Japan on Tuesday denied a media report that South Korean President Moon Jae-In is arranging a visit to Japan timed with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as well as talks with Japanese Prime Minister Suga. 
 
The Blue House is hoping that Moon will hold his first ever talks with Japanese premier Yoshihide Suga during his stay, the Yomiuri daily reported, without citing sources. 
 
"There is no truth to that report," chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato told a news conference, declining to comment further. 
 
The relationship between South Korea and Japan has soured in recent years due to disputes over war-time history and trade.

Earlier, South Korea had asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to pressure Japan to remove a reference to South Korea-controlled islands as Japanese territory on the Tokyo Games website, according to an official with Seoul's Olympic Committee. 
 
The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) sent a letter asking the IOC to 'actively mediate' the dispute, which has sparked outrage and protests in South Korea less than two months out from the start of the Games. 
 
The small islands, called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, have been at the centre of a decades-long territorial dispute between the two countries. 
 
"Dokdo is South Korean territory and political neutrality must be guaranteed at the Games," Kim Bo-young, public relations director of KSOC, said. 
 
"Japan's behavior can be seen as a political action, so we have sent the letter as we believe such action runs counter to the Olympic spirit." 
 
Japan rejected South Korea's protests. 
 
"Takeshima is a territory inherent to Japan in view of historical facts and international laws. We cannot accept South Korean's protest at all," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said.

Some South Korean officials have pointed out that Seoul removed the disputed islands from a flag featured at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea after Japan complained. 
 
South Korea said, it had summoned Japan's deputy ambassador to 'strongly protest' the map, which sparked uproar in South Korea and prompted some politicians there to call for a boycott of the Games. 
 
Three South Korean students were arrested after burning Japan's 'Rising Sun' flag in a protest outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul, while live-streaming the act on YouTube. 
 
The three were detained on charges of violating assembly and demonstration laws, according to media reports. 
 
About a dozen other members of the student group protested against the arrests outside the police station. 
 
"South Korean land is being taken away," shouted one protester with a loudspeaker, according to video posted by the group on social media. 
 
The diplomatic spat is the latest headache for organisers of the Tokyo Games, which is due to take place from July 23 to August 8 after being delayed last year due to the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic. 
 
Opinion polls show most people in Japan want the global sporting showpiece to be cancelled or postponed again as the country battles a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Japan on Tuesday denied a media report that South Korean President Moon Jae-In is arranging a visit to Japan timed with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as well as talks with Japanese Prime Minister Suga.

Japan on Tuesday denied a media report that South Korean President Moon Jae-In is arranging a visit to Japan timed with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as well as talks with Japanese Prime Minister Suga. The Blue House is hoping that Moon will hold his first ever talks with Japanese premier Yoshihide Suga during his stay, the Yomiuri daily reported, without citing sources. "There is no truth to that report," chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato told a news conference, declining to comment further. The relationship between South Korea and Japan has soured in recent years due to disputes over war-time history and trade. Earlier, South Korea had asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to pressure Japan to remove a reference to South Korea-controlled islands as Japanese territory on the Tokyo Games website, according to an official with Seoul's Olympic Committee. The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) sent a letter asking the IOC to 'actively mediate' the dispute, which has sparked outrage and protests in South Korea less than two months out from the start of the Games. The small islands, called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, have been at the centre of a decades-long territorial dispute between the two countries. "Dokdo is South Korean territory and political neutrality must be guaranteed at the Games," Kim Bo-young, public relations director of KSOC, said. "Japan's behavior can be seen as a political action, so we have sent the letter as we believe such action runs counter to the Olympic spirit." Japan rejected South Korea's protests. "Takeshima is a territory inherent to Japan in view of historical facts and international laws. We cannot accept South Korean's protest at all," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said. Some South Korean officials have pointed out that Seoul removed the disputed islands from a flag featured at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea after Japan complained. South Korea said, it had summoned Japan's deputy ambassador to 'strongly protest' the map, which sparked uproar in South Korea and prompted some politicians there to call for a boycott of the Games. Three South Korean students were arrested after burning Japan's 'Rising Sun' flag in a protest outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul, while live-streaming the act on YouTube. The three were detained on charges of violating assembly and demonstration laws, according to media reports. About a dozen other members of the student group protested against the arrests outside the police station. "South Korean land is being taken away," shouted one protester with a loudspeaker, according to video posted by the group on social media. The diplomatic spat is the latest headache for organisers of the Tokyo Games, which is due to take place from July 23 to August 8 after being delayed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Opinion polls show most people in Japan want the global sporting showpiece to be cancelled or postponed again as the country battles a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan denies reports of South Korean president visit, summit during Olympics

Australia's top Olympic official John Coates said on Friday that Brisbane winning the right to host the 2032 Summer Games was not a done deal, despite the International Olympic Committee's executive board approving the bid.

The IOC executive board signed off on the bid on Thursday and, under a new system designed to make bidding cheaper and more efficient, a full session of the sporting body will now vote on it on July 21.

With Brisbane the sole preferred candidate, some media critics have suggested the IOC session will simply rubber-stamp the decision but Coates, who was a key figure in the reform of the bidding process, said that was not the case.

"I was very, very pleased to get this vote of confidence ... this was the next step along the way," the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) president and IOC vice-president told reporters in Sydney on Friday.

"You never know with the IOC members. A 50% vote in favour is required even if there is only one candidate. I've been around long enough never to take it for granted."

Coates, who was recused from the vote of the executive board, said that the IOC was still talking to other countries that had expressed an interest in hosting the Games, which include Indonesia, the Netherlands, Hungary, Germany and Qatar.

Queensland State Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk echoed Coates's caution but was delighted Brisbane had moved closer to joining Melbourne (1956) and Sydney (2000) as an Australian Olympic host city.

"We have actually just done the final hurdle, and the finishing line is just in front of us, and it's almost there, we just got to wait a little bit longer," she told reporters.

"But today is an incredibly proud day, something that I never thought I would see in my lifetime, to get to this position."

An independent economic assessment by KPMG, commissioned by the Queensland government, indicated that the Games would deliver a total benefit of A$8.1 billion ($6.28 billion) for Queensland and more than twice that amount for Australia.

Coates said A$10-11 billion in infrastructure improvements proposed for southeast Queensland before 2032 were not necessary for the region to host, but would make for a "much better Games".

Australia's Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck also welcomed what he described as "another significant milestone".

"It reinforces the work that has been achieved so far by all bid partners and highlights what can be achieved when all levels of government work toward on an outcome that will have enormous benefits for the entire nation," he said in a statement.

Australia's top Olympic official John Coates said on Friday that Brisbane winning the right to host the 2032 Summer Games was not a done deal, despite the International Olympic Committee's executive board approving the bid.

Australia's top Olympic official John Coates said on Friday that Brisbane winning the right to host the 2032 Summer Games was not a done deal, despite the International Olympic Committee's executive board approving the bid. The IOC executive board signed off on the bid on Thursday and, under a new system designed to make bidding cheaper and more efficient, a full session of the sporting body will now vote on it on July 21. With Brisbane the sole preferred candidate, some media critics have suggested the IOC session will simply rubber-stamp the decision but Coates, who was a key figure in the reform of the bidding process, said that was not the case. "I was very, very pleased to get this vote of confidence ... this was the next step along the way," the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) president and IOC vice-president told reporters in Sydney on Friday. "You never know with the IOC members. A 50% vote in favour is required even if there is only one candidate. I've been around long enough never to take it for granted." Coates, who was recused from the vote of the executive board, said that the IOC was still talking to other countries that had expressed an interest in hosting the Games, which include Indonesia, the Netherlands, Hungary, Germany and Qatar. Queensland State Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk echoed Coates's caution but was delighted Brisbane had moved closer to joining Melbourne (1956) and Sydney (2000) as an Australian Olympic host city. "We have actually just done the final hurdle, and the finishing line is just in front of us, and it's almost there, we just got to wait a little bit longer," she told reporters. "But today is an incredibly proud day, something that I never thought I would see in my lifetime, to get to this position." An independent economic assessment by KPMG, commissioned by the Queensland government, indicated that the Games would deliver a total benefit of A$8.1 billion ($6.28 billion) for Queensland and more than twice that amount for Australia. Coates said A$10-11 billion in infrastructure improvements proposed for southeast Queensland before 2032 were not necessary for the region to host, but would make for a "much better Games". Australia's Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck also welcomed what he described as "another significant milestone". "It reinforces the work that has been achieved so far by all bid partners and highlights what can be achieved when all levels of government work toward on an outcome that will have enormous benefits for the entire nation," he said in a statement.

Olympics: Brisbane 2032 not a done deal yet, says Coates

Half of the Japanese public thinks the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;will take place this summer, a survey by Yomiuri daily newspaper showed on Monday, less than two months before the Games' scheduled opening.

For the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics, already postponed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, public concerns remain over how Tokyo can hold the global event and keep volunteers, athletes, officials, and the Japanese public safe from COVID-19.

At parliament, opposition lawmakers on Monday grilled Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and cabinet ministers over going ahead with the Games despite worries that holding such a big sporting event could further spread coronavirus infections.

Japan has been "cornered" into holding the Games despite public opposition during the pandemic, one of Japan's sporting heroes and a member of the local Olympic committee said earlier.

Top government officials repeatedly said that the government would continue to work on coronavirus measures for a "safe and secure" Games and that a decision on domestic spectators would be made this month.

"Taking infection control measures for athletes and Games officials so athletes from the world can safely participate and to protect our people's lives and health, I think that is the premise of holding (the&nbsp;Olympics)," Suga told lawmakers.

In a Yomiuri survey conducted June 4-6, 50% of respondents said the Games would happen this summer; 26% said they would occur without spectators. That is higher than 48% of those polled saying the event would be canceled.

But most of the respondents in the same poll said virus measures for&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;athletes and participants are not enough, while public support for the Suga administration hit its lowest level, at 37%.

About 3,500 out of over 40,000 "city volunteers" recruited by regional governments for the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;have pulled out, NHK reported. That adds to 10,000 volunteers had already withdrawn, according to the organizers.

On Monday morning, Tokyo police reported a deadly incident on one of the city's subway lines but did not comment further. Private broadcaster Nippon Television identified the person who died as a senior official at the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC).

Half of the Japanese public thinks the Olympics will take place this summer, a survey by Yomiuri daily newspaper showed on Monday, less than two months before the Games' scheduled opening.

Half of the Japanese public thinks the Olympics will take place this summer, a survey by Yomiuri daily newspaper showed on Monday, less than two months before the Games' scheduled opening. For the Tokyo Olympics, already postponed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, public concerns remain over how Tokyo can hold the global event and keep volunteers, athletes, officials, and the Japanese public safe from COVID-19. At parliament, opposition lawmakers on Monday grilled Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and cabinet ministers over going ahead with the Games despite worries that holding such a big sporting event could further spread coronavirus infections. Japan has been "cornered" into holding the Games despite public opposition during the pandemic, one of Japan's sporting heroes and a member of the local Olympic committee said earlier. Top government officials repeatedly said that the government would continue to work on coronavirus measures for a "safe and secure" Games and that a decision on domestic spectators would be made this month. "Taking infection control measures for athletes and Games officials so athletes from the world can safely participate and to protect our people's lives and health, I think that is the premise of holding (the Olympics)," Suga told lawmakers. In a Yomiuri survey conducted June 4-6, 50% of respondents said the Games would happen this summer; 26% said they would occur without spectators. That is higher than 48% of those polled saying the event would be canceled. But most of the respondents in the same poll said virus measures for Olympics athletes and participants are not enough, while public support for the Suga administration hit its lowest level, at 37%. About 3,500 out of over 40,000 "city volunteers" recruited by regional governments for the Olympics have pulled out, NHK reported. That adds to 10,000 volunteers had already withdrawn, according to the organizers. On Monday morning, Tokyo police reported a deadly incident on one of the city's subway lines but did not comment further. Private broadcaster Nippon Television identified the person who died as a senior official at the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC).

