India women's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after defeating the USA in the qualifiers here on Saturday. 
 
In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India defeated the USA 5-1. 
 
In the second leg of the Olympic qualifiers, the USA had the first sight of goal in the 5th minute of the match. Kathleen Sharkey then added another goal of the match when the game was in the 14th minute. 
 
The USA continued its aggressive form in the game and just after six minutes, the team took their lead to three goals with the help of Alyssa Parker's strike. 
 
Consolidating the USA's position further in the match, Amanda Magadan netted another goal, taking the scoreline to 0-4. 
 
India scored a goal in the 49th minute, taking the scoreline to 1-4. The team then played cautiously and restricted the USA from scoring more goals. 
 
Hence the game concluded with an aggregate score of 6-5 which enabled India to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

India women's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after defeating the USA in the qualifiers here on Saturday. In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India defeated the USA 5-1.

India women's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after defeating the USA in the qualifiers here on Saturday. In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India defeated the USA 5-1. In the second leg of the Olympic qualifiers, the USA had the first sight of goal in the 5th minute of the match. Kathleen Sharkey then added another goal of the match when the game was in the 14th minute. The USA continued its aggressive form in the game and just after six minutes, the team took their lead to three goals with the help of Alyssa Parker's strike. Consolidating the USA's position further in the match, Amanda Magadan netted another goal, taking the scoreline to 0-4. India scored a goal in the 49th minute, taking the scoreline to 1-4. The team then played cautiously and restricted the USA from scoring more goals. Hence the game concluded with an aggregate score of 6-5 which enabled India to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

Indian women hockey team qualifies for Tokyo Olympics

India men's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after thrashing Russia in the qualifiers&nbsp;on Saturday. 
 
In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India had defeated Russia 4-2. 
 
In the second leg of the Olympic qualifiers, Russia got off to a brilliant start as it gained a one-goal lead in the first minute. 
 
India rushed off the blocks in the second quarter with three goals, taking the scoreline to 3-1. 
 
Nilakanta Sharma then added another goal of the match when the game was in the 47th minute. 
 
India continued their aggressive form in the game and just after one minute, the team took their lead to four with the help of Rupinder Pal Singh's strike. 
 
Consolidating India's position further in the match, Rupinder netted another goal, taking the scoreline to 6-1. 
 
When the match was in the final minute, India's striker Amit Rohidas scored a goal as the game ended with a scoreline 7-1. 
 
Hence the game concluded with an aggregate score of 11-3, which enabled India to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

India men's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after thrashing Russia in the qualifiers on Saturday. In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India had defeated Russia 4-2.

India men's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after thrashing Russia in the qualifiers on Saturday. In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India had defeated Russia 4-2. In the second leg of the Olympic qualifiers, Russia got off to a brilliant start as it gained a one-goal lead in the first minute. India rushed off the blocks in the second quarter with three goals, taking the scoreline to 3-1. Nilakanta Sharma then added another goal of the match when the game was in the 47th minute. India continued their aggressive form in the game and just after one minute, the team took their lead to four with the help of Rupinder Pal Singh's strike. Consolidating India's position further in the match, Rupinder netted another goal, taking the scoreline to 6-1. When the match was in the final minute, India's striker Amit Rohidas scored a goal as the game ended with a scoreline 7-1. Hence the game concluded with an aggregate score of 11-3, which enabled India to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Indian men hockey team defeats Russia, qualifies for Tokyo Olympics

Sapporo was formally approved on Friday as host of the marathon events at next year's Summer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-medals-unveiled-a-year-before-games-238165">Olympics</a>&nbsp;with the reluctant consent of Tokyo's governor, ending a showdown between the Japanese capital and the IOC over where to stage the flagship event.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stunned many Games organisers last month by announcing that the marathon, one of the most prestigious events at any&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;and one especially beloved in Japan, would be moved to the northern Japanese city of Sapporo to avoid the worst of Tokyo's summer heat.

The announcement enraged Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who said at the beginning of discussions with the IOC on Wednesday that she still wanted the marathon and race walk events to remain in the capital.

At the request of IOC delegation leader John Coates, representatives from the IOC, the 2020 organising committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and national government held talks on Friday aimed at reaching an amicable solution to what has become a very public spat.

Koike reiterated at the start of Friday's meeting there was no change in her feelings that the races should stay in Tokyo and that the IOC explanation still "wasn't sufficient."

"But on these points to make the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;a success we need to build a positive framework going forward," Koike said.

"I don't approve but the decision can't be avoided," she said. "It's a decision without agreement."

She added that they had agreed Tokyo would not bear extra costs of the venue move but other points still remained to be worked out, such as how much of the money Tokyo has spent up to this point in preparation might be repaid.

Coates said they had agreed at a meeting on Thursday that the decision on where to hold the marathon and race walk events rested with the IOC, adding that there would be no other venue changes in the future.

"We will continue as a one-team effort," he said, referring to planning with host city Tokyo.

'Difficult decision'

In Wednesday's opening remarks to a three-day IOC coordination visit, Coates had said organisers "owed it to the people of Tokyo" to clarify any plans over the marathon and race walk and vowed not to leave Tokyo without a consensus decision over the events.

Tokyo temperatures in July and August, when the city will host the Games, regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity adding to the discomfort.

"We thought it would be possible to do something, but our opponent was nature," said Tokyo 2020 organising committee President Yoshiro Mori, adding that he respected Koike's "difficult decision."

The IOC is determined not to repeat the experience of the athletics world championships in Doha, where the heat and humidity forced many athletes to drop out of the race despite the marathon being held at midnight.

The IOC has said temperatures in Sapporo, which will also host soccer games, are as much as five to six degrees cooler during the day.

Asked at a news conference later on Friday about what he might say to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/young-guns-of-indian-shooting-ready-for-gold-rush-at-tokyo-olympics-249259">Tokyo</a> children missing out on the "memory of a lifetime," Coates once again cited Doha.

"I'm very aware of the special place marathons have in the minds of the Japanese. We also didn't want bad memories, we didn't want people to have bad memories of Tokyo," he said.

"We didn't want it to be remembered by some of the scenes we saw in Doha." Many marathoners at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha were forced to withdraw from races due high temperatures and unbearable humidity. Some were carried off in wheelchairs.

Organisers earlier this year had already moved up the starting times to 6 am&nbsp;for the marathon and 5:30 am&nbsp;for the race walk to avoid the midday sun, and Coates said they were considering moving up the time for some other events, such as equestrian events.

When Tokyo hosted the Summer&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;in 1964, they were held in October, an option no longer possible due to international sports schedules.

Next year's Games are set to run from July 24 to August&nbsp;9, with the men's marathon to be held on the final day.

Sapporo was formally approved on Friday as host of the marathon events at next year's Summer Olympics with the reluctant consent of Tokyo's governor, ending a showdown between the Japanese capital and the IOC over where to stage the flagship event.

Sapporo was formally approved on Friday as host of the marathon events at next year's Summer Olympics with the reluctant consent of Tokyo's governor, ending a showdown between the Japanese capital and the IOC over where to stage the flagship event. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stunned many Games organisers last month by announcing that the marathon, one of the most prestigious events at any Olympics and one especially beloved in Japan, would be moved to the northern Japanese city of Sapporo to avoid the worst of Tokyo's summer heat. The announcement enraged Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who said at the beginning of discussions with the IOC on Wednesday that she still wanted the marathon and race walk events to remain in the capital. At the request of IOC delegation leader John Coates, representatives from the IOC, the 2020 organising committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and national government held talks on Friday aimed at reaching an amicable solution to what has become a very public spat. Koike reiterated at the start of Friday's meeting there was no change in her feelings that the races should stay in Tokyo and that the IOC explanation still "wasn't sufficient." "But on these points to make the Olympics a success we need to build a positive framework going forward," Koike said. "I don't approve but the decision can't be avoided," she said. "It's a decision without agreement." She added that they had agreed Tokyo would not bear extra costs of the venue move but other points still remained to be worked out, such as how much of the money Tokyo has spent up to this point in preparation might be repaid. Coates said they had agreed at a meeting on Thursday that the decision on where to hold the marathon and race walk events rested with the IOC, adding that there would be no other venue changes in the future. "We will continue as a one-team effort," he said, referring to planning with host city Tokyo. 'Difficult decision' In Wednesday's opening remarks to a three-day IOC coordination visit, Coates had said organisers "owed it to the people of Tokyo" to clarify any plans over the marathon and race walk and vowed not to leave Tokyo without a consensus decision over the events. Tokyo temperatures in July and August, when the city will host the Games, regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity adding to the discomfort. "We thought it would be possible to do something, but our opponent was nature," said Tokyo 2020 organising committee President Yoshiro Mori, adding that he respected Koike's "difficult decision." The IOC is determined not to repeat the experience of the athletics world championships in Doha, where the heat and humidity forced many athletes to drop out of the race despite the marathon being held at midnight. The IOC has said temperatures in Sapporo, which will also host soccer games, are as much as five to six degrees cooler during the day. Asked at a news conference later on Friday about what he might say to Tokyo children missing out on the "memory of a lifetime," Coates once again cited Doha. "I'm very aware of the special place marathons have in the minds of the Japanese. We also didn't want bad memories, we didn't want people to have bad memories of Tokyo," he said. "We didn't want it to be remembered by some of the scenes we saw in Doha." Many marathoners at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha were forced to withdraw from races due high temperatures and unbearable humidity. Some were carried off in wheelchairs. Organisers earlier this year had already moved up the starting times to 6 am for the marathon and 5:30 am for the race walk to avoid the midday sun, and Coates said they were considering moving up the time for some other events, such as equestrian events. When Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics in 1964, they were held in October, an option no longer possible due to international sports schedules. Next year's Games are set to run from July 24 to August 9, with the men's marathon to be held on the final day.

Olympics: Tokyo governor gives reluctant consent to moving marathon venue

Amit Panghal, who became the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/amit-panghal-loses-world-boxing-championships-finals-settles-for-silver-251075">first Indian boxer to win a silver medal</a> in the World Boxing Championships held in Ekaterinburg, Russia, on Monday said this feat is "very less" and he will work hard to reach the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to bag a gold.

"This is very less for me unless I get an Olympics gold medal. I'm working hard to do something big in the Olympics for which I will be remembered for long. My win in the world championships is still good for the country as this time in boxing we got better results," Panghal told ANI.

"Every athletes' dream is to bag an Olympic medal for the country so I will work hard to win a gold medal in the Olympics," he added.

On Saturday, Panghal settled for a silver medal in the championships as he lost the final match to Uzbekistan's Shakhobidin Zoirov.

Zoirov defeated Pangal in the summit clash 5-0 in the 52-kg weight category. Panghal on Friday had become the first Indian boxer to enter the finals of the championships.

"This is the best Indian contingent sent to the competition and we performed well. We will get more than one medal in the Olympics and will try to upgrade the colour of the medals," Panghal said.

"As best players of the world come to participate in the championships, so I prepared according to the opponent. I discussed with the coach and with my brother before the bouts. I watched videos of my opponents and planed strategies accordingly," he added.

On Friday, Manish Kaushik had to settle for a bronze medal as he lost 0-5 in the semi-final clash against reigning world champion Andy Cruz Gomez of Cuba.

With this, Kaushik joined Vijender Singh (2009), Vikas Krishan (2011), Shiva Thapa (2015) and Gaurav Bidhuri (2017), to win the World Championships bronze medals for India.

"Obviously, we would have the chances of securing Olympic berth in our respective weight category, if the World Championships would have been organised in India. But nevertheless we got the chance to play world boxers and got to know their techniques," Panghal said.

