will take on the Pool B toppers Australia in their maiden quarter-final appearance at Olympics Games on Monday (August 2).

Sjoerd Marijne, the coach of the Indian women's hockey team believes that the pressure will be on Australia in the quarter-final clash at Tokyo Olympics 2020. The Rani Rampal-led team will take on the Pool B toppers Australia in their maiden quarter-final appearance at Olympics Games on Monday (August 2). Ahead of the match, coach Marijne opened about the crucial match and said that the focus is to "keep improving" with every match and stay in a "good rhythm" for the next one. "The pressure will be on Australia as they are one of the highest-ranked teams in the competition. We will be able to play freely, which is very important for us," Sjoerd Marijne said. ALSO READ: Watch: Tokyo 2020 Olympics — Novak Djokovic smashes racket during bronze medal match "Our own focus is on approaching each game one at a time and to keep improving with every match. We have a training session today to stay in good rhythm ahead of the game, and then tomorrow we will take the field and try to express ourselves there," he added. "We have to keep playing our game, like we did in the group stage. We won our last two matches because we learnt from the mistakes we made early on and made improvements accordingly. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020- Simone Biles withdraws from another Olympic final: USA Gymnastics After rather a disappointing start in the Olympics campaign, as they began with losses against the Netherlands (5-1), Germany (2-0) and Great Britain 4-1), India then picked up the momentum and defeat Ireland (1-0) and South Africa (4-3) in back-to-back clashes in Pool A. After that Great Britain crushed Ireland 2-0 in their last Group A clash that helped India to enter the quarter-finals. Now the next opposition for India is not an easy one, as they will face a fierce side Australia, who boasts the best defensive record thus far in the Olympics, having conceded just one goal in the entire group stage and picking up an impressive 15 points out 15. "We have been creating a lot of chances throughout the competition, but our conversion of those chances has not been up to the mark. We need to get better in that department, while also giving away fewer chances to the opposition," the coach further added. (with inputs from agencies)

Tokyo Olympics: Indian women's hockey coach says pressure will be on Australia in quarter-final

Tokyo games organisers said on Sunday (August 1) that they had revoked the accreditation of two Georgian athletes for violating measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Two male judokas, silver medallists Vazha Margvelashvili and Lasha Shavdatuashvili had their accreditation stripped after leaving the village to go sightseeing a day earlier. Their identities was revealed Kyodo new agency which cited a spokesperson for Georgia's Olympic committee.

A Japanese media report said the two had been seen near Tokyo Tower, a popular tourist destination, on Tuesday (July 27) night. Margvelashvili won his silver on Sunday (July 25), and Shavdatuashvili on Monday (July 26).

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Speaking at a news conference on Sunday (August 1), Toshiro Muto, CEO of Tokyo 2020, said the Georgian embassy had apologised. He added that there had been minor violations of the playbook by others holding accreditation and had been issued with serious warnings.

This is the first time accreditation has been revoked since the start of the Tokyo Olympics on July 23. Without it a person cannot enter any Olympic facilities.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-police-investigate-as-athletes-involved-in-drinking-incident-in-olympic-village-402151" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020: Police investigate as athletes involved in 'drinking incident' in Olympic Village</a>

Residents of the athletes' village are not allowed to go out for non-Games related purposes.

Tokyo games organisers said on Sunday (August 1) that they had revoked the accreditation of two Georgian athletes for violating measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Tokyo games organisers said on Sunday (August 1) that they had revoked the accreditation of two Georgian athletes for violating measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Two male judokas, silver medallists Vazha Margvelashvili and Lasha Shavdatuashvili had their accreditation stripped after leaving the village to go sightseeing a day earlier. Their identities was revealed Kyodo new agency which cited a spokesperson for Georgia's Olympic committee. A Japanese media report said the two had been seen near Tokyo Tower, a popular tourist destination, on Tuesday (July 27) night. Margvelashvili won his silver on Sunday (July 25), and Shavdatuashvili on Monday (July 26). ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: 18 more Games-related COVID-19 cases reported, total at 259 Speaking at a news conference on Sunday (August 1), Toshiro Muto, CEO of Tokyo 2020, said the Georgian embassy had apologised. He added that there had been minor violations of the playbook by others holding accreditation and had been issued with serious warnings. This is the first time accreditation has been revoked since the start of the Tokyo Olympics on July 23. Without it a person cannot enter any Olympic facilities. ALSO READ | Tokyo 2020: Police investigate as athletes involved in 'drinking incident' in Olympic Village Residents of the athletes' village are not allowed to go out for non-Games related purposes.

