Host-nation Japan is projected to improve its medals haul at the Tokyo Olympics by 50% from the Rio de Janeiro Games, according to data analysts Gracenote.

Japan won a record-breaking 41 medals in Rio in 2016 and could increase that to 60, buoyed by gains from new and returning disciplines, including skateboarding, sport climbing and baseball, Gracenote said on Tuesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-two-mexico-olympic-baseball-players-test-positive-for-covid-19-399160" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020: Two Mexico Olympic baseball players test positive for Covid-19</a>

"Due to the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, there is potential for the Tokyo Summer Games to be more unpredictable than normal," Gracenote said, releasing its final 'Virtual Medal Table' before the start of the Games on Friday.

The United States was picked to top the table but its expected haul was cut to 96, compared to the 121 won five years ago.

Asian powerhouse China's medal count was put at 66 but Gracenote said it might be a conservative projection due to a lack of data on the country's athletes.

"Nearly 80% of the Chinese athletes ranked in the Virtual Medal Table top-8s have no results since the pandemic began and the forecast total may be underrating the country's actual performance," it said.

Russian athletes, who will be competing in Tokyo as representatives of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) after the country was stripped of its flag and anthem for doping offences, were projected to come second in the table with 68 medals.

Britain was placed fifth with 52 medals, 15 fewer than it won in Rio.

Host-nation Japan is projected to improve its medals haul at the Tokyo Olympics by 50% from the Rio de Janeiro Games, according to data analysts Gracenote. Japan won a record-breaking 41 medals in Rio in 2016 and could increase that to 60, buoyed by gains from new and returning disciplines, including skateboarding, sport climbing and baseball, Gracenote said on Tuesday.

Host-nation Japan is projected to improve its medals haul at the Tokyo Olympics by 50% from the Rio de Janeiro Games, according to data analysts Gracenote. Japan won a record-breaking 41 medals in Rio in 2016 and could increase that to 60, buoyed by gains from new and returning disciplines, including skateboarding, sport climbing and baseball, Gracenote said on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020: Two Mexico Olympic baseball players test positive for Covid-19 "Due to the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, there is potential for the Tokyo Summer Games to be more unpredictable than normal," Gracenote said, releasing its final 'Virtual Medal Table' before the start of the Games on Friday. The United States was picked to top the table but its expected haul was cut to 96, compared to the 121 won five years ago. Asian powerhouse China's medal count was put at 66 but Gracenote said it might be a conservative projection due to a lack of data on the country's athletes. "Nearly 80% of the Chinese athletes ranked in the Virtual Medal Table top-8s have no results since the pandemic began and the forecast total may be underrating the country's actual performance," it said. Russian athletes, who will be competing in Tokyo as representatives of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) after the country was stripped of its flag and anthem for doping offences, were projected to come second in the table with 68 medals. Britain was placed fifth with 52 medals, 15 fewer than it won in Rio.

Japan projected to improve medals tally by 50% in Tokyo Olympics: Gracenote

American teen sensation Coco Gauff has entered the elite list of tennis stars, who have pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics. The 17-year-old said that she had tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-roger-federer-to-serena-williams-tennis-aces-who-are-set-to-miss-tokyo-olympics-398188" hreflang="en">From Roger Federer to Serena Williams: Tennis aces who are set to miss Tokyo Olympics</a>

"I'm disappointed to share the news that I have tested positive for COVID and won't be able to play in the Olympic Games in Tokyo," world number 25 Gauff, who was going to compete in both the singles and doubles competitions, said on Twitter.

"It has always been a dream of mine to represent the USA at the Olympics, and I hope there will be many more chances for me to make this come true in the future."

Gauff was set to become the youngest Olympic tennis player since 2000 to play in the coveted tournament, however, she will pull out of it due to the infection.&nbsp;

Several stars in the world of tennis like Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios have pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics and have cited different reasons.&nbsp;

The highly-anticipated Tokyo Games will kick off on Friday after the Summer Games were pushed by year due to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Inputs from Agency)

American teen sensation Coco Gauff has entered the elite list of tennis stars, who have pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics. The 17-year-old said that she had tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.

American teen sensation Coco Gauff has entered the elite list of tennis stars, who have pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics. The 17-year-old said that she had tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday. ALSO READ: From Roger Federer to Serena Williams: Tennis aces who are set to miss Tokyo Olympics "I'm disappointed to share the news that I have tested positive for COVID and won't be able to play in the Olympic Games in Tokyo," world number 25 Gauff, who was going to compete in both the singles and doubles competitions, said on Twitter. "It has always been a dream of mine to represent the USA at the Olympics, and I hope there will be many more chances for me to make this come true in the future." Gauff was set to become the youngest Olympic tennis player since 2000 to play in the coveted tournament, however, she will pull out of it due to the infection. Several stars in the world of tennis like Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios have pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics and have cited different reasons. The highly-anticipated Tokyo Games will kick off on Friday after the Summer Games were pushed by year due to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Inputs from Agency)

Tennis: American ace Coco Gauff tests positive for COVID-19, pulls out of Tokyo Olympics

Organisers of the Tokyo Olympics are promoting the idea of maintaining social distancing due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Japan. They have decided to hand out condoms to athletes only once they leave the village and they have come up with an 'anti-sex' bed that will discourage athletes to get intimate.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-olympic-cluster-scare-as-athletes-test-positive-in-games-village-398826" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020: Olympic cluster scare as athletes test positive in Games Village</a>

These 'anti-sex' beds are made from cardboard and are designed to only be able to withstand the weight of one person.&nbsp;

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Beds to be installed in Tokyo Olympic Village will be made of cardboard, this is aimed at avoiding intimacy among athletes 
 
Beds will be able to withstand the weight of a single person to avoid situations beyond sports. 
 
I see no problem for distance runners,even 4 of us can do😂 <a href="https://t.co/J45wlxgtSo">pic.twitter.com/J45wlxgtSo</a>
— Paul Chelimo🇺🇸🥈🥉 (@Paulchelimo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paulchelimo/status/1416240846039523331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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American sprinter Paul Chelimo took to social media to share the pictures of the bed and wrote: "Beds to be installed in Tokyo Olympic Village will be made of cardboard, this is aimed at avoiding intimacy among athletes. "Beds will be able to withstand the weight of a single person to avoid situations beyond sports. I see no problem for distance runners, even 4 of us can do"

"I can’t fly business polaris then sleep on a carton box. Now economy is very perfecto!" he added.&nbsp;

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At this point I will have to start practicing how to sleep on the floor; cause If my bed collapses and I have no training on sleeping on the floor i’m done😂 
 
More added stress heading into Tokyo!
— Paul Chelimo🇺🇸🥈🥉 (@Paulchelimo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paulchelimo/status/1416244958609121280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He went on to say that he would have to start practicing sleeping on the floor if the bed collapses. He tweeted: "At this point I will have to start practicing how to sleep on the floor; cause If my bed collapses &nbsp;and I have no training on sleeping on the floor i’m done. More added stress heading into Tokyo!"

The organisers of Tokyo 2020 also made a deal with four condom companies in order to hand out 160,000 condoms for the athletes in the village.&nbsp;

“The distribution of condoms is not for use at the athletes’ village, but to have athletes take them back to their home countries to raise awareness (of HIV and AIDS),” organisers had told Reuters.

Organisers of the Tokyo Olympics are promoting the idea of maintaining social distancing due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Japan. They have decided to hand out condoms to athletes only once they leave the village and they have come up with an 'anti-sex' bed that will discourage athletes to get intimate.

Organisers of the Tokyo Olympics are promoting the idea of maintaining social distancing due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Japan. They have decided to hand out condoms to athletes only once they leave the village and they have come up with an 'anti-sex' bed that will discourage athletes to get intimate. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020: Olympic cluster scare as athletes test positive in Games Village These 'anti-sex' beds are made from cardboard and are designed to only be able to withstand the weight of one person. Beds to be installed in Tokyo Olympic Village will be made of cardboard, this is aimed at avoiding intimacy among athletes Beds will be able to withstand the weight of a single person to avoid situations beyond sports. I see no problem for distance runners,even 4 of us can do😂 pic.twitter.com/J45wlxgtSo — Paul Chelimo🇺🇸🥈🥉 (@Paulchelimo) July 17, 2021 × American sprinter Paul Chelimo took to social media to share the pictures of the bed and wrote: "Beds to be installed in Tokyo Olympic Village will be made of cardboard, this is aimed at avoiding intimacy among athletes. "Beds will be able to withstand the weight of a single person to avoid situations beyond sports. I see no problem for distance runners, even 4 of us can do" "I can’t fly business polaris then sleep on a carton box. Now economy is very perfecto!" he added. At this point I will have to start practicing how to sleep on the floor; cause If my bed collapses and I have no training on sleeping on the floor i’m done😂 More added stress heading into Tokyo! — Paul Chelimo🇺🇸🥈🥉 (@Paulchelimo) July 17, 2021 × He went on to say that he would have to start practicing sleeping on the floor if the bed collapses. He tweeted: "At this point I will have to start practicing how to sleep on the floor; cause If my bed collapses and I have no training on sleeping on the floor i’m done. More added stress heading into Tokyo!" The organisers of Tokyo 2020 also made a deal with four condom companies in order to hand out 160,000 condoms for the athletes in the village. “The distribution of condoms is not for use at the athletes’ village, but to have athletes take them back to their home countries to raise awareness (of HIV and AIDS),” organisers had told Reuters.