Half of Japanese predict Olympics will happen this year, poll shows

American Trayvon Bromell underlined his credentials as the Tokyo Olympics 100 meters gold-medal favourite on Saturday by running the fastest time this year of 9.77 seconds at the New Life Invitational in Miramar, Florida.

Bromell becomes the ninth man to dip under 9.80 seconds, slashing nearly one-10th of a second off his personal best of 9.84.

Marvin Bracey of the United States was second in 9.85 followed by Chris Royster in 10.08.

Reigning Olympic double sprint champion Elaine Thompson-Herah won the 100m and 200m events, clocking 10.87 and 22.54 seconds, respectively.

American Trayvon Bromell underlined his credentials as the Tokyo Olympics 100 meters gold-medal favourite on Saturday by running the fastest time this year of 9.

American Trayvon Bromell underlined his credentials as the Tokyo Olympics 100 meters gold-medal favourite on Saturday by running the fastest time this year of 9.77 seconds at the New Life Invitational in Miramar, Florida. Bromell becomes the ninth man to dip under 9.80 seconds, slashing nearly one-10th of a second off his personal best of 9.84. Marvin Bracey of the United States was second in 9.85 followed by Chris Royster in 10.08. Reigning Olympic double sprint champion Elaine Thompson-Herah won the 100m and 200m events, clocking 10.87 and 22.54 seconds, respectively.

Tokyo Olympics: Bromell runs fastest 100 meters this year

Beijing's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics offers concerned nations the chance to press China on its human rights record, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

Trudeau said China would only change its behaviour if faced with a united front, adding he would raise the matter at a Group of Seven leaders' summit next week.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/respect-human-rights-and-dignities-taiwans-former-defence-minister-to-china-at-wion-global-summit-372787">'Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit</a>

"The pressure on China right now from the international community ... is significantly acute, particularly with the Winter Olympics coming up in China next year," Trudeau told the Toronto Star in a video interview.

"It would be easy for China ... to shrug off what any one country, including just the United States alone, says. But when the global community comes together, that starts to shape their own calculations."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-solar-companies-tied-to-use-of-forced-labor-355576">Chinese solar companies tied to use of forced labor</a>

Canada, locked in a major diplomatic and trade dispute with China for more than two years, is one of the world's leading winter sports nations.

Trudeau did not raise the question of athletes staying away from the Games. The Canadian Olympic Committee opposes a boycott, saying it would not force a change to China's human rights record.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-human-rights-report-lambasts-china-over-uighur-atrocities-374537">US human rights report lambasts China over Uighur atrocities</a>

US&nbsp;House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month called for a US&nbsp;diplomatic boycott of the Games next year, citing the State Department's conclusion that genocide of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities is taking place in China.

Canada's parliament passed a nonbinding motion in February saying China's treatment of the Uighurs in the Xinjiang region constitutes genocide.

Beijing's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics offers concerned nations the chance to press China on its human rights record, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

Beijing's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics offers concerned nations the chance to press China on its human rights record, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday. Trudeau said China would only change its behaviour if faced with a united front, adding he would raise the matter at a Group of Seven leaders' summit next week. Also Read | 'Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit "The pressure on China right now from the international community ... is significantly acute, particularly with the Winter Olympics coming up in China next year," Trudeau told the Toronto Star in a video interview. "It would be easy for China ... to shrug off what any one country, including just the United States alone, says. But when the global community comes together, that starts to shape their own calculations." Also Read | Chinese solar companies tied to use of forced labor Canada, locked in a major diplomatic and trade dispute with China for more than two years, is one of the world's leading winter sports nations. Trudeau did not raise the question of athletes staying away from the Games. The Canadian Olympic Committee opposes a boycott, saying it would not force a change to China's human rights record. Also Read | US human rights report lambasts China over Uighur atrocities US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month called for a US diplomatic boycott of the Games next year, citing the State Department's conclusion that genocide of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities is taking place in China. Canada's parliament passed a nonbinding motion in February saying China's treatment of the Uighurs in the Xinjiang region constitutes genocide.

China's 2022 Olympics a chance to press Beijing on human rights: Canada

A Japanese Olympic Committee board member on Friday blasted organisers of the Tokyo Games for ignoring public concerns about holding the global sporting showpiece amid a pandemic, as Japan`s top medical adviser urged new steps to reduce the risk. 
 
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) appeared to think it could steamroll over the wishes of the Japanese public, who, surveys show, overwhelmingly want the games cancelled or postponed, the JOC`s Kaori Yamaguchi said in an opinion piece carried by Japan`s Kyodo news agency. 
 
Already postponed from last year because of the pandemic, a scaled-down version of the Games with no foreign spectators is set to start on July 23 despite public fears the event could drain medical resources and spread the coronavirus as Japan battles a fourth wave of infections. 
 
The government`s top medical adviser, Shigeru Omi, told parliament on Friday the biggest risk from the Games was increased movement of the general public, which has contributed to past rises in infections. 
 
"People have had enough of the `stay home` request ... Unless (the government) comes up with something new in this critical phase it`s going to be impossible" to prevent the risk of contagion, Omi said. 
 
The JOC`s Yamaguchi, a former Olympic medallist in judo, accused the Japanese government, the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and the IOC of "avoiding dialogue" and said the IOC "seems to think that public opinion in Japan is not important." 
 
"I believe we have already missed the opportunity to cancel ... We have been cornered into a situation where we cannot even stop now. We are damned if we do, and damned if we do not." 
 
"HOPE AND COURAGE" 
 
A series of comments by IOC officials have sparked outrage in Japan, including one by IOC Vice President John Coates that the Olympics would be held even under a state of emergency such as is currently in place in Tokyo and other regions. 
 
Japan`s government also says the Games can go ahead safely despite a slow vaccine rollout and rising numbers of severe coronavirus cases straining the medical system. The country has recorded nearly 750,000 cases and more than 13,000 deaths. 
 
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga faces a general election and a ruling party leadership race this year, and pulling off the Games, with an estimated budget of $15.4 billion, is seen as critical to keeping his job. 
 
Medical adviser Omi this week issued his strongest warning yet over what he characterised as a lack of discussion within the government and organising committee over how to control the movement of people if the Games go ahead. 
 
He expressed frustration that public health guidance, including his, was not reaching the IOC, and on Friday said medical experts were planning a statement on the Games by June 20, when the current state of emergency is set to be lifted. 
 
"We are now considering where we should give our advice," Shigeru Omi told lawmakers. "If they want to hold (the Games), it`s our job to tell them what the risks are." 
 
Japan`s latest emergency steps, unlike stricter measures abroad, have focused on asking eateries that serve alcohol to close and those that do not to shut down by 8 p.m. 
 
Prime Minister Suga, who has seen his voter support eroded by dissatisfaction with the response to the pandemic, has said that successfully hosting a "safe and secure" Games would "bring hope and courage to the world".

A Japanese Olympic Committee board member on Friday blasted organisers of the Tokyo Games for ignoring public concerns about holding the global sporting showpiece amid a pandemic, as Japan`s top medical adviser urged new steps to reduce the risk.

A Japanese Olympic Committee board member on Friday blasted organisers of the Tokyo Games for ignoring public concerns about holding the global sporting showpiece amid a pandemic, as Japan`s top medical adviser urged new steps to reduce the risk. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) appeared to think it could steamroll over the wishes of the Japanese public, who, surveys show, overwhelmingly want the games cancelled or postponed, the JOC`s Kaori Yamaguchi said in an opinion piece carried by Japan`s Kyodo news agency. Already postponed from last year because of the pandemic, a scaled-down version of the Games with no foreign spectators is set to start on July 23 despite public fears the event could drain medical resources and spread the coronavirus as Japan battles a fourth wave of infections. The government`s top medical adviser, Shigeru Omi, told parliament on Friday the biggest risk from the Games was increased movement of the general public, which has contributed to past rises in infections. "People have had enough of the `stay home` request ... Unless (the government) comes up with something new in this critical phase it`s going to be impossible" to prevent the risk of contagion, Omi said. The JOC`s Yamaguchi, a former Olympic medallist in judo, accused the Japanese government, the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and the IOC of "avoiding dialogue" and said the IOC "seems to think that public opinion in Japan is not important." "I believe we have already missed the opportunity to cancel ... We have been cornered into a situation where we cannot even stop now. We are damned if we do, and damned if we do not." "HOPE AND COURAGE" A series of comments by IOC officials have sparked outrage in Japan, including one by IOC Vice President John Coates that the Olympics would be held even under a state of emergency such as is currently in place in Tokyo and other regions. Japan`s government also says the Games can go ahead safely despite a slow vaccine rollout and rising numbers of severe coronavirus cases straining the medical system. The country has recorded nearly 750,000 cases and more than 13,000 deaths. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga faces a general election and a ruling party leadership race this year, and pulling off the Games, with an estimated budget of $15.4 billion, is seen as critical to keeping his job. Medical adviser Omi this week issued his strongest warning yet over what he characterised as a lack of discussion within the government and organising committee over how to control the movement of people if the Games go ahead. He expressed frustration that public health guidance, including his, was not reaching the IOC, and on Friday said medical experts were planning a statement on the Games by June 20, when the current state of emergency is set to be lifted. "We are now considering where we should give our advice," Shigeru Omi told lawmakers. "If they want to hold (the Games), it`s our job to tell them what the risks are." Japan`s latest emergency steps, unlike stricter measures abroad, have focused on asking eateries that serve alcohol to close and those that do not to shut down by 8 p.m. Prime Minister Suga, who has seen his voter support eroded by dissatisfaction with the response to the pandemic, has said that successfully hosting a "safe and secure" Games would "bring hope and courage to the world".

Japan Olympic Committee board member blasts Tokyo Games organisers

Britain will have a team of mental health specialists at the Tokyo Olympics to offer support to their athletes and staff, The Times newspaper reported on Friday. 
 
The report said there will be 10 mental health experts who will work under a sports psychologist lead and a doctor for team members at the Games, which are scheduled to begin on July 23. 
 
"We already took mental health very seriously but we recognise such (mental health) issues have never been more acute in everyday life," The Times quoted the BOA as saying. 
 
A Japanese Olympic Committee board member on Friday blasted organisers of the Tokyo Games for ignoring public concerns about holding the global sporting showpiece amid the COVID-19 pandemic but said it was too late to cancel. 
 
Japan has recorded nearly 750,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 13,000 deaths. 
&nbsp;

Britain will have a team of mental health specialists at the Tokyo Olympics to offer support to their athletes and staff, The Times newspaper reported on Friday.

Britain will have a team of mental health specialists at the Tokyo Olympics to offer support to their athletes and staff, The Times newspaper reported on Friday. The report said there will be 10 mental health experts who will work under a sports psychologist lead and a doctor for team members at the Games, which are scheduled to begin on July 23. "We already took mental health very seriously but we recognise such (mental health) issues have never been more acute in everyday life," The Times quoted the BOA as saying. A Japanese Olympic Committee board member on Friday blasted organisers of the Tokyo Games for ignoring public concerns about holding the global sporting showpiece amid the COVID-19 pandemic but said it was too late to cancel. Japan has recorded nearly 750,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 13,000 deaths.

