Japan’s government is set to extend a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May to curb a surge in COVID-19 cases just months before the start of the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan government to extend COVID-19 curbs till May end

The&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;must not be a burden on medical systems, Japan's chief government spokesman said on Friday, amid worries that daily athlete testing will tax health resources already stressed in fighting a rebound of COVID-19 cases.

The Games will be held in a manner that makes everyone feel safe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters, responding to concerns raised by a nurses' union that the world's biggest sporting event will sap medical resources needed by the public.

Tokyo&nbsp;2020 organizers this week issued the second edition of "playbooks" that layout infection prevention standards for the Summer Games, which are due to start in less than three months after a one-year delay because of the pandemic.

The rules require daily testing of athletes and restrict their use of public transportation, complicating logistics in more remote locations.

The venue for surfing in the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;refused to set up COVID-19 testing and treatment facilities for athletes, citing a lack of medical facilities, NHK reported on Friday.

The town of Ichinomiya, about 96 km (60 miles) east of&nbsp;Tokyo, had been asked to set up a testing facility by the Brazilian national team, NHK said.

Brazilian surfers, expected to be among the medals at the sport's Olympic debut, had wanted to base themselves near the beach instead of the Olympic Village some two hours away, NHK said.

A representative of the town's Olympic planning office denied the report when contacted by Reuters. Representatives for the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;did not immediately respond when contacted for comment, and the Brazilian team could not immediately be reached.

Japan is struggling to tame a coronavirus resurgence and its immunization drive, dependent so far on imports of Pfizer Inc's vaccine, is lagging all other wealthy nations.

Health Minister Norihisa Tamura confirmed on Friday that the first doses of Moderna Inc's vaccine, expected to be approved in May, had arrived in Japan.

Japan has inoculated only 1.8% of its population, too little to blunt the fourth wave of cases driven by more infectious strains of the virus.

Seeking to slow the spread,&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;and Osaka remain in a state of emergency, set to last until May 11.

"If we don't move forward with mass vaccination, we'll end up with an endless loop of emergency declarations forever," Hiroshi Mikitani, the chief executive officer of e-commerce company Rakuten, told TV Asahi.

Tokyo&nbsp;reported 1,027 new cases on Thursday, the highest since Jan. 28 during the previous emergency declaration, and 698 on Friday.

The Olympics must not be a burden on medical systems, Japan's chief government spokesman said on Friday, amid worries that daily athlete testing will tax health resources already stressed in fighting a rebound of COVID-19 cases.

The Olympics must not be a burden on medical systems, Japan's chief government spokesman said on Friday, amid worries that daily athlete testing will tax health resources already stressed in fighting a rebound of COVID-19 cases. The Games will be held in a manner that makes everyone feel safe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters, responding to concerns raised by a nurses' union that the world's biggest sporting event will sap medical resources needed by the public. Tokyo 2020 organizers this week issued the second edition of "playbooks" that layout infection prevention standards for the Summer Games, which are due to start in less than three months after a one-year delay because of the pandemic. The rules require daily testing of athletes and restrict their use of public transportation, complicating logistics in more remote locations. The venue for surfing in the Tokyo Olympics refused to set up COVID-19 testing and treatment facilities for athletes, citing a lack of medical facilities, NHK reported on Friday. The town of Ichinomiya, about 96 km (60 miles) east of Tokyo, had been asked to set up a testing facility by the Brazilian national team, NHK said. Brazilian surfers, expected to be among the medals at the sport's Olympic debut, had wanted to base themselves near the beach instead of the Olympic Village some two hours away, NHK said. A representative of the town's Olympic planning office denied the report when contacted by Reuters. Representatives for the Tokyo Olympics did not immediately respond when contacted for comment, and the Brazilian team could not immediately be reached. Japan is struggling to tame a coronavirus resurgence and its immunization drive, dependent so far on imports of Pfizer Inc's vaccine, is lagging all other wealthy nations. Health Minister Norihisa Tamura confirmed on Friday that the first doses of Moderna Inc's vaccine, expected to be approved in May, had arrived in Japan. Japan has inoculated only 1.8% of its population, too little to blunt the fourth wave of cases driven by more infectious strains of the virus. Seeking to slow the spread, Tokyo and Osaka remain in a state of emergency, set to last until May 11. "If we don't move forward with mass vaccination, we'll end up with an endless loop of emergency declarations forever," Hiroshi Mikitani, the chief executive officer of e-commerce company Rakuten, told TV Asahi. Tokyo reported 1,027 new cases on Thursday, the highest since Jan. 28 during the previous emergency declaration, and 698 on Friday.

Japan says Olympics must not burden medical systems

Diving and volleyball on Saturday became the first Olympic test events to include international athletes since such competitions resumed last month, as both began under close supervision in Tokyo.

The diving World Cup, also a qualifier for this summer's Games, features more than 200 athletes from 50 countries including powerhouse China.

"We're not allowed out of our rooms, where you have to stay... - no outdoor air, no human interaction," said U.S. women's diver Sarah Bacon. "But we've been making it work."

With around 15,000 Olympians and Paralympians expected to compete, organisers are grappling with how to hold the Games safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japanese authorities are determined to protect not only Games participants, but a local population that opinion surveys have shown is largely opposed to the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;due to the virus.

Japan is battling the fourth wave of infections, and the government has declared states of emergency in Tokyo and other areas.

During a warm-up before Saturday's men's preliminary event, the announcer scolded divers for gathering too closely, thus violating social distancing regulations, around the 3-meter springboard.

The event was also punctuated in the morning by an earthquake that shook the cavernous Tokyo Aquatics Centre, a reminder that the Games are taking place in one of the world's most tectonically active regions.

Divers expressed gratitude for the chance to compete but also frustrations that precautions against contagion denied them the chance to experience the city or get fresh air.

HEALTH INFORMATION

Participants are undergoing COVID-19 testing every morning and have to maintain health information on smartphone apps. Additionally, they are kept in a "bubble", restricting movements between the hotel and venue.

"It would have been nice if they could have rented a bus for the team to do some sightseeing around the city," Patrick Hausding, a silver and bronze medal winner for Germany in two previous&nbsp;Olympics, told reporters from behind a glass window.

"To be in Tokyo and not be able to see anything is a real shame."

The diving event, originally scheduled for April, was in danger of being cancelled amid reports the International Swimming Federation (FINA) was dissatisfied with the COVID-19 countermeasures.&nbsp;

FINA and Tokyo organisers agreed to reschedule it for May 1-6 but the global swim body cancelled an artistic swimming qualifier that was scheduled to be held in Tokyo and moved a marathon swimming qualifier from Fukuoka in southern Japan to Portugal.

Australia decided to withdraw from diving due to worries about rising coronavirus cases in Japan.&nbsp;

Saturday's volleyball at Ariake Arena involved a friendly between the Japanese and Chinese men's teams followed by the women.

Guo Cheng, captain of the Chinese men's team, said he appreciated the chance to compete and that organisers had done a good job making it happen.

"After we arrived in Japan our food and accommodations were well taken care of and I really felt secure playing in the match," he told reporters after his team lost in five sets to Japan.

The Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics, delayed by a year because of the pandemic, are scheduled to open on July 23.

&nbsp;

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Diving and volleyball on Saturday became the first Olympic test events to include international athletes since such competitions resumed last month, as both began under close supervision in Tokyo.

Diving and volleyball on Saturday became the first Olympic test events to include international athletes since such competitions resumed last month, as both began under close supervision in Tokyo. The diving World Cup, also a qualifier for this summer's Games, features more than 200 athletes from 50 countries including powerhouse China. "We're not allowed out of our rooms, where you have to stay... - no outdoor air, no human interaction," said U.S. women's diver Sarah Bacon. "But we've been making it work." With around 15,000 Olympians and Paralympians expected to compete, organisers are grappling with how to hold the Games safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese authorities are determined to protect not only Games participants, but a local population that opinion surveys have shown is largely opposed to the Olympics due to the virus. Japan is battling the fourth wave of infections, and the government has declared states of emergency in Tokyo and other areas. During a warm-up before Saturday's men's preliminary event, the announcer scolded divers for gathering too closely, thus violating social distancing regulations, around the 3-meter springboard. The event was also punctuated in the morning by an earthquake that shook the cavernous Tokyo Aquatics Centre, a reminder that the Games are taking place in one of the world's most tectonically active regions. Divers expressed gratitude for the chance to compete but also frustrations that precautions against contagion denied them the chance to experience the city or get fresh air. HEALTH INFORMATION Participants are undergoing COVID-19 testing every morning and have to maintain health information on smartphone apps. Additionally, they are kept in a "bubble", restricting movements between the hotel and venue. "It would have been nice if they could have rented a bus for the team to do some sightseeing around the city," Patrick Hausding, a silver and bronze medal winner for Germany in two previous Olympics, told reporters from behind a glass window. "To be in Tokyo and not be able to see anything is a real shame." The diving event, originally scheduled for April, was in danger of being cancelled amid reports the International Swimming Federation (FINA) was dissatisfied with the COVID-19 countermeasures. FINA and Tokyo organisers agreed to reschedule it for May 1-6 but the global swim body cancelled an artistic swimming qualifier that was scheduled to be held in Tokyo and moved a marathon swimming qualifier from Fukuoka in southern Japan to Portugal. Australia decided to withdraw from diving due to worries about rising coronavirus cases in Japan. Saturday's volleyball at Ariake Arena involved a friendly between the Japanese and Chinese men's teams followed by the women. Guo Cheng, captain of the Chinese men's team, said he appreciated the chance to compete and that organisers had done a good job making it happen. "After we arrived in Japan our food and accommodations were well taken care of and I really felt secure playing in the match," he told reporters after his team lost in five sets to Japan. The Tokyo Olympics, delayed by a year because of the pandemic, are scheduled to open on July 23.

Tokyo welcomes foreign divers to test event, under close supervision

Several Japanese towns and cities have decided to pull out from hosting teams for Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19 spread. The western town of Okuizumo that spent $5 million on preparations to welcome Indian hockey team has now scrapped the visit.

Tokyo Olympics: Several Japanese towns & cities pull out from hosting teams

The Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) will stage an Olympic simulation event in May to help its players prepare for this year's Tokyo Games, local media reported.

Thirty-six men's and women's singles players, and 16 mixed doubles pairs will feature at the WTT (World Table Tennis) Grand Smashes Trials and Olympic Simulation, to be held in Xinxiang in northern Henan province from May 3-7 ahead of the Olympics which begin in July.

The tournament is open to paddlers who have qualified for singles competitions at China's National Games, finalists in singles events at the under-18 and under-15 national championships, and young players who have qualified through other competitions.

"The nation's finest under-15, under-18 and senior table tennis players will compete together in this event, in keeping with the policy of cultivating future talent from different age groups," the CTTA said, according to local media.

The event, which will employ a similar format to the Olympic tournament, will also offer the chance to qualify for other competitions including the 2021 World Championships Finals and the China Table Tennis Club Super League.

"The CTTA is not merely focusing on the Tokyo Olympics. We are also attempting to select and nurture talent for the Paris Olympics and beyond," CTTA President Liu Guoliang said.