"I was happy after my win and want to thank everyone for the immense love and support. We got the sixth rank in the competition among 70 plus countries and we are improving day by day before the Olympics," he added.

Amit Panghal, who became the first Indian boxer to win a silver medal in the World Boxing Championships held in Ekaterinburg, Russia, on Monday said this feat is "very less" and he will work hard to reach the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to bag a gold.

Amit Panghal, who became the first Indian boxer to win a silver medal in the World Boxing Championships held in Ekaterinburg, Russia, on Monday said this feat is "very less" and he will work hard to reach the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to bag a gold. "This is very less for me unless I get an Olympics gold medal. I'm working hard to do something big in the Olympics for which I will be remembered for long. My win in the world championships is still good for the country as this time in boxing we got better results," Panghal told ANI. "Every athletes' dream is to bag an Olympic medal for the country so I will work hard to win a gold medal in the Olympics," he added. On Saturday, Panghal settled for a silver medal in the championships as he lost the final match to Uzbekistan's Shakhobidin Zoirov. Zoirov defeated Pangal in the summit clash 5-0 in the 52-kg weight category. Panghal on Friday had become the first Indian boxer to enter the finals of the championships. "This is the best Indian contingent sent to the competition and we performed well. We will get more than one medal in the Olympics and will try to upgrade the colour of the medals," Panghal said. "As best players of the world come to participate in the championships, so I prepared according to the opponent. I discussed with the coach and with my brother before the bouts. I watched videos of my opponents and planed strategies accordingly," he added. On Friday, Manish Kaushik had to settle for a bronze medal as he lost 0-5 in the semi-final clash against reigning world champion Andy Cruz Gomez of Cuba. With this, Kaushik joined Vijender Singh (2009), Vikas Krishan (2011), Shiva Thapa (2015) and Gaurav Bidhuri (2017), to win the World Championships bronze medals for India. "Obviously, we would have the chances of securing Olympic berth in our respective weight category, if the World Championships would have been organised in India. But nevertheless we got the chance to play world boxers and got to know their techniques," Panghal said. "I was happy after my win and want to thank everyone for the immense love and support. We got the sixth rank in the competition among 70 plus countries and we are improving day by day before the Olympics," he added.

Will not get satisfied unless I get gold in Olympics: Amit Panghal

Tokyo 2020 organisers blasted volunteers with fake snow on Friday as they trial ever more extreme ways to beat the heat ahead of the Games.

But instead of light fluffy snowflakes, the crowd, consisting mainly of Tokyo 2020 staff, was pelted with fairly coarse shards of shaved ice at the canoeing test event.

And ironically, after several weeks of almost unbroken heat and humidity, Friday saw temperatures in the Japanese capital drop sharply — no doubt a relief to millions of Tokyo commuters and players training for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup.

"We are trying everything possible to ease heat risks," said Taka Okamura, from the 2020 organising committee.

"This is not meant to cool the entire atmosphere but have spectators feel refreshed when the flakes of ice touch them," added Okamura, who acknowledged that the system needed some refinement.

One problem became immediately apparent after the volunteers were doused in 300 kilograms (650 pounds) of snow in a matter of minutes: the "spectators" were quickly soaked through and the floor became slippery — resulting in one journalist taking a tumble.

Okamura played down any environmental risks from the system — such as CO2 emissions from the machine — and declined to reveal its cost. Tokyo 2020 officials have admitted in the past that anti-heat measures will swell the budget for the Games.

Tokyo 2020 organisers have largely won praise for their preparations for the Games. With the construction work on track, IOC President Thomas Bach has said Tokyo is the best-prepared host ever with less than a year to go until the opening ceremony.

But the sweltering Tokyo heat has already proved a headache and there are fears for athletes, volunteers and spectators if conditions in recent summers are repeated at Games time.

Test events in August did little to allay those fears, with a French triathlete taken to hospital with suspected heatstroke, complaints about the water temperature for marathon swimming, and people taken ill at a rowing trial.

One member of the French parathletics team attending Friday's event pointed to another potential problem of the fake snow hose.

"When the wind is blowing in the wrong direction pushing the snow out of the stands, I'm not sure it is going to be that efficient," he said.

Tokyo 2020 organisers blasted volunteers with fake snow on Friday as they trial ever more extreme ways to beat the heat ahead of the Games. But instead of light fluffy snowflakes, the crowd, consisting mainly of Tokyo 2020 staff, was pelted with fairly coarse shards of shaved ice at the canoeing test event.

Tokyo 2020 organisers blasted volunteers with fake snow on Friday as they trial ever more extreme ways to beat the heat ahead of the Games. But instead of light fluffy snowflakes, the crowd, consisting mainly of Tokyo 2020 staff, was pelted with fairly coarse shards of shaved ice at the canoeing test event. And ironically, after several weeks of almost unbroken heat and humidity, Friday saw temperatures in the Japanese capital drop sharply — no doubt a relief to millions of Tokyo commuters and players training for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup. "We are trying everything possible to ease heat risks," said Taka Okamura, from the 2020 organising committee. "This is not meant to cool the entire atmosphere but have spectators feel refreshed when the flakes of ice touch them," added Okamura, who acknowledged that the system needed some refinement. One problem became immediately apparent after the volunteers were doused in 300 kilograms (650 pounds) of snow in a matter of minutes: the "spectators" were quickly soaked through and the floor became slippery — resulting in one journalist taking a tumble. Okamura played down any environmental risks from the system — such as CO2 emissions from the machine — and declined to reveal its cost. Tokyo 2020 officials have admitted in the past that anti-heat measures will swell the budget for the Games. Tokyo 2020 organisers have largely won praise for their preparations for the Games. With the construction work on track, IOC President Thomas Bach has said Tokyo is the best-prepared host ever with less than a year to go until the opening ceremony. But the sweltering Tokyo heat has already proved a headache and there are fears for athletes, volunteers and spectators if conditions in recent summers are repeated at Games time. Test events in August did little to allay those fears, with a French triathlete taken to hospital with suspected heatstroke, complaints about the water temperature for marathon swimming, and people taken ill at a rowing trial. One member of the French parathletics team attending Friday's event pointed to another potential problem of the fake snow hose. "When the wind is blowing in the wrong direction pushing the snow out of the stands, I'm not sure it is going to be that efficient," he said.

Cold comfort: Tokyo 2020 tests fake snow to beat the heat

Tokyo 2020 Olympic chiefs have already rolled out everything from misting stations to flowerbeds to beat the heat at next year's games, and now they want to let it snow.

Organisers confirmed Thursday that they plan to test the use of artificial snow at a canoe event later this month as they look for novel ways to keep spectators and athletes cool during Tokyo's notoriously steamy summer months.

"Artificial snow will be sprayed over spectator seating," some of which may be in direct sunlight, during a canoeing event on September 13 that will serve as a test for the Olympics, a spokeswoman for the Tokyo 2020 organisers told AFP.

"We haven't decided definitively that we will use this system next year for the Olympics, but we want to test it to see how effective it is," she said.

"We're open to trying all potentially useful ideas," she added, when asked about possible criticism of the environmental side-effects of the method.

Public broadcaster NHK said the test would use small snow-making machines to produce about a tonne of snow per day, and that officials from the organising committee would attend in spectator stands to judge the technique's effectiveness.

Olympic organisers have been on the offensive over concerns that holding the Games during summer months when Tokyo regularly reaches 35 degrees centigrade with 80 per cent humidity will be unsafe.

They have already tested measures including misting stations, air-conditioned cooling tents and even rows of potted flowers along the routes of queues — thought to psychologically cool spectators.

At a sailing event last month, athletes were given permission to loosen their life jackets because of the heat, while a French competitor was treated for heatstroke during a triathlon event in August.

The last time Japan hosted the Summer Olympics, in 1964, the competition was held in October to avoid the hot summer conditions.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic chiefs have already rolled out everything from misting stations to flowerbeds to beat the heat at next year's games, and now they want to let it snow.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic chiefs have already rolled out everything from misting stations to flowerbeds to beat the heat at next year's games, and now they want to let it snow. Organisers confirmed Thursday that they plan to test the use of artificial snow at a canoe event later this month as they look for novel ways to keep spectators and athletes cool during Tokyo's notoriously steamy summer months. "Artificial snow will be sprayed over spectator seating," some of which may be in direct sunlight, during a canoeing event on September 13 that will serve as a test for the Olympics, a spokeswoman for the Tokyo 2020 organisers told AFP. "We haven't decided definitively that we will use this system next year for the Olympics, but we want to test it to see how effective it is," she said. "We're open to trying all potentially useful ideas," she added, when asked about possible criticism of the environmental side-effects of the method. Public broadcaster NHK said the test would use small snow-making machines to produce about a tonne of snow per day, and that officials from the organising committee would attend in spectator stands to judge the technique's effectiveness. Olympic organisers have been on the offensive over concerns that holding the Games during summer months when Tokyo regularly reaches 35 degrees centigrade with 80 per cent humidity will be unsafe. They have already tested measures including misting stations, air-conditioned cooling tents and even rows of potted flowers along the routes of queues — thought to psychologically cool spectators. At a sailing event last month, athletes were given permission to loosen their life jackets because of the heat, while a French competitor was treated for heatstroke during a triathlon event in August. The last time Japan hosted the Summer Olympics, in 1964, the competition was held in October to avoid the hot summer conditions.

Snowkyo 2020: Tokyo organisers to test fake snow to cool Olympics

India's Olympic bronze medalist winner at the London Olympics spoke to WION's sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo on winning the prestigious Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar.

Excellence should be wired at the grassroots: Gagan Narang

The Indian men's hockey team registered a 6-3 win over Japan in their third match of the Olympic Test Event at the Oi Hockey Stadium here on Tuesday to reach the final of the tournament.

Mandeep Singh displayed a brilliant form as he scored thrice in the game. Nilakanta Sharma found the target first through a field goal in the third minute.

India were awarded a penalty corner four minutes after Sharma's goal and Nilam Sanjeep Xess made no mistake, taking lead to 2-0. Mandeep Singh did not take much time to consolidate the position as he netted in the ninth minute.

Kentaro Fukuda opened the account for Japan striking in the 25th minute. However, impeccable goals by Mandeep Singh in the 29th and 30th minute took the tally to 5-1.

Japan's Kenta Tanaka fought back and scored in the 36th minute. India registered their sixth goal through Gurjant Singh in the 41st minute.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
FT: 🇮🇳 6-3 🇯🇵 
 
WHAT. A. WIN. 
 
After a hiccup in the previous game, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> are back to winning ways as they book their berth in the FINALS. 💪 🇮🇳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadySteadyTokyo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReadySteadyTokyo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvJPN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvJPN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreTeamIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WeAreTeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/flOg7JAJbE">pic.twitter.com/flOg7JAJbE</a>
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/1163671138842509312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Japan launched an attack in the fourth quarter and succeded in the 52nd minute.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> are back on track as they defeated the hosts 6-3, that included a hat-trick by star Striker <a href="https://twitter.com/mandeepsingh995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mandeepsingh995</a>, powering 🇮🇳 into the Finals against New Zealand on 21st August: <a href="https://t.co/bQhZel7QSb">https://t.co/bQhZel7QSb</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadySteadyTokyo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReadySteadyTokyo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvJPN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvJPN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreTeamIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@weareteamindia</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q9Y9pBnOos">pic.twitter.com/Q9Y9pBnOos</a>
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/1163705165855068161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Shortly before the final whistle, India saved a penalty corner. India will play against New Zealand in the final tomorrow.

The Indian men's hockey team registered a 6-3 win over Japan in their third match of the Olympic Test Event at the Oi Hockey Stadium here on Tuesday to reach the final of the tournament.