Tokyo Olympics: Two Georgians have accreditations withdrawn over sightseeing trip

Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell has said that the T20 format was enough to take the sport into the Olympics amid ongoing discussion over the re-inclusion of cricket into the Games. The inclusion of cricket to the Olympics would be a game-changer considering the expected expansion of the game globally; it will also take the sport to a different level.&nbsp;

Addressing the same, Chappel said, "Apart from reducing the number of balls to obtain a terrestrial television deal, the reasoning behind the Hundred could well be that it improves the chances of cricket fulfilling the Olympic dream."&nbsp;

"This is often cited as a way to spread the game's popularity to a wider audience. Surely the T20 format could achieve that same outcome without yet another reduction," Chappell wrote&nbsp;in his column for ESPNcricinfo.&nbsp;

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Cricket is deemed by the fans as the world's second most popular behind football and it enjoys a massive following in some of the South Asian countries.&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have courted for cricket's inclusion in the past. However, there has been renewed efforts in recent years.&nbsp;

Chappell also wrote, "Cricket is a team game ideally played by 11 members a side. Performance satisfaction is a big reason why youngsters fall in love with the game. Administrators would do well to remember that before they rush into devising shorter forms of the game. The more the length of an innings is reduced, the greater chance that there will be players "just making up the numbers. Even those players crave occasional performance satisfaction."

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"Throughout my playing career I believed there were two possible solutions to a problem: a simple one and a complicated one. I also believed that to the benefit of Australia, England would regularly choose the complicated solution. They've done it again," he added.

"To overcome the perceived problem of public not fully conversant with cricket, they've concocted another form of the game - The Hundred. That's right, they've reduced by a mere 20 balls a format that was extremely popular with players and the public," he added.

(with inputs from agencies)

Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell has said that the T20 format was enough to take the sport into the Olympics amid ongoing discussion over the re-inclusion of cricket into the Games.

Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell has said that the T20 format was enough to take the sport into the Olympics amid ongoing discussion over the re-inclusion of cricket into the Games. The inclusion of cricket to the Olympics would be a game-changer considering the expected expansion of the game globally; it will also take the sport to a different level. Addressing the same, Chappel said, "Apart from reducing the number of balls to obtain a terrestrial television deal, the reasoning behind the Hundred could well be that it improves the chances of cricket fulfilling the Olympic dream." "This is often cited as a way to spread the game's popularity to a wider audience. Surely the T20 format could achieve that same outcome without yet another reduction," Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo. ALSO READ | Olympics 2020: Tokyo heat roasts outdoor athletes amid heat-stroke risk Cricket is deemed by the fans as the world's second most popular behind football and it enjoys a massive following in some of the South Asian countries. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have courted for cricket's inclusion in the past. However, there has been renewed efforts in recent years. Chappell also wrote, "Cricket is a team game ideally played by 11 members a side. Performance satisfaction is a big reason why youngsters fall in love with the game. Administrators would do well to remember that before they rush into devising shorter forms of the game. The more the length of an innings is reduced, the greater chance that there will be players "just making up the numbers. Even those players crave occasional performance satisfaction." ALSO READ: Olympics 2020: US swimmer Caeleb Dressel joins Olympic pantheon with five golds in Tokyo "Throughout my playing career I believed there were two possible solutions to a problem: a simple one and a complicated one. I also believed that to the benefit of Australia, England would regularly choose the complicated solution. They've done it again," he added. "To overcome the perceived problem of public not fully conversant with cricket, they've concocted another form of the game - The Hundred. That's right, they've reduced by a mere 20 balls a format that was extremely popular with players and the public," he added. (with inputs from agencies)

'Fulfilling the Olympic dream': Ian Chappell says T20 format enough to take cricket into Olympics

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) wants to extend the Olympics schedule for the sport to 11 days from nine to ensure adequate rest for players and to manage hot summer conditions for the Paris 2024 Games and beyond.