'Anti-sex' beds in Tokyo Olympics? American sprinter shares images

The new 'anti-sex' beds have become a talking point in the Tokyo Olympics after American distance runner Paul Chelimo tweeted a series of photos and said that the cardboard beds were "aimed at avoiding intimacy among athletes".

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anti-sex-beds-in-tokyo-olympics-american-sprinter-shares-images-398856" hreflang="en">'Anti-sex' beds in Tokyo Olympics? American sprinter shares images</a>

"Beds will (only) be able to withstand the weight of a single person to avoid situations beyond sports," he tweeted.

However, the organisers have reassured that the beds in the Olympics Village are "sturdy". Their statement came after an Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan filmed himself jumping repeatedly on a bed to prove the point, after the report in the New York Post claimed the beds were deliberately flimsy to promote social distancing.

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“Anti-sex” beds at the Olympics <a href="https://t.co/2jnFm6mKcB">pic.twitter.com/2jnFm6mKcB</a>
— Rhys Mcclenaghan (@McClenaghanRhys) <a href="https://twitter.com/McClenaghanRhys/status/1416567768938291203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"The beds are meant to be anti-sex. They're made out of cardboard, yes, but apparently they're meant to break with sudden movements. It's fake -- fake news!" McClenaghan said in the video posted on Twitter.

The official Olympics Twitter account thanked McClenaghan for "debunking the myth", adding "the sustainable beds are sturdy!"

The beds are manufactured by Airweave, in January, they revealed that the bed can withstand upto 200 kilos and have gone through rigorous stress tests.&nbsp;

However, the organisers of the Tokyo Olympics are promoting the idea of maintaining social distancing due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Japan. They have decided to hand out condoms to athletes only once they leave the village.

The organisers of Tokyo 2020 also made a deal with four condom companies in order to hand out 160,000 condoms for the athletes in the village.&nbsp;

“The distribution of condoms is not for use at the athletes’ village, but to have athletes take them back to their home countries to raise awareness (of HIV and AIDS),” organisers had told Reuters.&nbsp;

The new 'anti-sex' beds have become a talking point in the Tokyo Olympics after American distance runner Paul Chelimo tweeted a series of photos and said that the cardboard beds were "aimed at avoiding intimacy among athletes".

The new 'anti-sex' beds have become a talking point in the Tokyo Olympics after American distance runner Paul Chelimo tweeted a series of photos and said that the cardboard beds were "aimed at avoiding intimacy among athletes". ALSO READ: 'Anti-sex' beds in Tokyo Olympics? American sprinter shares images "Beds will (only) be able to withstand the weight of a single person to avoid situations beyond sports," he tweeted. However, the organisers have reassured that the beds in the Olympics Village are "sturdy". Their statement came after an Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan filmed himself jumping repeatedly on a bed to prove the point, after the report in the New York Post claimed the beds were deliberately flimsy to promote social distancing. “Anti-sex” beds at the Olympics pic.twitter.com/2jnFm6mKcB — Rhys Mcclenaghan (@McClenaghanRhys) July 18, 2021 × "The beds are meant to be anti-sex. They're made out of cardboard, yes, but apparently they're meant to break with sudden movements. It's fake -- fake news!" McClenaghan said in the video posted on Twitter. The official Olympics Twitter account thanked McClenaghan for "debunking the myth", adding "the sustainable beds are sturdy!" The beds are manufactured by Airweave, in January, they revealed that the bed can withstand upto 200 kilos and have gone through rigorous stress tests. However, the organisers of the Tokyo Olympics are promoting the idea of maintaining social distancing due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Japan. They have decided to hand out condoms to athletes only once they leave the village. The organisers of Tokyo 2020 also made a deal with four condom companies in order to hand out 160,000 condoms for the athletes in the village. “The distribution of condoms is not for use at the athletes’ village, but to have athletes take them back to their home countries to raise awareness (of HIV and AIDS),” organisers had told Reuters.

Tokyo Olympics organisers assure that cardboard beds are 'sturdy' after 'anti-sex' reports

From Roger Federer to Serena Williams: Tennis aces who are set to miss Tokyo Olympics

Wimbledon 2021 finalist and Italian ace Matteo Berrettini has joined the elite list of stars who have pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics due to a thigh injury. The 25-year-old took to social media to announce the news.&nbsp;

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-roger-federer-to-serena-williams-tennis-aces-who-are-set-to-miss-tokyo-olympics-398188" hreflang="en">From Roger Federer to Serena Williams: Tennis aces who are set to miss Tokyo Olympics</a>

"I am extremely disappointed to announce my withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympic Games," the 25-year-old said on Instagram.

"I had an MRI scan yesterday on the thigh injury I sustained during Wimbledon and was informed I will not be able to compete for a couple of weeks."

The Italian National Olympic Committee said they would not be able to get a replacement player for Berrettini as the International Tennis Federation's deadline to name new athletes had passed on Friday.

"Representing Italy is the biggest honour for me so it is devastating to miss the Olympics," Berrettini added.

The tennis event at the Tokyo Olympics has been hit by a series of high-profile withdrawals in recent days.

Some of the sport's biggest names, including Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Serena Williams, Stan Wawrinka and Simona Halep have already announced their decision to skip the Games, which has been delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

World number 8, recently, was seen battling out for the Wimbledon title against Serbian ace Novak Djokovic, however, he lost the match.&nbsp;

(Inputs from Agency)

Wimbledon 2021 finalist and Italian ace Matteo Berrettini has joined the elite list of stars who have pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics due to a thigh injury. The 25-year-old took to social media to announce the news.

Wimbledon 2021 finalist and Italian ace Matteo Berrettini has joined the elite list of stars who have pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics due to a thigh injury. The 25-year-old took to social media to announce the news. IN PICS| From Roger Federer to Serena Williams: Tennis aces who are set to miss Tokyo Olympics "I am extremely disappointed to announce my withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympic Games," the 25-year-old said on Instagram. "I had an MRI scan yesterday on the thigh injury I sustained during Wimbledon and was informed I will not be able to compete for a couple of weeks." The Italian National Olympic Committee said they would not be able to get a replacement player for Berrettini as the International Tennis Federation's deadline to name new athletes had passed on Friday. "Representing Italy is the biggest honour for me so it is devastating to miss the Olympics," Berrettini added. The tennis event at the Tokyo Olympics has been hit by a series of high-profile withdrawals in recent days. Some of the sport's biggest names, including Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Serena Williams, Stan Wawrinka and Simona Halep have already announced their decision to skip the Games, which has been delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. World number 8, recently, was seen battling out for the Wimbledon title against Serbian ace Novak Djokovic, however, he lost the match. (Inputs from Agency)

'Extremely disappointed': Matteo Berrettini pulls out of Tokyo Olympics

Excited and cautious in equal measure, the first batch of athletes from India's Olympic contingent arrived in&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;on Sunday, clearing the exhaustive COVID-19 related protocols at the airport before entering the Games village on a day when two sportspersons staying there tested positive for the dreaded virus.

The 88-strong contingent from India, which left last night after a grand send-off, was joined by the shooters and boxers who were training in Italy and Croatia till Saturday.

The group travelling from India included archers, badminton players, table tennis players, both the men's and women's hockey teams, and qualifiers from judo, gymnastics, and swimming among others.

They landed in the Japanese capital aboard a chartered Air India flight from New Delhi.

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Touchdown Tokyo🛬 
 
Our Archery contingent is welcomed with smiles &amp; warmth by the people of Kurobe, host town. 
We thank them for their support &amp; hospitality shown to our athletes 
 
Share your best wishes with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> 
<a href="https://twitter.com/ImDeepikaK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImDeepikaK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ArcherAtanu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArcherAtanu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tarundeepraii?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tarundeepraii</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/pravinarcher?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pravinarcher</a> <a href="https://t.co/Pdqo661mVa">pic.twitter.com/Pdqo661mVa</a>
— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI/status/1416627427078393866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"It was a six hour wait at the (Tokyo) airport where we underwent COVID-19 tests but that was expected. All came out clear and we have checked into the Games village. All smooth so far," a contingent member told PTI.

The Indians arrived on a day when two athletes staying at the Games village and one at a designated hotel were confirmed COVID positive by the organisers, who insisted that they are prepared for some cases given the influx of people in the city.

The Indians were duly masked, some of them even wore face shields as they went through the paperwork at the airport before boarding buses to the Games Village.