The Indian men's hockey team registered a 6-3 win over Japan in their third match of the Olympic Test Event at the Oi Hockey Stadium here on Tuesday to reach the final of the tournament. Mandeep Singh displayed a brilliant form as he scored thrice in the game. Nilakanta Sharma found the target first through a field goal in the third minute. India were awarded a penalty corner four minutes after Sharma's goal and Nilam Sanjeep Xess made no mistake, taking lead to 2-0. Mandeep Singh did not take much time to consolidate the position as he netted in the ninth minute. Kentaro Fukuda opened the account for Japan striking in the 25th minute. However, impeccable goals by Mandeep Singh in the 29th and 30th minute took the tally to 5-1. Japan's Kenta Tanaka fought back and scored in the 36th minute. India registered their sixth goal through Gurjant Singh in the 41st minute. FT: 🇮🇳 6-3 🇯🇵 WHAT. A. WIN. After a hiccup in the previous game, #TeamIndia are back to winning ways as they book their berth in the FINALS. 💪 🇮🇳#IndiaKaGame #ReadySteadyTokyo #Tokyo2020 #INDvJPN @WeAreTeamIndia pic.twitter.com/flOg7JAJbE — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 20, 2019 × Japan launched an attack in the fourth quarter and succeded in the 52nd minute. #TeamIndia are back on track as they defeated the hosts 6-3, that included a hat-trick by star Striker @mandeepsingh995, powering 🇮🇳 into the Finals against New Zealand on 21st August: https://t.co/bQhZel7QSb#IndiaKaGame #ReadySteadyTokyo #Tokyo2020 #INDvJPN @weareteamindia pic.twitter.com/Q9Y9pBnOos — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 20, 2019 × Shortly before the final whistle, India saved a penalty corner. India will play against New Zealand in the final tomorrow.

India reaches final of Olympic Test Event after 6-3 win over Japan

Many of the world's top triathletes battled the heat and humidity in Tokyo on Friday (August 16) at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Olympic qualifying race, which doubled as a test event for the Games.

Triathletes happy to survive battle with humidity at Tokyo 2020 test event

The marathon race at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics will start 30 minutes earlier than originally scheduled, as part of the organisers' efforts to tackle the heat threat to athletes and fans in the Japanese capital.

With less than a year to go until the start of the Olympics, the Games' ability to contend with extreme heat is a key talking point, particularly after a worker at a Tokyo 2020 construction site died on Thursday, with heatstroke suspected as the cause.

Soaring temperatures have killed at least 57 people across Japan since late July, highlighting the possible health threat to athletes and fans.

While announcing the full schedule of the Paralympics, which runs from Aug. 25-Sept. 6, organisers said changes were being made to accommodate the high temperatures, including starting the marathon at 6.30 a.m. local time (2130GMT).

"As it has been discussed a lot, the heat countermeasures are something we must take into consideration. Even though it will be held at the end of August it will still be hot," said Games director Koji Murofushi.

"From the 'athletes first' point of view, the start time of marathon has been moved 30 minutes early from 7 a.m. to 6.30.

"For triathlon, we moved the start from 8 a.m. to 7.30 and for equestrian, by adding a day to the duration of the competition from four to five days, we avoid having the competition at the hottest time of the day."

Besides high temperatures, organisers may have to contend with Japan's notoriously devastating typhoon season, which usually runs from July to October.

Murofushi did not provide details of Tokyo 2020's measures should a huge typhoon hit during the Paralympics but said a contingency plan was in place.

"Basically, we aim to hand all the medals to athletes - this is what we aim to do foremost – by the closing ceremony," added the former Olympic gold medallist hammer thrower.

"Of course, there will be various situations where we cannot hold a competition and we aim to create the contingency plan accordingly.

"There is an extra day planned, but this is not something we will announce in advance."

Tickets for the Paralympics will go on sale for Japanese residents in a lottery starting on August 22, with ticket prices for groups and families starting for as little as 500 yen ($4.75).

The low-priced tickets are aimed at under-12 children and those with disabilities in a bid to boost attendance and interest in the Games.

The most expensive tickets are for the opening ceremony on Aug. 25. The highest category will cost 150,000 yen (about $1,427) while the costliest sports are the finals of the swimming and wheelchair basketball.

Men's wheelchair basketball - one of the most popular events at any Paralympics - is the final medal event and will be held before the closing ceremony on Sept. 6.

The marathon race at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics will start 30 minutes earlier than originally scheduled, as part of the organisers' efforts to tackle the heat threat to athletes and fans in the Japanese capital.

The marathon race at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics will start 30 minutes earlier than originally scheduled, as part of the organisers' efforts to tackle the heat threat to athletes and fans in the Japanese capital. With less than a year to go until the start of the Olympics, the Games' ability to contend with extreme heat is a key talking point, particularly after a worker at a Tokyo 2020 construction site died on Thursday, with heatstroke suspected as the cause. Soaring temperatures have killed at least 57 people across Japan since late July, highlighting the possible health threat to athletes and fans. While announcing the full schedule of the Paralympics, which runs from Aug. 25-Sept. 6, organisers said changes were being made to accommodate the high temperatures, including starting the marathon at 6.30 a.m. local time (2130GMT). "As it has been discussed a lot, the heat countermeasures are something we must take into consideration. Even though it will be held at the end of August it will still be hot," said Games director Koji Murofushi. "From the 'athletes first' point of view, the start time of marathon has been moved 30 minutes early from 7 a.m. to 6.30. "For triathlon, we moved the start from 8 a.m. to 7.30 and for equestrian, by adding a day to the duration of the competition from four to five days, we avoid having the competition at the hottest time of the day." Besides high temperatures, organisers may have to contend with Japan's notoriously devastating typhoon season, which usually runs from July to October. Murofushi did not provide details of Tokyo 2020's measures should a huge typhoon hit during the Paralympics but said a contingency plan was in place. "Basically, we aim to hand all the medals to athletes - this is what we aim to do foremost – by the closing ceremony," added the former Olympic gold medallist hammer thrower. "Of course, there will be various situations where we cannot hold a competition and we aim to create the contingency plan accordingly. "There is an extra day planned, but this is not something we will announce in advance." Tickets for the Paralympics will go on sale for Japanese residents in a lottery starting on August 22, with ticket prices for groups and families starting for as little as 500 yen ($4.75). The low-priced tickets are aimed at under-12 children and those with disabilities in a bid to boost attendance and interest in the Games. The most expensive tickets are for the opening ceremony on Aug. 25. The highest category will cost 150,000 yen (about $1,427) while the costliest sports are the finals of the swimming and wheelchair basketball. Men's wheelchair basketball - one of the most popular events at any Paralympics - is the final medal event and will be held before the closing ceremony on Sept. 6.

Tokyo paralympics marathon to start earlier due to heat fears

With temperatures rising to 35 degrees Celsius and humidity of 75% on Thursday, Tokyo 2020 organisers had the perfect weather to try out their heat countermeasures and preparedness for next year's Olympics at the beach volleyball test event. Although it has been less hot this year, a record heatwave in July 2018, killed over a dozen people in Tokyo with monthly average temperatures transcending 30 degrees for the first time in 20 years. Tokyo 2020 organisers will employ wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) measuring devices at all venues as a step in their readiness for high temperatures.

Olympics organisers test heat countermeasures in sweltering Tokyo

Former Olympic track and field athlete P T Usha has been nominated for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Veteran Pin.

Usha in a tweet on Thursday conveyed her gratitude to the international governing body for athletics, saying, "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/caster-semenya-accuses-iaaf-of-using-her-as-a-human-guinea-pig-228483&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf0eC0_r3jAhVM8HMBHcBfC-4QFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0wSgXkncfrDpIVYWMvED9f">IAAF </a>Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics! Thank you, IAAF for this incredible honour."

IAAF CEO Jon Ridgeon in a letter congratulated the athlete on her nomination.

"We are delighted that you have been nominated by your Area Association as a recipient of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/iaaf-maintains-ban-on-russian-athletics-over-doping-scandal-202632&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf0eC0_r3jAhVM8HMBHcBfC-4QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1hak-x-5O8qOz6NMioLVSZ">IAAF </a>Veteran Pin for your long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics," the letter said.

Ridgeon invited Usha to attend the award ceremony which will take place on the opening ceremony of the 52nd IAAF Congress on September 24 in Doha.

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IAAF Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics! 
Thank you IAAF for this incredible honour 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/QDILgouvgL">pic.twitter.com/QDILgouvgL</a>
— P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTUshaOfficial/status/1151665580065226753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It is my pleasure to invite you to participate in the award ceremony which will take place during the opening ceremony of the 52nd IAAF Congress at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha on the evening of September 24," the letter added.

Former Olympic track and field athlete P T Usha has been nominated for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Veteran Pin. Usha in a tweet on Thursday conveyed her gratitude to the international governing body for athletics, saying, "IAAF Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics!

Former Olympic track and field athlete P T Usha has been nominated for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Veteran Pin. Usha in a tweet on Thursday conveyed her gratitude to the international governing body for athletics, saying, "IAAF Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics! Thank you, IAAF for this incredible honour." IAAF CEO Jon Ridgeon in a letter congratulated the athlete on her nomination. "We are delighted that you have been nominated by your Area Association as a recipient of the IAAF Veteran Pin for your long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics," the letter said. Ridgeon invited Usha to attend the award ceremony which will take place on the opening ceremony of the 52nd IAAF Congress on September 24 in Doha. IAAF Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics! Thank you IAAF for this incredible honour 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QDILgouvgL — P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) July 18, 2019 × "It is my pleasure to invite you to participate in the award ceremony which will take place during the opening ceremony of the 52nd IAAF Congress at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha on the evening of September 24," the letter added.

Former Olympian P T Usha nominated for IAAF Veteran Pin

An online auction of German tennis great <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-becker-auctions-trophies-to-pay-off-debts-229944&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwido4el2a7jAhUGuY8KHav_CFAQFjABegQIDRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kRTuWquGmdUJ1ugVv7qfB">Boris Becker</a>'s trophies and memorabilia has raised more than $852,652, with his 1989 US&nbsp;Open trophy attracting the highest bid of £150,250.

The 51-year-old was declared bankrupt by a British court in 2017 in connection to a debt to private bankers Arbuthnot Latham &amp; Co, and the company dealing with his bankruptcy decided to auction 82 items from his collection.

They included a replica of the Davis Cup winners trophy, which fetched £52,100, an international tennis hall of fame ring as well as watches and playing clothes.

The auction was to be held last year but was delayed after Becker claimed diplomatic immunity from bankruptcy proceedings by taking up a role with Central African Republic as a sports envoy.

"The highest bid in 2018 for the US&nbsp;Open Trophy was £36,000 and this year it is £150,250, which is fantastic," Smith and Williamson's Mark Ford, lead trustee to Becker's bankruptcy estate, told the BBC.

Ford hoped a number of Becker's missing Grand Slam trophies would be located and recovered. Becker issued an appeal to the public last year after discovering they had been misplaced.

Becker won six Grand Slam singles titles in his career, including three at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-wins-100th-wimbledon-match-sets-up-clash-with-rafael-nadal-in-semi-final-234850">Wimbledon</a>, and a doubles gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

An online auction of German tennis great Boris Becker's trophies and memorabilia has raised more than $852,652, with his 1989 US Open trophy attracting the highest bid of £150,250.