Olympics: Britain to have mental health support for athletes, staff at Tokyo

Olympics 100m hurdles gold-medalist Brianna McNeal has been sentenced to a five-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit for tampering with the anti-doping testing process, as per the announcement on Friday.&nbsp;

The 29-year-old, however, will still be eligible to take part in US trials for the Tokyo Olympics which will be held later this month.&nbsp;

She has appealed against the ban which will be heard ahead of Tokyo 2020.&nbsp;

AIU said she had been banned for "tampering within the results management process".

This is her second doping violation after she missed the 2017 World Championships while serving a one-year ban for missing three drug tests.

Brianna defended herself on social media in February, this year.&nbsp;

"The system is pretty messed up if you ask me but that's another topic for another day," she said in an Instagram post.

She added: "As far as my situation goes, I am still me! Very clean, very honest and transparent.

"Once all of this blows over I will provide more details of what's actually going on."

(Inputs from AFP)

Olympics 100m hurdles gold-medalist Brianna McNeal has been sentenced to a five-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit for tampering with the anti-doping testing process, as per the announcement on Friday.

Olympics 100m hurdles gold-medalist Brianna McNeal has been sentenced to a five-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit for tampering with the anti-doping testing process, as per the announcement on Friday. The 29-year-old, however, will still be eligible to take part in US trials for the Tokyo Olympics which will be held later this month. She has appealed against the ban which will be heard ahead of Tokyo 2020. AIU said she had been banned for "tampering within the results management process". This is her second doping violation after she missed the 2017 World Championships while serving a one-year ban for missing three drug tests. Brianna defended herself on social media in February, this year. "The system is pretty messed up if you ask me but that's another topic for another day," she said in an Instagram post. She added: "As far as my situation goes, I am still me! Very clean, very honest and transparent. "Once all of this blows over I will provide more details of what's actually going on." (Inputs from AFP)

Olympic 100m hurdles champ Brianna McNeal banned for 5 years for doping violation: AIU

Eat, sleep, train. And then start all over again. This battle has been Jasmin Juettner's routine for over a year, with or without the constraints of a pandemic, as the 28 year-old karate world champion tries to earn her spot at the Tokyo Olympics.

German karateka fights to represent her sport at Olympic debut

The president of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee ruled out cancellation or further postponement of the Olympics as doubts swirled among host cities and medical professionals whether the event can be held safely amid the pandemic.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/10000-olympic-volunteers-quit-ahead-of-games-organisers-389106" hreflang="en">10,000 Olympic volunteers quit ahead of Games: Organisers</a>

Public opinion polls in Japan have consistently shown that a majority want the Games cancelled or put off yet again after being delayed by one year because of the coronavirus crisis. A majority of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly feel the same way, the Tokyo Shimbun newspaper reported on Thursday.

"We cannot postpone again," athlete-turned-politician and organising committee president Seiko Hashimoto said an interview published on Thursday by the Nikkan Sports newspaper.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is likely to call a snap election after the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Asahi newspaper reported, showing his resolve to push ahead with the event.

Towns and cities lined up to host Olympic training or events have increasingly expressed resistance, amid concern visitors will spread variant strains of the virus and drain medical resources.

The government of Ota City has been inundated with complaints by residents over a decision to give preferential COVID-19 vaccinations to city and hotel staff tending to Australian athletes, media reported.

The city, about 80km (50 miles) northwest of Tokyo, is the site of a training camp for Australia's softball squad, which this week became the first national team to arrive in Japan.

Kurume City in the southern prefecture of Fukuoka pulled out of hosting Kenya's pre-Olympics training camp, the African nation's Olympics committee said on Wednesday.

Japan is battling a fourth wave of COVID-19 eight weeks out from the scheduled start of the Games, but the country's vaccine rollout has been slow and 10 regions including Tokyo are under a state of emergency until June 20.

While Japan has avoided the large-scale infections suffered by many other nations, severe cases are rising in the latest outbreak. More than 746,000 cases have been recorded and more than 13,000 deaths.

Shigeru Omi, Japan's top medical adviser, told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday that it was "not normal" to host the Olympics amid the current state of infections.

The president of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee ruled out cancellation or further postponement of the Olympics as doubts swirled among host cities and medical professionals whether the event can be held safely amid the pandemic.

The president of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee ruled out cancellation or further postponement of the Olympics as doubts swirled among host cities and medical professionals whether the event can be held safely amid the pandemic. ALSO READ: 10,000 Olympic volunteers quit ahead of Games: Organisers Public opinion polls in Japan have consistently shown that a majority want the Games cancelled or put off yet again after being delayed by one year because of the coronavirus crisis. A majority of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly feel the same way, the Tokyo Shimbun newspaper reported on Thursday. "We cannot postpone again," athlete-turned-politician and organising committee president Seiko Hashimoto said an interview published on Thursday by the Nikkan Sports newspaper. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is likely to call a snap election after the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Asahi newspaper reported, showing his resolve to push ahead with the event. Towns and cities lined up to host Olympic training or events have increasingly expressed resistance, amid concern visitors will spread variant strains of the virus and drain medical resources. The government of Ota City has been inundated with complaints by residents over a decision to give preferential COVID-19 vaccinations to city and hotel staff tending to Australian athletes, media reported. The city, about 80km (50 miles) northwest of Tokyo, is the site of a training camp for Australia's softball squad, which this week became the first national team to arrive in Japan. Kurume City in the southern prefecture of Fukuoka pulled out of hosting Kenya's pre-Olympics training camp, the African nation's Olympics committee said on Wednesday. Japan is battling a fourth wave of COVID-19 eight weeks out from the scheduled start of the Games, but the country's vaccine rollout has been slow and 10 regions including Tokyo are under a state of emergency until June 20. While Japan has avoided the large-scale infections suffered by many other nations, severe cases are rising in the latest outbreak. More than 746,000 cases have been recorded and more than 13,000 deaths. Shigeru Omi, Japan's top medical adviser, told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday that it was "not normal" to host the Olympics amid the current state of infections.

Tokyo Olympics 2020 chief rules out delay despite pandemic fears

With the Tokyo Olympic game set to begin in just a few weeks' time, all eyes are on the refugee athletes who will be competing at the highest level this year. These Refugee athletes are putting everything they have into reaching the goal.

Refugees continue to flee from Africa & Middle East to take part in Olympics

South Korea asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to pressure Japan to remove a reference to South Korea-controlled islands as Japanese territory on the Tokyo Games website, an official with Seoul's Olympic Committee said on Wednesday. 
 
The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) sent a letter late on Tuesday asking the IOC to 'actively mediate' the dispute, which has sparked outrage and protests in South Korea less than two months out from the start of the Games. 
 
The small islands, called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, have been at the centre of a decades-long territorial dispute between the two countries. 
 
"Dokdo is South Korean territory and political neutrality must be guaranteed at the Games," Kim Bo-young, public relations director of KSOC, said. 
 
"Japan's behavior can be seen as a political action, so we have sent the letter as we believe such action runs counter to the Olympic spirit." 
 
Japan rejected South Korea's protests. 
 
"Takeshima is a territory inherent to Japan in view of historical facts and international laws. We cannot accept South Korean's protest at all," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters on Wednesday. 
 
Some South Korean officials have pointed out that Seoul removed the disputed islands from a flag featured at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea after Japan complained. 
 
South Korea said on Tuesday, it had summoned Japan's deputy ambassador to 'strongly protest' the map, which sparked uproar in South Korea and prompted some politicians there to call for a boycott of the Games. 
 
Three South Korean students were arrested on Tuesday after burning Japan's 'Rising Sun' flag in a protest outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul, while live-streaming the act on YouTube. 
 
The three were detained on charges of violating assembly and demonstration laws, according to media reports. 
 
About a dozen other members of the student group protested against the arrests outside the police station on Tuesday. 
 
"South Korean land is being taken away," shouted one protester with a loudspeaker, according to video posted by the group on social media. 
 
The diplomatic spat is the latest headache for organisers of the Tokyo Games, which is due to take place from July 23 to Auguest 8 after being delayed last year due to the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic. 
 
Opinion polls show most people in Japan want the global sporting showpiece to be cancelled or postponed again as the country battles a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to pressure Japan to remove a reference to South Korea-controlled islands as Japanese territory on the Tokyo Games website, an official with Seoul's Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.

South Korea asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to pressure Japan to remove a reference to South Korea-controlled islands as Japanese territory on the Tokyo Games website, an official with Seoul's Olympic Committee said on Wednesday. The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) sent a letter late on Tuesday asking the IOC to 'actively mediate' the dispute, which has sparked outrage and protests in South Korea less than two months out from the start of the Games. The small islands, called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, have been at the centre of a decades-long territorial dispute between the two countries. "Dokdo is South Korean territory and political neutrality must be guaranteed at the Games," Kim Bo-young, public relations director of KSOC, said. "Japan's behavior can be seen as a political action, so we have sent the letter as we believe such action runs counter to the Olympic spirit." Japan rejected South Korea's protests. "Takeshima is a territory inherent to Japan in view of historical facts and international laws. We cannot accept South Korean's protest at all," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters on Wednesday. Some South Korean officials have pointed out that Seoul removed the disputed islands from a flag featured at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea after Japan complained. South Korea said on Tuesday, it had summoned Japan's deputy ambassador to 'strongly protest' the map, which sparked uproar in South Korea and prompted some politicians there to call for a boycott of the Games. Three South Korean students were arrested on Tuesday after burning Japan's 'Rising Sun' flag in a protest outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul, while live-streaming the act on YouTube. The three were detained on charges of violating assembly and demonstration laws, according to media reports. About a dozen other members of the student group protested against the arrests outside the police station on Tuesday. "South Korean land is being taken away," shouted one protester with a loudspeaker, according to video posted by the group on social media. The diplomatic spat is the latest headache for organisers of the Tokyo Games, which is due to take place from July 23 to Auguest 8 after being delayed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Opinion polls show most people in Japan want the global sporting showpiece to be cancelled or postponed again as the country battles a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea appeals to IOC over disputed islands on Japan Olympics map

Tokyo Olympics fans may have to be vaccinated or test negative for the coronavirus before being allowed into venues, a Japanese newspaper report said Monday.

Cheering, eating, high-fives and drinking alcohol would also be banned under controls now being considered, the Yomiuri Shimbun daily said, citing unnamed government officials.

Organisers are set to decide in June how many spectators -- if any -- will be allowed to attend the pandemic-postponed Games.

Overseas fans are already barred, and the report warned domestic spectators may be denied entrance or kicked out for breaking the rules.

"The plan is to stop the spread of infections during Games time with strict countermeasures," the paper said.

Under the plan, spectators must be able to show a vaccination certificate or a negative test taken at their own expense less than a week before entering the venue.

They must wear masks and fill in health-check sheets, and once inside must not cheer loudly or high-five each other.

Security guards would be stationed around venues monitoring behaviour, the report said, with public viewing venues cancelled or scaled down.

Japan's vaccine rollout has been moving slowly, with less than 2.5 percent of the population fully vaccinated so far.

Tokyo and other parts of the country are under a virus state of emergency which was extended on Friday until June 20, just over a month before the opening ceremony on July 23.

The Yomiuri also published a new poll on Monday that shows 49 percent of people living in Tokyo want the Games to go ahead, while 48 percent want them cancelled.

A total of 25 percent said they wanted the Games to go ahead with a limited number of spectators, while 24 percent said they wanted them to be held with no fans.

A new country-wide poll by the Nikkei newspaper found that 62 percent of respondents wanted the Games to be cancelled or postponed again, while 34 percent were in favour of them being held this summer.

Organisers have repeatedly ruled out the Games being postponed again.