Organisers moved the start of matches to later in the afternoon midway through the Games' tournament in Tokyo last week after players complained about the stifling weather conditions, with men's world number two Daniil Medvedev warning officials a player "can die" in the heat.

"The challenge is that we have nine days to play five events, and we have almost 200 players. The scheduling for the first two days is 48 matches each day, 12 courts with four matches a day," ITF President David Haggerty told reporters on Sunday.

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"As you know, it could be a long day, but what we really need is 11 days, and more restful players."

"This will involve us talking to our other stakeholders and taking them along the journey, and certainly the players have been telling us that it's important to them to be able to train for two or three events."

"So I think that that's really the driving force - the athletes' voice, and them wanting to compete."

Kris Dent, ITF Senior Executive Director of Professional Tennis, said the sport's governing body had taken steps to make sure players were well-rested and to manage challenging weather conditions, such as reducing the number of sets played and introducing tie-breaks.

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But organisers were unable to deal with the packed schedule of the Games, with many players competing in both the singles and doubles competitions.

"The key element really is about player rest... That's definitely a high priority for us, looking forward to Paris and to Los Angeles (2028)," Dent said.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) wants to extend the Olympics schedule for the sport to 11 days from nine to ensure adequate rest for players and to manage hot summer conditions for the Paris 2024 Games and beyond.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) wants to extend the Olympics schedule for the sport to 11 days from nine to ensure adequate rest for players and to manage hot summer conditions for the Paris 2024 Games and beyond. Organisers moved the start of matches to later in the afternoon midway through the Games' tournament in Tokyo last week after players complained about the stifling weather conditions, with men's world number two Daniil Medvedev warning officials a player "can die" in the heat. "The challenge is that we have nine days to play five events, and we have almost 200 players. The scheduling for the first two days is 48 matches each day, 12 courts with four matches a day," ITF President David Haggerty told reporters on Sunday. ALSO READ | Tokyo 2020: Police investigate as athletes involved in 'drinking incident' in Olympic Village "As you know, it could be a long day, but what we really need is 11 days, and more restful players." "This will involve us talking to our other stakeholders and taking them along the journey, and certainly the players have been telling us that it's important to them to be able to train for two or three events." "So I think that that's really the driving force - the athletes' voice, and them wanting to compete." Kris Dent, ITF Senior Executive Director of Professional Tennis, said the sport's governing body had taken steps to make sure players were well-rested and to manage challenging weather conditions, such as reducing the number of sets played and introducing tie-breaks. ALSO READ: Olympics 2020: Tokyo heat roasts outdoor athletes amid heat-stroke risk But organisers were unable to deal with the packed schedule of the Games, with many players competing in both the singles and doubles competitions. "The key element really is about player rest... That's definitely a high priority for us, looking forward to Paris and to Los Angeles (2028)," Dent said.

Olympics: Tennis - Organisers seek to extend Games' schedule to 11 days for Paris onwards

Alex Yee delivered a superb final leg as Britain won the inaugural triathlon mixed relay gold medal on Saturday, their four-person team completing a wonderful week for the country, after also collecting two silvers in the individual events.

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The United States took silver as their two men finally bagged their first male golds in the sport, with three-time world champions France taking bronze. 
 
It was an emotional triumph for Jonny Brownlee, who won individual bronze and silver in 2012 and 2016 and finally bagged a gold to enable him to share family bragging rights with double individual champion and big brother Alistair. 
 
Jess Learmonth led Britain out, while Georgia Taylor-Brown and anchor leg Yee, the individual silver winners, completed the impressive all-round display. 
 
The victory takes Britain’s medal tally to eight, including three golds, since the sport was introduced to the Olympics in 2000. 
 
"The Olympics is complete – it feels absolutely amazing. My third Olympics and I can finally walk away with gold," said Brownlee. 
 
"The Olympics is always special but to do it as a team is absolutely amazing."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-atanu-das-indias-final-hope-in-archery-knocked-out-in-pre-quarters-401874" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Atanu Das, India's final hope in archery, knocked out in pre-quarters</a> 
 
The race format features teams of two men and two women, who each complete a short-course race of 300 metres swim, 6.8km bike and 2km run and makes for fast-paced action. 
 
First-leg Learmonth had a lightning T2 to open a small gap going into the run but Britain, the U.S., Germany and the Netherlands were all together handing over. 
 