"Those who can win tickets to the 2021 WTT Smashes Trials are the best players of their age groups now in China. And I believe they will grow to become the best table tennis players in the world."

The pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics are set to start on July 23.

Asian powerhouse China have won all but four of the 32 table tennis gold medals since the sport was first included at the Olympics in Seoul in 1988.

The Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) will stage an Olympic simulation event in May to help its players prepare for this year's Tokyo Games, local media reported.

The Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) will stage an Olympic simulation event in May to help its players prepare for this year's Tokyo Games, local media reported. Thirty-six men's and women's singles players, and 16 mixed doubles pairs will feature at the WTT (World Table Tennis) Grand Smashes Trials and Olympic Simulation, to be held in Xinxiang in northern Henan province from May 3-7 ahead of the Olympics which begin in July. The tournament is open to paddlers who have qualified for singles competitions at China's National Games, finalists in singles events at the under-18 and under-15 national championships, and young players who have qualified through other competitions. "The nation's finest under-15, under-18 and senior table tennis players will compete together in this event, in keeping with the policy of cultivating future talent from different age groups," the CTTA said, according to local media. The event, which will employ a similar format to the Olympic tournament, will also offer the chance to qualify for other competitions including the 2021 World Championships Finals and the China Table Tennis Club Super League. "The CTTA is not merely focusing on the Tokyo Olympics. We are also attempting to select and nurture talent for the Paris Olympics and beyond," CTTA President Liu Guoliang said. "Those who can win tickets to the 2021 WTT Smashes Trials are the best players of their age groups now in China. And I believe they will grow to become the best table tennis players in the world." The pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics are set to start on July 23. Asian powerhouse China have won all but four of the 32 table tennis gold medals since the sport was first included at the Olympics in Seoul in 1988.

China to hold Olympic simulation event next month

Australia has sent the International Olympic Committee&nbsp;funding guarantees for Brisbane's 2032 Games bid following confirmation of federal government support, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Tuesday.

Palaszczuk said the government had confirmed it would fund the Games' infrastructure with Queensland state just over an hour before an IOC deadline on Monday.

"I thank Prime Minister Scott Morrison&nbsp;for getting me such a prompt response," she told reporters.

"He met the deadline, that's the main thing."

Queensland state capital Brisbane was named the preferred bidder for the 2032 Games in February and could be confirmed as host as early as July.

Palaszczuk said IOC President Thomas Bach looked at Brisbane's guarantees on Monday.

Morrison said Queensland needed to agree to a jointly owned and funded "Olympic Infrastructure Agency" to give the federal government equal say in planning the Games, Australian media reported.

Palaszczuk has floated a A$1 billion ($778.40 million) rebuild of Brisbane's Gabba stadium, which has been earmarked for the opening and closing ceremonies.

Palaszczuk said Queensland had a strong track record of delivering major projects with the federal government.

"We do this around Queensland with a whole range of projects, and we can definitely do it when it comes to the&nbsp;Olympics," she said.

"So it will set Queensland up for decades to come."

The Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;starts on July 23.

Australia has sent the International Olympic Committee funding guarantees for Brisbane's 2032 Games bid following confirmation of federal government support, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Tuesday.

Australia has sent the International Olympic Committee funding guarantees for Brisbane's 2032 Games bid following confirmation of federal government support, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Tuesday. Palaszczuk said the government had confirmed it would fund the Games' infrastructure with Queensland state just over an hour before an IOC deadline on Monday. "I thank Prime Minister Scott Morrison for getting me such a prompt response," she told reporters. "He met the deadline, that's the main thing." Queensland state capital Brisbane was named the preferred bidder for the 2032 Games in February and could be confirmed as host as early as July. Palaszczuk said IOC President Thomas Bach looked at Brisbane's guarantees on Monday. Morrison said Queensland needed to agree to a jointly owned and funded "Olympic Infrastructure Agency" to give the federal government equal say in planning the Games, Australian media reported. Palaszczuk has floated a A$1 billion ($778.40 million) rebuild of Brisbane's Gabba stadium, which has been earmarked for the opening and closing ceremonies. Palaszczuk said Queensland had a strong track record of delivering major projects with the federal government. "We do this around Queensland with a whole range of projects, and we can definitely do it when it comes to the Olympics," she said. "So it will set Queensland up for decades to come." The Tokyo Olympics starts on July 23.

Australia sends Brisbane 2032 bid guarantees to International Olympic Committee

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay completed its two-day tour of Oita Prefecture on Saturday (April 24) when it arrived in Oita City.

The torch began the day in Kusu Town, crossing the spectacular 173-meter high Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi pedestrian suspension bridge, carried through the waters of the Usuki River by a swimmer and passing the Harajiri Falls before its arrival in Oita City.

The route was lined with spectators, but Tokyo Olympic organizers said on Friday (April 23) that the leg of the torch relay in Okinawa Prefecture's Miyakojima Island set for May 2 would not be held on public roads because the region is currently subject to priority measures for containing the spread of the coronavirus.

Last week, it was announced that the relay on Okinawa Island, the main part of Okinawa Prefecture in southwest Japan, would also be taken off public roads.

Sections of the torch relay were also moved off public roads in Osaka and the city of Matsuyama as those areas battle a resurgence in infections.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday promised to ensure a safe Tokyo Olympics this summer, after announcing a new state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, and two other prefectures.

The Torch Relay resumes on April 25&nbsp;in Takachiho Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, in the extreme southwest of Japan. Miyazaki is the 16th of the 47 prefectures scheduled to be visited by the Torch Relay.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay completed its two-day tour of Oita Prefecture on Saturday (April 24) when it arrived in Oita City. The torch began the day in Kusu Town, crossing the spectacular 173-meter high Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi pedestrian suspension bridge, carried through the waters of the Usuki River by a swimmer and passing the Harajiri Falls before its arrival in Oita City.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay completed its two-day tour of Oita Prefecture on Saturday (April 24) when it arrived in Oita City. The torch began the day in Kusu Town, crossing the spectacular 173-meter high Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi pedestrian suspension bridge, carried through the waters of the Usuki River by a swimmer and passing the Harajiri Falls before its arrival in Oita City. The route was lined with spectators, but Tokyo Olympic organizers said on Friday (April 23) that the leg of the torch relay in Okinawa Prefecture's Miyakojima Island set for May 2 would not be held on public roads because the region is currently subject to priority measures for containing the spread of the coronavirus. Last week, it was announced that the relay on Okinawa Island, the main part of Okinawa Prefecture in southwest Japan, would also be taken off public roads. Sections of the torch relay were also moved off public roads in Osaka and the city of Matsuyama as those areas battle a resurgence in infections. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday promised to ensure a safe Tokyo Olympics this summer, after announcing a new state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, and two other prefectures. The Torch Relay resumes on April 25 in Takachiho Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, in the extreme southwest of Japan. Miyazaki is the 16th of the 47 prefectures scheduled to be visited by the Torch Relay.

Olympic Torch taken through water and over a spectacular bridge

India's Vinesh Phogat believes she has mentally toughened up since her injury at the 2016 Rio Olympics and is confident of putting behind the heartbreak with a medal in Tokyo this year.

The top-ranked wrestler in the women's 53 kg category, Phogat's Rio hopes were dashed when she sustained a knee injury during her quarter-final bout with a Chinese opponent.

Since then, the 26-year-old has worked hard to become tactically smarter and emerge as a medal hope for India.

"The up-and-down journey has made me stronger and mature," Phogat said on Friday in a virtual news conference arranged by the Sports Authority of India.

"Earlier, I'd be shattered even after a minor injury and wonder 'why me?' Now I handle such setbacks better.

"I've grown mentally tough and it's because I have faced all these tough times. The Rio incident has taught me a lot."

Phogat said she was no more an ultra-aggressive, one-dimensional wrestler, who could not handle defeat.

"I wrestle very smooth now and it is visible. I move better, I use my hands better. 
"I am not in hurry to score points now. I time my attacks well now. There is a strategy in place for every single opponent."

She contracted COVID-19 last year but since her recovery, Phogat has won three gold medals in three tournaments this year, including the Asian Championship earlier this month.

The wrestler described her fitness level at "85%" now but felt confident she would reach her peak in Tokyo 
There will be a massive burden of expectation on her shoulders in Tokyo but Phogat was unfazed.

"People have expectations from me, and I know I'm capable of fulfilling that. It gives me a push. I don't see it as a burden." 
Asked about her switch from the 50kg to 53kg weight class, the reigning Asian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist said, "At least I can eat a full meal now without having to worry about gaining weight." 
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India's Vinesh Phogat believes she has mentally toughened up since her injury at the 2016 Rio Olympics and is confident of putting behind the heartbreak with a medal in Tokyo this year.

India's Vinesh Phogat believes she has mentally toughened up since her injury at the 2016 Rio Olympics and is confident of putting behind the heartbreak with a medal in Tokyo this year. The top-ranked wrestler in the women's 53 kg category, Phogat's Rio hopes were dashed when she sustained a knee injury during her quarter-final bout with a Chinese opponent. Since then, the 26-year-old has worked hard to become tactically smarter and emerge as a medal hope for India. "The up-and-down journey has made me stronger and mature," Phogat said on Friday in a virtual news conference arranged by the Sports Authority of India. "Earlier, I'd be shattered even after a minor injury and wonder 'why me?' Now I handle such setbacks better. "I've grown mentally tough and it's because I have faced all these tough times. The Rio incident has taught me a lot." Phogat said she was no more an ultra-aggressive, one-dimensional wrestler, who could not handle defeat. "I wrestle very smooth now and it is visible. I move better, I use my hands better. "I am not in hurry to score points now. I time my attacks well now. There is a strategy in place for every single opponent." She contracted COVID-19 last year but since her recovery, Phogat has won three gold medals in three tournaments this year, including the Asian Championship earlier this month. The wrestler described her fitness level at "85%" now but felt confident she would reach her peak in Tokyo There will be a massive burden of expectation on her shoulders in Tokyo but Phogat was unfazed. "People have expectations from me, and I know I'm capable of fulfilling that. It gives me a push. I don't see it as a burden." Asked about her switch from the 50kg to 53kg weight class, the reigning Asian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist said, "At least I can eat a full meal now without having to worry about gaining weight."

India's Vinesh Phogat eyes Tokyo redemption

Japan declared "short and powerful" states of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures as the country struggles to contain a resurgent coronavirus pandemic three months before the Olympics.

Japan announces COVID emergency in Tokyo

Australia's success in Olympic track and field quite literally slowed to a walk at the Rio Games but hopes are high for a rebound at&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;with a raft of elite women leading the charge.

Australia's athletics championships wrapped up in Sydney this week with a slew of Olympic qualifying marks capping an encouraging domestic season for home-based&nbsp;athletes.

Among the standout performers was high jumper Nicola McDermott, who cleared 2.00 meters to eclipse her teammate Eleanor Patterson's national record (1.99m) in an event won at Rio with a leap of 1.97m.

Middle distance runner Linden Hall became the first&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;woman to break the four-minute mark in the 1,500m in Melbourne earlier this month, grabbing the year-best time of 3 minutes and 59.67 seconds.