Tokyo Olympics fans may have to be vaccinated or test negative for the coronavirus before being allowed into venues, a Japanese newspaper report said Monday. Cheering, eating, high-fives and drinking alcohol would also be banned under controls now being considered, the Yomiuri Shimbun daily said, citing unnamed government officials.

Tokyo Olympics fans may have to be vaccinated or test negative for the coronavirus before being allowed into venues, a Japanese newspaper report said Monday. Cheering, eating, high-fives and drinking alcohol would also be banned under controls now being considered, the Yomiuri Shimbun daily said, citing unnamed government officials. Organisers are set to decide in June how many spectators -- if any -- will be allowed to attend the pandemic-postponed Games. Overseas fans are already barred, and the report warned domestic spectators may be denied entrance or kicked out for breaking the rules. "The plan is to stop the spread of infections during Games time with strict countermeasures," the paper said. Under the plan, spectators must be able to show a vaccination certificate or a negative test taken at their own expense less than a week before entering the venue. They must wear masks and fill in health-check sheets, and once inside must not cheer loudly or high-five each other. Security guards would be stationed around venues monitoring behaviour, the report said, with public viewing venues cancelled or scaled down. Japan's vaccine rollout has been moving slowly, with less than 2.5 percent of the population fully vaccinated so far. Tokyo and other parts of the country are under a virus state of emergency which was extended on Friday until June 20, just over a month before the opening ceremony on July 23. The Yomiuri also published a new poll on Monday that shows 49 percent of people living in Tokyo want the Games to go ahead, while 48 percent want them cancelled. A total of 25 percent said they wanted the Games to go ahead with a limited number of spectators, while 24 percent said they wanted them to be held with no fans. A new country-wide poll by the Nikkei newspaper found that 62 percent of respondents wanted the Games to be cancelled or postponed again, while 34 percent were in favour of them being held this summer. Organisers have repeatedly ruled out the Games being postponed again.

Tokyo Olympics fans to need vaccination or virus test: report

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Organising Committee is leaning towards barring foreign volunteers from helping at the delayed Games this summer, amid public concerns over the coronavirus, Kyodo news service reported on Saturday.

The organising committee may consider allowing the entry of volunteers with specialised skills such as speaking minority languages as an exception, the report also said.

The report came hours ahead of a meeting of Tokyo Olympics organisers who will reportedly discuss whether to allow international spectators.

Media polls show that a majority of the Japanese public are wary about letting in international spectators to watch the Games as the country grapples with the tail-end of a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The office of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Organising Committee could not be reached for comment.

Tokyo Olympics organisers, including the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, International Olympic Committee, and the central government of Japan will meet from 6 p.m. (0900 GMT) on Saturday.

Sources told Reuters earlier this month that the Japanese government has concluded it will not be able to allow spectators from abroad.

But Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee President Seiko Hashimoto has held off on confirming a decision, saying that she hoped to reach a decision before the start of the torch relay set to start in Fukushima next Thursday.

The Olympic Games, which was delayed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, is now scheduled for July 23 to Aug. 8, and the Paralympics from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Organising Committee is leaning towards barring foreign volunteers from helping at the delayed Games this summer, amid public concerns over the coronavirus, Kyodo news service reported on Saturday.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Organising Committee is leaning towards barring foreign volunteers from helping at the delayed Games this summer, amid public concerns over the coronavirus, Kyodo news service reported on Saturday. The organising committee may consider allowing the entry of volunteers with specialised skills such as speaking minority languages as an exception, the report also said. The report came hours ahead of a meeting of Tokyo Olympics organisers who will reportedly discuss whether to allow international spectators. Media polls show that a majority of the Japanese public are wary about letting in international spectators to watch the Games as the country grapples with the tail-end of a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The office of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Organising Committee could not be reached for comment. Tokyo Olympics organisers, including the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, International Olympic Committee, and the central government of Japan will meet from 6 p.m. (0900 GMT) on Saturday. Sources told Reuters earlier this month that the Japanese government has concluded it will not be able to allow spectators from abroad. But Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee President Seiko Hashimoto has held off on confirming a decision, saying that she hoped to reach a decision before the start of the torch relay set to start in Fukushima next Thursday. The Olympic Games, which was delayed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, is now scheduled for July 23 to Aug. 8, and the Paralympics from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.

Tokyo 2020 likely won't allow foreign Olympic volunteers: Kyodo

Tokyo Olympics organisers have defended their request for 500 nurses at the pandemic-delayed mega-event, after accusations of diverting crucial medical resources.&nbsp;

Reports about their request to the Japanese Nursing Association sparked a furious response among social media users on Monday, the day after a coronavirus state of emergency was imposed in the capital.

Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto confirmed the reports but said discussions were still ongoing, and that organisers would strive to "come up with a feasible way of securing that many nurse resources".

"One of the key assumptions is you should not deteriorate the service level in the local community by pulling out these nurses, and I have made this point very clear," Muto told reporters.

Parts of Japan have seen a recent resurgence in Covid-19 cases, driven by more infectious new variants.

A virus state of emergency came into force in Tokyo and three other regions on Sunday, less than three months before the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23.

The hashtag "request for 500 nurses" was trending on Twitter in Japan on Monday, with many users scathing.

"This isn't a joke, people will die because of the Olympics," wrote one user.

"Are you looking to kill frontline medical workers?" wrote another.

Muto denied that the request was made "behind the scenes", and said "careful and meticulous discussions" would be needed to fine-tune the details.

"We need to come up with a way to coexist," he said. "That's what I mean with being flexible with working hours and shifts and so on. We are consulting about that."

Organisers are already struggling to drum up public support for the Games, with polls showing a majority of Japanese support cancellation or further postponement.

Overseas spectators have already been banned from the event over fears of the virus spreading, and a decision on how many domestic fans will be allowed into venues is expected soon.

Japan has had some success containing Covid-19, with just over 10,000 deaths despite never imposing strict lockdown measures.

But cases surged over the winter and have rebounded since the previous state of emergency was lifted in March.

Tokyo Olympics organisers have defended their request for 500 nurses at the pandemic-delayed mega-event, after accusations of diverting crucial medical resources.

Tokyo Olympics organisers have defended their request for 500 nurses at the pandemic-delayed mega-event, after accusations of diverting crucial medical resources. Reports about their request to the Japanese Nursing Association sparked a furious response among social media users on Monday, the day after a coronavirus state of emergency was imposed in the capital. Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto confirmed the reports but said discussions were still ongoing, and that organisers would strive to "come up with a feasible way of securing that many nurse resources". "One of the key assumptions is you should not deteriorate the service level in the local community by pulling out these nurses, and I have made this point very clear," Muto told reporters. Parts of Japan have seen a recent resurgence in Covid-19 cases, driven by more infectious new variants. A virus state of emergency came into force in Tokyo and three other regions on Sunday, less than three months before the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23. The hashtag "request for 500 nurses" was trending on Twitter in Japan on Monday, with many users scathing. "This isn't a joke, people will die because of the Olympics," wrote one user. "Are you looking to kill frontline medical workers?" wrote another. Muto denied that the request was made "behind the scenes", and said "careful and meticulous discussions" would be needed to fine-tune the details. "We need to come up with a way to coexist," he said. "That's what I mean with being flexible with working hours and shifts and so on. We are consulting about that." Organisers are already struggling to drum up public support for the Games, with polls showing a majority of Japanese support cancellation or further postponement. Overseas spectators have already been banned from the event over fears of the virus spreading, and a decision on how many domestic fans will be allowed into venues is expected soon. Japan has had some success containing Covid-19, with just over 10,000 deaths despite never imposing strict lockdown measures. But cases surged over the winter and have rebounded since the previous state of emergency was lifted in March.

Tokyo 2020 defends request for Olympic nurses as virus spikes

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

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

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

Olympic anxiety leaves Japanese sponsors counting the cost

Organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Wednesday announced tougher coronavirus countermeasures such as daily testing of athletes to try to reassure an increasingly sceptical Japanese public already facing a resurgence of COVID-19. 
 
With under three months to go before the postponed Games, Japan`s vaccination drive lags other wealthy nations, raising safety concerns among citizens and athletes, and complicating the future for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who has repeatedly vowed the Games will go ahead. 
 
The organisers, including the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Japanese government and the International Paralympic Committee, said in a joint statement that they would "deploy all possible countermeasures and place the highest priority on safety". 
 
Overseas spectators have already been ruled out and a decision on whether to allow domestic spectators will be taken in June, a few weeks before the Games begin on July 23. 
 
Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said that while organisers wanted as many spectators as possible, they were ready to take every step needed to ensure safety. 
 
"We are prepared to hold the Games without spectators," she told a news conference following a meeting on the second draft of rule "playbooks" for the Olympics and Paralympics. 
 
Athletes and close contacts will be tested every day, while all participants must have two negative tests before arrival. Participants will not be allowed to use public transport and must eat in specific locations with special hygiene measures. 
 
STATE OF EMERGENCY 
 
Parts of Japan, including the capital Tokyo, were put under a new state of emergency at the weekend, and most of the Japanese public think the Games, postponed from 2020 because of the pandemic, should be cancelled or delayed again. 
 
The state of emergency, which is due to last until May 11, requires restaurants and bars serving alcohol to close along with large stores, cinemas and other commercial facilities. 
 
Companies must let staff work from home and spectators are barred from major sports events. 
 
Thomas Bach, the head of the IOC, told the organisers that he fully understood the decision to declare the emergency. 
 
Speaking by video-link, he said the rule playbooks would be strictly enforced and that the IOC was fully committed to the successful and safe delivery of the Games. 
 
Tokyo 2020 Chief Executive Toshiro Muto echoed this, saying that in his view, it would be hard to delay the Games again. 
 
An earlier version of the rules released in February banned singing and chanting during events and required athletes to wear masks at all times except when outdoors, sleeping or eating. 
 
Even without foreign spectators, more than 10,000 athletes, coaches and support staff are expected to arrive in July. 
 
Though Japan has not suffered as badly from COVID-19 as many countries, the infection rate has risen back to levels not seen since January, and more and more cases are from new variants. 
 
On Wednesday, Tokyo reported 925 new cases.

Organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Wednesday announced tougher coronavirus countermeasures such as daily testing of athletes to try to reassure an increasingly sceptical Japanese public already facing a resurgence of COVID-19.

Organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Wednesday announced tougher coronavirus countermeasures such as daily testing of athletes to try to reassure an increasingly sceptical Japanese public already facing a resurgence of COVID-19. With under three months to go before the postponed Games, Japan`s vaccination drive lags other wealthy nations, raising safety concerns among citizens and athletes, and complicating the future for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who has repeatedly vowed the Games will go ahead. The organisers, including the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Japanese government and the International Paralympic Committee, said in a joint statement that they would "deploy all possible countermeasures and place the highest priority on safety". Overseas spectators have already been ruled out and a decision on whether to allow domestic spectators will be taken in June, a few weeks before the Games begin on July 23. Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said that while organisers wanted as many spectators as possible, they were ready to take every step needed to ensure safety. "We are prepared to hold the Games without spectators," she told a news conference following a meeting on the second draft of rule "playbooks" for the Olympics and Paralympics. Athletes and close contacts will be tested every day, while all participants must have two negative tests before arrival. Participants will not be allowed to use public transport and must eat in specific locations with special hygiene measures. STATE OF EMERGENCY Parts of Japan, including the capital Tokyo, were put under a new state of emergency at the weekend, and most of the Japanese public think the Games, postponed from 2020 because of the pandemic, should be cancelled or delayed again. The state of emergency, which is due to last until May 11, requires restaurants and bars serving alcohol to close along with large stores, cinemas and other commercial facilities. Companies must let staff work from home and spectators are barred from major sports events. Thomas Bach, the head of the IOC, told the organisers that he fully understood the decision to declare the emergency. Speaking by video-link, he said the rule playbooks would be strictly enforced and that the IOC was fully committed to the successful and safe delivery of the Games. Tokyo 2020 Chief Executive Toshiro Muto echoed this, saying that in his view, it would be hard to delay the Games again. An earlier version of the rules released in February banned singing and chanting during events and required athletes to wear masks at all times except when outdoors, sleeping or eating. Even without foreign spectators, more than 10,000 athletes, coaches and support staff are expected to arrive in July. Though Japan has not suffered as badly from COVID-19 as many countries, the infection rate has risen back to levels not seen since January, and more and more cases are from new variants. On Wednesday, Tokyo reported 925 new cases.