An online auction of German tennis great Boris Becker's trophies and memorabilia has raised more than $852,652, with his 1989 US Open trophy attracting the highest bid of £150,250. The 51-year-old was declared bankrupt by a British court in 2017 in connection to a debt to private bankers Arbuthnot Latham & Co, and the company dealing with his bankruptcy decided to auction 82 items from his collection. They included a replica of the Davis Cup winners trophy, which fetched £52,100, an international tennis hall of fame ring as well as watches and playing clothes. The auction was to be held last year but was delayed after Becker claimed diplomatic immunity from bankruptcy proceedings by taking up a role with Central African Republic as a sports envoy. "The highest bid in 2018 for the US Open Trophy was £36,000 and this year it is £150,250, which is fantastic," Smith and Williamson's Mark Ford, lead trustee to Becker's bankruptcy estate, told the BBC. Ford hoped a number of Becker's missing Grand Slam trophies would be located and recovered. Becker issued an appeal to the public last year after discovering they had been misplaced. Becker won six Grand Slam singles titles in his career, including three at Wimbledon, and a doubles gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Boris Becker's trophy auction to pay off debts raises over $852,652

Sprinter Dutee Chand won the 100m gold medal on Tuesday in the ongoing World University Games in Napoli.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/sprinter-dutee-chand-faces-expulsion-from-family-after-revealing-same-sex-relationship-219884&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHtNDylKrjAhVjH48KHbNvBMsQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1RcYd-kmicSvl3fA1ttuTO">Chand </a>won the gold medal in just 11.32 seconds.

She also holds the 100m national record with 11.24 seconds.

"With years of hard work and your blessings, I have yet again broken the record by winning the Gold in the 100m dash in 11.32 seconds at The World University Games, Napoli. In the pictures, are the winners too, with a heart of Gold from Germany and Sweden. @Napoli2019_ita," Chand tweeted.

She posted a picture of her with the gold medal and captioned it "Picked it up".

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Pull me down, I will come back stronger! <a href="https://t.co/PHO86ZrExl">pic.twitter.com/PHO86ZrExl</a>
— Dutee Chand (@DuteeChand) <a href="https://twitter.com/DuteeChand/status/1148683305975345152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Pull me down, I will come back stronger," she wrote in another tweet.

Chand recently made headlines as she disclosed that she's in a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/dutee-chand-my-own-sister-is-blackmailing-me-she-asked-me-for-rs-25-lakh-220416&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHtNDylKrjAhVjH48KHbNvBMsQFjABegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw15FWyPs67U6lxkauNAvulv">same-sex relationship</a>.

Also read :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dutee-chand-indias-first-openly-gay-athelete-turns-cover-girl-for-a-fashion-magazine-234275">Dutee Chand, India's first openly-gay athlete, turns cover girl for a fashion magazine</a>

"This is my personal matter. I am sure everything will be fine in a month or two. On the international level, there are several athletes (who are in a same-sex relationship). To live, everybody needs a partner who understands your heart. We like each other so we decided to live together. She gives me motivation for my sport. My focus on sports will be intact," she had said.

"Problem will come and go in future, nobody can take guarantee of that. But I think there won't be any problem. If it won't happen, I'll be able to focus more on my training. My focus is on Olympics 2020 (to be held in Tokyo). I am training to qualify and participate in the Olympics," she added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;hailed sprinter <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ellen-degeneres-hails-dutee-chands-courage-says-shes-proud-of-the-athlete-220464&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHtNDylKrjAhVjH48KHbNvBMsQFjAEegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3UcgACEFGdOXzpfBLJ0x7E">Dutee Chand</a> for winning the women`s 100 m gold in the World University Games.

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Exceptional achievement of an exceptional athlete! 
 
Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/DuteeChand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DuteeChand</a> for winning a hard earned and well deserved Gold in the Women’s 100 m finals. 
 
You make India proud! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Universiade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Universiade</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FISU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FISU</a> <a href="https://t.co/LVSkbsPZOP">https://t.co/LVSkbsPZOP</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1148831303678119936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Exceptional achievement of an exceptional athlete! Congratulations @DuteeChand for winning a hard-earned and well-deserved Gold in the Women's 100 m finals. You make India proud! #Universiade FISU," Modi tweeted.

President Ram Nath Kovind also congratulated Chand.

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Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/DuteeChand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DuteeChand</a> for winning the 100m sprint at the Universiade, the World University Games, in Naples. This is India’s first such gold and a moment of immense pride for our country. Please keep up the effort, and look to greater glory at the Olympics <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1148755453439950849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Congratulations @DuteeChand for winning the 100m sprint at the Universiade, the World University Games, in Naples. This is India's first such gold and a moment of immense pride for our country. Please keep up the effort, and look to greater glory at the Olympics #PresidentKovind," read a tweet on the President's official Twitter handle.

Sprinter Dutee Chand won the 100m gold medal on Tuesday in the ongoing World University Games in Napoli. Chand won the gold medal in just 11.32 seconds. She also holds the 100m national record with 11.

Sprinter Dutee Chand won the 100m gold medal on Tuesday in the ongoing World University Games in Napoli. Chand won the gold medal in just 11.32 seconds. She also holds the 100m national record with 11.24 seconds. "With years of hard work and your blessings, I have yet again broken the record by winning the Gold in the 100m dash in 11.32 seconds at The World University Games, Napoli. In the pictures, are the winners too, with a heart of Gold from Germany and Sweden. @Napoli2019_ita," Chand tweeted. She posted a picture of her with the gold medal and captioned it "Picked it up". Pull me down, I will come back stronger! pic.twitter.com/PHO86ZrExl — Dutee Chand (@DuteeChand) July 9, 2019 × "Pull me down, I will come back stronger," she wrote in another tweet. Chand recently made headlines as she disclosed that she's in a same-sex relationship. Also read : Dutee Chand, India's first openly-gay athlete, turns cover girl for a fashion magazine "This is my personal matter. I am sure everything will be fine in a month or two. On the international level, there are several athletes (who are in a same-sex relationship). To live, everybody needs a partner who understands your heart. We like each other so we decided to live together. She gives me motivation for my sport. My focus on sports will be intact," she had said. "Problem will come and go in future, nobody can take guarantee of that. But I think there won't be any problem. If it won't happen, I'll be able to focus more on my training. My focus is on Olympics 2020 (to be held in Tokyo). I am training to qualify and participate in the Olympics," she added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed sprinter Dutee Chand for winning the women`s 100 m gold in the World University Games. Exceptional achievement of an exceptional athlete! Congratulations @DuteeChand for winning a hard earned and well deserved Gold in the Women’s 100 m finals. You make India proud! #Universiade @FISU https://t.co/LVSkbsPZOP — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2019 × "Exceptional achievement of an exceptional athlete! Congratulations @DuteeChand for winning a hard-earned and well-deserved Gold in the Women's 100 m finals. You make India proud! #Universiade FISU," Modi tweeted. President Ram Nath Kovind also congratulated Chand. Congratulations @DuteeChand for winning the 100m sprint at the Universiade, the World University Games, in Naples. This is India’s first such gold and a moment of immense pride for our country. Please keep up the effort, and look to greater glory at the Olympics #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 10, 2019 × "Congratulations @DuteeChand for winning the 100m sprint at the Universiade, the World University Games, in Naples. This is India's first such gold and a moment of immense pride for our country. Please keep up the effort, and look to greater glory at the Olympics #PresidentKovind," read a tweet on the President's official Twitter handle.

Dutee Chand wins gold in World University Games, earns PM Modi, President Kovind's praise

Olympic champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Caster+Semenya">Caster Semenya</a> said on Sunday she would not defend her world title in Doha next September if she could not run in the 800 metres because of new testosterone regulations imposed by the sport's governing body.

"If I am not running 800 metres, I'm not running in the world championships," the 28-year-old South African said after winning her favourite event in one minute, 55.70 at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting.

"No 1,500 (metres), nothing. I am just going to take a vacation, and then come (back to competing) next year."

But Semenya, who is challenging International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) testosterone rules that could affect her career, is looking towards the next three Olympics.

"I expect to be in Tokyo, Paris and Los Angeles," she said

The South African repeated that she would not take medication to satisfy the IAAF regulations, which are currently on hold for her after a court ruling.

Under the rules, XY chromosome athletes with differences in sexual development (DSDs), like Semenya, must take medication to lower their natural testosterone levels if they are to compete at distances from 400m to a mile.

Testosterone is a hormone that increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin and the IAAF said its own research showed it gave a significant endurance advantage to athletes in the 400 metres to mile range.

Semenya has refused to take the medication, saying: "I am a woman and I am a world-class athlete. The IAAF will not drug me or stop me from being who I am.”

But the South African said that even if she eventually lost her case, she planned to continue competing.

"There are a lot of races that I can do, there are a lot of stuff that I can do," she said.

"I am a talented athlete. I can play football (soccer), I can play basketball, I can do anything, I can run 100, I can run 200, I can run the steeple(chase), I can do anything I want."

But the first objective is to win her case against the IAAF regulations.

"This is like a legal battle," Semenya said. "It's like war. You don't give up. You beat me today, I beat you tomorrow.

"But I am not doing this for me. I am a world champion, I have achieved everything I ever wanted.

"At the end of the day I am doing this for those who can't fight for themselves."

Easy Win

Semenya charged ahead about 600 metres into Sunday's race and won by almost 15 metres over American record holder Ajee Wilson to claim her 31st consecutive final in the event. She last lost an 800 metres final in Berlin on Sept. 6, 2015.

The race was the fastest ever run in the United States, but the three-time world champion said she felt sluggish.

"I (would be) still sleeping at home," she said, noting it was about midnight in South Africa.

The competition was Semenya's first since the Swiss Federal Tribunal said she did not have to adhere to the IAAF regulations until her appeal against a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling in favour of the new rules is decided.

The IAAF has said the regulations are necessary to preserve the integrity of female athletics in the restricted events.

Earlier, Kenya's world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech cruised to the fifth fastest time in the women's 3,000 metres steeplechase, 8:55.58.

American Rai Benjamin showed he was ready to challenge for his first world 400 metre hurdles title when he ran 47.16 seconds - the ninth fastest of all time.

Christian Coleman also produced a 2019-leading time, winning the 100 metres in 9.81 seconds, as 37-year-old world champion Justin Gatlin showed he will again be a factor in Doha after taking second in 9.87.

Kenyan Tim Cheruiyot added the year's fastest mile, 3:50.49. Michael Norman won the 400 metres in 44.62 and Swedish teenager Mondo Duplantis topped world champion Sam Kendricks in the pole vault, clearing 5.93 metres.

Olympic champion Caster Semenya said on Sunday she would not defend her world title in Doha next September if she could not run in the 800 metres because of new testosterone regulations imposed by the sport's governing body.