Other&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;medal threats include javelin world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber and pole vaulter Nina Kennedy, who claimed the national record of 4.82m in Sydney last month.

The performances have given&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;athletics confidence there will be an improvement on the modest return at Rio, where the team managed only a pair of men's walking medals, the 50km silver for Jared Tallent, and 20km bronze for Dane Bird-Smith.

"We don't put a specific figure on our goals but we do have a number of&nbsp;athletes&nbsp;who are medal-capable," Athletics Australia's high-performance chief Andrew Faichney told Reuters.

"On the women’s side, we’ve just got a really strong group of&nbsp;athletes. We’ve pretty much got every single track event qualified for the women and many of the field events.

"We’ll still have a reasonably strong men’s program but the women have been remarkable."

NEW HEROES

Australia will be looking for new heroes in the wake of the retirements of former Olympic hurdles champion Sally Pearson and Tallent, who helped slow the country's waning athletics returns after the 2008 Beijing Games.

Pearson, who claimed 100m hurdles gold at London and silver at Beijing, hung up her spikes in 2019 after losing her battle to injury, while Tallent last month bowed out as Australia's most successful Olympic male track athlete with four medals across three Games.

Compared to Australia's 59-strong athletics team at Rio, Faichney expects up to 70 qualified for&nbsp;Tokyo, no mean feat given the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australia's closed borders and travel restrictions meant many&nbsp;athletes&nbsp;eschewed the logistical challenge of competing abroad.

But the country's relative success in containing COVID-19 has been a blessing for domestic-based&nbsp;athletes, who have been able to train and travel freely even as overseas rivals continue to battle lockdowns.

Athletics Australia will put on further meetings in Queensland state in June to give more&nbsp;athletes&nbsp;the chance to post Olympic qualifying marks, including those who will miss running at the world relay championships in Poland next week.

"If you look at the domestic season, the&nbsp;athletes&nbsp;and coaches have used the last 12 months well to prepare themselves and I think that was the basis of such strong national championships," said Faichney.

"I think for us to have comparative freedom here has actually done us really well in performance."

&nbsp;

Australia's success in Olympic track and field quite literally slowed to a walk at the Rio Games but hopes are high for a rebound at Tokyo with a raft of elite women leading the charge.

Australia's success in Olympic track and field quite literally slowed to a walk at the Rio Games but hopes are high for a rebound at Tokyo with a raft of elite women leading the charge. Australia's athletics championships wrapped up in Sydney this week with a slew of Olympic qualifying marks capping an encouraging domestic season for home-based athletes. Among the standout performers was high jumper Nicola McDermott, who cleared 2.00 meters to eclipse her teammate Eleanor Patterson's national record (1.99m) in an event won at Rio with a leap of 1.97m. Middle distance runner Linden Hall became the first Australian woman to break the four-minute mark in the 1,500m in Melbourne earlier this month, grabbing the year-best time of 3 minutes and 59.67 seconds. Other Australian medal threats include javelin world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber and pole vaulter Nina Kennedy, who claimed the national record of 4.82m in Sydney last month. The performances have given Australian athletics confidence there will be an improvement on the modest return at Rio, where the team managed only a pair of men's walking medals, the 50km silver for Jared Tallent, and 20km bronze for Dane Bird-Smith. "We don't put a specific figure on our goals but we do have a number of athletes who are medal-capable," Athletics Australia's high-performance chief Andrew Faichney told Reuters. "On the women’s side, we’ve just got a really strong group of athletes. We’ve pretty much got every single track event qualified for the women and many of the field events. "We’ll still have a reasonably strong men’s program but the women have been remarkable." NEW HEROES Australia will be looking for new heroes in the wake of the retirements of former Olympic hurdles champion Sally Pearson and Tallent, who helped slow the country's waning athletics returns after the 2008 Beijing Games. Pearson, who claimed 100m hurdles gold at London and silver at Beijing, hung up her spikes in 2019 after losing her battle to injury, while Tallent last month bowed out as Australia's most successful Olympic male track athlete with four medals across three Games. Compared to Australia's 59-strong athletics team at Rio, Faichney expects up to 70 qualified for Tokyo, no mean feat given the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Australia's closed borders and travel restrictions meant many athletes eschewed the logistical challenge of competing abroad. But the country's relative success in containing COVID-19 has been a blessing for domestic-based athletes, who have been able to train and travel freely even as overseas rivals continue to battle lockdowns. Athletics Australia will put on further meetings in Queensland state in June to give more athletes the chance to post Olympic qualifying marks, including those who will miss running at the world relay championships in Poland next week. "If you look at the domestic season, the athletes and coaches have used the last 12 months well to prepare themselves and I think that was the basis of such strong national championships," said Faichney. "I think for us to have comparative freedom here has actually done us really well in performance."

Australian athletes coming on in leaps and bounds before Tokyo Olympics

A police officer helping with Japan's Olympic Torch relay has become the first participant in the event to be diagnosed with COVID-19, organisers said on Thursday.

A man in his 30s tested positive for the virus after working on the relay in Kagawa prefecture on Japan's southern island of Shikoku,&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;2020 said in a statement.

The officer was guiding traffic in the town of Naoshima on Saturday and came down with a fever on Sunday, the Asahi Newspaper reported, citing organisers and prefectural police. The man wore a mask and had no contact with runners, the report said.

Separately, two runners, a TV personality, and a former Olympian dropped out of a relay event due to be held in the western prefecture of Tottori next month, public broadcaster NHK reported.

Public support for the Games has waned amid concern the event will exacerbate COVID-19 infections, now battering the country in a fourth wave. Japan's government is expected to declare a state of emergency, the third in the past year, in the major population centers of&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;and Osaka this week.

The Games, already delayed by one year, are due to start in 92 days. Olympic and government officials have said the further postponement of the Games is out of the question.

A police officer helping with Japan's Olympic Torch relay has become the first participant in the event to be diagnosed with COVID-19, organisers said on Thursday.

A police officer helping with Japan's Olympic Torch relay has become the first participant in the event to be diagnosed with COVID-19, organisers said on Thursday. A man in his 30s tested positive for the virus after working on the relay in Kagawa prefecture on Japan's southern island of Shikoku, Tokyo 2020 said in a statement. The officer was guiding traffic in the town of Naoshima on Saturday and came down with a fever on Sunday, the Asahi Newspaper reported, citing organisers and prefectural police. The man wore a mask and had no contact with runners, the report said. Separately, two runners, a TV personality, and a former Olympian dropped out of a relay event due to be held in the western prefecture of Tottori next month, public broadcaster NHK reported. Public support for the Games has waned amid concern the event will exacerbate COVID-19 infections, now battering the country in a fourth wave. Japan's government is expected to declare a state of emergency, the third in the past year, in the major population centers of Tokyo and Osaka this week. The Games, already delayed by one year, are due to start in 92 days. Olympic and government officials have said the further postponement of the Games is out of the question.

Tokyo Olympics torch staffer becomes event's first case of COVID-19

The BCCI Apex Council has decided to field both men’s and women’s teams at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics if the sport is included in the Games. The Indian women’s cricket team will also participate in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.<o:p></o:p>

The Apex Council, after meeting virtually on Friday, further decided that the women’s team led by Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur will also fly to Australia at the end of 2021 followed by the New Zealand tour which will precede the Women ODI World Cup.<o:p></o:p>

"The women's team will be playing in the Birmingham CWG. If finally, cricket is a part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, then both men and women's team will take part. This has been decided in principle," a senior BCCI functionary privy to developments of the day told PTI on conditions of anonymity.<o:p></o:p>

A camp is also set to take place before the three-team Women’s T20 Challenge and after the exhibition event, the squad will fly to England for its full-fledged tour.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/biden-backs-japan-pm-on-holding-safe-and-secure-olympic-games-378108" hreflang="en">Biden backs Japan PM on holding 'safe and secure' Olympic Games</a>

"The girls will play a full series in England. Once they come back, West Indies or Proteas women will again come for bilateral series.<o:p></o:p>

Once that's over, the team will be travelling to Australia for a white ball series and then will play another series in New Zealand. The New Zealand bilateral (or tri-nation series) will be a pre-cursor to the ODI World Cup," he said.<o:p></o:p>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ab-de-villiers-to-return-to-international-cricket-mark-boucher-says-talks-still-very-much-open-377989" hreflang="en">AB de Villiers to return to international cricket? Mark Boucher says talks 'still very much open'</a>

However, no concrete decision could be taken on domestic cricket in India given the situation surrounding COVID-19 in the country. <o:p></o:p>

"Obviously, we plan to hold the Ranji Trophy and all the tournaments in order but you can't escape the situation. The compensation package will also be worked out as it has been approved by the general body in January."<o:p></o:p>

(With PTI inputs)

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The BCCI Apex Council has decided to field both men’s and women’s teams at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics if the sport is included in the Games. The Indian women’s cricket team will also participate in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The BCCI Apex Council has decided to field both men’s and women’s teams at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics if the sport is included in the Games. The Indian women’s cricket team will also participate in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The Apex Council, after meeting virtually on Friday, further decided that the women’s team led by Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur will also fly to Australia at the end of 2021 followed by the New Zealand tour which will precede the Women ODI World Cup. "The women's team will be playing in the Birmingham CWG. If finally, cricket is a part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, then both men and women's team will take part. This has been decided in principle," a senior BCCI functionary privy to developments of the day told PTI on conditions of anonymity. A camp is also set to take place before the three-team Women’s T20 Challenge and after the exhibition event, the squad will fly to England for its full-fledged tour. ALSO READ: Biden backs Japan PM on holding 'safe and secure' Olympic Games "The girls will play a full series in England. Once they come back, West Indies or Proteas women will again come for bilateral series. Once that's over, the team will be travelling to Australia for a white ball series and then will play another series in New Zealand. The New Zealand bilateral (or tri-nation series) will be a pre-cursor to the ODI World Cup," he said. ALSO READ: AB de Villiers to return to international cricket? Mark Boucher says talks 'still very much open' However, no concrete decision could be taken on domestic cricket in India given the situation surrounding COVID-19 in the country. "Obviously, we plan to hold the Ranji Trophy and all the tournaments in order but you can't escape the situation. The compensation package will also be worked out as it has been approved by the general body in January." (With PTI inputs) ×

BCCI to field teams for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, women's team to play in 2022 CWG

In China, tiny little kids are subjected to ruthless training to become Olympics Champions. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how China's state-sports system is robbing children of their childhood & turning them into factory products.

Gravitas: Inside China's Sports Centres for Children

The world has spent last 12 months developing a vaccine for the Wuhan virus. The dilemma now is to pick who gets these life-saving jabs first.

We may think that the answer to this question is simple and that the essential workers should get the priority. The elderly should follow next. And then the rest.

But who is an essential worker? For Japan the upcoming Olympics are essential. The Olympics has been shelved once. A repeat would mean losses worth billions

It is not surprising that Japan is planning to vaccinate Olympic athletes first. Athletes have become essential workers.

The not-so-essential Japanese began protesting online.

'Why not the elderly first?'