The total number of Games-related COVID cases have now risen to 55 as per the OC records.

The Games will be held behind closed doors as infections soar in the Japanese capital, which is recording more than 1,000 cases per day for the past few days.

Despite the scepticism, IOC President Thomas Bach has insisted that the Games pose "zero risk" for the residents of Olympic village and the Japanese people in general.

On Saturday night, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur gave a formal send-off to the contingent at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi amid loud cheers, claps and plenty of good wishes.

The IGI witnessed unprecedented scenes as a red carpet was laid out for the contingent. Such was the euphoria surrounding the send-off, that the Government of India had arranged for a special Olympic Contingent Clearance immigration line for the Tokyo-bound members.

The send-off ceremony was also attended by Minister of State for Sports, Nisith Pramanik, Sports Authority of India Director General Sandip Pradhan and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officials, including President Narinder Batra and Secretary General Rajeev Mehta.

Some Indian athletes reached&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;a few days earlier from their respective training bases abroad.

India's lone weightlifter in fray, Mirabai Chanu entered&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;on Friday from her training base in St Louis, USA.

India will be represented by a 228-strong contingent, including 119 athletes, at the Games.

Four Indian sailors -- Nethra Kumanan and Vishnu Saravanan (laser class), KC Ganapathy and Varun Thakkar (49er class) -- were the first from the country to reach Tokyo from their training bases in Europe. They started training on Thursday.

Besides, the rowing team has also reached the city.

Excited and cautious in equal measure, the first batch of athletes from India's Olympic contingent arrived in Tokyo on Sunday, clearing the exhaustive COVID-19 related protocols at the airport before entering the Games village on a day when two sportspersons staying there tested positive for the dreaded virus.

Excited and cautious in equal measure, the first batch of athletes from India's Olympic contingent arrived in Tokyo on Sunday, clearing the exhaustive COVID-19 related protocols at the airport before entering the Games village on a day when two sportspersons staying there tested positive for the dreaded virus. The 88-strong contingent from India, which left last night after a grand send-off, was joined by the shooters and boxers who were training in Italy and Croatia till Saturday. The group travelling from India included archers, badminton players, table tennis players, both the men's and women's hockey teams, and qualifiers from judo, gymnastics, and swimming among others. They landed in the Japanese capital aboard a chartered Air India flight from New Delhi. Touchdown Tokyo🛬 Our Archery contingent is welcomed with smiles & warmth by the people of Kurobe, host town. We thank them for their support & hospitality shown to our athletes Share your best wishes with #Cheer4India @ImDeepikaK @ArcherAtanu @tarundeepraii @pravinarcher pic.twitter.com/Pdqo661mVa — SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) July 18, 2021 × "It was a six hour wait at the (Tokyo) airport where we underwent COVID-19 tests but that was expected. All came out clear and we have checked into the Games village. All smooth so far," a contingent member told PTI. The Indians arrived on a day when two athletes staying at the Games village and one at a designated hotel were confirmed COVID positive by the organisers, who insisted that they are prepared for some cases given the influx of people in the city. The Indians were duly masked, some of them even wore face shields as they went through the paperwork at the airport before boarding buses to the Games Village. The total number of Games-related COVID cases have now risen to 55 as per the OC records. The Games will be held behind closed doors as infections soar in the Japanese capital, which is recording more than 1,000 cases per day for the past few days. Despite the scepticism, IOC President Thomas Bach has insisted that the Games pose "zero risk" for the residents of Olympic village and the Japanese people in general. On Saturday night, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur gave a formal send-off to the contingent at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi amid loud cheers, claps and plenty of good wishes. The IGI witnessed unprecedented scenes as a red carpet was laid out for the contingent. Such was the euphoria surrounding the send-off, that the Government of India had arranged for a special Olympic Contingent Clearance immigration line for the Tokyo-bound members. The send-off ceremony was also attended by Minister of State for Sports, Nisith Pramanik, Sports Authority of India Director General Sandip Pradhan and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officials, including President Narinder Batra and Secretary General Rajeev Mehta. Some Indian athletes reached Tokyo a few days earlier from their respective training bases abroad. India's lone weightlifter in fray, Mirabai Chanu entered Tokyo on Friday from her training base in St Louis, USA. India will be represented by a 228-strong contingent, including 119 athletes, at the Games. Four Indian sailors -- Nethra Kumanan and Vishnu Saravanan (laser class), KC Ganapathy and Varun Thakkar (49er class) -- were the first from the country to reach Tokyo from their training bases in Europe. They started training on Thursday. Besides, the rowing team has also reached the city.

Olympics: First batch of Indian contingent arrives in Tokyo

Two athletes have tested positive for the coronavirus in the Tokyo Olympic Village after a team colleague was also infected, officials said on Sunday, raising fears of a cluster just days before the opening ceremony.

The first cases involving athletes in the Village come a day after a member of their entourage returned the first positive test in the complex, which will house thousands of athletes.

The three infections were revealed as competitors fly in from around the world for the pandemic-delayed Olympics, which are facing significant opposition in Japan due to their Covid risks.

Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya said the three cases "were from the same country and sport". They are "isolated in their rooms and Tokyo 2020 is delivering meals to them", he said, adding that the rest of the team have also been tested. The team was not identified.

The Olympic Village, a complex of apartments and dining areas in Tokyo, will house 6,700 athletes and officials at its peak when the delayed 2020 Games finally get underway.

The Tokyo Games, which will be held largely behind closed doors to prevent infections, are unpopular in Japan where opinion polls have consistently demonstrated a lack of support.

Olympic officials have been at pains to play down the health risks of the Games, which are taking place in stringent anti-coronavirus conditions with athletes tested daily.

"Mingling and crossing of populations is very limited. We keep the risk to an absolute minimum level," Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said on Sunday.

"We can ensure that transmission between the various groups is almost impossible."

Fifty-five cases linked to the Games, which open on Friday, have been discovered this month, including four athletes.

South Korean IOC member Ryu Seung-men tested positive on arrival in Japan and was placed in isolation, a spokesman for the Olympic body said.

On Saturday, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach appealed for Japanese fans to show support, saying he was "very well aware of the scepticism" surrounding the Games.

Athletes are arriving to find a restrictive environment, with daily testing, social distancing and no movement possible outside the Olympic "bubble". They are under orders to leave Japan 48 hours after their event.

In another example of the difficulties, Australia's entire athletics team was quarantined before departure after a member of their entourage returned an inconclusive test. The official later tested negative.

"We expect that there'll be cases associated with these Games and really what's going to matter is how we respond to that and to ensure that there's no complacency," said David Hughes, medical director of the Australian Olympic team.

Australia has 194 athletes in the Olympic Village backed by support staff including psychologists to help them deal with the "extra strain" of the anti-Covid measures.

Australian basketball star Liz Cambage was one of the athletes to pull out of the Games, citing mental health fears, while tennis player Nick Kyrgios withdrew due to the lack of fans.

Australian chef de mission Ian Chesterman said a "buoyant" mood in the camp was tempered by caution over possible mental health problems in the unusual environment.

"The mood and everything is sort of buoyant and excited to be here, and that we're conscious of the fact that it's like no other," he said.

"We have to make sure that athlete, mental health and wellbeing is at the forefront of all their thinking."

On Saturday, Games chief Seiko Hashimoto admitted athletes are "probably very worried" about coming to Japan, pledging full transparency over Covid cases.

Japanese and Olympic officials have also been forced onto the defensive over a welcoming reception for Bach attended by 40 people while Tokyo remains under a coronavirus state of emergency.

Two athletes have tested positive for the coronavirus in the Tokyo Olympic Village after a team colleague was also infected, officials said on Sunday, raising fears of a cluster just days before the opening ceremony.