Olympic champion Caster Semenya said on Sunday she would not defend her world title in Doha next September if she could not run in the 800 metres because of new testosterone regulations imposed by the sport's governing body. "If I am not running 800 metres, I'm not running in the world championships," the 28-year-old South African said after winning her favourite event in one minute, 55.70 at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting. "No 1,500 (metres), nothing. I am just going to take a vacation, and then come (back to competing) next year." But Semenya, who is challenging International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) testosterone rules that could affect her career, is looking towards the next three Olympics. "I expect to be in Tokyo, Paris and Los Angeles," she said The South African repeated that she would not take medication to satisfy the IAAF regulations, which are currently on hold for her after a court ruling. Under the rules, XY chromosome athletes with differences in sexual development (DSDs), like Semenya, must take medication to lower their natural testosterone levels if they are to compete at distances from 400m to a mile. Testosterone is a hormone that increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin and the IAAF said its own research showed it gave a significant endurance advantage to athletes in the 400 metres to mile range. Semenya has refused to take the medication, saying: "I am a woman and I am a world-class athlete. The IAAF will not drug me or stop me from being who I am.” But the South African said that even if she eventually lost her case, she planned to continue competing. "There are a lot of races that I can do, there are a lot of stuff that I can do," she said. "I am a talented athlete. I can play football (soccer), I can play basketball, I can do anything, I can run 100, I can run 200, I can run the steeple(chase), I can do anything I want." But the first objective is to win her case against the IAAF regulations. "This is like a legal battle," Semenya said. "It's like war. You don't give up. You beat me today, I beat you tomorrow. "But I am not doing this for me. I am a world champion, I have achieved everything I ever wanted. "At the end of the day I am doing this for those who can't fight for themselves." Easy Win Semenya charged ahead about 600 metres into Sunday's race and won by almost 15 metres over American record holder Ajee Wilson to claim her 31st consecutive final in the event. She last lost an 800 metres final in Berlin on Sept. 6, 2015. The race was the fastest ever run in the United States, but the three-time world champion said she felt sluggish. "I (would be) still sleeping at home," she said, noting it was about midnight in South Africa. The competition was Semenya's first since the Swiss Federal Tribunal said she did not have to adhere to the IAAF regulations until her appeal against a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling in favour of the new rules is decided. The IAAF has said the regulations are necessary to preserve the integrity of female athletics in the restricted events. Earlier, Kenya's world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech cruised to the fifth fastest time in the women's 3,000 metres steeplechase, 8:55.58. American Rai Benjamin showed he was ready to challenge for his first world 400 metre hurdles title when he ran 47.16 seconds - the ninth fastest of all time. Christian Coleman also produced a 2019-leading time, winning the 100 metres in 9.81 seconds, as 37-year-old world champion Justin Gatlin showed he will again be a factor in Doha after taking second in 9.87. Kenyan Tim Cheruiyot added the year's fastest mile, 3:50.49. Michael Norman won the 400 metres in 44.62 and Swedish teenager Mondo Duplantis topped world champion Sam Kendricks in the pole vault, clearing 5.93 metres.

Caster Semenya vows no world championships if she can't run 800m

A day after qualifying for the FIH Olympic Qualifiers, Indian women's hockey team on Sunday won the FIH Women's Series Finals after defeating the tournament hosts Japan 3-1 at the Hiroshima Hockey Stadium.&nbsp;

Skipper Rani Rampal, the best player of the tournament, netted a goal in the third minute but India conceded an equalizer in the 11th minute as Japan's Kanon Mori scored.&nbsp;

However, a brace from Gurjit Kaur, the top scorer of the tournament, scored in the 45th and 60th minutes took India to an emphatic victory.&nbsp;

In the first quarter, skipper Rani stepped up to score for India in the first penalty corner. Rani struck the ball along the ground and beat the Japanese goalkeeper Akio Tanaka on her right side to give India a 1-0 advantage.&nbsp;

India's dominance saw them win their second penalty corner in the ninth minute, but the team gave a foul away in the execution. Japan were unable to create opportunities for themselves as they could only manage two circle entries in the entire first 15 minutes.&nbsp;

But, when they did enter the circle on the second occasion, the Japanese forward-line combined to score an equalizer from their very first shot at goal.&nbsp;

It was Japan's Sakurako Omoto who picked up the ball at the 25-yard line, and played in a pass on the right flank to Yuri Nagai on the baseline, who then played a pass across goal which was successfully deflected by Kanon Mori onto the Indian goalkeeper Savita, who could not react in time and conceded the goal.&nbsp;

In the second quarter, India maintained possession which saw forward Vandana Katariya miss a glorious opportunity in the 18th minute as she picked up a loose clearance from just outside the striking circle, and ran into it to take a strike, but her shot went just wide of the post across goal.&nbsp;

Japan also started to get into their rhythm and tried to create chances by using the flanks, but India's defensive cohesion made sure that they did not concede again.&nbsp;

World number nine India controlled possession well as they made five circle entries compared to Japan's zero. The likes of Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam and Lilima Minz stepped up to help break Japanese attacks and rotated the ball comfortably to create opportunities for India.&nbsp;

However, a better performance by the Japanese defense in the final few minutes of the second quarter meant that both the teams went into the half-time break level at 1-1.&nbsp;

India stepped up their attacking flair again in the opening minutes of the third quarter winning two penalty corners, but could not convert them into a second goal. Both the teams tried to look to take the important lead, with Japan making two circle entries and getting two shots away, while India made eight entries and took five shots.&nbsp;

However, the last of those five shots was the one which gave India the lead as constant pressure on the Japanese in the latter stages of the third quarter saw India win another penalty corner through captain Rani.&nbsp;

It was drag-flicker Gurjit who was India`s saviour yet again as she dispatched the ball into the top left corner of the Japanese goal to give her side a 2-1 lead in the 45th minute.&nbsp;

India managed the fourth quarter well as they maintained possession in the initial minutes with Navneet Kaur and Rani having opportunities to seal the victory with a third goal but their efforts were kept out by the Japanese goalkeeper. But on the other side of the field, India defended well from penalty corners to avoid conceding an equalizer.&nbsp;

With just five minutes remaining in the match, Japan decided to take off their goalkeeper for an extra outfield player, and that helped them in creating some opportunities, however, it also worked against them in the last minute of the match as Gurjit scored her second goal of the match through a penalty corner to make it 3-1 and wrap up the victory for India.&nbsp;

A day after qualifying for the FIH Olympic Qualifiers, Indian women's hockey team on Sunday won the FIH Women's Series Finals after defeating the tournament hosts Japan 3-1 at the Hiroshima Hockey Stadium.

A day after qualifying for the FIH Olympic Qualifiers, Indian women's hockey team on Sunday won the FIH Women's Series Finals after defeating the tournament hosts Japan 3-1 at the Hiroshima Hockey Stadium. Skipper Rani Rampal, the best player of the tournament, netted a goal in the third minute but India conceded an equalizer in the 11th minute as Japan's Kanon Mori scored. However, a brace from Gurjit Kaur, the top scorer of the tournament, scored in the 45th and 60th minutes took India to an emphatic victory. In the first quarter, skipper Rani stepped up to score for India in the first penalty corner. Rani struck the ball along the ground and beat the Japanese goalkeeper Akio Tanaka on her right side to give India a 1-0 advantage. India's dominance saw them win their second penalty corner in the ninth minute, but the team gave a foul away in the execution. Japan were unable to create opportunities for themselves as they could only manage two circle entries in the entire first 15 minutes. But, when they did enter the circle on the second occasion, the Japanese forward-line combined to score an equalizer from their very first shot at goal. It was Japan's Sakurako Omoto who picked up the ball at the 25-yard line, and played in a pass on the right flank to Yuri Nagai on the baseline, who then played a pass across goal which was successfully deflected by Kanon Mori onto the Indian goalkeeper Savita, who could not react in time and conceded the goal. In the second quarter, India maintained possession which saw forward Vandana Katariya miss a glorious opportunity in the 18th minute as she picked up a loose clearance from just outside the striking circle, and ran into it to take a strike, but her shot went just wide of the post across goal. Japan also started to get into their rhythm and tried to create chances by using the flanks, but India's defensive cohesion made sure that they did not concede again. World number nine India controlled possession well as they made five circle entries compared to Japan's zero. The likes of Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam and Lilima Minz stepped up to help break Japanese attacks and rotated the ball comfortably to create opportunities for India. However, a better performance by the Japanese defense in the final few minutes of the second quarter meant that both the teams went into the half-time break level at 1-1. India stepped up their attacking flair again in the opening minutes of the third quarter winning two penalty corners, but could not convert them into a second goal. Both the teams tried to look to take the important lead, with Japan making two circle entries and getting two shots away, while India made eight entries and took five shots. However, the last of those five shots was the one which gave India the lead as constant pressure on the Japanese in the latter stages of the third quarter saw India win another penalty corner through captain Rani. It was drag-flicker Gurjit who was India`s saviour yet again as she dispatched the ball into the top left corner of the Japanese goal to give her side a 2-1 lead in the 45th minute. India managed the fourth quarter well as they maintained possession in the initial minutes with Navneet Kaur and Rani having opportunities to seal the victory with a third goal but their efforts were kept out by the Japanese goalkeeper. But on the other side of the field, India defended well from penalty corners to avoid conceding an equalizer. With just five minutes remaining in the match, Japan decided to take off their goalkeeper for an extra outfield player, and that helped them in creating some opportunities, however, it also worked against them in the last minute of the match as Gurjit scored her second goal of the match through a penalty corner to make it 3-1 and wrap up the victory for India.

Indian women's hockey team beat Japan 3-1 to win FIH Series Finals

India lived up to their billing and thrashed South Africa 5-1 in the summit clash to win the FIH Series Finals hockey tournament here Saturday.&nbsp;

Coming into the tournament as overwhelming favourites, world no. 5 India played like champions and remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.

Dragflickers Varun Kumar (2nd and 49th minutes) and Harmanpreet Singh (11th and 25th) scored a brace each, while Vivek Sagar Prasad (35th) was the other goal scorer for India.

South Africa's lone goal was scored by Richard Pautz in the 53rd minute.

India and South Africa have already qualified for the final round of the Olympic qualifiers before Saturday's summit clash.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Asian Games champion Japan defeated USA 4-2 to finish third in the competition.

The top two finishers of this tournament make it to the final round of the Olympic qualifiers to be held later this year.&nbsp;

Going by world rankings, the Indians were expected to control the proceedings and they exactly did that from the word go.

India secured their first penalty corner as early as in the second minute and Varun made no mistake in converting the opportunity into goal.

In the 11th minute, India got another penalty corner and this time Harmanpreet slammed home to make the scoreline 2-0 in favour of the hosts.

Seconds before the end of the first quarter, South Africa got a rare opportunity but Nqobile Ntuli's reverse hit was kept away by Krishan Bahadur Pathak in front of the Indian goal.

Five minutes from half time, India were awarded a penalty stroke when Birendra Lakra was stick-checked inside South Africa's 'D' by Jethro Eustice and Harmanpreet made no mistake to make the scoreline 3-0.

The flow of the match continued in the same vein after the change of ends with India dominating the proceedings.

Five minutes into the third quarter, India extended their lead when Vivek Sagar Prasad scored from close range after being set up by Simranjeet Singh.

India secured their third penalty corner in the 41st minute but this time Amit Rohidas' try was saved by the South African goalkeeper.

India kept up the pressure and earned their fourth penalty corner in the 49th minute and Varun scored from a variation to make the scoreline 5-0 in the home team's favour.

South Africa finally had something to cheer about when they secured back-to-back penalty corners in the 53rd minute and from the second chance, Pautz deflected in Eustice's flick to reduce the margin to 5-1.

Four minutes from the final hooter, India secured two more penalty corners but failed to utilise the opportunities.

South Africa too got a last chance to pull another goal back in the form of their third penalty corner but to no effect.&nbsp;

India's chief coach Graham Reid was relatively satisfied with his wards performances and said the just-concluded tournament was a good outing in terms of preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.

"I think what I am pleased with is the last two matches, where it really counted. We played well. Yesterday was very good, today was good in parts. We can learn from things," he said after the victory.

"Good to practice in the heat with back-to-back matches. That's the kind of heat we will face in Tokyo." 
Reid also pointed out the positives he has derived from this tournament.&nbsp;

"I never put an upper limit on something. We should always get better. From the point of PC conversion, all our flickers did well in this event. The great thing is we are creating opportunities. Next phase is to ensure we convert those percentages," he said.&nbsp;

The chief coach, however, said defence is something in which India will need to work extensively in the run up to the final Olympic qualifying event later this year and thereafter as well.

"You expect a lot of pressure in our defence. We have a defensive camp coming up in the first or second week in July. So we have a couple of good coaches coming. I am looking forward to it," he signed off.&nbsp;

India lived up to their billing and thrashed South Africa 5-1 in the summit clash to win the FIH Series Finals hockey tournament here Saturday. Coming into the tournament as overwhelming favourites, world no.