One of the comments on social media in response to this news of athletes potentially being prioritised was- is it the Olympics over life now?

No, says the govt of Japan denying reports of priortisation of athletes. Say Japan does indeed vaccinate the elderly first. How would that be fair on someone who is 20 and fighting cancer?

In the CDC vaccine rollout recommendation, people above 16 and with co-morbidity only feature in the 3rd step of the inoculation programme.

While this template is for American states, something very similar is being followed the world over.

As a result, youngsters with life-threatening illnesses are being denied vaccines.

Is this fair?

'Vacina ja' is Portuguese for vaccine now. The national museum of Brazil is beaming the country's demand. On the 6th of April, Brazil recorded 4,195 daily deaths. The worst on record.

But only health workers, people above 75, residents of old age homes and Brazil's indigenous population are currently eligible for vaccination.

The new wave has shown this order of prioritisation does not work. When the virus does not discriminate, why should vaccines?

Be it on the basis of age, or profession. It is critical that health workers are safe It is also essential that our children return to school. Workers return to factories, and farmers to their farms.

Brazil's protest against President Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic has touched a tipping point. Bolsonaro has asked the military if they have troops to quell possible unrest, is it only a matter of time before the frustration breaches borders? How long will the world silently wait for life-saving vaccines?

How long will people with threatening illnesses put up with this injustice?&nbsp;

It's not easy to decide who gets priority.

The answer becomes all the more difficult when you account for the fact that it may be weeks or even months before the next batch of vaccines reaches some of the countries.

The world has spent last 12 months developing a vaccine for the Wuhan virus. The dilemma now is to pick who gets these life-saving jabs first. We may think that the answer to this question is simple and that the essential workers should get the priority.

The world has spent last 12 months developing a vaccine for the Wuhan virus. The dilemma now is to pick who gets these life-saving jabs first. We may think that the answer to this question is simple and that the essential workers should get the priority. The elderly should follow next. And then the rest. But who is an essential worker? For Japan the upcoming Olympics are essential. The Olympics has been shelved once. A repeat would mean losses worth billions It is not surprising that Japan is planning to vaccinate Olympic athletes first. Athletes have become essential workers. The not-so-essential Japanese began protesting online. 'Why not the elderly first?' One of the comments on social media in response to this news of athletes potentially being prioritised was- is it the Olympics over life now? No, says the govt of Japan denying reports of priortisation of athletes. Say Japan does indeed vaccinate the elderly first. How would that be fair on someone who is 20 and fighting cancer? In the CDC vaccine rollout recommendation, people above 16 and with co-morbidity only feature in the 3rd step of the inoculation programme. While this template is for American states, something very similar is being followed the world over. As a result, youngsters with life-threatening illnesses are being denied vaccines. Is this fair? 'Vacina ja' is Portuguese for vaccine now. The national museum of Brazil is beaming the country's demand. On the 6th of April, Brazil recorded 4,195 daily deaths. The worst on record. But only health workers, people above 75, residents of old age homes and Brazil's indigenous population are currently eligible for vaccination. The new wave has shown this order of prioritisation does not work. When the virus does not discriminate, why should vaccines? Be it on the basis of age, or profession. It is critical that health workers are safe It is also essential that our children return to school. Workers return to factories, and farmers to their farms. Brazil's protest against President Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic has touched a tipping point. Bolsonaro has asked the military if they have troops to quell possible unrest, is it only a matter of time before the frustration breaches borders? How long will the world silently wait for life-saving vaccines? How long will people with threatening illnesses put up with this injustice? It's not easy to decide who gets priority. The answer becomes all the more difficult when you account for the fact that it may be weeks or even months before the next batch of vaccines reaches some of the countries.

Tokyo Olympics: The dilemma of the 'essential worker'

&nbsp;After thinking hard about hanging on another year to compete at the COVID-19 delayed Tokyo Olympics, four-time gold medallist gymnast Simone Biles said on Wednesday she just might stick around for another three years for the 2024 Paris Summer Games.

Winner of the coveted all-around crown along with team, floor and vault gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles had given every indication that the Tokyo Games would be her competitive swan song.

But the 24-year-old American hinted during her appearance at the Team USA virtual media summit on Wednesday that she might put off retirement and try to compete in Paris in an individual event such as the floor exercise where she is a five-time world champion.

Biles said she was getting some pressure from her French coaches Cecile and Laurent Landi to consider Paris and did not rule out the idea.

"Right now my main focus is the (Tokyo) Olympic Games," said Biles, who has also won a record 25 world championship medals. "After, we have a tour that has been put together and I am really excited to go around the U.S. with all the girls and do that 36 city tour.

"Afterwards I am not so sure because Cecile and Laurent are from Paris and so they have kind of guilted me into at least being a specialist and coming back.

"But you know the main goal is 2021 Olympics first, tour and then we will have to see."

The Olympics, delayed one year by the COVID-19 pandemic, begin July 23.

After thinking hard about hanging on another year to compete at the COVID-19 delayed Tokyo Olympics, four-time gold medallist gymnast Simone Biles said on Wednesday she just might stick around for another three years for the 2024 Paris Summer Games.

After thinking hard about hanging on another year to compete at the COVID-19 delayed Tokyo Olympics, four-time gold medallist gymnast Simone Biles said on Wednesday she just might stick around for another three years for the 2024 Paris Summer Games. Winner of the coveted all-around crown along with team, floor and vault gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles had given every indication that the Tokyo Games would be her competitive swan song. But the 24-year-old American hinted during her appearance at the Team USA virtual media summit on Wednesday that she might put off retirement and try to compete in Paris in an individual event such as the floor exercise where she is a five-time world champion. Biles said she was getting some pressure from her French coaches Cecile and Laurent Landi to consider Paris and did not rule out the idea. "Right now my main focus is the (Tokyo) Olympic Games," said Biles, who has also won a record 25 world championship medals. "After, we have a tour that has been put together and I am really excited to go around the U.S. with all the girls and do that 36 city tour. "Afterwards I am not so sure because Cecile and Laurent are from Paris and so they have kind of guilted me into at least being a specialist and coming back. "But you know the main goal is 2021 Olympics first, tour and then we will have to see." The Olympics, delayed one year by the COVID-19 pandemic, begin July 23.

Paris, not Tokyo, could be last Olympics, hints gymnast Biles

The White House said Wednesday that it is not discussing a joint boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics with US allies over mass human rights violations and the clampdown in Hong Kong.

"We have not discussed and are not discussing any joint boycott with allies and partners," President Joe Biden's press secretary, Jen Psaki, said.

Psaki said that Washington was talking with allies "to define our common concerns and establish a shared approach, but there's no discussion underway of a change in our plans regarding the Beijing Olympics."

China is facing global scrutiny over a range of issues, notably the mass internment and other repressions of Uighur Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, which the US has said amounts to genocide.&nbsp;

It is also under pressure for its clampdown in the former British colony of Hong Kong.

On Tuesday, US State Department spokesman Ned Price was asked if the United States would consider a joint boycott with allies and said it was "something that we certainly wish to discuss."&nbsp;

But he later stressed that the United States does not "have any announcement regarding the Beijing Olympics," writing on Twitter that "we will continue to consult closely with allies and partners to define our common concerns and establish our shared approach."&nbsp;

China, which has rejected criticism of its human rights record, on Wednesday hit back at suggestions of a boycott, accusing the United States of "politicizing&nbsp;sports".

The White House said Wednesday that it is not discussing a joint boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics with US allies over mass human rights violations and the clampdown in Hong Kong.

The White House said Wednesday that it is not discussing a joint boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics with US allies over mass human rights violations and the clampdown in Hong Kong. "We have not discussed and are not discussing any joint boycott with allies and partners," President Joe Biden's press secretary, Jen Psaki, said. Psaki said that Washington was talking with allies "to define our common concerns and establish a shared approach, but there's no discussion underway of a change in our plans regarding the Beijing Olympics." China is facing global scrutiny over a range of issues, notably the mass internment and other repressions of Uighur Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, which the US has said amounts to genocide. It is also under pressure for its clampdown in the former British colony of Hong Kong. On Tuesday, US State Department spokesman Ned Price was asked if the United States would consider a joint boycott with allies and said it was "something that we certainly wish to discuss." But he later stressed that the United States does not "have any announcement regarding the Beijing Olympics," writing on Twitter that "we will continue to consult closely with allies and partners to define our common concerns and establish our shared approach." China, which has rejected criticism of its human rights record, on Wednesday hit back at suggestions of a boycott, accusing the United States of "politicizing sports".

US 'not discussing' joint boycott of Beijing Olympics: White House

Eliud Kipchoge will test his readiness for a defence of his Olympic marathon crown not in Hamburg as planned but in the Dutch city of Enschede after the race was switched due to Covid-19 restrictions in Germany.

As well as moving to the Netherlands organisers announced Wednesday the invitation-only event which serves as a Tokyo Games qualifier has been put back a week to April 18.

As defending champion and world record holder, Kipchoge does not have to concern himself with qualifying but the Kenyan has nevertheless identified the NN Mission marathon as an important stepping stone to Japan.

It will give him the chance to draw a line under his lowest ever eighth-place finish last time out in the London Marathon in October.

This will be his only trial over the 42.2-kilometre (26.2 miles) distance before the delayed Tokyo Games marathon in Sapporo.

Organisers of the one-off 70-runner elite marathon were left looking for a new home after a tightening of coronavirus lockdown restrictions in Hamburg.

Kipchoge, who set the world record of 2:01.39 in Berlin in 2018, blamed his poor performance in London on cramp and "problems with my hip".

This was the first marathon Kipchoge had failed to win after a sequence of 11 successes including the 2016 Rio Olympics since finishing second in Berlin in 2013.

Eliud Kipchoge will test his readiness for a defence of his Olympic marathon crown not in Hamburg as planned but in the Dutch city of Enschede after the race was switched due to Covid-19 restrictions in Germany.

Eliud Kipchoge will test his readiness for a defence of his Olympic marathon crown not in Hamburg as planned but in the Dutch city of Enschede after the race was switched due to Covid-19 restrictions in Germany. As well as moving to the Netherlands organisers announced Wednesday the invitation-only event which serves as a Tokyo Games qualifier has been put back a week to April 18. As defending champion and world record holder, Kipchoge does not have to concern himself with qualifying but the Kenyan has nevertheless identified the NN Mission marathon as an important stepping stone to Japan. It will give him the chance to draw a line under his lowest ever eighth-place finish last time out in the London Marathon in October. This will be his only trial over the 42.2-kilometre (26.2 miles) distance before the delayed Tokyo Games marathon in Sapporo. Organisers of the one-off 70-runner elite marathon were left looking for a new home after a tightening of coronavirus lockdown restrictions in Hamburg. Kipchoge, who set the world record of 2:01.39 in Berlin in 2018, blamed his poor performance in London on cramp and "problems with my hip". This was the first marathon Kipchoge had failed to win after a sequence of 11 successes including the 2016 Rio Olympics since finishing second in Berlin in 2013.

Kipchoge's Olympic marathon prep switched from Hamburg

Koshiro Minamoto was hoping to welcome foreign tourists to his classroom in central Tokyo during the Olympics to introduce them to the arts of the samurai.