It was carnage in the transition area after the first handover, with half the exhausted first-leg women scattered over the blue carpet and medical staff hauling them to their feet and dragging them clear as the heat took its toll. 
 
The four teams remained together after the second bike leg but Brownlee flew out of T2 and immediately opened a gap, which he extended to nine seconds over the U.S. with a gutsy run on his last competitive appearance over the shorter distances as he plans to move up to Ironman. 
 
Taylor-Brown swum superbly to stretch the lead to 23 seconds, with Taylor Knibb forging clear from the chase pack to leave the U.S. clear in second. 
 
Taylor-Brown handed over to Yee, probably the fastest runner in the field with the 2018 British 10,000m track title to his name. 
 
On the last leg double world champion Vincent Luis overhauled Morgan Pearson on the swim then drove on strongly to catch Yee on the bike. 
 
Two years ago Luis beat Yee in a photo finish in the Tokyo test event but the young Briton made sure there was no repeat as he got a break in transition and poured on the power to immediately open a telling gap and he eventually won by 14 seconds. 
 
Behind him Morgan Pearson overhauled Luis for silver. 
 
"I was pretty scared taking over, the guys had been perfect and I wanted to do it justice," Yee said. 
 
"When Luis came past I knew I just had to get on there as my run is my strength so I had to hang on. Then I just went for it right at the start of the run to get an early gap."

Alex Yee delivered a superb final leg as Britain won the inaugural triathlon mixed relay gold medal on Saturday, their four-person team completing a wonderful week for the country, after also collecting two silvers in the individual events.

Alex Yee delivered a superb final leg as Britain won the inaugural triathlon mixed relay gold medal on Saturday, their four-person team completing a wonderful week for the country, after also collecting two silvers in the individual events. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Indian boxer Amit Panghal bows out in the pre-quarterfinals The United States took silver as their two men finally bagged their first male golds in the sport, with three-time world champions France taking bronze. It was an emotional triumph for Jonny Brownlee, who won individual bronze and silver in 2012 and 2016 and finally bagged a gold to enable him to share family bragging rights with double individual champion and big brother Alistair. Jess Learmonth led Britain out, while Georgia Taylor-Brown and anchor leg Yee, the individual silver winners, completed the impressive all-round display. The victory takes Britain’s medal tally to eight, including three golds, since the sport was introduced to the Olympics in 2000. "The Olympics is complete – it feels absolutely amazing. My third Olympics and I can finally walk away with gold," said Brownlee. "The Olympics is always special but to do it as a team is absolutely amazing." ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Atanu Das, India's final hope in archery, knocked out in pre-quarters The race format features teams of two men and two women, who each complete a short-course race of 300 metres swim, 6.8km bike and 2km run and makes for fast-paced action. First-leg Learmonth had a lightning T2 to open a small gap going into the run but Britain, the U.S., Germany and the Netherlands were all together handing over. It was carnage in the transition area after the first handover, with half the exhausted first-leg women scattered over the blue carpet and medical staff hauling them to their feet and dragging them clear as the heat took its toll. The four teams remained together after the second bike leg but Brownlee flew out of T2 and immediately opened a gap, which he extended to nine seconds over the U.S. with a gutsy run on his last competitive appearance over the shorter distances as he plans to move up to Ironman. Taylor-Brown swum superbly to stretch the lead to 23 seconds, with Taylor Knibb forging clear from the chase pack to leave the U.S. clear in second. Taylor-Brown handed over to Yee, probably the fastest runner in the field with the 2018 British 10,000m track title to his name. On the last leg double world champion Vincent Luis overhauled Morgan Pearson on the swim then drove on strongly to catch Yee on the bike. Two years ago Luis beat Yee in a photo finish in the Tokyo test event but the young Briton made sure there was no repeat as he got a break in transition and poured on the power to immediately open a telling gap and he eventually won by 14 seconds. Behind him Morgan Pearson overhauled Luis for silver. "I was pretty scared taking over, the guys had been perfect and I wanted to do it justice," Yee said. "When Luis came past I knew I just had to get on there as my run is my strength so I had to hang on. Then I just went for it right at the start of the run to get an early gap."

Tokyo Olympics, Triathlon: Britain win first-ever mixed-relay gold

Poland scored an upset win in the inaugural Olympic 4x400 metres mixed relay on Saturday, with Dominican Republic picking up silver and the United States taking bronze.