Two athletes have tested positive for the coronavirus in the Tokyo Olympic Village after a team colleague was also infected, officials said on Sunday, raising fears of a cluster just days before the opening ceremony. The first cases involving athletes in the Village come a day after a member of their entourage returned the first positive test in the complex, which will house thousands of athletes. The three infections were revealed as competitors fly in from around the world for the pandemic-delayed Olympics, which are facing significant opposition in Japan due to their Covid risks. Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya said the three cases "were from the same country and sport". They are "isolated in their rooms and Tokyo 2020 is delivering meals to them", he said, adding that the rest of the team have also been tested. The team was not identified. The Olympic Village, a complex of apartments and dining areas in Tokyo, will house 6,700 athletes and officials at its peak when the delayed 2020 Games finally get underway. The Tokyo Games, which will be held largely behind closed doors to prevent infections, are unpopular in Japan where opinion polls have consistently demonstrated a lack of support. Olympic officials have been at pains to play down the health risks of the Games, which are taking place in stringent anti-coronavirus conditions with athletes tested daily. "Mingling and crossing of populations is very limited. We keep the risk to an absolute minimum level," Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said on Sunday. "We can ensure that transmission between the various groups is almost impossible." Fifty-five cases linked to the Games, which open on Friday, have been discovered this month, including four athletes. South Korean IOC member Ryu Seung-men tested positive on arrival in Japan and was placed in isolation, a spokesman for the Olympic body said. On Saturday, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach appealed for Japanese fans to show support, saying he was "very well aware of the scepticism" surrounding the Games. Athletes are arriving to find a restrictive environment, with daily testing, social distancing and no movement possible outside the Olympic "bubble". They are under orders to leave Japan 48 hours after their event. In another example of the difficulties, Australia's entire athletics team was quarantined before departure after a member of their entourage returned an inconclusive test. The official later tested negative. "We expect that there'll be cases associated with these Games and really what's going to matter is how we respond to that and to ensure that there's no complacency," said David Hughes, medical director of the Australian Olympic team. Australia has 194 athletes in the Olympic Village backed by support staff including psychologists to help them deal with the "extra strain" of the anti-Covid measures. Australian basketball star Liz Cambage was one of the athletes to pull out of the Games, citing mental health fears, while tennis player Nick Kyrgios withdrew due to the lack of fans. Australian chef de mission Ian Chesterman said a "buoyant" mood in the camp was tempered by caution over possible mental health problems in the unusual environment. "The mood and everything is sort of buoyant and excited to be here, and that we're conscious of the fact that it's like no other," he said. "We have to make sure that athlete, mental health and wellbeing is at the forefront of all their thinking." On Saturday, Games chief Seiko Hashimoto admitted athletes are "probably very worried" about coming to Japan, pledging full transparency over Covid cases. Japanese and Olympic officials have also been forced onto the defensive over a welcoming reception for Bach attended by 40 people while Tokyo remains under a coronavirus state of emergency.

Tokyo 2020: Olympic cluster scare as athletes test positive in Games Village

A South Korean member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has tested positive for dreaded coronavirus at Tokyo Olympics, IOC said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Former Olympic Gold medalist, Ryu Seung-min, was diagnosed for the virus upon arrival in Japan for the Games which start on Friday.

"He is currently in the isolation facility, where he will stay until the Japanese authorities decide that he is able to leave his room," an IOC spokesperson said.

"The IOC is relieved to hear that all protocols have been properly followed which led to the detection of the case."

According to the spokesperson, all members from the IOC attending the Summer Games were either vaccinated against the coronavirus or immune, the spokesperson added.

The case was revealed after the first two athletes tested positive in the Olympic Village, a day after a member of their entourage was also infected, officials said on Sunday.

The three cases have raised fears of a cluster in the Village, which will house thousands of athletes and officials.

The Tokyo Olympics were postponed for a year due to the pandemic and are facing significant opposition in Japan due to their Covid risks.

(Inputs from Agency)

A South Korean member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has tested positive for dreaded coronavirus at Tokyo Olympics, IOC said on Sunday. Former Olympic Gold medalist, Ryu Seung-min, was diagnosed for the virus upon arrival in Japan for the Games which start on Friday.

A South Korean member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has tested positive for dreaded coronavirus at Tokyo Olympics, IOC said on Sunday. Former Olympic Gold medalist, Ryu Seung-min, was diagnosed for the virus upon arrival in Japan for the Games which start on Friday. "He is currently in the isolation facility, where he will stay until the Japanese authorities decide that he is able to leave his room," an IOC spokesperson said. "The IOC is relieved to hear that all protocols have been properly followed which led to the detection of the case." According to the spokesperson, all members from the IOC attending the Summer Games were either vaccinated against the coronavirus or immune, the spokesperson added. The case was revealed after the first two athletes tested positive in the Olympic Village, a day after a member of their entourage was also infected, officials said on Sunday. The three cases have raised fears of a cluster in the Village, which will house thousands of athletes and officials. The Tokyo Olympics were postponed for a year due to the pandemic and are facing significant opposition in Japan due to their Covid risks. (Inputs from Agency)

Olympics: A member of International Olympic Association tests positive in Tokyo

Protecting the integrity of sport at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, is a top priority for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) thus the IOC Executive Board (EB) was updated on Saturday about the measures put in place for Games time -- aimed at both preventing and dealing swiftly with competition manipulation.Sports betting on all Olympic competitions have been monitored since the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, and Tokyo 2020 will be no exception.&nbsp;

The Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OM Unit PMC), with its partners -- namely Sportradar, the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), the Global Lottery Monitoring System (GLMS), major regulating authorities, and a large number of private sports betting companies from around the world -- will monitor sports betting on all Olympic competitions at this summer`s Olympic Games.The IOC will retain a direct link with all International Federations (IFs) in order to flag any breach of the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OM Code PMC). It is equipped to carry out a preliminary investigation and assist with the set-up of a Disciplinary Commission if necessary. In addition, the IOC will cooperate closely with various law enforcement authorities to address any cases where collective and joint follow-up is appropriate and necessary.

Paquerette Girard Zappelli, IOC Chief Ethics, and Compliance Officer said in a release: "During the last years, we have been working with Tokyo 2020, international police forces, and national authorities to set up the necessary processes and coordinate actions for Games time. &nbsp;As a sports organisation, the IOC can deal with disciplinary matters related to the Olympic Games, and we will have in place a dedicated Disciplinary Commission for cases of competition manipulation and other integrity breaches. For all criminal and security matters, we will of course rely on the Japanese authorities and their jurisdiction."

Following PyeongChang 2018, this is the second Games edition where all the measures outlined will be overseen by the dedicated OM Unit PMC, set up by the IOC in 2017 and an integral part of the IOC Ethics and Compliance Office. This Unit oversees the implementation of the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions, which forms part of the Olympic Charter. It aims to provide sports organisations with harmonised regulations to protect all competitions from the risk of manipulation and support them to develop effective activities against the threat.

Protecting the integrity of sport at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, is a top priority for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) thus the IOC Executive Board (EB) was updated on Saturday about the measures put in place for Games time -- aimed at both preventing and dealing swiftly with competition manipulation.

Protecting the integrity of sport at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, is a top priority for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) thus the IOC Executive Board (EB) was updated on Saturday about the measures put in place for Games time -- aimed at both preventing and dealing swiftly with competition manipulation.Sports betting on all Olympic competitions have been monitored since the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, and Tokyo 2020 will be no exception. The Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OM Unit PMC), with its partners -- namely Sportradar, the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), the Global Lottery Monitoring System (GLMS), major regulating authorities, and a large number of private sports betting companies from around the world -- will monitor sports betting on all Olympic competitions at this summer`s Olympic Games.The IOC will retain a direct link with all International Federations (IFs) in order to flag any breach of the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OM Code PMC). It is equipped to carry out a preliminary investigation and assist with the set-up of a Disciplinary Commission if necessary. In addition, the IOC will cooperate closely with various law enforcement authorities to address any cases where collective and joint follow-up is appropriate and necessary. Paquerette Girard Zappelli, IOC Chief Ethics, and Compliance Officer said in a release: "During the last years, we have been working with Tokyo 2020, international police forces, and national authorities to set up the necessary processes and coordinate actions for Games time. As a sports organisation, the IOC can deal with disciplinary matters related to the Olympic Games, and we will have in place a dedicated Disciplinary Commission for cases of competition manipulation and other integrity breaches. For all criminal and security matters, we will of course rely on the Japanese authorities and their jurisdiction." Following PyeongChang 2018, this is the second Games edition where all the measures outlined will be overseen by the dedicated OM Unit PMC, set up by the IOC in 2017 and an integral part of the IOC Ethics and Compliance Office. This Unit oversees the implementation of the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions, which forms part of the Olympic Charter. It aims to provide sports organisations with harmonised regulations to protect all competitions from the risk of manipulation and support them to develop effective activities against the threat.

Tokyo 2020: IOC to monitor sports betting on all Olympic competitions

Coronavirus outbreaks involving Olympic teams in Japan have turned small-town hotels into facilities on the frontline of the pandemic battle, charged with implementing complex health measures to protect elite athletes and a fearful public.

Infections have hit at least seven teams arriving in Japan barely a week out from the July 23 opening ceremony and after host city, Tokyo reported its highest daily tally of new COVID-19 infections since late January.

Health experts and hotel staff say the outbreaks underscore the risks of holding the world's largest sports event during the middle of a global pandemic in a largely unvaccinated country.

In one example, 49 members of Brazil's judo team are being kept in isolation after eight COVID-19 cases were discovered among the staff at a hotel where they are staying in Hamamatsu, southwest of Tokyo.

None of the judokas have tested positive but frustration over their isolation is mounting as health officials work to contain the outbreak.

"People from the city's public health centre are tracking down close contacts here," a staff member at the Hamanako hotel who did not want to be identified told Reuters. "There are dozens of regular guests as well but we're getting cancellations now."

The staff member said athletes are using designated lifts and those who work with them are prioritised for COVID-19 testing. Meals are held in the dining area in separate spaces and the athletes are staying on separate floors.