Olympics foreign spectators ban hits samurai martial arts school

Japanese swimming star Rikako Ikee defied the odds and secured an Olympics berth after the leukaemia survivor won the women's 100-metre butterfly at the national championships on Sunday (April 4), less than eight months after she returned to competition.

Leukaemia survivor Ikee defies odds by securing Olympics berth

South Korean capital Seoul said on Thursday it has sent a proposal for co-hosting the 2032 Olympics with the North`s Pyongyang to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a bid to keep its hopes alive despite Brisbane being the front-runner. 
 
The IOC has already picked the Australian city as the preferred partner for hosting the Games. 
 
South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to pursue the joint Olympics bid at their summit in Pyongyang in late 2018. 
 
But relations have soured since a summit between Kim and then US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in 2019 failed to reach agreement on North Korea`s denuclearisation, in which Moon had offered to play a mediating role. 
 
Seoul city said the host has not been finalised and it submitted the proposal with a vision titled "Beyond the Line, Toward the Future." 
 
"The city government conveyed its legitimacy and need to co-host the Olympics, stressing that it will realise the IOC`s vision of world peace through sports," it said in a statement. 
 
When asked about whether the idea was shared with Pyongyang, a city official told Reuters the proposal was the result of intra-agency meetings and the Unification Ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs would seek discussions with the North. 
 
A Unification Ministry official said the proposal was a move by the city to highlight the significance of the two Koreas in hosting the event. 
 
The Moon administration is seeking to build on the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics it hosted in 2018, during which athletes from both Koreas marched under a unified flag at the opening ceremony and fielded a combined women`s ice hockey team. 
 
South Korea has expressed hopes of reviving the momentum for ties at this year`s Tokyo Olympics. But Pyongyang has been deriding Moon in recent weeks, dismissing the possibility of a restart of talks.

South Korean capital Seoul said on Thursday it has sent a proposal for co-hosting the 2032 Olympics with the North`s Pyongyang to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a bid to keep its hopes alive despite Brisbane being the front-runner.

South Korean capital Seoul said on Thursday it has sent a proposal for co-hosting the 2032 Olympics with the North`s Pyongyang to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a bid to keep its hopes alive despite Brisbane being the front-runner. The IOC has already picked the Australian city as the preferred partner for hosting the Games. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to pursue the joint Olympics bid at their summit in Pyongyang in late 2018. But relations have soured since a summit between Kim and then US President Donald Trump in 2019 failed to reach agreement on North Korea`s denuclearisation, in which Moon had offered to play a mediating role. Seoul city said the host has not been finalised and it submitted the proposal with a vision titled "Beyond the Line, Toward the Future." "The city government conveyed its legitimacy and need to co-host the Olympics, stressing that it will realise the IOC`s vision of world peace through sports," it said in a statement. When asked about whether the idea was shared with Pyongyang, a city official told Reuters the proposal was the result of intra-agency meetings and the Unification Ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs would seek discussions with the North. A Unification Ministry official said the proposal was a move by the city to highlight the significance of the two Koreas in hosting the event. The Moon administration is seeking to build on the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics it hosted in 2018, during which athletes from both Koreas marched under a unified flag at the opening ceremony and fielded a combined women`s ice hockey team. South Korea has expressed hopes of reviving the momentum for ties at this year`s Tokyo Olympics. But Pyongyang has been deriding Moon in recent weeks, dismissing the possibility of a restart of talks.

Seoul sends bid for co-hosting 2032 Olympics with North Korea despite frosty ties

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic organising committee said on Saturday (March 20) that international spectators would not be allowed into Japan for the Summer Games because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

International spectators barred from entering Japan for Olympics

The International Olympics Association on Friday said that it is not a "super world government" that can resolve political issues in China ahead of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games. The statement came after several activists said that the IOC ignored CHina's human rights violation on Tibetans and Uighurs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-gets-ioc-funded-chinese-coronavirus-jab-369895" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics gets IOC-funded Chinese coronavirus jab</a>

"We are taking this very seriously," IOC President Thomas Bach told a news conference when asked specifically about claims of rights violations in China. "Human rights and labour rights and others are and will be part of the host city contract."

"We are working very closely with the organising committee. We are monitoring supply chains, labour rights, freedom of the press and many other issues. This is our responsibility," he said at the end of a virtual IOC session.

On Friday, the United States condemned China for its abuse of ethnic and religious minorities, including what it called "crimes against humanity and genocide" in Xinjiang against Muslim Uighurs and severe restrictions in Tibet.

"We are not a super world government where the IOC could solve or even address issues for which not a United Nations security council, no G7, no G20 has a solution," Bach said.

"This is in the remit of politics. We have to live up to our responsibilities in our areas of responsibility."

Chinese capital Beijing will be hosting the Summer and Winter Olympics next year. IOC came under serious criticism after this given the country's human rights record.

Representatives of Tibetan and Hong Kong groups as well as the world's largest group of exiled ethnic Uighurs said earlier on Friday the IOC had not acted on their concerns after meeting them in October.&nbsp;

(Inputs from Agency)

The International Olympics Association on Friday said that it is not a "super world government" that can resolve political issues in China ahead of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games.

The International Olympics Association on Friday said that it is not a "super world government" that can resolve political issues in China ahead of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games. The statement came after several activists said that the IOC ignored CHina's human rights violation on Tibetans and Uighurs. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics gets IOC-funded Chinese coronavirus jab "We are taking this very seriously," IOC President Thomas Bach told a news conference when asked specifically about claims of rights violations in China. "Human rights and labour rights and others are and will be part of the host city contract." "We are working very closely with the organising committee. We are monitoring supply chains, labour rights, freedom of the press and many other issues. This is our responsibility," he said at the end of a virtual IOC session. On Friday, the United States condemned China for its abuse of ethnic and religious minorities, including what it called "crimes against humanity and genocide" in Xinjiang against Muslim Uighurs and severe restrictions in Tibet. "We are not a super world government where the IOC could solve or even address issues for which not a United Nations security council, no G7, no G20 has a solution," Bach said. "This is in the remit of politics. We have to live up to our responsibilities in our areas of responsibility." Chinese capital Beijing will be hosting the Summer and Winter Olympics next year. IOC came under serious criticism after this given the country's human rights record. Representatives of Tibetan and Hong Kong groups as well as the world's largest group of exiled ethnic Uighurs said earlier on Friday the IOC had not acted on their concerns after meeting them in October. (Inputs from Agency)

'We are not a super world government': IOC on China's human rights issue

China is planning to set up Covid vaccination stations to inoculate Chinese citizens abroad. It on Sunday also said it is ready to work with the International Olympic Committee to help provide vaccines to Olympic athletes for upcoming events.

China has developed several vaccines domestically and has begun its own vaccination drive, with plans to vaccinate 40% of its population by July.

"We are preparing to set up regional vaccination sites for domestically produced vaccines in countries where conditions permit, to provide services to compatriots in need in neighbouring countries," China's top government diplomat Wang Yi said in his annual news conference held on Sunday.

He added some citizens of his country were already receiving Chinese-made vaccines abroad according to local law, and that Beijing would also make vaccines available to Olympians.

China is set to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics next year, while the Summer Olympics are scheduled to take place in Japan later this year.

China has said it plans to provide 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to global vaccine sharing scheme COVAX. Vaccines from Chinese firms are already being offered in several countries, including Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

During Sunday's news conference, Wang also spoke against "vaccine nationalism", and said China would resist any attempt to politicise vaccine cooperation.

Beijing has repeatedly called into question the idea that the new coronavirus originated in China, and has embarked upon a vaccine diplomacy campaign to send Chinese-developed shots against COVID-19 around the world.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to make China's vaccines a "global public good."

China is planning to set up Covid vaccination stations to inoculate Chinese citizens abroad. It on Sunday also said it is ready to work with the International Olympic Committee to help provide vaccines to Olympic athletes for upcoming events.

China is planning to set up Covid vaccination stations to inoculate Chinese citizens abroad. It on Sunday also said it is ready to work with the International Olympic Committee to help provide vaccines to Olympic athletes for upcoming events. China has developed several vaccines domestically and has begun its own vaccination drive, with plans to vaccinate 40% of its population by July. "We are preparing to set up regional vaccination sites for domestically produced vaccines in countries where conditions permit, to provide services to compatriots in need in neighbouring countries," China's top government diplomat Wang Yi said in his annual news conference held on Sunday. He added some citizens of his country were already receiving Chinese-made vaccines abroad according to local law, and that Beijing would also make vaccines available to Olympians. China is set to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics next year, while the Summer Olympics are scheduled to take place in Japan later this year. China has said it plans to provide 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to global vaccine sharing scheme COVAX. Vaccines from Chinese firms are already being offered in several countries, including Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. During Sunday's news conference, Wang also spoke against "vaccine nationalism", and said China would resist any attempt to politicise vaccine cooperation. Beijing has repeatedly called into question the idea that the new coronavirus originated in China, and has embarked upon a vaccine diplomacy campaign to send Chinese-developed shots against COVID-19 around the world. Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to make China's vaccines a "global public good."

China says is ready to provide vaccines to Olympians

The rescheduled Tokyo Olympics European boxing qualifier will be held in Paris from June 4-8, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Boxing Task Force (BTF) has said.

Paris is replacing London, where the event began last March before being suspended amid the COVID-19 crisis. The BTF decided to move the event from London in January following a surge of cases in the country.

The BTF said that Paris had been selected "as part of its initial commitment to organise its events in the host countries of recent or upcoming Olympic Games, and because of the opportunity to continue to benefit from its already established relationship with the Local Organising Committee, which was originally entrusted to organise the now-cancelled final world qualifier."

The BTF said last month that the world Olympic boxing qualifier, which was due to take place in Paris in June, had been cancelled.

It insisted, however, that changes to the qualification system ensured athletes from all regions had an equal chance to qualify for the Games.

The BTF has been responsible for the qualifiers and the boxing tournament at the Tokyo Games after the IOC suspended the International Boxing Association's (AIBA) Olympic recognition over issues surrounding its finances and governance.

The rescheduled Tokyo Olympics European boxing qualifier will be held in Paris from June 4-8, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Boxing Task Force (BTF) has said.

The rescheduled Tokyo Olympics European boxing qualifier will be held in Paris from June 4-8, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Boxing Task Force (BTF) has said. Paris is replacing London, where the event began last March before being suspended amid the COVID-19 crisis. The BTF decided to move the event from London in January following a surge of cases in the country. The BTF said that Paris had been selected "as part of its initial commitment to organise its events in the host countries of recent or upcoming Olympic Games, and because of the opportunity to continue to benefit from its already established relationship with the Local Organising Committee, which was originally entrusted to organise the now-cancelled final world qualifier." The BTF said last month that the world Olympic boxing qualifier, which was due to take place in Paris in June, had been cancelled. It insisted, however, that changes to the qualification system ensured athletes from all regions had an equal chance to qualify for the Games. The BTF has been responsible for the qualifiers and the boxing tournament at the Tokyo Games after the IOC suspended the International Boxing Association's (AIBA) Olympic recognition over issues surrounding its finances and governance.