India lived up to their billing and thrashed South Africa 5-1 in the summit clash to win the FIH Series Finals hockey tournament here Saturday. Coming into the tournament as overwhelming favourites, world no. 5 India played like champions and remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. Dragflickers Varun Kumar (2nd and 49th minutes) and Harmanpreet Singh (11th and 25th) scored a brace each, while Vivek Sagar Prasad (35th) was the other goal scorer for India. South Africa's lone goal was scored by Richard Pautz in the 53rd minute. India and South Africa have already qualified for the final round of the Olympic qualifiers before Saturday's summit clash. Earlier in the day, Asian Games champion Japan defeated USA 4-2 to finish third in the competition. The top two finishers of this tournament make it to the final round of the Olympic qualifiers to be held later this year. Going by world rankings, the Indians were expected to control the proceedings and they exactly did that from the word go. India secured their first penalty corner as early as in the second minute and Varun made no mistake in converting the opportunity into goal. In the 11th minute, India got another penalty corner and this time Harmanpreet slammed home to make the scoreline 2-0 in favour of the hosts. Seconds before the end of the first quarter, South Africa got a rare opportunity but Nqobile Ntuli's reverse hit was kept away by Krishan Bahadur Pathak in front of the Indian goal. Five minutes from half time, India were awarded a penalty stroke when Birendra Lakra was stick-checked inside South Africa's 'D' by Jethro Eustice and Harmanpreet made no mistake to make the scoreline 3-0. The flow of the match continued in the same vein after the change of ends with India dominating the proceedings. Five minutes into the third quarter, India extended their lead when Vivek Sagar Prasad scored from close range after being set up by Simranjeet Singh. India secured their third penalty corner in the 41st minute but this time Amit Rohidas' try was saved by the South African goalkeeper. India kept up the pressure and earned their fourth penalty corner in the 49th minute and Varun scored from a variation to make the scoreline 5-0 in the home team's favour. South Africa finally had something to cheer about when they secured back-to-back penalty corners in the 53rd minute and from the second chance, Pautz deflected in Eustice's flick to reduce the margin to 5-1. Four minutes from the final hooter, India secured two more penalty corners but failed to utilise the opportunities. South Africa too got a last chance to pull another goal back in the form of their third penalty corner but to no effect. India's chief coach Graham Reid was relatively satisfied with his wards performances and said the just-concluded tournament was a good outing in terms of preparation for the Tokyo Olympics. "I think what I am pleased with is the last two matches, where it really counted. We played well. Yesterday was very good, today was good in parts. We can learn from things," he said after the victory. "Good to practice in the heat with back-to-back matches. That's the kind of heat we will face in Tokyo." Reid also pointed out the positives he has derived from this tournament. "I never put an upper limit on something. We should always get better. From the point of PC conversion, all our flickers did well in this event. The great thing is we are creating opportunities. Next phase is to ensure we convert those percentages," he said. The chief coach, however, said defence is something in which India will need to work extensively in the run up to the final Olympic qualifying event later this year and thereafter as well. "You expect a lot of pressure in our defence. We have a defensive camp coming up in the first or second week in July. So we have a couple of good coaches coming. I am looking forward to it," he signed off.

India beat South Africa 5-1 to win FIH Series Finals

The Oscars will take place in late February in 2021 and 2022 to accommodate the Olympics, Super Bowl and other events, organizers said Tuesday. 
 
Next year, the 92nd Oscars is set for February 9, but the following ceremonies will be on February 28, 2021 and February 27, 2022 -- the final Sundays of the month. 
 
"Timing of the 2022 Olympics, the Super Bowl and national holidays will keep the 2021 and 2022 dates on the last Sunday in February," the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and US network ABC said. 
 
"The Academy and ABC continue to evaluate dates for future years." The annual Academy Awards ceremony, which recognizes the best in cinema, is broadcast live from Hollywood on ABC and in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.&nbsp;

The Oscars will take place in late February in 2021 and 2022 to accommodate the Olympics, Super Bowl and other events, organizers said Tuesday. Next year, the 92nd Oscars is set for February 9, but the following ceremonies will be on February 28, 2021 and February 27, 2022 -- the final Sundays of the month.

The Oscars will take place in late February in 2021 and 2022 to accommodate the Olympics, Super Bowl and other events, organizers said Tuesday. Next year, the 92nd Oscars is set for February 9, but the following ceremonies will be on February 28, 2021 and February 27, 2022 -- the final Sundays of the month. "Timing of the 2022 Olympics, the Super Bowl and national holidays will keep the 2021 and 2022 dates on the last Sunday in February," the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and US network ABC said. "The Academy and ABC continue to evaluate dates for future years." The annual Academy Awards ceremony, which recognizes the best in cinema, is broadcast live from Hollywood on ABC and in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

Oscar dates shifted in 2021 and 2022 for Olympics, Super Bowl

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Monday called the controversial gender case of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/caster-semenyas-future-in-doubt-after-she-says-no-to-medication-to-lower-testosterone-215858"> South African runner Caster Semenya</a> "extremely complicated and delicate" and said an expert panel will study its implications.

Two-time Olympic champion Semenya last week lost a court challenge against the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) over plans to force some women to regulate their testosterone levels.

The decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport means female athletes with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/caster-semenya-wins-800-metres-two-days-after-losing-appeal-against-new-rules-215759"> elevated testosterone will have</a> to take suppressive treatment if they wish to compete as women in certain events.

The IAAF argued that "hyperandrogenic" athletes - or those with "differences of sexual development" (DSD) - had an unfair advantage over others.

Bach said in Brisbane that the IOC would create a group of "experts from science, from ethics as well as athletes' representatives and from international federations" to examine the ruling.

It will include IOC medical director Richard Budgett and an IAAF official who will "study this extremely complicated and delicate problem".

"This is a case that should be taken up with the international federations, it's their rules that are involved, their technical regulations," he said, adding that he had "no idea" when the group would reach any conclusions.

The World Medical Association has urged doctors not to enforce the controversial new rules for classifying female athletes, warning that attempts to do so would breach ethics codes.

The DSD rules - first adopted last year but suspended pending the legal battle - are due to come into effect on May 8. Semenya is mulling an appeal.

Bach is in Brisbane to meet Queensland state officials who are considering a bid for the city to host the 2032 Olympics, before heading to the nearby Gold Coast for a summit of sports federations.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Monday called the controversial gender case of South African runner Caster Semenya "extremely complicated and delicate" and said an expert panel will study its implications.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Monday called the controversial gender case of South African runner Caster Semenya "extremely complicated and delicate" and said an expert panel will study its implications. Two-time Olympic champion Semenya last week lost a court challenge against the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) over plans to force some women to regulate their testosterone levels. The decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport means female athletes with elevated testosterone will have to take suppressive treatment if they wish to compete as women in certain events. The IAAF argued that "hyperandrogenic" athletes - or those with "differences of sexual development" (DSD) - had an unfair advantage over others. Bach said in Brisbane that the IOC would create a group of "experts from science, from ethics as well as athletes' representatives and from international federations" to examine the ruling. It will include IOC medical director Richard Budgett and an IAAF official who will "study this extremely complicated and delicate problem". "This is a case that should be taken up with the international federations, it's their rules that are involved, their technical regulations," he said, adding that he had "no idea" when the group would reach any conclusions. The World Medical Association has urged doctors not to enforce the controversial new rules for classifying female athletes, warning that attempts to do so would breach ethics codes. The DSD rules - first adopted last year but suspended pending the legal battle - are due to come into effect on May 8. Semenya is mulling an appeal. Bach is in Brisbane to meet Queensland state officials who are considering a bid for the city to host the 2032 Olympics, before heading to the nearby Gold Coast for a summit of sports federations.

South African runner Caster Semenya's case extremely complicated, panel to study implications: IOC

What effects will IAAF's controversial rule regulating testosterone levels for women athletes have?

The archery venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games was officially unveiled on Sunday (April 28), becoming the first of the Games' new venues to be completed. Yumenoshima Park Archery Field, located on a former landfill site, was set for completion in May.

Tokyo 2020 archery venue unveiled

Azeri weightlifter Valentin Hristov was stripped of his 2012 Olympics 56-kg bronze medal on Friday after he was one of three athletes to test positive for banned substances in re-tests conducted by the International Olympic Committee.

The IOC said Hristov's London Games sample tested positive for a prohibited anabolic steroid (oralturinabol) when it was re-analysed.

Anis Ananenka of Belarus, who finished 43rd in the men’s 800m, was also disqualified for the same substance, while fellow Belarussian Alena Matoshka, 25th in the women’s hammer throw, was the third athlete to be disqualified. Her sample tested positive with the steroid oxandrolone.

Previously 48 anti-doping violations were found in more than 500 reanalysis of London Games samples. Mostly were for anabolic steroids.

The IOC stores and regularly re-tests samples from past Olympic Games with methods that did not exist at the time. In an effort to protect clean athletes and the integrity of the competition, the IOC also looks out for substances that were not known at the time.

Samples since the 2004 Athens Olympics have been stored and reanalysed systematically.

More than 110 adverse findings have been found in Olympic Games since 2004 through re-testing of samples.

The reanalysis of 2012 samples, using the latest scientific methods, will continue before the statute of limitations is reached in 2020, the IOC said in November.

Azeri weightlifter Valentin Hristov was stripped of his 2012 Olympics 56-kg bronze medal on Friday after he was one of three athletes to test positive for banned substances in re-tests conducted by the International Olympic Committee.

Azeri weightlifter Valentin Hristov was stripped of his 2012 Olympics 56-kg bronze medal on Friday after he was one of three athletes to test positive for banned substances in re-tests conducted by the International Olympic Committee. The IOC said Hristov's London Games sample tested positive for a prohibited anabolic steroid (oralturinabol) when it was re-analysed. Anis Ananenka of Belarus, who finished 43rd in the men’s 800m, was also disqualified for the same substance, while fellow Belarussian Alena Matoshka, 25th in the women’s hammer throw, was the third athlete to be disqualified. Her sample tested positive with the steroid oxandrolone. Previously 48 anti-doping violations were found in more than 500 reanalysis of London Games samples. Mostly were for anabolic steroids. The IOC stores and regularly re-tests samples from past Olympic Games with methods that did not exist at the time. In an effort to protect clean athletes and the integrity of the competition, the IOC also looks out for substances that were not known at the time. Samples since the 2004 Athens Olympics have been stored and reanalysed systematically. More than 110 adverse findings have been found in Olympic Games since 2004 through re-testing of samples. The reanalysis of 2012 samples, using the latest scientific methods, will continue before the statute of limitations is reached in 2020, the IOC said in November.

IOC sanctions three athletes from London 2012 Games for doping

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

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

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

IOC wants swift and tough punishment for doping offenders

Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) chief Tsunekazu Takeda, who is under investigation for suspected corruption, said on Tuesday he will step down when his term ends in June and resign from the International Olympic Committee.

French prosecutors have questioned Takeda in Paris and placed him under formal investigation in December for suspected corruption in Tokyo's successful bid to host the 2020 Summer Games.

Takeda, who was president of the 2020 bid committee, said during a JOC board of directors meeting in Tokyo he would step down and not seek re-election.

At a news conference later on Tuesday, Takeda said: "I don't believe I've done anything illegal."

When asked why he had not resigned with immediate effect, Takeda said: "It pains me to have created such a fuss, but I believe it is my responsibility to serve out the rest of my term."

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it respected Takeda's decision.

"Our respect of this decision is even greater because he took this step to protect the Olympic Movement while the presumption of innocence, on which the IOC insists, continues to prevail," it added in a statement.