Tokyo 2020 organisers announce tougher COVID countermeasures

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for a US diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, criticising China for human rights abuses and saying global leaders, who attend would lose their moral authority.&nbsp;

US lawmakers have been increasingly vocal about an Olympic boycott or venue change, and have lashed out at American corporations, arguing their silence about what the State Department has deemed a genocide of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China was abetting the Chinese government.&nbsp;

Pelosi, a Democrat, told a bipartisan congressional hearing on the issue that heads of state around the world should shun the games, scheduled for February. &nbsp;

"What I propose, and join those who are proposing, is a diplomatic boycott," Pelosi said, in which "lead countries of the world withhold their attendance at the Olympics."&nbsp;

"Let's not honor the Chinese government by having heads of state go to China," she added.&nbsp;

"For heads of state to go to China in light of a genocide that is ongoing, while you're sitting there in your seat, really begs the question, what moral authority do you have to speak again about human rights any place in the world?" she said.&nbsp;

An independent United Nations panel said in 2018 it had received credible reports that at least one million Uyghurs and other Muslims had been held in camps in China's Xinjiang region. Beijing describes them as vocational training centers to stamp out extremism, and strongly rejects accusations of abuse and genocide.&nbsp;

Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said that US attempts to interfere in China's domestic affairs over the Olympics were doomed to fail.&nbsp;

"I wonder what makes some US politicians think they actually have the so-called 'moral authority'? On human rights issues, they are in no position, either historically or currently, to make wanton groundless criticism against China," Liu said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for a US diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, criticising China for human rights abuses and saying global leaders, who attend would lose their moral authority.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for a US diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, criticising China for human rights abuses and saying global leaders, who attend would lose their moral authority. US lawmakers have been increasingly vocal about an Olympic boycott or venue change, and have lashed out at American corporations, arguing their silence about what the State Department has deemed a genocide of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China was abetting the Chinese government. Pelosi, a Democrat, told a bipartisan congressional hearing on the issue that heads of state around the world should shun the games, scheduled for February. "What I propose, and join those who are proposing, is a diplomatic boycott," Pelosi said, in which "lead countries of the world withhold their attendance at the Olympics." "Let's not honor the Chinese government by having heads of state go to China," she added. "For heads of state to go to China in light of a genocide that is ongoing, while you're sitting there in your seat, really begs the question, what moral authority do you have to speak again about human rights any place in the world?" she said. An independent United Nations panel said in 2018 it had received credible reports that at least one million Uyghurs and other Muslims had been held in camps in China's Xinjiang region. Beijing describes them as vocational training centers to stamp out extremism, and strongly rejects accusations of abuse and genocide. Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said that US attempts to interfere in China's domestic affairs over the Olympics were doomed to fail. "I wonder what makes some US politicians think they actually have the so-called 'moral authority'? On human rights issues, they are in no position, either historically or currently, to make wanton groundless criticism against China," Liu said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pelosi calls for US, world leaders to boycott China's 2022 Olympics 

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

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

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

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

More than 80 per cent of Japanese oppose hosting the virus-postponed Olympics this year, a new poll published on Monday showed, less than 10 weeks before the Tokyo Games.&nbsp;

The latest survey comes after Japan expanded a coronavirus state of emergency on Friday as the nation battles a fourth wave of virus infections.&nbsp;

The surge has put pressure on the country's healthcare system, with medical professionals repeatedly warning about shortages and burnout.&nbsp;

The weekend survey by the Asahi Shimbun daily found 43 per cent of respondents want the 2020 Games cancelled, and 40 per cent want a further postponement.&nbsp;

Those figures are up from 35 per cent, who backed cancellation in a survey by the paper a month ago, and 34 per cent, who wanted a further delay.&nbsp;

Only 14 per cent support holding the Games this summer as scheduled, down from 28 per cent, according to the poll of 1,527 replies from 3,191 telephone calls.&nbsp;

If the Games do go ahead, 59 per cent of respondents said they want no spectators, with 33 per cent backing lower fan numbers and three per cent a regular capacity Games.&nbsp;

For months, polling has found a majority in Japan oppose holding the Games this summer.&nbsp;

A separate poll by Kyodo News published on Sunday showed 59.7 per cent back cancellation, though further postponement was not listed as an option.&nbsp;

Olympic organisers say tough anti-virus measures, including regular testing of athletes and a ban on overseas fans, will keep the Games safe.&nbsp;

But the Kyodo poll found 87.7 per cent of respondents worry that an influx of athletes and staff members from abroad may spread the virus.&nbsp;

Asked about the polls, government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said the government would "make efforts so that the Japanese people understand the Tokyo Games will be held in a safe and secure manner".&nbsp;

"We need to give explanations on details of the concrete (coronavirus) measures," he said, insisting that the Games would not put further pressure on medical services.&nbsp;

Japan has seen a smaller virus outbreak than many countries, with fewer than 11,500 deaths so far. But the government has come under pressure for a comparatively slow vaccine rollout.&nbsp;

The Kyodo poll found 85 per cent of respondents considered the rollout slow, with 71.5 per cent unhappy with the government's handling of the pandemic.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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

More than 80 per cent of Japanese oppose hosting the virus-postponed Olympics this year, a new poll published on Monday showed, less than 10 weeks before the Tokyo Games. The latest survey comes after Japan expanded a coronavirus state of emergency on Friday as the nation battles a fourth wave of virus infections. The surge has put pressure on the country's healthcare system, with medical professionals repeatedly warning about shortages and burnout. The weekend survey by the Asahi Shimbun daily found 43 per cent of respondents want the 2020 Games cancelled, and 40 per cent want a further postponement. Those figures are up from 35 per cent, who backed cancellation in a survey by the paper a month ago, and 34 per cent, who wanted a further delay. Only 14 per cent support holding the Games this summer as scheduled, down from 28 per cent, according to the poll of 1,527 replies from 3,191 telephone calls. If the Games do go ahead, 59 per cent of respondents said they want no spectators, with 33 per cent backing lower fan numbers and three per cent a regular capacity Games. For months, polling has found a majority in Japan oppose holding the Games this summer. A separate poll by Kyodo News published on Sunday showed 59.7 per cent back cancellation, though further postponement was not listed as an option. Olympic organisers say tough anti-virus measures, including regular testing of athletes and a ban on overseas fans, will keep the Games safe. But the Kyodo poll found 87.7 per cent of respondents worry that an influx of athletes and staff members from abroad may spread the virus. Asked about the polls, government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said the government would "make efforts so that the Japanese people understand the Tokyo Games will be held in a safe and secure manner". "We need to give explanations on details of the concrete (coronavirus) measures," he said, insisting that the Games would not put further pressure on medical services. Japan has seen a smaller virus outbreak than many countries, with fewer than 11,500 deaths so far. But the government has come under pressure for a comparatively slow vaccine rollout. The Kyodo poll found 85 per cent of respondents considered the rollout slow, with 71.5 per cent unhappy with the government's handling of the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 80 per cent Japanese oppose Olympics this summer: Poll 

Dozens of Japanese towns have abandoned plans to host Olympic athletes because of concern they will overburden stretched medical resources amid the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Thursday.

Forty of more than 500 towns registered to welcome international competitors had decided not to accept athletes for training camps and cultural exchanges before the global sporting showpiece, the newspaper reported, citing a government source.

The reluctance of some towns to host visiting athletes, normally a source of pride for communities outside the host city, is the latest sign of deep unease in Japan over the scheduling of the Games in the middle of a pandemic.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were postponed last year and are scheduled to take place from July 23 to Aug. 8 despite a surge in infections and a state of emergency in the host city.

Other regions scheduled to host athletes have also been hard hit, including the eastern prefecture of Chiba, where the U.S. track and field team had been due to have a training camp. The prefecture reported on Wednesday that the team had cancelled those plans.

Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai said the prefecture would not guarantee hospital beds for athletes as they should not be given preferential treatment.

"Chiba prefecture is not thinking about securing scarce hospital beds ... for athletes and people involved in the Olympic Games in a way that would prohibit our residents from using them,” Kumagai told reporters.

Shiro Hasegawa, an official in Okuizumo town, said it was no longer possible to host India's hockey team for pre-Games training as planned.

"There's limited time and cost issues and it is impossible to have exchange activities between residents and athletes," he told Reuters.

Overseas athletes will also not participate in a test event for the Olympics BMX freestyle cycling, the Yomiuri newspaper said.

'TOUGH TIME'

Some municipalities have expressed concern about how Japan's medical system would cope if the Games turned into a superspreader event, concerns shared by Japan's top medical adviser.

"It is extremely important to evaluate how much medical care will be burdened," medical adviser Shigeru Omi told lawmakers on Thursday, repeating concern he has raised since April.

The International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday it was confident the Olympics would be a historic event.

But public opposition to the Games is growing as Japan struggles to contain new infections that are pushing medical resources to the brink.

A union of about 100 doctors called on Thursday for the government to cancel Games, saying that the health system faced collapse if they went ahead.

Some high-profile Japanese athletes are also questioning whether the Games should be held during a pandemic.

Masters golf champion Hideki Matsuyama said on Wednesday he had "mixed feelings" about the Olympics, after top women's tennis player, Naomi Osaka, raised concerns.

"Japan is seeing a lot of new infections now and is going through a tough time, so I can't imagine just blindly pushing the Olympics forward," Matsuyama said at a news conference.

The government has been criticised for not locking down hard enough and bungling the vaccine rollout. Only 2.8% of the population has been inoculated, the lowest rate among wealthy countries.

To forestall a virus outbreak during the event, Japan is preparing to offer vaccinations to about 2,500 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and support staff, using donated shots.

Japan reported more than 7,000 new infections on Wednesday, with 969 cases in Tokyo.

A record 712 daily coronavirus cases were confirmed on Thursday in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido where the Olympic marathon will take place, according to the government.

Dozens of Japanese towns have abandoned plans to host Olympic athletes because of concern they will overburden stretched medical resources amid the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Thursday.