Paris to host rescheduled Tokyo Olympic boxing qualifier

Organisers of Tokyo 2020 have unveiled a rulebook for the athletes participating in the virus-postponed summer games.&nbsp;

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The 33-page rulebook has been launched to ensure a safe Olympics that is set to commence on July 23. &nbsp;The rulebook warns the players to not socialise, avoid handshakes and not hug, in short, "avoid unnecessary forms of physical contact" — especially for those living in the Olympic Village.&nbsp;

Their time in Japan will be "minimised to reduce the risk of infection."

According to the guidelines, athletes will be tested for the virus at least once every four days and will be barred from competing if they return a confirmed positive test. They also warned that the athletes could be kicked out of their events if they break strict anti-virus rules.

Organisers told AFP on Tuesday that they still plan to hand out around 150,000 free condoms to athletes, but the new rulebook urges them to "limit your contact with other people as much as possible."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-remains-to-be-seen-us-president-joe-biden-opines-on-2020-tokyo-olympics-362165" hreflang="en">'It remains to be seen...': US President Joe Biden opines on 2020 Tokyo Olympics</a>

"If you have been to the Games before, we know this experience will be different in a number of ways," the guidebook warns.

"For all Games participants, there will be some conditions and constraints that will require your flexibility and understanding."

The guidelines for athletes and team officials will be revised once in April and again in July.&nbsp;

ALSO SEE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/economy-to-values-tokyo-olympics-highlight-stark-difference-from-1964-to-2021-358853" hreflang="en">Economy to values: Tokyo Olympics highlight stark difference from 1964 to 2021</a>

The guidelines emphasise on virus-testing as they urge the players to get tested within 72 hours of travelling to Japan and again immediately upon arrival.

The rulebook also said that there will be no quarantine for athletes, and they will still be allowed to attend training camps in Japan before the Games begin.

Athletes "must not visit gyms, tourist areas, shops, restaurants or bars" and can only go to "official Games venues and limited additional locations".

These athletes will have to wear masks at all times except when they are competing, training, eating, sleeping or outside in open space.

Organisers of Tokyo 2020 have unveiled a rulebook for the athletes participating in the virus-postponed summer games. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020 organisers to hold meeting this week over Mori's sexist remarks: Reports The 33-page rulebook has been launched to ensure a safe Olympics that is set to commence on July 23.

Organisers of Tokyo 2020 have unveiled a rulebook for the athletes participating in the virus-postponed summer games. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020 organisers to hold meeting this week over Mori's sexist remarks: Reports The 33-page rulebook has been launched to ensure a safe Olympics that is set to commence on July 23. The rulebook warns the players to not socialise, avoid handshakes and not hug, in short, "avoid unnecessary forms of physical contact" — especially for those living in the Olympic Village. Their time in Japan will be "minimised to reduce the risk of infection." According to the guidelines, athletes will be tested for the virus at least once every four days and will be barred from competing if they return a confirmed positive test. They also warned that the athletes could be kicked out of their events if they break strict anti-virus rules. Organisers told AFP on Tuesday that they still plan to hand out around 150,000 free condoms to athletes, but the new rulebook urges them to "limit your contact with other people as much as possible." ALSO READ: 'It remains to be seen...': US President Joe Biden opines on 2020 Tokyo Olympics "If you have been to the Games before, we know this experience will be different in a number of ways," the guidebook warns. "For all Games participants, there will be some conditions and constraints that will require your flexibility and understanding." The guidelines for athletes and team officials will be revised once in April and again in July. ALSO SEE: Economy to values: Tokyo Olympics highlight stark difference from 1964 to 2021 The guidelines emphasise on virus-testing as they urge the players to get tested within 72 hours of travelling to Japan and again immediately upon arrival. The rulebook also said that there will be no quarantine for athletes, and they will still be allowed to attend training camps in Japan before the Games begin. Athletes "must not visit gyms, tourist areas, shops, restaurants or bars" and can only go to "official Games venues and limited additional locations". These athletes will have to wear masks at all times except when they are competing, training, eating, sleeping or outside in open space.

From no hugs to 150,000 condoms: Here are the details of athlete rulebook for Tokyo 2020

Japan's Olympic sponsors are scaling back advertising campaigns and delaying marketing events for this year's Summer Games, concerned that public sentiment toward the event is souring amid a fresh wave of COVID-19.

Sponsors also worry that organisers have not told them what contingency plans there are in case the pandemic derails the Games again this year.

That uncertainty over the Olympics marks a fresh blow to domestic sponsors, including many of Japan's biggest companies, such as Canon Inc and Japan Airlines Co Ltd, who have collectively pitched in more than $3 billion to support the event.

Assurances by both the Japanese government and the International Olympic Committee this month that the Games would begin as scheduled on July 23 have not quelled concerns.

In interviews with two dozen sponsors, organisers and officials, sources described deepening uncertainty and frustration as national infection numbers hit record highs in January, turning the public mood against the event.

Nearly 80% of the public now believes the Games should be cancelled or delayed further, according to a January survey by Kyodo.

Fears that an extended emergency declaration could further erode public confidence in the Games is also a worry, at least 11 of the sources said.

"We're asking ourselves, 'are we really going to do this?'" said a person seconded by his company to the Olympic organising committee. The person, who like most of those interviewed, declined to be named as he is not allowed to speak to the media, said even raising the topic of a "Plan B" was discouraged.

Canon's chief financial officer Toshizo Tanaka told reporters on Thursday the company was working under the assumption that the event would go ahead as planned. "But we are considering internally how to respond just in case it can't be held," he said.

In response to Reuters questions about sponsors altering their ad and marketing strategy, the Tokyo organising committee said it was working closely with all of its stakeholders towards the success of the Games and said it was receiving their full support.

The committee also said it expects a series of measures implemented by Japan's government, Tokyo, and other prefectural authorities to improve the virus situation.

"HOLDING BACK"

For some local sponsors, the perks of supporting the Tokyo Olympics have long since faded. Six sources at sponsor companies said they were still waiting on details from organisers so they could finalise preparations and roll out advertising campaigns. Several said they had held back out of fear of alienating the public.

"It's a little hard to say 'we support Tokyo 2021' when the government is under so much criticism," said a source who works for a financial institution that is also a games sponsor.

Though Japan has contained the spread of the virus better than many other countries, hospitals are still besieged by patients and the public has been advised to stay indoors as much as possible.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who has pledged to hold the Olympics this year, has seen his support slide in recent weeks over the handling of the pandemic.

Asahi Group Holdings, the holding company of beer maker Asahi Breweries, has stopped airing a part of its TV ads that say it is a top-tier Olympics partner, a company official said, as it waits for more clarity on the schedule.

Five other sources at separate sponsor companies said they were also delaying ads and reconsidering marketing events. But many sources said they saw the Olympics as a "national project" that they must support.

"The staff would never say the actual words 'cancellation' or 'delay'," said a source at a corporate sponsor, who regularly attends meetings with Olympic organisers.

The source, whose company also sponsors the torch relay, said Japan's 68 domestic sponsors had little choice but to extend their contracts last year. Corporate sponsors pitched in an additional $200 million to cover delays.

"Of course we can't ask them 'what's going to happen to our money if it's cancelled or delayed?'" because the subject is so sensitive, the source added.

"RESTRAINED" EVENT

The uncertainty extends to the Olympic torch relay, scheduled for March 25 and meant to kick off celebrations ahead of the opening. But instead of planning parties for clients, sponsors are treading water because they don't know whether spectators will be allowed.

"We haven't officially heard how 'restrained' the event will be this year," said the source working for the relay sponsor, adding that preparations for the relay were already under way at this time last year.

His company quietly dropped plans to line the relay route with corporate booths and logos last year, he said, partly because of deteriorating earnings during the pandemic.

Another person seconded to the organising committee worried that torch bearers would look "lonely" running down unlined streets, making for bad media content.

"It's a sad image and it doesn't look at all exciting," the person said.

In a statement to Reuters, the Tokyo organising committee said it was considering what virus countermeasures to adopt during the event, but said the relay will begin on the scheduled date.

For Motoji Kawasaki, an official in Tokyo's Higashimurayama city, one immediate priority is finding a replacement for Ken Shimura, a celebrity torch runner who died of COVID-19 last year.

"There's normally an air of excitement leading up to the Olympics," he said. "But it's too naive to think about that this year. Now, it is all about coronavirus."

Japan's Olympic sponsors are scaling back advertising campaigns and delaying marketing events for this year's Summer Games, concerned that public sentiment toward the event is souring amid a fresh wave of COVID-19.

Japan's Olympic sponsors are scaling back advertising campaigns and delaying marketing events for this year's Summer Games, concerned that public sentiment toward the event is souring amid a fresh wave of COVID-19. Sponsors also worry that organisers have not told them what contingency plans there are in case the pandemic derails the Games again this year. That uncertainty over the Olympics marks a fresh blow to domestic sponsors, including many of Japan's biggest companies, such as Canon Inc and Japan Airlines Co Ltd, who have collectively pitched in more than $3 billion to support the event. Assurances by both the Japanese government and the International Olympic Committee this month that the Games would begin as scheduled on July 23 have not quelled concerns. In interviews with two dozen sponsors, organisers and officials, sources described deepening uncertainty and frustration as national infection numbers hit record highs in January, turning the public mood against the event. Nearly 80% of the public now believes the Games should be cancelled or delayed further, according to a January survey by Kyodo. Fears that an extended emergency declaration could further erode public confidence in the Games is also a worry, at least 11 of the sources said. "We're asking ourselves, 'are we really going to do this?'" said a person seconded by his company to the Olympic organising committee. The person, who like most of those interviewed, declined to be named as he is not allowed to speak to the media, said even raising the topic of a "Plan B" was discouraged. Canon's chief financial officer Toshizo Tanaka told reporters on Thursday the company was working under the assumption that the event would go ahead as planned. "But we are considering internally how to respond just in case it can't be held," he said. In response to Reuters questions about sponsors altering their ad and marketing strategy, the Tokyo organising committee said it was working closely with all of its stakeholders towards the success of the Games and said it was receiving their full support. The committee also said it expects a series of measures implemented by Japan's government, Tokyo, and other prefectural authorities to improve the virus situation. "HOLDING BACK" For some local sponsors, the perks of supporting the Tokyo Olympics have long since faded. Six sources at sponsor companies said they were still waiting on details from organisers so they could finalise preparations and roll out advertising campaigns. Several said they had held back out of fear of alienating the public. "It's a little hard to say 'we support Tokyo 2021' when the government is under so much criticism," said a source who works for a financial institution that is also a games sponsor. Though Japan has contained the spread of the virus better than many other countries, hospitals are still besieged by patients and the public has been advised to stay indoors as much as possible. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who has pledged to hold the Olympics this year, has seen his support slide in recent weeks over the handling of the pandemic. Asahi Group Holdings, the holding company of beer maker Asahi Breweries, has stopped airing a part of its TV ads that say it is a top-tier Olympics partner, a company official said, as it waits for more clarity on the schedule. Five other sources at separate sponsor companies said they were also delaying ads and reconsidering marketing events. But many sources said they saw the Olympics as a "national project" that they must support. "The staff would never say the actual words 'cancellation' or 'delay'," said a source at a corporate sponsor, who regularly attends meetings with Olympic organisers. The source, whose company also sponsors the torch relay, said Japan's 68 domestic sponsors had little choice but to extend their contracts last year. Corporate sponsors pitched in an additional $200 million to cover delays. "Of course we can't ask them 'what's going to happen to our money if it's cancelled or delayed?'" because the subject is so sensitive, the source added. "RESTRAINED" EVENT The uncertainty extends to the Olympic torch relay, scheduled for March 25 and meant to kick off celebrations ahead of the opening. But instead of planning parties for clients, sponsors are treading water because they don't know whether spectators will be allowed. "We haven't officially heard how 'restrained' the event will be this year," said the source working for the relay sponsor, adding that preparations for the relay were already under way at this time last year. His company quietly dropped plans to line the relay route with corporate booths and logos last year, he said, partly because of deteriorating earnings during the pandemic. Another person seconded to the organising committee worried that torch bearers would look "lonely" running down unlined streets, making for bad media content. "It's a sad image and it doesn't look at all exciting," the person said. In a statement to Reuters, the Tokyo organising committee said it was considering what virus countermeasures to adopt during the event, but said the relay will begin on the scheduled date. For Motoji Kawasaki, an official in Tokyo's Higashimurayama city, one immediate priority is finding a replacement for Ken Shimura, a celebrity torch runner who died of COVID-19 last year. "There's normally an air of excitement leading up to the Olympics," he said. "But it's too naive to think about that this year. Now, it is all about coronavirus."