City official Yoshinobu Sawada said teams were required to sign formal agreements to follow coronavirus protocols on eating, movement and transportation restrictions. The infected hotel staff have been moved to quarantine centres.

Other outbreaks&nbsp;among athletes include members of Olympic delegations from Uganda, Serbia, Israel and several other nations either testing positive or isolating in their hotels after being designated as close contacts.

The organising committee did not immediately respond to Reuters' questions seeking comment.

COMPLEX, COSTLY MEASURES

Games organisers tell hotels to report people with a high temperature during Olympic team check-ins and say organisers and public health centres will handle outbreaks or suspected cases, according to documents the organisers sent to hotels.

Hotels need to provide room service or food delivery to athletes in isolation, and run different hours or separate spaces for meals between Olympic guests and regular guests.

The documents say organisers will not cover costs for hotels to equip rooms with acrylic dividers or provide separate dining spaces for the athletes.

Tokyo 2020 playbooks for athletes and sports federations call for attendees to physically distance themselves from others, to wear masks, and to get tested daily.

Those playbooks are working and being enforced, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has said, and there was "zero" risk of Games participants infecting residents..

Tokyo entered its fourth state of emergency earlier this week amid a rebound in cases that pushed Games organisers to ban spectators from nearly all venues. More than 1,300 new cases were reported on Thursday, the most in six months.

Most people in Japan think the Games should not go ahead and only 18% are fully vaccinated.

UNVACCINATED CLEANING STAFF

Six hotel officials spoken to by Reuters were mostly worried about separating athletes from regular guests as well as the safety of their staff.

Azusa Takeuchi from the Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel, which is hosting 53 members of New Zealand's rowing team, said staff were taking COVID-19 tests every four days, wearing masks and providing contact-free services.

Similar measures were in place at the Ebina Vista Hotel on the outskirts of Tokyo, according to an Olympic official staying there, who said he was housed on the seventh floor but not permitted to use a lift.

"There are guards at each floor 24/7 preventing us from using them. Instead we are allowed to go from hotel restaurant to our rooms and back using only external evacuation stairs," said the official, who did not want to be identified.

Other measures, confirmed by the hotel, include breakfast for the athletes served before 6:30 a.m. at the restaurant or through meal boxes delivered to hotel rooms.

Koichi Tsuchiya, the hotel manager, said he worried about his staff.

"I'm scared someone from the cleaning staff would get infected. People entering guest rooms are scared," said Tsuchiya, adding that some staff were not vaccinated. "This is making us nervous."

Tsuchiya also worried about his visitors.

"Travel agents brief the athletes before arrival: you can't do this, this is not allowed, that is banned. I'm sure the athletes are extremely stressed," he said.

"As staff, we're doing our best to help them relax. But this is the situation we're in, so the infection countermeasures are the priority."

Coronavirus outbreaks involving Olympic teams in Japan have turned small-town hotels into facilities on the frontline of the pandemic battle, charged with implementing complex health measures to protect elite athletes and a fearful public.

Coronavirus outbreaks involving Olympic teams in Japan have turned small-town hotels into facilities on the frontline of the pandemic battle, charged with implementing complex health measures to protect elite athletes and a fearful public. Infections have hit at least seven teams arriving in Japan barely a week out from the July 23 opening ceremony and after host city, Tokyo reported its highest daily tally of new COVID-19 infections since late January. Health experts and hotel staff say the outbreaks underscore the risks of holding the world's largest sports event during the middle of a global pandemic in a largely unvaccinated country. In one example, 49 members of Brazil's judo team are being kept in isolation after eight COVID-19 cases were discovered among the staff at a hotel where they are staying in Hamamatsu, southwest of Tokyo. None of the judokas have tested positive but frustration over their isolation is mounting as health officials work to contain the outbreak. "People from the city's public health centre are tracking down close contacts here," a staff member at the Hamanako hotel who did not want to be identified told Reuters. "There are dozens of regular guests as well but we're getting cancellations now." The staff member said athletes are using designated lifts and those who work with them are prioritised for COVID-19 testing. Meals are held in the dining area in separate spaces and the athletes are staying on separate floors. City official Yoshinobu Sawada said teams were required to sign formal agreements to follow coronavirus protocols on eating, movement and transportation restrictions. The infected hotel staff have been moved to quarantine centres. Other outbreaks among athletes include members of Olympic delegations from Uganda, Serbia, Israel and several other nations either testing positive or isolating in their hotels after being designated as close contacts. The organising committee did not immediately respond to Reuters' questions seeking comment. COMPLEX, COSTLY MEASURES Games organisers tell hotels to report people with a high temperature during Olympic team check-ins and say organisers and public health centres will handle outbreaks or suspected cases, according to documents the organisers sent to hotels. Hotels need to provide room service or food delivery to athletes in isolation, and run different hours or separate spaces for meals between Olympic guests and regular guests. The documents say organisers will not cover costs for hotels to equip rooms with acrylic dividers or provide separate dining spaces for the athletes. Tokyo 2020 playbooks for athletes and sports federations call for attendees to physically distance themselves from others, to wear masks, and to get tested daily. Those playbooks are working and being enforced, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has said, and there was "zero" risk of Games participants infecting residents.. Tokyo entered its fourth state of emergency earlier this week amid a rebound in cases that pushed Games organisers to ban spectators from nearly all venues. More than 1,300 new cases were reported on Thursday, the most in six months. Most people in Japan think the Games should not go ahead and only 18% are fully vaccinated. UNVACCINATED CLEANING STAFF Six hotel officials spoken to by Reuters were mostly worried about separating athletes from regular guests as well as the safety of their staff. Azusa Takeuchi from the Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel, which is hosting 53 members of New Zealand's rowing team, said staff were taking COVID-19 tests every four days, wearing masks and providing contact-free services. Similar measures were in place at the Ebina Vista Hotel on the outskirts of Tokyo, according to an Olympic official staying there, who said he was housed on the seventh floor but not permitted to use a lift. "There are guards at each floor 24/7 preventing us from using them. Instead we are allowed to go from hotel restaurant to our rooms and back using only external evacuation stairs," said the official, who did not want to be identified. Other measures, confirmed by the hotel, include breakfast for the athletes served before 6:30 a.m. at the restaurant or through meal boxes delivered to hotel rooms. Koichi Tsuchiya, the hotel manager, said he worried about his staff. "I'm scared someone from the cleaning staff would get infected. People entering guest rooms are scared," said Tsuchiya, adding that some staff were not vaccinated. "This is making us nervous." Tsuchiya also worried about his visitors. "Travel agents brief the athletes before arrival: you can't do this, this is not allowed, that is banned. I'm sure the athletes are extremely stressed," he said. "As staff, we're doing our best to help them relax. But this is the situation we're in, so the infection countermeasures are the priority."

Tokyo 2020: Virus outbreaks at Olympic hotels sow frustration, stoke infection fears

World number one Novak Djokovic confirmed he will compete at the Tokyo Olympics as the Serb remains on course to achieve the Golden Slam in tennis.

Djokovic completed the third leg towards achieving the Golden Slam last weekend when he added the Wimbledon title to his Australian Open and Roland Garros triumphs in 2021.

No man has ever won the four slams and Olympic gold in the same year, with Germany's Steffi Graf the only player to accomplish the feat in 1988.

After winning at Wimbledon, Djokovic said he was "50-50" about competing at the July 23-Aug. 8 Games following the organisers' decision to ban fans from attending and the restrictions on the number of people he can take to the Games.

But the 34-year-old said on Thursday he had booked his flight for Tokyo.

"I am very proud to pack for Tokyo and join our national team in the fight for the brightest medals on the Olympic arenas," Djokovic, who won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, tweeted.

"For me, the game for Serbia has always been a special joy and motivation and I will do my best to make us all happy! Let's go."

Some of the sport's biggest names, including Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Serena Williams, Stan Wawrinka and Simona Halep have already announced their decision to skip the Games, which has been delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

World number one Novak Djokovic confirmed he will compete at the Tokyo Olympics as the Serb remains on course to achieve the Golden Slam in tennis. Djokovic completed the third leg towards achieving the Golden Slam last weekend when he added the Wimbledon title to his Australian Open and Roland Garros triumphs in 2021.