Dozens of Japanese towns have abandoned plans to host Olympic athletes because of concern they will overburden stretched medical resources amid the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Thursday. Forty of more than 500 towns registered to welcome international competitors had decided not to accept athletes for training camps and cultural exchanges before the global sporting showpiece, the newspaper reported, citing a government source. The reluctance of some towns to host visiting athletes, normally a source of pride for communities outside the host city, is the latest sign of deep unease in Japan over the scheduling of the Games in the middle of a pandemic. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were postponed last year and are scheduled to take place from July 23 to Aug. 8 despite a surge in infections and a state of emergency in the host city. Other regions scheduled to host athletes have also been hard hit, including the eastern prefecture of Chiba, where the U.S. track and field team had been due to have a training camp. The prefecture reported on Wednesday that the team had cancelled those plans. Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai said the prefecture would not guarantee hospital beds for athletes as they should not be given preferential treatment. "Chiba prefecture is not thinking about securing scarce hospital beds ... for athletes and people involved in the Olympic Games in a way that would prohibit our residents from using them,” Kumagai told reporters. Shiro Hasegawa, an official in Okuizumo town, said it was no longer possible to host India's hockey team for pre-Games training as planned. "There's limited time and cost issues and it is impossible to have exchange activities between residents and athletes," he told Reuters. Overseas athletes will also not participate in a test event for the Olympics BMX freestyle cycling, the Yomiuri newspaper said. 'TOUGH TIME' Some municipalities have expressed concern about how Japan's medical system would cope if the Games turned into a superspreader event, concerns shared by Japan's top medical adviser. "It is extremely important to evaluate how much medical care will be burdened," medical adviser Shigeru Omi told lawmakers on Thursday, repeating concern he has raised since April. The International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday it was confident the Olympics would be a historic event. But public opposition to the Games is growing as Japan struggles to contain new infections that are pushing medical resources to the brink. A union of about 100 doctors called on Thursday for the government to cancel Games, saying that the health system faced collapse if they went ahead. Some high-profile Japanese athletes are also questioning whether the Games should be held during a pandemic. Masters golf champion Hideki Matsuyama said on Wednesday he had "mixed feelings" about the Olympics, after top women's tennis player, Naomi Osaka, raised concerns. "Japan is seeing a lot of new infections now and is going through a tough time, so I can't imagine just blindly pushing the Olympics forward," Matsuyama said at a news conference. The government has been criticised for not locking down hard enough and bungling the vaccine rollout. Only 2.8% of the population has been inoculated, the lowest rate among wealthy countries. To forestall a virus outbreak during the event, Japan is preparing to offer vaccinations to about 2,500 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and support staff, using donated shots. Japan reported more than 7,000 new infections on Wednesday, with 969 cases in Tokyo. A record 712 daily coronavirus cases were confirmed on Thursday in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido where the Olympic marathon will take place, according to the government.

Japanese towns drop plans to host Olympic athletes: Nikkei

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that he has never "put the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;first", as an opinion poll showed nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Games cancelled with fewer than eleven weeks left before they are due to open.

Japan has extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May and is struggling to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases, raising more questions about whether the Games should go ahead. Its vaccination rate is also the lowest among wealthy nations.

International Olympic officials, Tokyo planners and Suga himself have insisted the Games will go on in "a safe and secure" way. Foreign spectators will not be allowed and planners issued an elaborate set of rules last month aimed at preventing coronavirus infections.

But such arrangements have not eased public worries over the Games that were postponed last year due to the coronavirus.

An opinion survey conducted on May 7-9 by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily showed 59% of respondents wanted the Games cancelled as opposed to 39% who said they should be held. "Postponement" was not offered as an option.

Another poll conducted at the weekend by TBS News found 65% wanted the Games cancelled or postponed again. More than 300,000 people have signed a petition to cancel the Games since it was launched about five days ago.

Opposition members of parliament grilled Suga for hours about holding the Games under these circumstances.

In apparent acknowledgement of the public concern about holding the Games no matter what, Suga, when asked if the Games would go ahead even if infections spiked, replied: "I've never put&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;first".

"My priority has been to protect the lives and health of the Japanese population. We must first prevent the spread of the virus," he said.

DECLINING SUPPORT

Voter support for Suga's government is now at its lowest level since he took office last year, with a majority of the public unhappy with his handling of the pandemic, a poll showed.

A tweet by one of his advisers downplaying the pandemic and laughing off calls for the Games to be cancelled has also drawn public ire.

Suga has said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has the final say on the Games and the government's role was to take steps so they can be held safely. Several test events with foreign athletes have been successfully held, most recently on Sunday.

A visit by IOC head Thomas Bach scheduled for May 17-18 has been cancelled "in the light of the extension of the state of emergency last week and various circumstances we are facing," Tokyo 2020 organisers said in a statement.

"We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Japan and other relevant factors and will re-arrange his visit to Japan as soon as possible."

Media said the visit would likely take place in June, with one outlet saying that lifting the state of emergency would be a prerequisite.

An official in Okayama prefecture said they were considering keeping the Olympic torch relay off public roads when it passes through next week. Though other prefectures have taken similar steps, they were under states of emergency or other restrictions at the time.

Top Olympic official John Coates said on Saturday that while public sentiment in Japan about the Games "was a concern" he could foresee no scenario under which the sporting extravaganza would not go ahead.

On Sunday, Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka said that even though she had waited her whole life to take part in the&nbsp;Olympics, the risk of holding the Tokyo Games should be carefully discussed.

The Games are set to open on July 23 and run until Aug. 8.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that he has never "put the Olympics first", as an opinion poll showed nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Games cancelled with fewer than eleven weeks left before they are due to open.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that he has never "put the Olympics first", as an opinion poll showed nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Games cancelled with fewer than eleven weeks left before they are due to open. Japan has extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May and is struggling to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases, raising more questions about whether the Games should go ahead. Its vaccination rate is also the lowest among wealthy nations. International Olympic officials, Tokyo planners and Suga himself have insisted the Games will go on in "a safe and secure" way. Foreign spectators will not be allowed and planners issued an elaborate set of rules last month aimed at preventing coronavirus infections. But such arrangements have not eased public worries over the Games that were postponed last year due to the coronavirus. An opinion survey conducted on May 7-9 by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily showed 59% of respondents wanted the Games cancelled as opposed to 39% who said they should be held. "Postponement" was not offered as an option. Another poll conducted at the weekend by TBS News found 65% wanted the Games cancelled or postponed again. More than 300,000 people have signed a petition to cancel the Games since it was launched about five days ago. Opposition members of parliament grilled Suga for hours about holding the Games under these circumstances. In apparent acknowledgement of the public concern about holding the Games no matter what, Suga, when asked if the Games would go ahead even if infections spiked, replied: "I've never put Olympics first". "My priority has been to protect the lives and health of the Japanese population. We must first prevent the spread of the virus," he said. DECLINING SUPPORT Voter support for Suga's government is now at its lowest level since he took office last year, with a majority of the public unhappy with his handling of the pandemic, a poll showed. A tweet by one of his advisers downplaying the pandemic and laughing off calls for the Games to be cancelled has also drawn public ire. Suga has said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has the final say on the Games and the government's role was to take steps so they can be held safely. Several test events with foreign athletes have been successfully held, most recently on Sunday. A visit by IOC head Thomas Bach scheduled for May 17-18 has been cancelled "in the light of the extension of the state of emergency last week and various circumstances we are facing," Tokyo 2020 organisers said in a statement. "We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Japan and other relevant factors and will re-arrange his visit to Japan as soon as possible." Media said the visit would likely take place in June, with one outlet saying that lifting the state of emergency would be a prerequisite. An official in Okayama prefecture said they were considering keeping the Olympic torch relay off public roads when it passes through next week. Though other prefectures have taken similar steps, they were under states of emergency or other restrictions at the time. Top Olympic official John Coates said on Saturday that while public sentiment in Japan about the Games "was a concern" he could foresee no scenario under which the sporting extravaganza would not go ahead. On Sunday, Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka said that even though she had waited her whole life to take part in the Olympics, the risk of holding the Tokyo Games should be carefully discussed. The Games are set to open on July 23 and run until Aug. 8.

Amid opposition, Japan Prime Minister says has 'never put Olympics first'

Japan is gearing up for the Olympics. But with new infections still rising, a campaign to cancel the Tokyo Olympics is gaining pace. Is the Olympics heading towards a record 7th cancellation? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Will the Olympics be cancelled again?

Japan's Naomi Osaka said on Sunday, May 9&nbsp;that while she has spent her entire life waiting to compete at the&nbsp;Olympics, the risks of holding the Tokyo Games amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic should continue to be carefully discussed.

Opinion surveys have shown that most Japanese oppose holding the Games this summer due to worries about the coronavirus, and Tokyo itself is currently under a state of emergency to tame a rise in infections.

Naomi Osaka, the world number two women's tennis player and one of Japan's top athletes, said staging the Games should remain a topic of discussion as long as the subject was "making people very uncomfortable".

"Of course I want the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;to happen, but I think there's so much important stuff going on, especially the past year," she told a news conference ahead of the Italian Open in Rome. "A lot of unexpected things have happened.

"For me, I feel like if it's putting people at risk... then it definitely should be a discussion, which I think it is as of right now. At the end of the day, I'm just an athlete, and there is a whole pandemic going on, so, yeah."

Japan has recorded more than 600,000 coronavirus cases and more than 10,500 deaths, but its inoculation campaign has been relatively slow so far, with only about 2% of the population of about 126 million have received at least one vaccine dose.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga promised on Friday, May 7 to fast-track the government's vaccination drive, saying it aimed to administer 1 million shots a day.

Osaka, who at the age of 23 has won both the U.S. Open and Australian Open twice, said she had already been vaccinated against COVID-19, and added that it would not be right to "force" people to get inoculated.

"There is going to be a lot of people entering the country so they definitely have to make the right decisions on that," she said.

"I've gotten vaccinated (but) I think that at the end of the day you can't force anyone to be vaccinated."

Japan's Naomi Osaka said on Sunday, May 9 that while she has spent her entire life waiting to compete at the Olympics, the risks of holding the Tokyo Games amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic should continue to be carefully discussed.

Japan's Naomi Osaka said on Sunday, May 9 that while she has spent her entire life waiting to compete at the Olympics, the risks of holding the Tokyo Games amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic should continue to be carefully discussed. Opinion surveys have shown that most Japanese oppose holding the Games this summer due to worries about the coronavirus, and Tokyo itself is currently under a state of emergency to tame a rise in infections. Naomi Osaka, the world number two women's tennis player and one of Japan's top athletes, said staging the Games should remain a topic of discussion as long as the subject was "making people very uncomfortable". "Of course I want the Olympics to happen, but I think there's so much important stuff going on, especially the past year," she told a news conference ahead of the Italian Open in Rome. "A lot of unexpected things have happened. "For me, I feel like if it's putting people at risk... then it definitely should be a discussion, which I think it is as of right now. At the end of the day, I'm just an athlete, and there is a whole pandemic going on, so, yeah." Japan has recorded more than 600,000 coronavirus cases and more than 10,500 deaths, but its inoculation campaign has been relatively slow so far, with only about 2% of the population of about 126 million have received at least one vaccine dose. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga promised on Friday, May 7 to fast-track the government's vaccination drive, saying it aimed to administer 1 million shots a day. Osaka, who at the age of 23 has won both the U.S. Open and Australian Open twice, said she had already been vaccinated against COVID-19, and added that it would not be right to "force" people to get inoculated. "There is going to be a lot of people entering the country so they definitely have to make the right decisions on that," she said. "I've gotten vaccinated (but) I think that at the end of the day you can't force anyone to be vaccinated."

Staging of the Olympics 'should definitely be a discussion', says Naomi Osaka

No cheering or singing, no handshakes, no hugs or high fives, this is what the Tokyo Olympics 2021 will look like amid COVID-19 pandemic. The test run has begun in Japan with the rhythmic gymnasts all masked up. WION tells you more in this report.

Japanese gymnasts hold dry run before Tokyo Olympics

New Zealand weightlifter&nbsp;Laurel&nbsp;Hubbard&nbsp;is poised to become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympic Games, in a move that will reignite the often vitriolic debate over the ethics of trans sport.

The 43-year-old, who was born male but transitioned to female in her 30s, is on the verge of reaching the Tokyo Olympics under coronavirus-enforced new qualifying rules.

Hubbard, who also competed as a male, became eligible to lift as a woman after showing testosterone levels below the threshold required by the International Olympic Committee.

She is aiming to make New Zealand's Tokyo Olympics squad to contest the women's +87kg category, an event in which she is currently ranked 16th in the world.