'No Plan B': Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics

Insurers are facing a $2-3 billion loss if the Tokyo Olympics are cancelled this year, amounting to the largest ever claim in the global event cancellation market, brokers say.

With less than six months until the Games are due to start, the competition will top the agenda when the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board meets this week.

The Olympic body, which will meet remotely, finds itself in a similar situation to March last year, when it postponed the Games by 12 months as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down sport worldwide.

Much of Japan is now under a state of emergency due to a third wave of COVID-19 infections.

The IOC and Japanese organisers have been adamant that another postponement isn’t an option. So it appears more likely the Games would have to be cancelled, rather than postponed again, if they weren’t able to go ahead in Tokyo this summer.

Event cancellation insurers have had a tough year as a result of the pandemic, with festivals, conferences and sporting events postponed or cancelled the world over. Broker Howden estimates COVID-19 event cancellation losses at $5-6 billion.

But cancellation of the Olympics “would be by far the largest. Mind-blowingly,” said Simon Henderson, an executive director at broker Gallagher.

“The Olympics is a World Cup, it’s a tennis tournament, it’s an athletics tournament. It’s swimming, everything all in one - definitely a huge headache.”

Analysts at Jefferies have estimated the Tokyo Olympics is insured for around $2 billion, plus a further $600 million for hospitality.

The IOC takes out around $800 million of protection for each Summer Games, which covers most of the roughly $1 billion investment it makes in each host city.

In addition, the local organising committee in Tokyo will have taken out a further policy, estimated at around $650 million, while broadcasters are also insured for large sums.

“TV networks, sponsors, professional sports teams, entertainers and other organisations could all have event cancellation policies protecting their interests in the Olympics,” said Leigh Ann Rossi, chief operating officer at broker NFP Sports and Entertainment Group.

Such policies will have been bought years in advance and so would likely cover cancellation due to infectious diseases. Event cancellation policies taken out in the last year exclude that cover.

Many of the organisations involved in the Olympics would have been able to claim some costs as a result of last year’s postponement, for issues such as hiring venues or reprinting marketing brochures.

Tim Thornhill, a director at broker Tysers, said there was “no rule of thumb” as to how much of the total insured value of an event could be claimed under the postponement section of an event cancellation policy.

But brokers expect any payments made last year for postponement to be smaller than any cancellation pay-outs this year.

Lloyd’s of London insurers are among those active in the event cancellation market, along with international insurers, and global reinsurers such as Munich Re and Swiss Re.

Munich Re has a $500 million exposure to the Tokyo Olympics, one source previously told Reuters. Munich Re declined to comment.

Swiss Re has a $250 million exposure, its chief financial officer John Dacey told analysts last year.

German insurer Allianz has signed an eight-year insurance agreement with the IOC which took effect earlier this month, covering Winter and Summer Games, including the Summer Games in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028.

Given how far in advance Olympics policies are taken out, Paris will also likely be covered for postponement or cancellation due to infectious diseases, brokers said.

Insurers are facing a $2-3 billion loss if the Tokyo Olympics are cancelled this year, amounting to the largest ever claim in the global event cancellation market, brokers say.

Insurers are facing a $2-3 billion loss if the Tokyo Olympics are cancelled this year, amounting to the largest ever claim in the global event cancellation market, brokers say. With less than six months until the Games are due to start, the competition will top the agenda when the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board meets this week. The Olympic body, which will meet remotely, finds itself in a similar situation to March last year, when it postponed the Games by 12 months as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down sport worldwide. Much of Japan is now under a state of emergency due to a third wave of COVID-19 infections. The IOC and Japanese organisers have been adamant that another postponement isn’t an option. So it appears more likely the Games would have to be cancelled, rather than postponed again, if they weren’t able to go ahead in Tokyo this summer. Event cancellation insurers have had a tough year as a result of the pandemic, with festivals, conferences and sporting events postponed or cancelled the world over. Broker Howden estimates COVID-19 event cancellation losses at $5-6 billion. But cancellation of the Olympics “would be by far the largest. Mind-blowingly,” said Simon Henderson, an executive director at broker Gallagher. “The Olympics is a World Cup, it’s a tennis tournament, it’s an athletics tournament. It’s swimming, everything all in one - definitely a huge headache.” Analysts at Jefferies have estimated the Tokyo Olympics is insured for around $2 billion, plus a further $600 million for hospitality. The IOC takes out around $800 million of protection for each Summer Games, which covers most of the roughly $1 billion investment it makes in each host city. In addition, the local organising committee in Tokyo will have taken out a further policy, estimated at around $650 million, while broadcasters are also insured for large sums. “TV networks, sponsors, professional sports teams, entertainers and other organisations could all have event cancellation policies protecting their interests in the Olympics,” said Leigh Ann Rossi, chief operating officer at broker NFP Sports and Entertainment Group. Such policies will have been bought years in advance and so would likely cover cancellation due to infectious diseases. Event cancellation policies taken out in the last year exclude that cover. Many of the organisations involved in the Olympics would have been able to claim some costs as a result of last year’s postponement, for issues such as hiring venues or reprinting marketing brochures. Tim Thornhill, a director at broker Tysers, said there was “no rule of thumb” as to how much of the total insured value of an event could be claimed under the postponement section of an event cancellation policy. But brokers expect any payments made last year for postponement to be smaller than any cancellation pay-outs this year. Lloyd’s of London insurers are among those active in the event cancellation market, along with international insurers, and global reinsurers such as Munich Re and Swiss Re. Munich Re has a $500 million exposure to the Tokyo Olympics, one source previously told Reuters. Munich Re declined to comment. Swiss Re has a $250 million exposure, its chief financial officer John Dacey told analysts last year. German insurer Allianz has signed an eight-year insurance agreement with the IOC which took effect earlier this month, covering Winter and Summer Games, including the Summer Games in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028. Given how far in advance Olympics policies are taken out, Paris will also likely be covered for postponement or cancellation due to infectious diseases, brokers said.

Insurers face 'mind-blowingly' large loss if Olympics cancelled

Japan has said that reports of Tokyo Olympics being cancelled is untrue. But experts say the games can only be conducted safely if Japan vaccinates its entire population. Japan is home to 127 people, and the country is yet to start its vaccination program. Palki Sharma Upadhyay has the details

Gravitas: Will Tokyo Olympics be cancelled?

An Olympic sailing champion has accused a top sporting official in Greece of sexual abuse, the country’s first high-profile accusation of sexual assault and abuse of power since the #MeToo movement swept the world in recent years, bringing down powerful figures in the media, politics and sports.

Claims by Sofia Bekatorou, a Greek Olympic sailing champion, that she was sexually assaulted by the official 23 years ago, when she was 21, have prompted a wave of support and an unusually open debate in a country where studies suggest sexual harassment is prevalent.

And it has catapulted one of Greece’s most popular international athletes back into the public eye, this time as a champion for women’s rights.

Several other women from the field of sports and beyond have now also spoken out about alleged harassment, and the Greek Supreme Court has urged prosecutors to make responding to such claims a priority.

“It’s an extremely important moment,” said Vasiliki Petousi, a sociologist who is head of gender research at the University of Crete. “A popular, accomplished woman telling a story that can happen to any girl at any time — it’s hugely symbolic and can drive change,” she said, adding that the broader political and social climate was finally right for such a breakthrough.

Bekatorou, who won gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and bronze four years later in Beijing, said a senior official of the country’s sailing federation sexually assaulted her in a hotel room in 1998.

“I told him no, I repeated that I didn’t want to proceed and he, with fake sweet talk, said it was nothing, making light of it,” she told an online seminar organized by the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports on Jan. 14. After the incident, Bekatorou said, she felt “dirty, exhausted, humiliated and unable to defend my rights.”

Bekatorou, who is now 43, on Wednesday sent a letter to World Sailing, the global governing body, signed by several Olympic sailing athletes and coaches, calling out a “wretched situation” in the Greek federation and asking for global officials to appoint temporary management to schedule elections for a new board.

In the letter, she also named her alleged abuser for the first time as Aristeidis Adamopoulos, a senior federation official.

Adamopoulos had already resigned from his position at the federation and stepped down from the Greek Olympic Committee this past week, saying it was to shield it from bad publicity after his name was circulated in the news media as the alleged perpetrator. The accusations were “false, defamatory and deceitful,” he said in a letter to the committee released last Saturday.

Efforts to reach Adamopoulous for comment were unsuccessful.

Bekatorou said fears of jeopardizing her Olympic dream had prevented her from speaking out about her abuse at the time. Now, as a mother of two and concerned about young athletes facing similar challenges, she said, she felt compelled to come forward, even though the alleged offense has expired under Greece’s statute of limitations.

“I hope other women and people will come out and talk so our society becomes healthier and we are not afraid,” she said after testifying before a prosecutor Wednesday.

Bekatorou first spoke publicly about her abuse in an interview for the Greek edition of the magazine Marie Claire in December, though it made relatively little impact at the time.

But Bekatorou’s account at the online forum last week prompted an outpouring of solidarity on social media under the hashtags #WithSofia and #MeToo, and her cause was embraced by several Greek politicians.

“Sofia bravely broke the chain of fear and silence,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote on Twitter last Saturday. “Let’s all take that first step taken by Sofia: We talk, we condemn, we reveal.”

President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the first woman to hold that position in Greece, said Bekatorou had “dissolved a conspiracy of silence.”

Many victims do not speak out, Sakellaropoulou said Monday after meeting Bekatorou, “because they know that in the best-case scenario they will face pity or mistrust and in the worst case contempt, derision, even social stigma.”