World number one Novak Djokovic confirmed he will compete at the Tokyo Olympics as the Serb remains on course to achieve the Golden Slam in tennis. Djokovic completed the third leg towards achieving the Golden Slam last weekend when he added the Wimbledon title to his Australian Open and Roland Garros triumphs in 2021. No man has ever won the four slams and Olympic gold in the same year, with Germany's Steffi Graf the only player to accomplish the feat in 1988. After winning at Wimbledon, Djokovic said he was "50-50" about competing at the July 23-Aug. 8 Games following the organisers' decision to ban fans from attending and the restrictions on the number of people he can take to the Games. But the 34-year-old said on Thursday he had booked his flight for Tokyo. "I am very proud to pack for Tokyo and join our national team in the fight for the brightest medals on the Olympic arenas," Djokovic, who won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, tweeted. "For me, the game for Serbia has always been a special joy and motivation and I will do my best to make us all happy! Let's go." Some of the sport's biggest names, including Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Serena Williams, Stan Wawrinka and Simona Halep have already announced their decision to skip the Games, which has been delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Olympics: Tennis star Novak Djokovic confirms he will compete at Tokyo Games

Badminton world champion PV Sindhu has talked about her preparations for Tokyo Olympics despite a forced break due to the coronavirus pandemic. As per the Rio 2016 silver medalist, the break gave her enough time to work on her skills and technique.&nbsp;

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-roger-federer-to-serena-williams-tennis-aces-who-are-set-to-miss-tokyo-olympics-398188" hreflang="en">Federer to Williams: Tennis aces who are set to miss Tokyo Olympics</a>

"I think the (break during) pandemic was very useful because I got to learn more and focus more on my technique and skills so I would say definitely it has (helped)," the Indian badminton superstar said in a virtual interaction.

"It did not impact my preparation much for the Olympics because I think I've got enough time. Generally, it's more like when you go for a tournament come back and train."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-athlete-from-uganda-goes-missing-in-japan-reports-398430" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Athlete from Uganda goes missing in Japan - Reports</a>

"Most of the time, we don't have enough time to train. So I think this was the first time that we've got enough time to actually train and get ready for the Olympics. I don't think it has impacted on my preparations -- not at all. In fact, I've actually learned a lot more, and I'm prepared for it."

Sindhu is India's only entry in the Tokyo Olympics and is placed in group j along with lower-ranked Polikarpova Ksenia of Israel and Hong Kong's Cheung Ngan Yi.

"I'm sure there will be expectations, responsibilities like always but I just hope that with your love and support, I'm gonna be there, get a medal and come back to the country," she said.

World number 7, PV Sindhu, also added that she would miss playing in front of fans as the Games will be held behind closed doors.&nbsp;

"I'm going to miss a lot of fans. Back then in Rio it was very different. But I think we have to get used to the situation, the new normal. Overall, we are also practising in a way where you know we need to get used to it," she concluded.&nbsp;

Badminton world champion PV Sindhu has talked about her preparations for Tokyo Olympics despite a forced break due to the coronavirus pandemic. As per the Rio 2016 silver medalist, the break gave her enough time to work on her skills and technique.

Badminton world champion PV Sindhu has talked about her preparations for Tokyo Olympics despite a forced break due to the coronavirus pandemic. As per the Rio 2016 silver medalist, the break gave her enough time to work on her skills and technique. IN PICS| Federer to Williams: Tennis aces who are set to miss Tokyo Olympics "I think the (break during) pandemic was very useful because I got to learn more and focus more on my technique and skills so I would say definitely it has (helped)," the Indian badminton superstar said in a virtual interaction. "It did not impact my preparation much for the Olympics because I think I've got enough time. Generally, it's more like when you go for a tournament come back and train." ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Athlete from Uganda goes missing in Japan - Reports "Most of the time, we don't have enough time to train. So I think this was the first time that we've got enough time to actually train and get ready for the Olympics. I don't think it has impacted on my preparations -- not at all. In fact, I've actually learned a lot more, and I'm prepared for it." Sindhu is India's only entry in the Tokyo Olympics and is placed in group j along with lower-ranked Polikarpova Ksenia of Israel and Hong Kong's Cheung Ngan Yi. "I'm sure there will be expectations, responsibilities like always but I just hope that with your love and support, I'm gonna be there, get a medal and come back to the country," she said. World number 7, PV Sindhu, also added that she would miss playing in front of fans as the Games will be held behind closed doors. "I'm going to miss a lot of fans. Back then in Rio it was very different. But I think we have to get used to the situation, the new normal. Overall, we are also practising in a way where you know we need to get used to it," she concluded.

'Pandemic was very useful': Badminton ace PV Sindhu on Tokyo Olympics' preparation

Just days before the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics, a Ugandan athlete has reportedly gone missing after disappearing from his hotel at a training camp in the Japanese town.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-tennis-star-novak-djokovic-confirms-he-will-compete-at-tokyo-games-398388" hreflang="en">Olympics: Tennis star Novak Djokovic confirms he will compete at Tokyo Games</a>

According to AFP, the town hosting the delegation said that 20-year-old weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko did not appear for his test of Covid-19 and wasn't also seen in his hotel room.

"One member of the Ugandan delegation, which the city received as a host town, has gone missing and cannot be reached," the city of Izumisano said in a statement."The city is making all efforts to search for the individual. We have reported the matter to police."

Athletes from Uganda arrived in Japan last month, they went to Izumisano in Osaka region for a pre-Games training camp.&nbsp;

However, a coach tested positive on arrival, and other delegation members were subsequently asked to self-isolate, with a second member later testing positive.

The Games will take place behind closed doors due to a state of emergency in Tokyo. The Japanese capital is already facing a surge in COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;

Athletes and other Olympic participants are subject to strict rules including regular testing and limits on their movement.

(Inputs from Agency)

Just days before the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics, a Ugandan athlete has reportedly gone missing after disappearing from his hotel at a training camp in the Japanese town.

Just days before the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics, a Ugandan athlete has reportedly gone missing after disappearing from his hotel at a training camp in the Japanese town. ALSO READ: Olympics: Tennis star Novak Djokovic confirms he will compete at Tokyo Games According to AFP, the town hosting the delegation said that 20-year-old weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko did not appear for his test of Covid-19 and wasn't also seen in his hotel room. "One member of the Ugandan delegation, which the city received as a host town, has gone missing and cannot be reached," the city of Izumisano said in a statement."The city is making all efforts to search for the individual. We have reported the matter to police." Athletes from Uganda arrived in Japan last month, they went to Izumisano in Osaka region for a pre-Games training camp. However, a coach tested positive on arrival, and other delegation members were subsequently asked to self-isolate, with a second member later testing positive. The Games will take place behind closed doors due to a state of emergency in Tokyo. The Japanese capital is already facing a surge in COVID-19 cases. Athletes and other Olympic participants are subject to strict rules including regular testing and limits on their movement. (Inputs from Agency)

Tokyo Olympics: Athlete from Uganda goes missing in Japan - Reports

A person with knowledge of the situation says U.S. Olympic guard Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards has entered the health and safety protocols related to the coronavirus, which raises the possibility that he might miss the Tokyo Games. Beal will be tested multiple times in the coming days, according to the person who spoke Wednesday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the player involved for USA Basketball was not revealed publicly. The results of those tests will likely determine if he remains on the roster, the person said.

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“A member of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team has been placed under USA Basketball’s health and safety protocols," the federation announced in a statement Wednesday afternoon, without identifying the player involved. USA Basketball could still replace Beal before heading to Tokyo. The Americans picked their 12-man team last month but noted that it may change if necessary.

Players, and their family members, in Las Vegas, have been tested daily during their training camp there. Many have family with them now since those loved ones will not be allowed to travel to Tokyo for the Olympics because of virus-related restrictions there. Mask-wearing has been required and many of the same rules and policies that players had to adhere to during the NBA season has carried over to the U.S. camp. Beal has played in, and started, all three exhibitions for the U.S. so far in Las Vegas, averaging 10.3 points on 10 for 21 shooting. He has improved with each game, starting with a two-point effort in a loss to Nigeria, a 12-point effort in a loss to Australia then scored 17 in Monday night’s win over Argentina.

This would be Beal’s first time as an Olympian if he makes it to Tokyo. The U.S. doesn’t play a game in the Olympics until July 25 against France. “It was easy decision for me," Beal said after Monday’s win, appearing at a press conference without a mask but walking into the room with one on, and placing it back on before getting up to exit the room. I’ve always wanted to be a part of the Olympic team and be on this stage and have the opportunity to represent my country.

“Ultimately, you know, this is fun," Beal added. “This is something you want to be a part of and you realize not every player has that opportunity or blessing to play on this team. For me, it was a no-brainer." Beal averaged a career-best 31.3 points this season for Washington, earning his third All-Star selection and first All-NBA nod. Meanwhile, Tokyo reported its highest number of new COVID-19 cases in almost six months on Wednesday a bad sign with the Olympics set to open in just over a week. The 1,149 new cases reported in Tokyo on Wednesday was the highest one-day total since Jan. 22, and numbers have been surging in the Olympic host city for nearly a month.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach have both pledged that the Tokyo Olympics will be safe and secure, amid a government-mandated state of emergency in and around much of the Tokyo area. USA Basketball has two more exhibitions remaining, first Friday against Australia and then Sunday against Spain. The team is scheduled to fly to the Olympics on Monday.

If Beal cannot play in the remaining exhibitions, the Americans would be down to eight of their 12 players. The other three not in Las Vegas with the team Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker are at the NBA Finals with Milwaukee and Phoenix.