Hubbard&nbsp;is already in the history books after becoming the first transgender Commonwealth Games athlete at the Gold Coast in 2018 when she had to withdraw after suffering an elbow injury that almost ended her career.

While the New Zealand team is yet to be named, officials said&nbsp;Hubbard&nbsp;was likely to meet new qualification criteria that have been simplified by the International Weightlifting Federation because of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.

"The NZOC can confirm that revised international federation (IF) qualification systems are very likely to see a number of New Zealand weightlifters, including Commonwealth Games transgender athlete&nbsp;Laurel&nbsp;Hubbard, allocated an IF quota spot for Tokyo 2020," the New Zealand Olympic Committee said.

The NZOC has strongly backed&nbsp;Hubbard's right to compete in the past and said all athletes selected for Tokyo would receive its support.

"The New Zealand team has a strong culture of manaaki (caring), inclusion and respect for all," it said. &nbsp;

'I am who I am'&nbsp;

Not all in the sporting world have been so welcoming and&nbsp;Hubbard's appearance at the Games is sure to generate intense interest and spotlight the thorny issue of transgender athletes.

She has become an unwitting lightning rod for discussion on the issue, with some arguing she has an unfair advantage over female-born athletes and others saying she meets the criteria laid down by the IOC.

In a vastly complex debate, both sides claim to have science on their side.

Current IOC rules state a trans woman can compete provided her testosterone levels are below 10 nanomoles per litre, a criteria&nbsp;Hubbard&nbsp;meets.

In 2018, Oceania Weightlifting Federation general secretary Paul Coffa defended&nbsp;Hubbard's participation in the Commonwealth Games. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"She's done everything according to the IOC rules and she's proven that she's a woman... so give her a chance and let her continue," he said.

But the Australian Weightlifting Federation unsuccessfully tried to have her barred from the event, arguing the physique and power she developed as a male before transitioning gave her a physical advantage&nbsp;regardless of testosterone levels.

"In our respectful view, the current criteria and its application has the potential to devalue women's weightlifting and discourage female-born athletes from pursuing the sport at an elite level in the future," it said.

While there are genuine issues to be debated, discussion about transgender sport is a hot-button topic that frequently descends into acrimony and name-calling, particularly online.

British television presenter Piers Morgan targeted&nbsp;Hubbard&nbsp;last year when her Olympic berth began looking a realistic prospect after strong comeback performances following the elbow injury.

"This is insane. Women's rights to basic fairness &amp; equality are getting destroyed at the altar of political correctness," Morgan tweeted.

Hubbard&nbsp;rarely gives interviews but told Radio New Zealand in 2017 that she just wanted to compete in the sport she loves and "blocked out" criticism.

"If I try and take that weight on board it just makes the lifts harder... I am who I am," she said.

"I don't want to change the world. I just want to be me and do what I do."

&nbsp;

New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard is poised to become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympic Games, in a move that will reignite the often vitriolic debate over the ethics of trans sport.

New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard is poised to become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympic Games, in a move that will reignite the often vitriolic debate over the ethics of trans sport. The 43-year-old, who was born male but transitioned to female in her 30s, is on the verge of reaching the Tokyo Olympics under coronavirus-enforced new qualifying rules. Hubbard, who also competed as a male, became eligible to lift as a woman after showing testosterone levels below the threshold required by the International Olympic Committee. She is aiming to make New Zealand's Tokyo Olympics squad to contest the women's +87kg category, an event in which she is currently ranked 16th in the world. Hubbard is already in the history books after becoming the first transgender Commonwealth Games athlete at the Gold Coast in 2018 when she had to withdraw after suffering an elbow injury that almost ended her career. While the New Zealand team is yet to be named, officials said Hubbard was likely to meet new qualification criteria that have been simplified by the International Weightlifting Federation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The NZOC can confirm that revised international federation (IF) qualification systems are very likely to see a number of New Zealand weightlifters, including Commonwealth Games transgender athlete Laurel Hubbard, allocated an IF quota spot for Tokyo 2020," the New Zealand Olympic Committee said. The NZOC has strongly backed Hubbard's right to compete in the past and said all athletes selected for Tokyo would receive its support. "The New Zealand team has a strong culture of manaaki (caring), inclusion and respect for all," it said. 'I am who I am' Not all in the sporting world have been so welcoming and Hubbard's appearance at the Games is sure to generate intense interest and spotlight the thorny issue of transgender athletes. She has become an unwitting lightning rod for discussion on the issue, with some arguing she has an unfair advantage over female-born athletes and others saying she meets the criteria laid down by the IOC. In a vastly complex debate, both sides claim to have science on their side. Current IOC rules state a trans woman can compete provided her testosterone levels are below 10 nanomoles per litre, a criteria Hubbard meets. In 2018, Oceania Weightlifting Federation general secretary Paul Coffa defended Hubbard's participation in the Commonwealth Games. "She's done everything according to the IOC rules and she's proven that she's a woman... so give her a chance and let her continue," he said. But the Australian Weightlifting Federation unsuccessfully tried to have her barred from the event, arguing the physique and power she developed as a male before transitioning gave her a physical advantage regardless of testosterone levels. "In our respectful view, the current criteria and its application has the potential to devalue women's weightlifting and discourage female-born athletes from pursuing the sport at an elite level in the future," it said. While there are genuine issues to be debated, discussion about transgender sport is a hot-button topic that frequently descends into acrimony and name-calling, particularly online. British television presenter Piers Morgan targeted Hubbard last year when her Olympic berth began looking a realistic prospect after strong comeback performances following the elbow injury. "This is insane. Women's rights to basic fairness & equality are getting destroyed at the altar of political correctness," Morgan tweeted. Hubbard rarely gives interviews but told Radio New Zealand in 2017 that she just wanted to compete in the sport she loves and "blocked out" criticism. "If I try and take that weight on board it just makes the lifts harder... I am who I am," she said. "I don't want to change the world. I just want to be me and do what I do."

New Zealand weightlifter set to be first transgender Olympian

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates was adamant Saturday that nothing could stop the Tokyo Olympics from going ahead,&nbsp;despite ongoing risks from Covid-19.

Asked by AFP if there was any scenario in which the Games, which are due to start on July 23, could be cancelled or postponed again at this late stage, he replied: "No, there's not.

"The prime minister of Japan said that to the president of the United States two or three weeks ago. He continues to say that to the IOC.

"We're working with him (Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga) on all of the safety measures. It's going ahead."

Suga held talks with US President Joe Biden in April and stressed the Asian nation was doing everything possible to contain Covid-19 infections and hold a "safe and secure" Olympics.

But questions continue to be raised about the viability of the Games, given the ongoing pandemic and a virus state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of Japan being extended on Friday.

While Japan's Covid-19 outbreak remains much smaller than in many countries, with just over 10,500 deaths, its vaccine rollout is moving slowly and polls show most Japanese people support cancellation or another delay.

Coates, the point man for the Games as head of the IOC's coordination commission, said a huge amount of work had been done to ensure the safety of athletes and the Japanese public.

"We spent the first half of last year identifying all the worst-case scenarios," he told reporters in Sydney on the sidelines of the Australian Olympic Committee's annual general meeting.

"We spent the next six months looking at the countermeasures that are necessary.

"We're implementing those countermeasures, predicated on there being no vaccine, so that situation has improved. The Games will go ahead."

US drugs giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech on Thursday announced a deal with the IOC to provide vaccines to competitors and staff at the Games.

In a statement, the firms said they would coordinate with national sporting bodies to make sure that coronavirus vaccines are available to anyone who needs one before travelling to Japan.

<h2>'Safety comes first'&nbsp;</h2>

Coates said it was a big step forward.

"All of the precautions that we have been taking are aimed at the health of the athletes and the health of the people of Japan," he said, denying the IOC was putting sport and financial considerations before health.

"We've put an amazing amount of work into the procedures that ensure the safety of the athletes through testing ... boosted now by all athletes around the world now having access to the vaccine."

But he also admitted that not having the Japanese public fully on board was a concern.

"I think there's a correlation between the numbers who are concerned about their safety with the numbers who have been vaccinated in Japan," he said.

"And the numbers (vaccinated) are very small, particularly among the elderly. So as the vaccine is rolled out in Japan, I think that will improve.

"The other message we have to get across to them, and are getting across to them, is that these measures we've been taking and trialling at test events are working," he added.

While some Olympic test events and qualifiers have been postponed, cancelled or moved abroad, others, notably the diving World Cup, have been successfully held in Tokyo with athletes from overseas.

Coates revealed a Tunisian official at a recent rowing event in Tokyo tested positive for coronavirus, but said that only proved the tough measures were working.

"He tested okay before he left Tunisia, tested okay on arrival then three days later tested positive," he said.

"But the system worked and he was taken out of his team, the competition, and no one else tested positive. Sorry for him, but that was a very good experience (for organisers)."

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates was adamant Saturday that nothing could stop the Tokyo Olympics from going ahead, despite ongoing risks from Covid-19.

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates was adamant Saturday that nothing could stop the Tokyo Olympics from going ahead, despite ongoing risks from Covid-19. Asked by AFP if there was any scenario in which the Games, which are due to start on July 23, could be cancelled or postponed again at this late stage, he replied: "No, there's not. "The prime minister of Japan said that to the president of the United States two or three weeks ago. He continues to say that to the IOC. "We're working with him (Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga) on all of the safety measures. It's going ahead." Suga held talks with US President Joe Biden in April and stressed the Asian nation was doing everything possible to contain Covid-19 infections and hold a "safe and secure" Olympics. But questions continue to be raised about the viability of the Games, given the ongoing pandemic and a virus state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of Japan being extended on Friday. While Japan's Covid-19 outbreak remains much smaller than in many countries, with just over 10,500 deaths, its vaccine rollout is moving slowly and polls show most Japanese people support cancellation or another delay. Coates, the point man for the Games as head of the IOC's coordination commission, said a huge amount of work had been done to ensure the safety of athletes and the Japanese public. "We spent the first half of last year identifying all the worst-case scenarios," he told reporters in Sydney on the sidelines of the Australian Olympic Committee's annual general meeting. "We spent the next six months looking at the countermeasures that are necessary. "We're implementing those countermeasures, predicated on there being no vaccine, so that situation has improved. The Games will go ahead." US drugs giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech on Thursday announced a deal with the IOC to provide vaccines to competitors and staff at the Games. In a statement, the firms said they would coordinate with national sporting bodies to make sure that coronavirus vaccines are available to anyone who needs one before travelling to Japan. 'Safety comes first' Coates said it was a big step forward. "All of the precautions that we have been taking are aimed at the health of the athletes and the health of the people of Japan," he said, denying the IOC was putting sport and financial considerations before health. "We've put an amazing amount of work into the procedures that ensure the safety of the athletes through testing ... boosted now by all athletes around the world now having access to the vaccine." But he also admitted that not having the Japanese public fully on board was a concern. "I think there's a correlation between the numbers who are concerned about their safety with the numbers who have been vaccinated in Japan," he said. "And the numbers (vaccinated) are very small, particularly among the elderly. So as the vaccine is rolled out in Japan, I think that will improve. "The other message we have to get across to them, and are getting across to them, is that these measures we've been taking and trialling at test events are working," he added. While some Olympic test events and qualifiers have been postponed, cancelled or moved abroad, others, notably the diving World Cup, have been successfully held in Tokyo with athletes from overseas. Coates revealed a Tunisian official at a recent rowing event in Tokyo tested positive for coronavirus, but said that only proved the tough measures were working. "He tested okay before he left Tunisia, tested okay on arrival then three days later tested positive," he said. "But the system worked and he was taken out of his team, the competition, and no one else tested positive. Sorry for him, but that was a very good experience (for organisers)."