While incidents are rarely reported, studies suggest that sexual harassment in Greek workplaces is common. A poll of 1,001 women last July by the charity ActionAid found that 9 in 10 had suffered unwanted advances at their workplace, with 1 in 10 saying that they had been victims of sexual assault. Accounts of such abuses have long swirled in Greek sports, politics and the media but are only now being documented.

Greece has made some strides in legislation for women’s rights over the years. In 2010, it adopted a law against gender-based discrimination in employment that makes sexual harassment a felony carrying a maximum three-year prison term. However, the country lags its European Union counterparts in promoting gender equality, and the harassment of women in male-dominated sectors is often brushed under the carpet.

“For decades, sexual harassment was seen as taboo, society refused to acknowledge a social reality,” Maria Syrengela, Greek deputy labor minister in charge of gender equality, said in an emailed response to questions. “But in recent years, society has matured, it has taken steps forward.”

Several women have already followed Bekatorou’s example.

Among them are Mania Bikof, a retired water polo player who said she had been forced to strip to the waist so a doctor could examine a shoulder injury, and former swimming champion Rabea Iatridou, who said she had been groped by a medic. Male athletes have spoken out too, including Nikos Kaklamanakis, another sailing champion, who said that sailing federation officials threatened young athletes to stay quiet about alleged abuses.

An Olympic athlete in Cyprus has also spoken out about abuse by one of that country’s sports officials. The athlete, Andri Eleftheriou, a member of the national shooting team, said she was sexually assaulted by the official at the Commonwealth Games in 2006, where she won a gold medal, and then again at the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008. Eleftheriou said in a Facebook Messenger message that she reported the alleged abuse to the police in Cyprus on Wednesday after meeting with Justice Minister Emily Yiolitis.

In Greece, there have also been claims from the world of politics, where women remain underrepresented, holding only 1 in 5 seats in Parliament and two of 20 ministerial posts in the conservative government.

Zefi Dimadama, of the opposition party Movement for Change, said Thursday that she had considered leaving politics after a party official harassed her in an elevator 20 years ago.

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in northern Greece, was also investigating claims of sexual harassment by professors, after more than 100 complaints were lodged against a single academic over the past 30 years, according to Apostolina Tsaltampasi, a former student who is now the head of the Greek Association of Women Entrepreneurs.

Some women say they feel that the outraged response to Bekatorou’s allegations indicates that the tide is turning in Greece.

“Women were scared to seek help and felt ashamed because society would point the finger at them,” said Syrengela, the deputy minister. “Now, finally, it is embracing women and encouraging them to speak out.”

An Olympic sailing champion has accused a top sporting official in Greece of sexual abuse, the country’s first high-profile accusation of sexual assault and abuse of power since the #MeToo movement swept the world in recent years, bringing down powerful figures in the media, politics and sports.

An Olympic sailing champion has accused a top sporting official in Greece of sexual abuse, the country’s first high-profile accusation of sexual assault and abuse of power since the #MeToo movement swept the world in recent years, bringing down powerful figures in the media, politics and sports. Claims by Sofia Bekatorou, a Greek Olympic sailing champion, that she was sexually assaulted by the official 23 years ago, when she was 21, have prompted a wave of support and an unusually open debate in a country where studies suggest sexual harassment is prevalent. And it has catapulted one of Greece’s most popular international athletes back into the public eye, this time as a champion for women’s rights. Several other women from the field of sports and beyond have now also spoken out about alleged harassment, and the Greek Supreme Court has urged prosecutors to make responding to such claims a priority. “It’s an extremely important moment,” said Vasiliki Petousi, a sociologist who is head of gender research at the University of Crete. “A popular, accomplished woman telling a story that can happen to any girl at any time — it’s hugely symbolic and can drive change,” she said, adding that the broader political and social climate was finally right for such a breakthrough. Bekatorou, who won gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and bronze four years later in Beijing, said a senior official of the country’s sailing federation sexually assaulted her in a hotel room in 1998. “I told him no, I repeated that I didn’t want to proceed and he, with fake sweet talk, said it was nothing, making light of it,” she told an online seminar organized by the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports on Jan. 14. After the incident, Bekatorou said, she felt “dirty, exhausted, humiliated and unable to defend my rights.” Bekatorou, who is now 43, on Wednesday sent a letter to World Sailing, the global governing body, signed by several Olympic sailing athletes and coaches, calling out a “wretched situation” in the Greek federation and asking for global officials to appoint temporary management to schedule elections for a new board. In the letter, she also named her alleged abuser for the first time as Aristeidis Adamopoulos, a senior federation official. Adamopoulos had already resigned from his position at the federation and stepped down from the Greek Olympic Committee this past week, saying it was to shield it from bad publicity after his name was circulated in the news media as the alleged perpetrator. The accusations were “false, defamatory and deceitful,” he said in a letter to the committee released last Saturday. Efforts to reach Adamopoulous for comment were unsuccessful. Bekatorou said fears of jeopardizing her Olympic dream had prevented her from speaking out about her abuse at the time. Now, as a mother of two and concerned about young athletes facing similar challenges, she said, she felt compelled to come forward, even though the alleged offense has expired under Greece’s statute of limitations. “I hope other women and people will come out and talk so our society becomes healthier and we are not afraid,” she said after testifying before a prosecutor Wednesday. Bekatorou first spoke publicly about her abuse in an interview for the Greek edition of the magazine Marie Claire in December, though it made relatively little impact at the time. But Bekatorou’s account at the online forum last week prompted an outpouring of solidarity on social media under the hashtags #WithSofia and #MeToo, and her cause was embraced by several Greek politicians. “Sofia bravely broke the chain of fear and silence,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote on Twitter last Saturday. “Let’s all take that first step taken by Sofia: We talk, we condemn, we reveal.” President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the first woman to hold that position in Greece, said Bekatorou had “dissolved a conspiracy of silence.” Many victims do not speak out, Sakellaropoulou said Monday after meeting Bekatorou, “because they know that in the best-case scenario they will face pity or mistrust and in the worst case contempt, derision, even social stigma.” While incidents are rarely reported, studies suggest that sexual harassment in Greek workplaces is common. A poll of 1,001 women last July by the charity ActionAid found that 9 in 10 had suffered unwanted advances at their workplace, with 1 in 10 saying that they had been victims of sexual assault. Accounts of such abuses have long swirled in Greek sports, politics and the media but are only now being documented. Greece has made some strides in legislation for women’s rights over the years. In 2010, it adopted a law against gender-based discrimination in employment that makes sexual harassment a felony carrying a maximum three-year prison term. However, the country lags its European Union counterparts in promoting gender equality, and the harassment of women in male-dominated sectors is often brushed under the carpet. “For decades, sexual harassment was seen as taboo, society refused to acknowledge a social reality,” Maria Syrengela, Greek deputy labor minister in charge of gender equality, said in an emailed response to questions. “But in recent years, society has matured, it has taken steps forward.” Several women have already followed Bekatorou’s example. Among them are Mania Bikof, a retired water polo player who said she had been forced to strip to the waist so a doctor could examine a shoulder injury, and former swimming champion Rabea Iatridou, who said she had been groped by a medic. Male athletes have spoken out too, including Nikos Kaklamanakis, another sailing champion, who said that sailing federation officials threatened young athletes to stay quiet about alleged abuses. An Olympic athlete in Cyprus has also spoken out about abuse by one of that country’s sports officials. The athlete, Andri Eleftheriou, a member of the national shooting team, said she was sexually assaulted by the official at the Commonwealth Games in 2006, where she won a gold medal, and then again at the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008. Eleftheriou said in a Facebook Messenger message that she reported the alleged abuse to the police in Cyprus on Wednesday after meeting with Justice Minister Emily Yiolitis. In Greece, there have also been claims from the world of politics, where women remain underrepresented, holding only 1 in 5 seats in Parliament and two of 20 ministerial posts in the conservative government. Zefi Dimadama, of the opposition party Movement for Change, said Thursday that she had considered leaving politics after a party official harassed her in an elevator 20 years ago. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in northern Greece, was also investigating claims of sexual harassment by professors, after more than 100 complaints were lodged against a single academic over the past 30 years, according to Apostolina Tsaltampasi, a former student who is now the head of the Greek Association of Women Entrepreneurs. Some women say they feel that the outraged response to Bekatorou’s allegations indicates that the tide is turning in Greece. “Women were scared to seek help and felt ashamed because society would point the finger at them,” said Syrengela, the deputy minister. “Now, finally, it is embracing women and encouraging them to speak out.”

Abuse accusation by Greek Olympian ends nation’s silence

Around 80 per cent of Japanese want the Tokyo Olympics to either be cancelled or delayed after a surge in coronavirus cases in the Asian country, a Kyodo News poll showed on Sunday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iocs-senior-official-says-tokyo-olympics-uncertain-due-to-coronavirus-surge-355388" hreflang="en">IOC's senior official says Tokyo Olympics uncertain due to coronavirus surge</a>

According to the survey, 35.3 per cent want the Games to be cancelled and 44.8 per cent favoured another delay. The Olympics were scheduled to be held last year but was postponed due to coronavirus pandemic and is scheduled to be held between July 23-August 8 in Tokyo.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared a state of emergency on greater Tokyo and could extend the measure to other areas as Japan struggles to contain a surge in infections.

The Japanese Prime Minister has been criticised and his support ratings have tumbled for his handling of the pandemic since he succeeded Abe in September. Suga's cabinet's approval rate slid 9 points from a month earlier to 41.3 per cent with the disapproval rate at 42.8 per cent, the Kyodo survey showed.

About 79 per cent said Suga's decision to call the state of emergency for Tokyo came too late and 68 per cent were dissatisfied with the government's response to the pandemic, the survey found.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Around 80 per cent of Japanese want the Tokyo Olympics to either be cancelled or delayed after a surge in coronavirus cases in the Asian country, a Kyodo News poll showed on Sunday.

Around 80 per cent of Japanese want the Tokyo Olympics to either be cancelled or delayed after a surge in coronavirus cases in the Asian country, a Kyodo News poll showed on Sunday. ALSO READ: IOC's senior official says Tokyo Olympics uncertain due to coronavirus surge According to the survey, 35.3 per cent want the Games to be cancelled and 44.8 per cent favoured another delay. The Olympics were scheduled to be held last year but was postponed due to coronavirus pandemic and is scheduled to be held between July 23-August 8 in Tokyo. On Thursday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared a state of emergency on greater Tokyo and could extend the measure to other areas as Japan struggles to contain a surge in infections. The Japanese Prime Minister has been criticised and his support ratings have tumbled for his handling of the pandemic since he succeeded Abe in September. Suga's cabinet's approval rate slid 9 points from a month earlier to 41.3 per cent with the disapproval rate at 42.8 per cent, the Kyodo survey showed. About 79 per cent said Suga's decision to call the state of emergency for Tokyo came too late and 68 per cent were dissatisfied with the government's response to the pandemic, the survey found. (Inputs from Reuters)

Around 80% want Tokyo Olympics cancelled or delayed: Japanese survey

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

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

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