Tokyo 2020 Olympic organisers on Thursday (June 3) held an event to unveil the podium, costumes, music and medal trays that will be used during the victory ceremonies, as the countdown to the opening of the Summer Games reached the 50-day mark.

Tokyo 2020 unveils victory ceremony podium, costumes, music, 50 days before Olympics

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games.

Tokyo 2020 medals unveiled

Japan's gaffe-prone Olympics Minister was forced to apologise Wednesday after suggesting that the leukaemia diagnosis of 18-year-old star swimmer Rikako Ikee could dampen enthusiasm for the Tokyo 2020 Games.

The shock announcement of Ikee — widely considered the poster girl for next year's Olympics — that she was battling the disease touched the hearts of Japanese everywhere and sparked an outpouring of well-wishes.

However, the minister, Yoshitaka Sakurada, appeared to voice sadness that Japan's medal tally might be affected as a result.

"She is a potential gold medallist, an athlete in whom we have great expectations. I'm really disappointed," said the 69-year-old, according to local media.

"When one person leads, she can boost the whole team. I am slightly worried that this type of excitement could wane."

Following a backlash from the public and opposition politicians, Sakurada sought to clarify his stance and admitted his comments "lacked consideration."

This is not the first time Sakurada has made unwanted headlines.

He attracted widespread ridicule when he admitted that he "does not use computers" in his professional life. He doubles as deputy chief of Japan's cybersecurity strategy.

Sakurada also sparked anger for ill-advised comments in 2016 when he described the "comfort women" forced to work in military brothels servicing Japanese wartime troops as "professional prostitutes."

Ikee shot to fame at last year's Asian Games, where she captured a record six gold medals to fire a warning for the 2020 Olympics in her home city.

The teenage superstar, who holds a string of national records, has been tipped to push for gold on several fronts, in particular in the women's 100 metres butterfly.

Ikee told fans she was determined to beat her illness after being forced to abandon her training camp on Australia's Gold Coast.

"If treated properly it's a disease that can be beaten," said Ikee, who confirmed she will withdraw from the Japanese championships in April.&nbsp;

"I will devote myself to my treatment and strive to be able to show an even stronger Rikako Ikee."

Japan's gaffe-prone Olympics Minister was forced to apologise Wednesday after suggesting that the leukaemia diagnosis of 18-year-old star swimmer Rikako Ikee could dampen enthusiasm for the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Japan's gaffe-prone Olympics Minister was forced to apologise Wednesday after suggesting that the leukaemia diagnosis of 18-year-old star swimmer Rikako Ikee could dampen enthusiasm for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The shock announcement of Ikee — widely considered the poster girl for next year's Olympics — that she was battling the disease touched the hearts of Japanese everywhere and sparked an outpouring of well-wishes. However, the minister, Yoshitaka Sakurada, appeared to voice sadness that Japan's medal tally might be affected as a result. "She is a potential gold medallist, an athlete in whom we have great expectations. I'm really disappointed," said the 69-year-old, according to local media. "When one person leads, she can boost the whole team. I am slightly worried that this type of excitement could wane." Following a backlash from the public and opposition politicians, Sakurada sought to clarify his stance and admitted his comments "lacked consideration." This is not the first time Sakurada has made unwanted headlines. He attracted widespread ridicule when he admitted that he "does not use computers" in his professional life. He doubles as deputy chief of Japan's cybersecurity strategy. Sakurada also sparked anger for ill-advised comments in 2016 when he described the "comfort women" forced to work in military brothels servicing Japanese wartime troops as "professional prostitutes." Ikee shot to fame at last year's Asian Games, where she captured a record six gold medals to fire a warning for the 2020 Olympics in her home city. The teenage superstar, who holds a string of national records, has been tipped to push for gold on several fronts, in particular in the women's 100 metres butterfly. Ikee told fans she was determined to beat her illness after being forced to abandon her training camp on Australia's Gold Coast. "If treated properly it's a disease that can be beaten," said Ikee, who confirmed she will withdraw from the Japanese championships in April. "I will devote myself to my treatment and strive to be able to show an even stronger Rikako Ikee."