The Polish team, comprised of Karol Zalewski, Natalia Kaczmarek, Justyna Swiety-Ersetic and Kajetan Duszynski, put on a gutsy performance inside the fan-free Olympic Stadium after posting the fastest time in Friday's heats.

It was the first Olympic medal for all four team mates, who cheered and embraced as anchor leg runner Duszynski crossed the finish line in a time of three minutes and 9.87 seconds.

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"I can't believe it. It is a dream since childhood. It has come true," Duszynski, 26, said after picking up Poland's first gold medal of the Tokyo Games.

The U.S. were the favourites after winning the event at the 2019 World Championships. But they almost did not make the final after they were disqualified for exchanging the baton outside the changeover zone in Friday's first round. Organisers later reinstated them, citing an official's error.

Notably absent from the U.S. relay roster was six-time Olympic gold medallist Allyson Felix, who was a part of the Americans' winning relay team in 2019 and is set to compete in the women's individual 400 metres on Tuesday in her fifth and final Games.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-im-a-little-afraid-soviet-champion-says-of-modern-gymnastics-after-biles-exit-402049">Olympics: 'I'm a little afraid' - Soviet champion says of modern gymnastics after Biles exit</a>

The event, which features two men and two women per team and made its World Championships debut in 2019, contains a certain level of unpredictability as there are no gender rules governing the order in which athletes choose to race.

Poland had experimented with its lineup in the Doha title race, placing men in the first two legs, but they finished fifth. The team opted to place its two women competitors in the middle legs of Saturday's race, as did the other eight teams.

Poland scored an upset win in the inaugural Olympic 4x400 metres mixed relay on Saturday, with Dominican Republic picking up silver and the United States taking bronze.

Poland scored an upset win in the inaugural Olympic 4x400 metres mixed relay on Saturday, with Dominican Republic picking up silver and the United States taking bronze. The Polish team, comprised of Karol Zalewski, Natalia Kaczmarek, Justyna Swiety-Ersetic and Kajetan Duszynski, put on a gutsy performance inside the fan-free Olympic Stadium after posting the fastest time in Friday's heats. It was the first Olympic medal for all four team mates, who cheered and embraced as anchor leg runner Duszynski crossed the finish line in a time of three minutes and 9.87 seconds. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics tennis: Belinda Bencic beats Czech Vondrousova to win women's singles gold "I can't believe it. It is a dream since childhood. It has come true," Duszynski, 26, said after picking up Poland's first gold medal of the Tokyo Games. The U.S. were the favourites after winning the event at the 2019 World Championships. But they almost did not make the final after they were disqualified for exchanging the baton outside the changeover zone in Friday's first round. Organisers later reinstated them, citing an official's error. Notably absent from the U.S. relay roster was six-time Olympic gold medallist Allyson Felix, who was a part of the Americans' winning relay team in 2019 and is set to compete in the women's individual 400 metres on Tuesday in her fifth and final Games. ALSO READ | Olympics: 'I'm a little afraid' - Soviet champion says of modern gymnastics after Biles exit The event, which features two men and two women per team and made its World Championships debut in 2019, contains a certain level of unpredictability as there are no gender rules governing the order in which athletes choose to race. Poland had experimented with its lineup in the Doha title race, placing men in the first two legs, but they finished fifth. The team opted to place its two women competitors in the middle legs of Saturday's race, as did the other eight teams.

Tokyo Olympics athletics: Poland win first 4x400m mixed relay gold

Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina was filled with a mixed sense of awe and trepidation as she watched the gravity-defying - and at times treacherous - routines of Simone Biles as the American set out to break her Olympic gold-medal record.

The 86-year-old, the most decorated Olympic gymnast in history with 18 medals, could not have fathomed the complexity of modern gymnasts' routines, acknowledging that gymnastics had become even more physically and psychologically gruelling than in her day.

"What we did is not comparable to what modern gymnasts do," she told Reuters at her home two hours outside Moscow on Friday.

"Looking at what gymnasts today do, I'm a little afraid. Would I have started gymnastics or not?"