A person with knowledge of the situation says U.S. Olympic guard Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards has entered the health and safety protocols related to the coronavirus, which raises the possibility that he might miss the Tokyo Games.

A person with knowledge of the situation says U.S. Olympic guard Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards has entered the health and safety protocols related to the coronavirus, which raises the possibility that he might miss the Tokyo Games. Beal will be tested multiple times in the coming days, according to the person who spoke Wednesday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the player involved for USA Basketball was not revealed publicly. The results of those tests will likely determine if he remains on the roster, the person said. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: COVID-19 cluster emerges at hotel hosting Brazilian Olympians “A member of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team has been placed under USA Basketball’s health and safety protocols," the federation announced in a statement Wednesday afternoon, without identifying the player involved. USA Basketball could still replace Beal before heading to Tokyo. The Americans picked their 12-man team last month but noted that it may change if necessary. Players, and their family members, in Las Vegas, have been tested daily during their training camp there. Many have family with them now since those loved ones will not be allowed to travel to Tokyo for the Olympics because of virus-related restrictions there. Mask-wearing has been required and many of the same rules and policies that players had to adhere to during the NBA season has carried over to the U.S. camp. Beal has played in, and started, all three exhibitions for the U.S. so far in Las Vegas, averaging 10.3 points on 10 for 21 shooting. He has improved with each game, starting with a two-point effort in a loss to Nigeria, a 12-point effort in a loss to Australia then scored 17 in Monday night’s win over Argentina. This would be Beal’s first time as an Olympian if he makes it to Tokyo. The U.S. doesn’t play a game in the Olympics until July 25 against France. “It was easy decision for me," Beal said after Monday’s win, appearing at a press conference without a mask but walking into the room with one on, and placing it back on before getting up to exit the room. I’ve always wanted to be a part of the Olympic team and be on this stage and have the opportunity to represent my country. “Ultimately, you know, this is fun," Beal added. “This is something you want to be a part of and you realize not every player has that opportunity or blessing to play on this team. For me, it was a no-brainer." Beal averaged a career-best 31.3 points this season for Washington, earning his third All-Star selection and first All-NBA nod. Meanwhile, Tokyo reported its highest number of new COVID-19 cases in almost six months on Wednesday a bad sign with the Olympics set to open in just over a week. The 1,149 new cases reported in Tokyo on Wednesday was the highest one-day total since Jan. 22, and numbers have been surging in the Olympic host city for nearly a month. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach have both pledged that the Tokyo Olympics will be safe and secure, amid a government-mandated state of emergency in and around much of the Tokyo area. USA Basketball has two more exhibitions remaining, first Friday against Australia and then Sunday against Spain. The team is scheduled to fly to the Olympics on Monday. If Beal cannot play in the remaining exhibitions, the Americans would be down to eight of their 12 players. The other three not in Las Vegas with the team Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker are at the NBA Finals with Milwaukee and Phoenix.

US basketball star Bradley Beal might miss Tokyo Olympics as he enters Covid safety protocols

In a 'very significant change', athletes will now put their medals around their own necks to protect against spreading the coronavirus in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bolt-describes-racist-abuse-of-england-trio-as-horrible-and-unfair-397989" hreflang="en">Football: Bolt describes racist abuse of England trio as ‘horrible’ and ‘unfair’</a>

The change in tradition was revealed by International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday.&nbsp;

“The medals will not be given around the neck,” Bach told international media on a conference call from Tokyo. “They will be presented to the athlete on a tray and then the athlete will take the medal him or herself.”

“It will be made sure that the person who will put the medal on tray will do so only with disinfected gloves so that the athlete can be sure that nobody touched them before,” Bach added.

Bach said that there will be no hand shales and hugs during the medal ceremony.&nbsp;

Earlier, the medals were presented by an IOC member or a leading official in a sport’s governing body.&nbsp;

The IOC also said that the medallists and the ceremony officials will have to wear masks due to the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

The Summer Games will kick off on July 23 and will be held behind closed doors due to a state of emergency in Japan in the wake of the surge in COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;

In a 'very significant change', athletes will now put their medals around their own necks to protect against spreading the coronavirus in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

In a 'very significant change', athletes will now put their medals around their own necks to protect against spreading the coronavirus in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. ALSO READ: Football: Bolt describes racist abuse of England trio as ‘horrible’ and ‘unfair’ The change in tradition was revealed by International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday. “The medals will not be given around the neck,” Bach told international media on a conference call from Tokyo. “They will be presented to the athlete on a tray and then the athlete will take the medal him or herself.” “It will be made sure that the person who will put the medal on tray will do so only with disinfected gloves so that the athlete can be sure that nobody touched them before,” Bach added. Bach said that there will be no hand shales and hugs during the medal ceremony. Earlier, the medals were presented by an IOC member or a leading official in a sport’s governing body. The IOC also said that the medallists and the ceremony officials will have to wear masks due to the COVID-19 crisis. The Summer Games will kick off on July 23 and will be held behind closed doors due to a state of emergency in Japan in the wake of the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Social distancing: Tokyo Olympics winners will have to put their medals on necks by themselves

German ace Angelique Kerber has become the latest tennis player to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday. The 33-year-old has said that her "body needs rest".&nbsp;

"London 2012 and Rio 2016 as part of the German team has always been one of my favorite memories," she wrote on Twitter.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-roger-federer-to-serena-williams-tennis-aces-who-are-set-to-miss-tokyo-olympics-398188" hreflang="en">From Roger Federer to Serena Williams: Tennis aces who are set to miss Tokyo Olympics</a>

"That makes it even more disappointing for me to accept the fact that my body needs rest after the intense few weeks that lie behind me and that I have to recover first before returning to competition later this summer!" Kerber wrote.

Tennis stars like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Denis Shapovalov, Nick Kyrgios, Dominic Thiem, Simona Halep and Stan Wawrinka have already decided to skip the Olympics. Serb ace Novak Djokovic has said that his chances of playing in the upcoming Summer Games were "50/50".&nbsp;

Earlier, English ace Johanna Konta and Canadian tennis player Bianca Andreescu withdrew from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The English player took to Twitter and revealed that she had tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

Johanna was also forced to miss the Wimbledon 2021 after a member in her team had tested positive for the dreaded virus.&nbsp;

“As a result, I have been unable to train for the last two and a half weeks and sadly, this has put my body in a situation where I am unable to ask it to be fully ready in time for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This is a heart-breaking reality for me, as representing Team GB at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 is one of my most treasured memories from my career so far," read her statement.

World number 5 Bianca Andreescu took to Instagram on Monday revealed that she would not be taking part in the Tokyo 2020 games.&nbsp;

“To all my amazing fans, I would like to inform you that I have made the very difficult decision to not play in the Tokyo Olympics later this month. I have been dreaming of representing Canada at the Olympics since I was a little girl, but with all the challenges we are facing as it relates to the pandemic, I know that deep in my heart, this is the right decision to make for myself. I look forward to representing Canada in future Fed Cup ties, and competing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris!" read Bianca’s post.

German ace Angelique Kerber has become the latest tennis player to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday. The 33-year-old has said that her "body needs rest".

German ace Angelique Kerber has become the latest tennis player to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday. The 33-year-old has said that her "body needs rest". "London 2012 and Rio 2016 as part of the German team has always been one of my favorite memories," she wrote on Twitter. IN PICS| From Roger Federer to Serena Williams: Tennis aces who are set to miss Tokyo Olympics "That makes it even more disappointing for me to accept the fact that my body needs rest after the intense few weeks that lie behind me and that I have to recover first before returning to competition later this summer!" Kerber wrote. Tennis stars like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Denis Shapovalov, Nick Kyrgios, Dominic Thiem, Simona Halep and Stan Wawrinka have already decided to skip the Olympics. Serb ace Novak Djokovic has said that his chances of playing in the upcoming Summer Games were "50/50". Earlier, English ace Johanna Konta and Canadian tennis player Bianca Andreescu withdrew from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The English player took to Twitter and revealed that she had tested positive for coronavirus. Johanna was also forced to miss the Wimbledon 2021 after a member in her team had tested positive for the dreaded virus. “As a result, I have been unable to train for the last two and a half weeks and sadly, this has put my body in a situation where I am unable to ask it to be fully ready in time for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This is a heart-breaking reality for me, as representing Team GB at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 is one of my most treasured memories from my career so far," read her statement. World number 5 Bianca Andreescu took to Instagram on Monday revealed that she would not be taking part in the Tokyo 2020 games. “To all my amazing fans, I would like to inform you that I have made the very difficult decision to not play in the Tokyo Olympics later this month. I have been dreaming of representing Canada at the Olympics since I was a little girl, but with all the challenges we are facing as it relates to the pandemic, I know that deep in my heart, this is the right decision to make for myself. I look forward to representing Canada in future Fed Cup ties, and competing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris!" read Bianca’s post.