Japan minister sorry for ill Olympic swimmer gaffe

The possibility of extreme summer heat and typhoons in Tokyo is a "major issue" for the 2020 Olympics, a top official said Thursday, admitting there would be a knock-on effect on the budget.

Speaking to bosses from Olympic Committees around the world, Tokyo CEO Toshiro Muto said the Japanese capital had endured "unprecedented heat weather and typhoons last summer."

"Tokyo 2020 considers those as major issues," said Muto, adding that organisers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) were working together on ways to mitigate the impact on athletes and fans.

IOC chief Thomas Bach said on Wednesday that medical experts were proposing measures to protect competitors and supporters throughout the Games.

Tokyo sweltered through a series of deadly heatwaves last summer, raising concerns for the wellbeing of athletes, especially competitors of endurance events such as the marathon and race walking.

Organisers have already brought forward the marathon start time to 7am to get cooler conditions but officials are considering bringing the event even further forward.

Japanese medical groups have suggested that failure to start the marathon earlier could "lead to deaths" from heatstroke.

When Japan last hosted the Olympics, in 1964, the Games were held in October to avoid the country's stifling summer humidity and heat.

Muto said he would transmit weather data to national Olympic Committees to help their athletes prepare for the conditions they are likely to face.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Muto acknowledged that measures to beat the heat had increased demands on the budget.

Organisers plan countermeasures from solar-blocking paint on roads to mobile misting stations.

The CEO said that while the heat countermeasures could boost the budget, Tokyo 2020 had been able to make cuts in other areas.

Tokyo 2020 was "absolutely determined" that the next version of the budget, due to be unveiled next month, would not exceed the $12.6 billion earmarked last year to pay for the Games, Muto said.

The CEO laid out a rosy picture of preparations for the Games, with just more than 600 days to go until the Opening Ceremony.

"Venue construction is on track and will be completed in time for the test events," which will take place in the run-up to the Games.

IOC chief Thomas Bach said Wednesday: "I do not remember any host city which was so far in its preparations two years before the Olympic Games than Tokyo."

The possibility of extreme summer heat and typhoons in Tokyo is a "major issue" for the 2020 Olympics, a top official said Thursday, admitting there would be a knock-on effect on the budget.

The possibility of extreme summer heat and typhoons in Tokyo is a "major issue" for the 2020 Olympics, a top official said Thursday, admitting there would be a knock-on effect on the budget. Speaking to bosses from Olympic Committees around the world, Tokyo CEO Toshiro Muto said the Japanese capital had endured "unprecedented heat weather and typhoons last summer." "Tokyo 2020 considers those as major issues," said Muto, adding that organisers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) were working together on ways to mitigate the impact on athletes and fans. IOC chief Thomas Bach said on Wednesday that medical experts were proposing measures to protect competitors and supporters throughout the Games. Tokyo sweltered through a series of deadly heatwaves last summer, raising concerns for the wellbeing of athletes, especially competitors of endurance events such as the marathon and race walking. Organisers have already brought forward the marathon start time to 7am to get cooler conditions but officials are considering bringing the event even further forward. Japanese medical groups have suggested that failure to start the marathon earlier could "lead to deaths" from heatstroke. When Japan last hosted the Olympics, in 1964, the Games were held in October to avoid the country's stifling summer humidity and heat. Muto said he would transmit weather data to national Olympic Committees to help their athletes prepare for the conditions they are likely to face. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Muto acknowledged that measures to beat the heat had increased demands on the budget. Organisers plan countermeasures from solar-blocking paint on roads to mobile misting stations. The CEO said that while the heat countermeasures could boost the budget, Tokyo 2020 had been able to make cuts in other areas. Tokyo 2020 was "absolutely determined" that the next version of the budget, due to be unveiled next month, would not exceed the $12.6 billion earmarked last year to pay for the Games, Muto said. The CEO laid out a rosy picture of preparations for the Games, with just more than 600 days to go until the Opening Ceremony. "Venue construction is on track and will be completed in time for the test events," which will take place in the run-up to the Games. IOC chief Thomas Bach said Wednesday: "I do not remember any host city which was so far in its preparations two years before the Olympic Games than Tokyo."