Takeda had been head of the JOC since 2001 and his resignation leaves a cloud hanging over both the national committee and the organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

"I feel very bad that I'm causing a disturbance to the public like this ahead of next year's Games in Tokyo," said Takeda.

"I thought about the JOC's future and I have come to a conclusion that it is most appropriate to pass the JOC onto younger leaders that will bear the next generation, letting them create Japan's new era through the Tokyo Olympics."

"We are aware of&nbsp;JOC President Takeda's&nbsp;announcement today&nbsp;that he will step down from his position in June. We understand that President Takeda made his own decision," Tokyo 2020 said in an email to Reuters.

"Details have not been made clear yet, so we would like to refrain from making further comments."

Takeda serves on Tokyo 2020's Executive Committee but it remains unclear whether he would also be standing down from this role.

French Investigation

French investigators have led a years-long probe into corruption in athletics and in early 2016 extended their inquiry into the bidding and voting processes for the hosting of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Multi-million dollar payments made by the Tokyo bid committee to a Singapore consulting company are under examination and Takeda is suspected of paying bribes to secure the winning bid.

Takeda has denied any wrongdoing, saying that there was nothing improper with the contracts made between the committee and the consultancy and that they were for legitimate work.

"I'd like to put my efforts into proving my innocence," added Takeda on Tuesday, who will officially step down when his presidency ends on June 27.

Japanese media have reported that former Olympic judo champion Yasuhiro Yamashita and Japan Football Association President Kozo Tashima, both JOC Executive Board members, could be in line to take over.

The IOC's ethics commission has opened a file on Takeda, who chairs the body's marketing commission. Takeda has been a member of the IOC since 2012.

Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) chief Tsunekazu Takeda, who is under investigation for suspected corruption, said on Tuesday he will step down when his term ends in June and resign from the International Olympic Committee.

Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) chief Tsunekazu Takeda, who is under investigation for suspected corruption, said on Tuesday he will step down when his term ends in June and resign from the International Olympic Committee. French prosecutors have questioned Takeda in Paris and placed him under formal investigation in December for suspected corruption in Tokyo's successful bid to host the 2020 Summer Games. Takeda, who was president of the 2020 bid committee, said during a JOC board of directors meeting in Tokyo he would step down and not seek re-election. At a news conference later on Tuesday, Takeda said: "I don't believe I've done anything illegal." When asked why he had not resigned with immediate effect, Takeda said: "It pains me to have created such a fuss, but I believe it is my responsibility to serve out the rest of my term." The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it respected Takeda's decision. "Our respect of this decision is even greater because he took this step to protect the Olympic Movement while the presumption of innocence, on which the IOC insists, continues to prevail," it added in a statement. Takeda had been head of the JOC since 2001 and his resignation leaves a cloud hanging over both the national committee and the organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Games. "I feel very bad that I'm causing a disturbance to the public like this ahead of next year's Games in Tokyo," said Takeda. "I thought about the JOC's future and I have come to a conclusion that it is most appropriate to pass the JOC onto younger leaders that will bear the next generation, letting them create Japan's new era through the Tokyo Olympics." "We are aware of JOC President Takeda's announcement today that he will step down from his position in June. We understand that President Takeda made his own decision," Tokyo 2020 said in an email to Reuters. "Details have not been made clear yet, so we would like to refrain from making further comments." Takeda serves on Tokyo 2020's Executive Committee but it remains unclear whether he would also be standing down from this role. French Investigation French investigators have led a years-long probe into corruption in athletics and in early 2016 extended their inquiry into the bidding and voting processes for the hosting of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Multi-million dollar payments made by the Tokyo bid committee to a Singapore consulting company are under examination and Takeda is suspected of paying bribes to secure the winning bid. Takeda has denied any wrongdoing, saying that there was nothing improper with the contracts made between the committee and the consultancy and that they were for legitimate work. "I'd like to put my efforts into proving my innocence," added Takeda on Tuesday, who will officially step down when his presidency ends on June 27. Japanese media have reported that former Olympic judo champion Yasuhiro Yamashita and Japan Football Association President Kozo Tashima, both JOC Executive Board members, could be in line to take over. The IOC's ethics commission has opened a file on Takeda, who chairs the body's marketing commission. Takeda has been a member of the IOC since 2012.

Japan chief Tsunekazu Takeda quits as corruption probe continues

National record holder KT Irfan Sunday became the first Indian from athletics to qualify for the next year's Olympics while finishing fourth in the 20 km event of the Asian Race Walking Championships in Nomi, Japan.&nbsp;

The 29-year-old Irfan clocked 1 hour 20 minutes and 57 seconds to better the Tokyo Olympics qualification standard of 1 hour 21 minutes.

The Olympics qualification period for race walk events and marathon race has begun from January 1 this year and will run till May 31, 2020.

The Olympics qualification period for all other athletics events will start from May 1 this year and will run till June 29, 2020.

No other Indian from athletics has so far qualified for Tokyo Olympics.

Irfan, who has a personal best as well as a national record of 1:20:21 which he did during his 10th place finish in 2012 Olympics, also qualified for this year's

World Championships (September 27-October 6) in Doha, Qatar as he bettered the qualifying mark of 1:22:30.

The Kerala race walker had won the 20 km event in the National Open Race Walk Championships in Chennai last month with a time of 1:26:18.

He was one of the two Indian athletes who were expelled from the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games for not adhering to the 'no needle policy' of the Games. He was disqualified in the 20 km race walk event of the 2018 Asian Games after receiving his third warning for "loss of contact".

Japan's Toshikazu Yamanishi won the 20 km race walk event with an impressive time of 1:17:15 while Kazakhstan's Georgiy Sheiko and Korea's Byeongkwang Choe were second and third in 1:20:21 and 1:20:40 respectively.&nbsp;

The Asian and World record in men's 20 km race walk stands in the name of Japanese Yusuke Suzuki who clocked 1:16:36 in the 2015 edition of the same championships in Nomi.&nbsp;

Two other Indians, Devinder Singh and Ganapathi Krishnan also qualified for the World Championships as they clocked 1:21:22 and 1:22:12 respectively.

They had finished second and fifth in the Chennai National Race Walk Championships with timings of 1:26:19 and 1:26:43.

In the women's 20 km race walk event, Soumya Baby finished fourth with a timing of 1:36:08, well outside Olympics qualifying standard of 1:31:00 and World Championships qualifying standard of 1:33:30.&nbsp;

National record holder KT Irfan Sunday became the first Indian from athletics to qualify for the next year's Olympics while finishing fourth in the 20 km event of the Asian Race Walking Championships in Nomi, Japan.

National record holder KT Irfan Sunday became the first Indian from athletics to qualify for the next year's Olympics while finishing fourth in the 20 km event of the Asian Race Walking Championships in Nomi, Japan. The 29-year-old Irfan clocked 1 hour 20 minutes and 57 seconds to better the Tokyo Olympics qualification standard of 1 hour 21 minutes. The Olympics qualification period for race walk events and marathon race has begun from January 1 this year and will run till May 31, 2020. The Olympics qualification period for all other athletics events will start from May 1 this year and will run till June 29, 2020. No other Indian from athletics has so far qualified for Tokyo Olympics. Irfan, who has a personal best as well as a national record of 1:20:21 which he did during his 10th place finish in 2012 Olympics, also qualified for this year's World Championships (September 27-October 6) in Doha, Qatar as he bettered the qualifying mark of 1:22:30. The Kerala race walker had won the 20 km event in the National Open Race Walk Championships in Chennai last month with a time of 1:26:18. He was one of the two Indian athletes who were expelled from the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games for not adhering to the 'no needle policy' of the Games. He was disqualified in the 20 km race walk event of the 2018 Asian Games after receiving his third warning for "loss of contact". Japan's Toshikazu Yamanishi won the 20 km race walk event with an impressive time of 1:17:15 while Kazakhstan's Georgiy Sheiko and Korea's Byeongkwang Choe were second and third in 1:20:21 and 1:20:40 respectively. The Asian and World record in men's 20 km race walk stands in the name of Japanese Yusuke Suzuki who clocked 1:16:36 in the 2015 edition of the same championships in Nomi. Two other Indians, Devinder Singh and Ganapathi Krishnan also qualified for the World Championships as they clocked 1:21:22 and 1:22:12 respectively. They had finished second and fifth in the Chennai National Race Walk Championships with timings of 1:26:19 and 1:26:43. In the women's 20 km race walk event, Soumya Baby finished fourth with a timing of 1:36:08, well outside Olympics qualifying standard of 1:31:00 and World Championships qualifying standard of 1:33:30.

KT Irfan becomes first Indian athlete to qualify for Tokyo Olympics

India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Neeraj+Chopra">Neeraj Chopra</a> is reluctant to discuss specific targets for the next couple of years but his coach Uwe Hohn has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the former javelin world junior champion to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;

Chopra shot to prominence last year when he won javelin gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games, bringing rare track-and-field success for India.&nbsp;

His winning throw on the Gold Coast measured 86.47 metres and he followed that up with a 87.43m throw at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May.&nbsp;

At the Asian Games in Jakarta, Chopra took the title with a season's best throw of 88.06m, placing him sixth in the IAAF's rankings for 2018.

"Our targets for this year are, besides staying healthy and getting better, to throw 92 metres and finish in the top six at the World Championships in Doha," Hohn told Reuters in an interview. "Then 94 metres in 2020 and a medal in Tokyo."&nbsp;

Hohn is the only athlete to throw a javelin over 100m, with his world record of 104.8m for East Germany in 1984. Two years later the men's javelin was redesigned and its centre of gravity was moved forward by four centimetres.&nbsp;

Czech thrower Jan Zelezny, who won three successive Olympic gold medals from 1992, has the five best throws ever with his 1996 world record of 98.48m still standing.&nbsp;

While India is credited with Norman Pritchard's hurdles silver medals from 1900 before it gained independence from Britain, the world's second-most populous nation considers itself never to have won an athletics medal at an Olympics.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old Chopra is currently ranked fourth in the IAAF world rankings and is by far the best chance India has of ending that drought in Tokyo next year.&nbsp;

The athlete told Reuters in a recent interview that 2019 will be an even more important year than 2018.&nbsp;

Hohn said Chopra had to be as consistent as he was last year but raise his game further.&nbsp;

"We are also aware that there are a few others in the world, not only from Germany but also in Asia, who are also working to get still better," he said from an altitude training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

"We are concentrating on taking little steps forward without getting injured and we will see where we get with this."&nbsp;

Chopra suffered a setback with an elbow injury late last year and also needs to work on his technique, Hohn said.&nbsp;

"We are working to improve in many ways and adjust the training to his needs and ability at all times and we will continue this in cooperation with his physio," he added.&nbsp;

India's Neeraj Chopra is reluctant to discuss specific targets for the next couple of years but his coach Uwe Hohn has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the former javelin world junior champion to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

India's Neeraj Chopra is reluctant to discuss specific targets for the next couple of years but his coach Uwe Hohn has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the former javelin world junior champion to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Chopra shot to prominence last year when he won javelin gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games, bringing rare track-and-field success for India. His winning throw on the Gold Coast measured 86.47 metres and he followed that up with a 87.43m throw at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May. At the Asian Games in Jakarta, Chopra took the title with a season's best throw of 88.06m, placing him sixth in the IAAF's rankings for 2018. "Our targets for this year are, besides staying healthy and getting better, to throw 92 metres and finish in the top six at the World Championships in Doha," Hohn told Reuters in an interview. "Then 94 metres in 2020 and a medal in Tokyo." Hohn is the only athlete to throw a javelin over 100m, with his world record of 104.8m for East Germany in 1984. Two years later the men's javelin was redesigned and its centre of gravity was moved forward by four centimetres. Czech thrower Jan Zelezny, who won three successive Olympic gold medals from 1992, has the five best throws ever with his 1996 world record of 98.48m still standing. While India is credited with Norman Pritchard's hurdles silver medals from 1900 before it gained independence from Britain, the world's second-most populous nation considers itself never to have won an athletics medal at an Olympics. The 21-year-old Chopra is currently ranked fourth in the IAAF world rankings and is by far the best chance India has of ending that drought in Tokyo next year. The athlete told Reuters in a recent interview that 2019 will be an even more important year than 2018. Hohn said Chopra had to be as consistent as he was last year but raise his game further. "We are also aware that there are a few others in the world, not only from Germany but also in Asia, who are also working to get still better," he said from an altitude training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa. "We are concentrating on taking little steps forward without getting injured and we will see where we get with this." Chopra suffered a setback with an elbow injury late last year and also needs to work on his technique, Hohn said. "We are working to improve in many ways and adjust the training to his needs and ability at all times and we will continue this in cooperation with his physio," he added.