Nothing can stop Olympics from going ahead: IOC's Coates

Japanese&nbsp;swimmer&nbsp;Rikako&nbsp;Ikee, who qualified for the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;after overcoming leukemia last year, asked the public to show patience and support for&nbsp;athletes&nbsp;amid&nbsp;mounting&nbsp;calls&nbsp;for them to pull out of the Tokyo Games due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 20-year-old's story has become a bright spot in a tortured build-up to the&nbsp;Olympics, with&nbsp;Japan's government facing increasing criticism for forging ahead during an upsurge in infections.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reiterated that it is still possible to host the Games, due to run&nbsp;from&nbsp;July 23 to Aug. 8, even as a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas was extended on Friday until the end of May to stem a surge in infections.

Ikee&nbsp;said she and others will accept whatever the organizers decide.

"If there is one, we will of course do our best, and if not, we will just do our best for the next one,"&nbsp;Ikee&nbsp;said in a post on Twitter on Friday.

Foreign spectators have been barred&nbsp;from&nbsp;attending the Games, and organizers will decide next month whether&nbsp;Japanese fans will be allowed into the venues.

Ikee&nbsp;also sought sympathy for&nbsp;athletes, who are being urged by critics to take individual decisions to try to persuade the organizers to call off the Games.

"It is very painful to put it on the individual athlete," she said.

"Even if you ask me to speak out against the Games, I can't change anything," she said, asking her fans to "warmly watch over the&nbsp;athletes&nbsp;who are working hard, no matter what the situation is."

Ikee, who won six gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games, was expected to be one of&nbsp;Japan's top medal hopefuls at the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;before she was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019.

Last month,&nbsp;Ikee&nbsp;wrapped up the national championships with four titles, including the women's 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter freestyle events, less than eight months after she returned to competition following her recovery.

Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, who qualified for the Olympics after overcoming leukemia last year, asked the public to show patience and support for athletes amid mounting calls for them to pull out of the Tokyo Games due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, who qualified for the Olympics after overcoming leukemia last year, asked the public to show patience and support for athletes amid mounting calls for them to pull out of the Tokyo Games due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 20-year-old's story has become a bright spot in a tortured build-up to the Olympics, with Japan's government facing increasing criticism for forging ahead during an upsurge in infections. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reiterated that it is still possible to host the Games, due to run from July 23 to Aug. 8, even as a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas was extended on Friday until the end of May to stem a surge in infections. Ikee said she and others will accept whatever the organizers decide. "If there is one, we will of course do our best, and if not, we will just do our best for the next one," Ikee said in a post on Twitter on Friday. Foreign spectators have been barred from attending the Games, and organizers will decide next month whether Japanese fans will be allowed into the venues. Ikee also sought sympathy for athletes, who are being urged by critics to take individual decisions to try to persuade the organizers to call off the Games. "It is very painful to put it on the individual athlete," she said. "Even if you ask me to speak out against the Games, I can't change anything," she said, asking her fans to "warmly watch over the athletes who are working hard, no matter what the situation is." Ikee, who won six gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games, was expected to be one of Japan's top medal hopefuls at the Olympics before she was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019. Last month, Ikee wrapped up the national championships with four titles, including the women's 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter freestyle events, less than eight months after she returned to competition following her recovery.

Rikako Ikee pleads for understanding amid calls for athletes to withdraw from Olympics

An online petition calling for the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;to be canceled has garnered almost 200,000 signatures in the past few days, as public concerns mount over holding the Games in a pandemic.

With less than three months to go before the start of the summer&nbsp;Olympics, already postponed for a year due to the coronavirus, questions still remain over how Tokyo can hold the global event and keep volunteers, athletes, officials, and the Japanese public safe from COVID-19.

In two days since its launch, an online campaign called "Stop Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics" has gathered more than 187,000 signatures, nearing its 200,000 goal and underscoring public concerns over holding the massive sporting event in Japan's capital.

Battling a fourth wave of the pandemic and struggling with a sluggish vaccination campaign, the Japanese government is seeking to extend states of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May, the economy minister said on Friday.

Opinion polls in Japan have found a majority of the public is opposed to the Games, which are due to open on July 23.

"We strongly call for the prevention of the spread of coronavirus and protection of lives and livelihood by using available resources to stop the&nbsp;Olympics," Kenji Utsunomiya, the online petition organizer, wrote on his website. Utsunomiya is a lawyer who has run several times for Tokyo governor.

But, organizers have repeatedly said the Games will go ahead, unveiling detailed Covid-19 protocols for athletes and officials.

Pfizer Inc and its German partner BioNTech SE said on Thursday they had agreed to donate their vaccine to help inoculate those participating in the Games.

An online petition calling for the Tokyo Olympics to be canceled has garnered almost 200,000 signatures in the past few days, as public concerns mount over holding the Games in a pandemic.

An online petition calling for the Tokyo Olympics to be canceled has garnered almost 200,000 signatures in the past few days, as public concerns mount over holding the Games in a pandemic. With less than three months to go before the start of the summer Olympics, already postponed for a year due to the coronavirus, questions still remain over how Tokyo can hold the global event and keep volunteers, athletes, officials, and the Japanese public safe from COVID-19. In two days since its launch, an online campaign called "Stop Tokyo Olympics" has gathered more than 187,000 signatures, nearing its 200,000 goal and underscoring public concerns over holding the massive sporting event in Japan's capital. Battling a fourth wave of the pandemic and struggling with a sluggish vaccination campaign, the Japanese government is seeking to extend states of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May, the economy minister said on Friday. Opinion polls in Japan have found a majority of the public is opposed to the Games, which are due to open on July 23. "We strongly call for the prevention of the spread of coronavirus and protection of lives and livelihood by using available resources to stop the Olympics," Kenji Utsunomiya, the online petition organizer, wrote on his website. Utsunomiya is a lawyer who has run several times for Tokyo governor. But, organizers have repeatedly said the Games will go ahead, unveiling detailed Covid-19 protocols for athletes and officials. Pfizer Inc and its German partner BioNTech SE said on Thursday they had agreed to donate their vaccine to help inoculate those participating in the Games.

Anti-Olympics campaign gains traction online in Japan

International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach's planned visit to Japan has been cancelled as the Asian country extended its state of emergency in Tokyo, broadcaster NHK said on Friday citing unnamed sources.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/organisers-hail-diving-world-cup-after-anti-covid-measures-383497" hreflang="en">Organisers hail diving World Cup after anti-COVID measures</a>

Seiko Hashimoto, Tokyo 2020 chief, on Friday said that Bach's visit to the country was "difficult" amidst a "severe" situation with coronavirus cases showing no signs of abating and the government keeping infection countermeasures in place to slow the spread of the virus.

"I suspect that coming to Japan in the midst of this very severe situation would also be an emotional burden for President Bach," she said at a news conference held on Friday.

According to Japanese media reports, Bach would attend a torch relay ceremony in the western city of Hiroshima on May 17. However, Hashimoto is yet to confirm this visit.&nbsp;

Tokyo 2020 organisers will keep a close eye on the coronavirus situation and make a decision on Olympic spectators in June based on that, Hashimoto also said.

On Friday, Japan extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and four other areas until the end of May, meaning the measures would end less than two months before the Olympics start on July 23 after being postponed for a year due to the pandemic.

(Inputs from Reuters)

International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach's planned visit to Japan has been cancelled as the Asian country extended its state of emergency in Tokyo, broadcaster NHK said on Friday citing unnamed sources.

International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach's planned visit to Japan has been cancelled as the Asian country extended its state of emergency in Tokyo, broadcaster NHK said on Friday citing unnamed sources. ALSO READ: Organisers hail diving World Cup after anti-COVID measures Seiko Hashimoto, Tokyo 2020 chief, on Friday said that Bach's visit to the country was "difficult" amidst a "severe" situation with coronavirus cases showing no signs of abating and the government keeping infection countermeasures in place to slow the spread of the virus. "I suspect that coming to Japan in the midst of this very severe situation would also be an emotional burden for President Bach," she said at a news conference held on Friday. According to Japanese media reports, Bach would attend a torch relay ceremony in the western city of Hiroshima on May 17. However, Hashimoto is yet to confirm this visit. Tokyo 2020 organisers will keep a close eye on the coronavirus situation and make a decision on Olympic spectators in June based on that, Hashimoto also said. On Friday, Japan extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and four other areas until the end of May, meaning the measures would end less than two months before the Olympics start on July 23 after being postponed for a year due to the pandemic. (Inputs from Reuters)

IOC President Bach's visit to Japan to be cancelled due to state of emergency: Reports

Organisers of the diving World Cup in Tokyo hailed on Friday the "successful" staging of the event after implementing strict COVID-19 countermeasures for more than 400 participants. 
 
In what was seen as a dress rehearsal for bringing in international athletes for the Olympics during the pandemic, the diving World Cup, held May 1-6 at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, doubled as a test event for the upcoming Summer Games. 
 
It and a volleyball test event between Japan and China, held May 1-2, marked the first time overseas athletes participated in test events since they were restarted last month. 
 
"During the six-days of competition for this World Cup (attended by 224 athletes from 46 nations), strict COVID-19 countermeasures were put in place in order to ensure the health and protection of all those taking part in the event," the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and International Swimming Federation, FINA, said in a joint statement. 
 
"All participants fully complied with the measures in place and FINA and Tokyo 2020 really appreciated their efforts," the statement said. 
 
As previously announced, only one positive COVID-19 case was found, in a team official upon arrival in Japan. The person was immediately quarantined and no close contacts were identified by Japanese authorities, the statement said. 
 
Overall there were 438 participants, including athletes, coaches and team officials, it said. 
 
A marathon test event held in the northern city of Sapporo on Wednesday included six runners from overseas. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said Tokyo organisers had delivered both on an operational level and in their COVID-19 precautions. 
 
An athletics test event scheduled for Sunday is also expected to have international athletes participating. 
&nbsp;

Organisers of the diving World Cup in Tokyo hailed on Friday the "successful" staging of the event after implementing strict COVID-19 countermeasures for more than 400 participants.

Organisers of the diving World Cup in Tokyo hailed on Friday the "successful" staging of the event after implementing strict COVID-19 countermeasures for more than 400 participants. In what was seen as a dress rehearsal for bringing in international athletes for the Olympics during the pandemic, the diving World Cup, held May 1-6 at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, doubled as a test event for the upcoming Summer Games. It and a volleyball test event between Japan and China, held May 1-2, marked the first time overseas athletes participated in test events since they were restarted last month. "During the six-days of competition for this World Cup (attended by 224 athletes from 46 nations), strict COVID-19 countermeasures were put in place in order to ensure the health and protection of all those taking part in the event," the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and International Swimming Federation, FINA, said in a joint statement. "All participants fully complied with the measures in place and FINA and Tokyo 2020 really appreciated their efforts," the statement said. As previously announced, only one positive COVID-19 case was found, in a team official upon arrival in Japan. The person was immediately quarantined and no close contacts were identified by Japanese authorities, the statement said. Overall there were 438 participants, including athletes, coaches and team officials, it said. A marathon test event held in the northern city of Sapporo on Wednesday included six runners from overseas. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said Tokyo organisers had delivered both on an operational level and in their COVID-19 precautions. An athletics test event scheduled for Sunday is also expected to have international athletes participating.

Organisers hail diving World Cup after anti-COVID measures

olympics

Olympics, News on Olympics, stories on Olympics, articles on Olympics, Olympics stories at Wion, Olympics news, Olympics latest news