Extreme weather 'major' issue for Tokyo 2020

Ask a teenager... Do you have dreams for your life? Do you believe you can achieve them? The teen in all probability will snap back, saying: “Let me follow my dreams. Don’t get so obsessed with what I can achieve.” &nbsp;

The Indian Olympic dream is full of such stories. With no past glory to fall back upon, Indian society has constantly pursued any teenager who makes the headlines. This time, it is no different.

The moment one talks about 18-year-old sprinter Hima Das or 15-year-old weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga or shooters Saurabh Chaudhary (16), Shardul Vihan (15), Anish Bhanwala (15) and Manu Bhaker (16), the first question is this: can they win India a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games?&nbsp;

The Indian athletics arena has never promised so much. Hima, nicknamed the 'Dhing Express’, holds the current Indian national record in 400 metres with a timing of 50.79, which she clocked at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.&nbsp;

Till 2016, the youngest of five children of a rice farmer Ronjit Das and Jonali, Hima had no intention of being an athlete. In fact, she was playing in the mud fields of her village Dhing. It was her coach Nipon Das who first took her to state championship in Guwahati, where she won a bronze without any training or proper practice.

Hima’s story is akin to many teenagers across India who have been deprived of proper facilities while growing up. Now that she has access to real scientific training, she is living the Olympic dream. &nbsp;

The story of a 15-year-old boy from Mizoram runs on similar lines. The latest Indian weightlifting sensation, Jeremy Lalrinnunga, has bigger things to achieve in less than two years.&nbsp;

The Mizo teen is being touted as the next best thing in Indian weightlifting. His recent herculean effort in the 62 kg category to help India clinch its first-ever gold medal at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, has not just revived the dead weigh-lifting federation of our country, but has also made him a certain hope of a medal at Japan and beyond, because age is on his side. &nbsp;

Son of national-level boxer Lalneihtluanga, Lalrinnunga aspired to don the gloves too, but shifted to weightlifting at the tender age of eight, as the power involved in it attracted him more than any other sport.&nbsp;

Shooting probably gives India’s sports fans most hopes of a medal. In fact, there seems to be an air of certainty around it, something not enjoyed thus far by any Indian sports squad ahead of 2020 Olympics, since the halcyon golden days of Indian hockey three decades ago, in the 1980s.

With the rise of teenage young guns at the recent Asian Games in Jakarta, jokes are doing the rounds that the Indian government has diluted the 1959 Arms Act and the 1962 Arms Rules, among other things, where a citizen needed to be 21 to get a gun licence.

Four teenage sensations --- 16-year-old Saurabh Chaudhary, 15-year-olds Shardul Vihan and Anish Bhanwala, and 16-year-old Manu Bhaker --- now have the firepower to kill their opponents to bring in gold medals for India.&nbsp;

Apart from child prodigy Abhinav Bindra, what has helped is the formulation of a robust junior programme by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), which has ensured a steady supply of ‘finished products’, when it comes to competing internationally in various ranges and conditions.&nbsp;

That is why this fabulous four were picked to train with senior shooters with an eye on Youth Olympics held in Buenos Aires recently. Meerut boy Chaudhary scripted history by winning gold in the 10m Air Pistol shooting event not just in Argentina, but before that at the Jakarta Asian Games.&nbsp;

Born to an engineer from the Merchant Navy and a school principal, Bhaker has always been a natural. The girl added the Commonwealth gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol to the glowing list of achievements in her relatively nascent career. Though it was a heartbreak for her at Jakarta, finishing 6th out of eight qualifiers in the final, her double gold at the ISSF Junior World Cup came good to keep her in high spirits.&nbsp;

Vihan and Bhanwala are others in this growing list of youngsters, post-2012, led by NRAI’s system of appointing personalised coaches. For example, Bhaker herself is mentored by multiple CWG gold medallist Jaspal Rana.

The most critical thing now is to find ways to protect these teens from the lure of money and petty politics. Hima’s coaches are praying that their prodigy keep her level-head after the kind of reception she got on her return from Jakarta, while Bhanwala has already been under scanner for disciplinary issues.&nbsp;

In a nation starved of sporting glory, it is important to put a tag of “handle with care” around these young prodigies. The sudden flow of money may turn these “fearless souls” into “careless waste”, if not handled properly! 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-fearless-souls-in-line-for-2020-tokyo-olympic-glory-2680687">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Ask a teenager... Do you have dreams for your life? Do you believe you can achieve them? The teen in all probability will snap back, saying: “Let me follow my dreams.