Coach Uwe Hohn lays out pathway for Neeraj Chopra's Tokyo success

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/fields-of-dreams-tokyo-2020s-major-sites-202797">Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020</a> on Tuesday unveiled the official sports pictograms, some of which were originally introduced at the Tokyo Olympics of 1964.

The set consists of 50 pictograms although there are 33 sports in the competition because some have several disciplines that have also been represented, the Olympic Committee said.

The pictograms were unveiled during a ceremony marking 500 days until the opening ceremony of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/olympics-from-budget-battles-to-boxing-blues-the-rocky-path-to-tokyo-2020-202768">2020 Olympics</a>, which are due to start on July 24, 2020, and exactly one year before the Olympic torch is lit in Olympia, Greece.

The event was attended by several athletes and school children who released the pictograms for the first time to the public.

Karate expert Kiyo Shimizu, who was present during the event, said the karate pictogram was very cool.

The pictograms, which have two designs - with and without frame - will be used in posters, tickets, licensed merchandise and also during the competition as signposts, maps or web pages, among other uses, the organising committee said.

The pictograms are the work of the designer Masaaki Hiromura, who expressed the dynamic beauty of the athletes and ensure they respect the legacy of the pioneers of 1964 Olympics, the committee said in a statement.

The Olympic pictograms were used for the first time in the Tokyo Games 55 years ago, which became a necessity to help communicate visually with a growing group of international athletes and spectators in a country where English is hardly spoken.

Since then, pictograms have been created for all the Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, the organisers of next year's games are considering ways to ease potential traffic congestion in the Japanese capital where some venues are situated in the central area of the city, the broadcaster NHK reported on Tuesday.

The city and national government are evaluating solutions aimed at the smooth running of transport services, the report said.

The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games are due to start with the opening ceremony at the New National Stadium on July 24, 2020, and then run until August 9, 2020.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 on Tuesday unveiled the official sports pictograms, some of which were originally introduced at the Tokyo Olympics of 1964.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 on Tuesday unveiled the official sports pictograms, some of which were originally introduced at the Tokyo Olympics of 1964. The set consists of 50 pictograms although there are 33 sports in the competition because some have several disciplines that have also been represented, the Olympic Committee said. The pictograms were unveiled during a ceremony marking 500 days until the opening ceremony of the 2020 Olympics, which are due to start on July 24, 2020, and exactly one year before the Olympic torch is lit in Olympia, Greece. The event was attended by several athletes and school children who released the pictograms for the first time to the public. Karate expert Kiyo Shimizu, who was present during the event, said the karate pictogram was very cool. The pictograms, which have two designs - with and without frame - will be used in posters, tickets, licensed merchandise and also during the competition as signposts, maps or web pages, among other uses, the organising committee said. The pictograms are the work of the designer Masaaki Hiromura, who expressed the dynamic beauty of the athletes and ensure they respect the legacy of the pioneers of 1964 Olympics, the committee said in a statement. The Olympic pictograms were used for the first time in the Tokyo Games 55 years ago, which became a necessity to help communicate visually with a growing group of international athletes and spectators in a country where English is hardly spoken. Since then, pictograms have been created for all the Olympic Games. Meanwhile, the organisers of next year's games are considering ways to ease potential traffic congestion in the Japanese capital where some venues are situated in the central area of the city, the broadcaster NHK reported on Tuesday. The city and national government are evaluating solutions aimed at the smooth running of transport services, the report said. The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games are due to start with the opening ceremony at the New National Stadium on July 24, 2020, and then run until August 9, 2020.

Tokyo Olympics 2020 unveils 50 official sport pictograms

Fields of dreams: Tokyo 2020's major sites

Olympics: From budget battles to boxing blues, the rocky path to Tokyo 2020

American cyclist&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;Catlin, a three-time world champion and 2016 Rio Olympic runner-up in team pursuit, has died at age 23, USA Cycling confirmed Sunday.

Catlin&nbsp;was part of the US team pursuit squads that captured world titles in 2016, 2017 and 2018 but she withdrew from the American team that failed to defend the title February 27-28 at the 2019 worlds in Poland.

"The US cycling community suffered a devastating loss with the passing of&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;Catlin," USA Cycling president Rob DeMartini said in a statement.

"Kelly&nbsp;was more than an athlete to us and she will always be part of the USA Cycling family.

"The entire cycling community is mourning this immense loss... We are deeply saddened by&nbsp;Kelly's passing, and we will all miss her dearly."

A report in VeloNews on Sunday said&nbsp;Catlin&nbsp;committed suicide on Thursday night, citing an e-mail from her father Mark and Facebook posting from her brother Colin.

A statement by Stanford University, where&nbsp;Catlin&nbsp;was working on a graduate degree in Computational and Mathematical Engineering, said an unnamed student was found dead in her on-campus residence by her roommate Thursday with no signs of foul play.

Catlin, who also took bronze in individual pursuit at the 2017 and 2018 worlds, was also mourned by her professional team, Rally UHC Cycling.

"The news of&nbsp;Kelly’s passing has hit the team hard," the team said in a Twitter posting. "Losing an incredible person at such a young age is very difficult.

"Kelly&nbsp;was our friend and teammate. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and those who were fortunate enough to know her best."

American cyclist Kelly Catlin, a three-time world champion and 2016 Rio Olympic runner-up in team pursuit, has died at age 23, USA Cycling confirmed Sunday. Catlin was part of the US team pursuit squads that captured world titles in 2016, 2017 and 2018 but she withdrew from the American team that failed to defend the title February 27-28 at the 2019 worlds in Poland.

American cyclist Kelly Catlin, a three-time world champion and 2016 Rio Olympic runner-up in team pursuit, has died at age 23, USA Cycling confirmed Sunday. Catlin was part of the US team pursuit squads that captured world titles in 2016, 2017 and 2018 but she withdrew from the American team that failed to defend the title February 27-28 at the 2019 worlds in Poland. "The US cycling community suffered a devastating loss with the passing of Kelly Catlin," USA Cycling president Rob DeMartini said in a statement. "Kelly was more than an athlete to us and she will always be part of the USA Cycling family. "The entire cycling community is mourning this immense loss... We are deeply saddened by Kelly's passing, and we will all miss her dearly." A report in VeloNews on Sunday said Catlin committed suicide on Thursday night, citing an e-mail from her father Mark and Facebook posting from her brother Colin. A statement by Stanford University, where Catlin was working on a graduate degree in Computational and Mathematical Engineering, said an unnamed student was found dead in her on-campus residence by her roommate Thursday with no signs of foul play. Catlin, who also took bronze in individual pursuit at the 2017 and 2018 worlds, was also mourned by her professional team, Rally UHC Cycling. "The news of Kelly’s passing has hit the team hard," the team said in a Twitter posting. "Losing an incredible person at such a young age is very difficult. "Kelly was our friend and teammate. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and those who were fortunate enough to know her best."

USA's three-time cycling world champ Kelly Catlin dead at 23: suicide suspected

All the venues for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=2020+Olympic">Tokyo 2020 Olympic</a> and Paralympic Games will be 100 per cent smoke-free, the organisers said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The ruling is part of dramatic changes taking place in Japan, which lags many countries in efforts to fight smoking, with attempts to tackle tobacco often stymied by pro-smoking politicians, restaurateurs and Japan Tobacco, which is one-third owned by the government.&nbsp;

At most sporting venues in Japan, there are designated areas for smokers to use but this will not be the case at Tokyo 2020.&nbsp;

"Based on the development of the law and regulations and guidance from the IOC, Tokyo 2020 has decided to adopt a stricter non-smoking policy to protect the health and safety of athletes, spectators and officials," the organisers said in a statement.

"(Tokyo 2020) will ban smoking in indoor venues, outdoor venues and in venues’ secure perimeters operated by Tokyo 2020 – a similar policy to that enacted during the Olympic Winter Games&nbsp;PyeongChang 2018."

"Tokyo 2020 aims to leave a legacy of improved public health for the country at large."

Unlike at London 2012 and Rio 2016, there will not even be designated smoking areas outside of venues as Tokyo pushes to improve its image as one of the smokiest cities in the developed world.

Less than a fifth of Japanese smoke today, down from about half the population 50 years ago yet activists say about 15,000 Japanese, many of them women and children, die from passive smoking every year.

Changes in Japan are slowly being made.

In 2018, Japan’s parliament passed a watered-down version of a health ministry proposal to limit secondhand smoke, which allows smoking in more places than the original proposal, including in roughly half of eateries.

A stricter bill passed by Tokyo that will come into effect next year will make more than 80 per cent of eateries smoke-free.

Smoking is banned in schools and hospitals, but they can provide outdoor smoking spaces. Japan's Health Ministry removed its last cigarette vending machine in 2018.

All the venues for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be 100 per cent smoke-free, the organisers said on Thursday. The ruling is part of dramatic changes taking place in Japan, which lags many countries in efforts to fight smoking, with attempts to tackle tobacco often stymied by pro-smoking politicians, restaurateurs and Japan Tobacco, which is one-third owned by the government.

All the venues for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be 100 per cent smoke-free, the organisers said on Thursday. The ruling is part of dramatic changes taking place in Japan, which lags many countries in efforts to fight smoking, with attempts to tackle tobacco often stymied by pro-smoking politicians, restaurateurs and Japan Tobacco, which is one-third owned by the government. At most sporting venues in Japan, there are designated areas for smokers to use but this will not be the case at Tokyo 2020. "Based on the development of the law and regulations and guidance from the IOC, Tokyo 2020 has decided to adopt a stricter non-smoking policy to protect the health and safety of athletes, spectators and officials," the organisers said in a statement. "(Tokyo 2020) will ban smoking in indoor venues, outdoor venues and in venues’ secure perimeters operated by Tokyo 2020 – a similar policy to that enacted during the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018." "Tokyo 2020 aims to leave a legacy of improved public health for the country at large." Unlike at London 2012 and Rio 2016, there will not even be designated smoking areas outside of venues as Tokyo pushes to improve its image as one of the smokiest cities in the developed world. Less than a fifth of Japanese smoke today, down from about half the population 50 years ago yet activists say about 15,000 Japanese, many of them women and children, die from passive smoking every year. Changes in Japan are slowly being made. In 2018, Japan’s parliament passed a watered-down version of a health ministry proposal to limit secondhand smoke, which allows smoking in more places than the original proposal, including in roughly half of eateries. A stricter bill passed by Tokyo that will come into effect next year will make more than 80 per cent of eateries smoke-free. Smoking is banned in schools and hospitals, but they can provide outdoor smoking spaces. Japan's Health Ministry removed its last cigarette vending machine in 2018.

Tokyo 2020 venues to be 100 % smoke-free: Organisers

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