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-tennis-belinda-bencic-beats-czech-vondrousova-to-win-womens-singles-gold-402047">Tokyo Olympics tennis: Belinda Bencic beats Czech Vondrousova to win women's singles gold</a>

Like much of the world, Latynina was stunned to see Biles, a four-time Olympic champion, withdraw from events that could have seen her challenge her record of nine Olympic gold medals for a gymnast and perhaps break her record of 32 combined Olympic and world championship medals.

The 24-year-old American completed one vault at the start of the women's team final before abruptly withdrawing, citing mental health concerns. She also withdrew from the all-around, the vault and uneven bar finals.

"In our day that would have been unacceptable," Latynina said. "I can't imagine how that's possible."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-athletics-thompson-herah-leads-jamaican-sweep-of-womens-100m-402025">Tokyo Olympics athletics: Thompson-Herah leads Jamaican sweep of women's 100m</a>

Biles' move, inconceivable in the Soviet era or even a few years ago, has brought mental health into focus at Tokyo 2020, where the U.S. gymnast has generally received an outpouring of support.

Latynina did not remember the Soviet gymnastics team turning to psychologists or other formal tools to improve concentration and mental performance.

She relied on encouragement and accolades from coaches and team mates. To soothe her nerves, she would stand on her tiptoes, close her eyes and remain still.

"My coach would always say it doesn't matter in which position you finish," Latynina said. "The most important thing is doing what you can."

Latynina said Soviet Olympic gymnasts competing at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics lived in military barracks with communal bathrooms, striking a sharp contrast with the hotel rooms used by the U.S. gymnastics team.

In Latynina's era there was pressure, of course, to win medals for the Soviet Union, which used elite sport as a tool to boost its international prestige.

But Latynina said Soviet authorities' desire for the country's athletes to top medal tables was not perceived as coercion.

"We were trying ourselves not to let our country, our people down," she said. "We would cry when our flag was raised and national anthem played."

Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina was filled with a mixed sense of awe and trepidation as she watched the gravity-defying - and at times treacherous - routines of Simone Biles as the American set out to break her Olympic gold-medal record.

Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina was filled with a mixed sense of awe and trepidation as she watched the gravity-defying - and at times treacherous - routines of Simone Biles as the American set out to break her Olympic gold-medal record. The 86-year-old, the most decorated Olympic gymnast in history with 18 medals, could not have fathomed the complexity of modern gymnasts' routines, acknowledging that gymnastics had become even more physically and psychologically gruelling than in her day. "What we did is not comparable to what modern gymnasts do," she told Reuters at her home two hours outside Moscow on Friday. "Looking at what gymnasts today do, I'm a little afraid. Would I have started gymnastics or not?" ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics tennis: Belinda Bencic beats Czech Vondrousova to win women's singles gold Like much of the world, Latynina was stunned to see Biles, a four-time Olympic champion, withdraw from events that could have seen her challenge her record of nine Olympic gold medals for a gymnast and perhaps break her record of 32 combined Olympic and world championship medals. The 24-year-old American completed one vault at the start of the women's team final before abruptly withdrawing, citing mental health concerns. She also withdrew from the all-around, the vault and uneven bar finals. "In our day that would have been unacceptable," Latynina said. "I can't imagine how that's possible." ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics athletics: Thompson-Herah leads Jamaican sweep of women's 100m Biles' move, inconceivable in the Soviet era or even a few years ago, has brought mental health into focus at Tokyo 2020, where the U.S. gymnast has generally received an outpouring of support. Latynina did not remember the Soviet gymnastics team turning to psychologists or other formal tools to improve concentration and mental performance. She relied on encouragement and accolades from coaches and team mates. To soothe her nerves, she would stand on her tiptoes, close her eyes and remain still. "My coach would always say it doesn't matter in which position you finish," Latynina said. "The most important thing is doing what you can." Latynina said Soviet Olympic gymnasts competing at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics lived in military barracks with communal bathrooms, striking a sharp contrast with the hotel rooms used by the U.S. gymnastics team. In Latynina's era there was pressure, of course, to win medals for the Soviet Union, which used elite sport as a tool to boost its international prestige. But Latynina said Soviet authorities' desire for the country's athletes to top medal tables was not perceived as coercion. "We were trying ourselves not to let our country, our people down," she said. "We would cry when our flag was raised and national anthem played."

Olympics: 'I'm a little afraid' - Soviet champion says of modern gymnastics after Biles exit

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