Ask a teenager... Do you have dreams for your life? Do you believe you can achieve them? The teen in all probability will snap back, saying: “Let me follow my dreams. Don’t get so obsessed with what I can achieve.” The Indian Olympic dream is full of such stories. With no past glory to fall back upon, Indian society has constantly pursued any teenager who makes the headlines. This time, it is no different. The moment one talks about 18-year-old sprinter Hima Das or 15-year-old weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga or shooters Saurabh Chaudhary (16), Shardul Vihan (15), Anish Bhanwala (15) and Manu Bhaker (16), the first question is this: can they win India a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games? The Indian athletics arena has never promised so much. Hima, nicknamed the 'Dhing Express’, holds the current Indian national record in 400 metres with a timing of 50.79, which she clocked at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. Till 2016, the youngest of five children of a rice farmer Ronjit Das and Jonali, Hima had no intention of being an athlete. In fact, she was playing in the mud fields of her village Dhing. It was her coach Nipon Das who first took her to state championship in Guwahati, where she won a bronze without any training or proper practice. Hima’s story is akin to many teenagers across India who have been deprived of proper facilities while growing up. Now that she has access to real scientific training, she is living the Olympic dream. The story of a 15-year-old boy from Mizoram runs on similar lines. The latest Indian weightlifting sensation, Jeremy Lalrinnunga, has bigger things to achieve in less than two years. The Mizo teen is being touted as the next best thing in Indian weightlifting. His recent herculean effort in the 62 kg category to help India clinch its first-ever gold medal at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, has not just revived the dead weigh-lifting federation of our country, but has also made him a certain hope of a medal at Japan and beyond, because age is on his side. Son of national-level boxer Lalneihtluanga, Lalrinnunga aspired to don the gloves too, but shifted to weightlifting at the tender age of eight, as the power involved in it attracted him more than any other sport. Shooting probably gives India’s sports fans most hopes of a medal. In fact, there seems to be an air of certainty around it, something not enjoyed thus far by any Indian sports squad ahead of 2020 Olympics, since the halcyon golden days of Indian hockey three decades ago, in the 1980s. With the rise of teenage young guns at the recent Asian Games in Jakarta, jokes are doing the rounds that the Indian government has diluted the 1959 Arms Act and the 1962 Arms Rules, among other things, where a citizen needed to be 21 to get a gun licence. Four teenage sensations --- 16-year-old Saurabh Chaudhary, 15-year-olds Shardul Vihan and Anish Bhanwala, and 16-year-old Manu Bhaker --- now have the firepower to kill their opponents to bring in gold medals for India. Apart from child prodigy Abhinav Bindra, what has helped is the formulation of a robust junior programme by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), which has ensured a steady supply of ‘finished products’, when it comes to competing internationally in various ranges and conditions. That is why this fabulous four were picked to train with senior shooters with an eye on Youth Olympics held in Buenos Aires recently. Meerut boy Chaudhary scripted history by winning gold in the 10m Air Pistol shooting event not just in Argentina, but before that at the Jakarta Asian Games. Born to an engineer from the Merchant Navy and a school principal, Bhaker has always been a natural. The girl added the Commonwealth gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol to the glowing list of achievements in her relatively nascent career. Though it was a heartbreak for her at Jakarta, finishing 6th out of eight qualifiers in the final, her double gold at the ISSF Junior World Cup came good to keep her in high spirits. Vihan and Bhanwala are others in this growing list of youngsters, post-2012, led by NRAI’s system of appointing personalised coaches. For example, Bhaker herself is mentored by multiple CWG gold medallist Jaspal Rana. The most critical thing now is to find ways to protect these teens from the lure of money and petty politics. Hima’s coaches are praying that their prodigy keep her level-head after the kind of reception she got on her return from Jakarta, while Bhanwala has already been under scanner for disciplinary issues. In a nation starved of sporting glory, it is important to put a tag of “handle with care” around these young prodigies. The sudden flow of money may turn these “fearless souls” into “careless waste”, if not handled properly! (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Fearless souls in line for 2020 Tokyo Olympic glory