German ace Angelique Kerber withdraws from Tokyo Olympics

The postponed Tokyo Olympic Games will create new "stars and legends" despite a one-year delay, fragmented preparations and the absence of fans in the stadiums, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said on Wednesday.

Postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Games get underway next week, with all spectators banned from the venues of the 33&nbsp;sports.

"These Games will have high sporting value under the circumstances," Bach told an online media roundtable. "We have seen how the athletes persevered and adapted over more than one year...

"This challenge was the same for all of them. There we will nevertheless see great sport and like in any Olympics new stars will be born there, and new legends will be created."

As cases rose, the government declared a new state of emergency for Tokyo and surrounding prefectures last week and Olympics organisers announced no fans would be allowed at events in those areas.

Several big names will also be missing either through failure to qualify, doping cases, or other reasons including an unwillingness to travel to Tokyo because of the virus.

The Olympics have lost much public support in Japan because of fears they will trigger a surge in infections.

Bach said he was supporting the strict measures imposed on the Games and its participants, which were necessary to help persuade the Japanese population that the Games would not become a superspreader event.

"We are trying to address the concerns," he said.

"We always knew there was scepticism among the population and that there are very special circumstances about which the population is concerned and which transferred to the Olympic Games."

He said a high vaccination rate among participants, an Olympic bubble with limited mobility for athletes and other stakeholders, banning spectators, and continuous testing were part of the organisers' plans to minimise any risk.

"This message has to get across. The Japanese people have to gain confidence in this," he said.

The postponed Tokyo Olympic Games will create new "stars and legends" despite a one-year delay, fragmented preparations and the absence of fans in the stadiums, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said on Wednesday.

The postponed Tokyo Olympic Games will create new "stars and legends" despite a one-year delay, fragmented preparations and the absence of fans in the stadiums, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said on Wednesday. Postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Games get underway next week, with all spectators banned from the venues of the 33 sports. "These Games will have high sporting value under the circumstances," Bach told an online media roundtable. "We have seen how the athletes persevered and adapted over more than one year... "This challenge was the same for all of them. There we will nevertheless see great sport and like in any Olympics new stars will be born there, and new legends will be created." As cases rose, the government declared a new state of emergency for Tokyo and surrounding prefectures last week and Olympics organisers announced no fans would be allowed at events in those areas. Several big names will also be missing either through failure to qualify, doping cases, or other reasons including an unwillingness to travel to Tokyo because of the virus. The Olympics have lost much public support in Japan because of fears they will trigger a surge in infections. Bach said he was supporting the strict measures imposed on the Games and its participants, which were necessary to help persuade the Japanese population that the Games would not become a superspreader event. "We are trying to address the concerns," he said. "We always knew there was scepticism among the population and that there are very special circumstances about which the population is concerned and which transferred to the Olympic Games." He said a high vaccination rate among participants, an Olympic bubble with limited mobility for athletes and other stakeholders, banning spectators, and continuous testing were part of the organisers' plans to minimise any risk. "This message has to get across. The Japanese people have to gain confidence in this," he said.

Tokyo Olympics: IOC's Bach confident of sporting success despite pandemic

English ace Johanna Konta and Canadian tennis player Bianca Andreescu have joined the list of players who have withdrawn from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The English player took to Twitter and revealed that she had tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-covid-19-cluster-emerges-at-hotel-hosting-brazilian-olympians-398140" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: COVID-19 cluster emerges at hotel hosting Brazilian Olympians</a>

Johanna was also forced to miss the Wimbledon 2021 after a member in her team had tested positive for the dreaded virus.&nbsp;

“As a result, I have been unable to train for the last two and a half weeks and sadly, this has put my body in a situation where I am unable to ask it to be fully ready in time for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This is a heart-breaking reality for me, as representing Team GB at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 is one of my most treasured memories from my career so far," read her statement.

Johanna concluded by saying, “I’ll be doing my best to get myself back to full health and fitness and ready to be competing again soon."

World number 5 Bianca Andreescu took to Instagram on Monday revealed that she would not be taking part in the Tokyo 2020 games.&nbsp;

“To all my amazing fans, I would like to inform you that I have made the very difficult decision to not play in the Tokyo Olympics later this month. I have been dreaming of representing Canada at the Olympics since I was a little girl, but with all the challenges we are facing as it relates to the pandemic, I know that deep in my heart, this is the right decision to make for myself. I look forward to representing Canada in future Fed Cup ties, and competing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris!" read Bianca’s post.

Tennis stars like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Denis Shapovalov, Nick Kyrgios, Dominic Thiem, Simona Halep and Stan Wawrinka have already decided to skip the Olympics.&nbsp;

English ace Johanna Konta and Canadian tennis player Bianca Andreescu have joined the list of players who have withdrawn from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The English player took to Twitter and revealed that she had tested positive for coronavirus.

English ace Johanna Konta and Canadian tennis player Bianca Andreescu have joined the list of players who have withdrawn from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The English player took to Twitter and revealed that she had tested positive for coronavirus. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: COVID-19 cluster emerges at hotel hosting Brazilian Olympians Johanna was also forced to miss the Wimbledon 2021 after a member in her team had tested positive for the dreaded virus. “As a result, I have been unable to train for the last two and a half weeks and sadly, this has put my body in a situation where I am unable to ask it to be fully ready in time for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This is a heart-breaking reality for me, as representing Team GB at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 is one of my most treasured memories from my career so far," read her statement. Johanna concluded by saying, “I’ll be doing my best to get myself back to full health and fitness and ready to be competing again soon." World number 5 Bianca Andreescu took to Instagram on Monday revealed that she would not be taking part in the Tokyo 2020 games. “To all my amazing fans, I would like to inform you that I have made the very difficult decision to not play in the Tokyo Olympics later this month. I have been dreaming of representing Canada at the Olympics since I was a little girl, but with all the challenges we are facing as it relates to the pandemic, I know that deep in my heart, this is the right decision to make for myself. I look forward to representing Canada in future Fed Cup ties, and competing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris!" read Bianca’s post. Tennis stars like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Denis Shapovalov, Nick Kyrgios, Dominic Thiem, Simona Halep and Stan Wawrinka have already decided to skip the Olympics.

Johanna Konta and Bianca Andreescu add to list of tennis stars skipping Tokyo Olympics

According to reports, four Olympic contractors from the United States and Britain have been arrested in the Japanese capital Tokyo over allegedly using cocaine.

Japanese media reports said they were electricians with two belonging to UK and the other two from the United States. The arrests had reportedly taken place between July 3-5.

The four men were tested for drugs, police said. They were reportedly working for an electric generator company and were involved in the maintenance work of electric generators for the Tokyo Olympics.

Watch:

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The men were arrested under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law as the Olympic organisers in a statement added that a strict warning will be issued to the company if the allegations are proved against the four men.

Japan is set to welcome thousands of athletes and officials including the world media as it hosts the Olympics from July 23 to August 8.&nbsp;

Reports say the men were working for British company Aggreko. Japanese media report said the four men had entered the country between February and May and were living in Tokyo.

The men were allegedly drinking in Tokyo's Roppongi entertainment district and one of the men reportedly broke into an apartment complex as the police intervened and arrested them.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the arrests were "an individual issue and a question for the local justice authorities".

Tokyo has been put under a state of emergency due to the virus surge even as the city's governor Yuriko Koike assured the country that it will be able to hold a "safe and secure" Olympics.

The four men were reportedly arrested before the state of emergency came into force in the capital. The city's bars and restaurants have been ordered to shut early even as Olympic organisers banned spectators from attending the mega event.

The Olympics were postponed last year due to the pandemic but is set to go ahead this year with Tokyo under the spotlight as it experiences its fourth state of emergency in over a year.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, four Olympic contractors from the United States and Britain have been arrested in the Japanese capital Tokyo over allegedly using cocaine. Japanese media reports said they were electricians with two belonging to UK and the other two from the United States.

According to reports, four Olympic contractors from the United States and Britain have been arrested in the Japanese capital Tokyo over allegedly using cocaine. Japanese media reports said they were electricians with two belonging to UK and the other two from the United States. The arrests had reportedly taken place between July 3-5. The four men were tested for drugs, police said. They were reportedly working for an electric generator company and were involved in the maintenance work of electric generators for the Tokyo Olympics. Watch: The men were arrested under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law as the Olympic organisers in a statement added that a strict warning will be issued to the company if the allegations are proved against the four men. Japan is set to welcome thousands of athletes and officials including the world media as it hosts the Olympics from July 23 to August 8. Reports say the men were working for British company Aggreko. Japanese media report said the four men had entered the country between February and May and were living in Tokyo. The men were allegedly drinking in Tokyo's Roppongi entertainment district and one of the men reportedly broke into an apartment complex as the police intervened and arrested them. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the arrests were "an individual issue and a question for the local justice authorities". Tokyo has been put under a state of emergency due to the virus surge even as the city's governor Yuriko Koike assured the country that it will be able to hold a "safe and secure" Olympics. The four men were reportedly arrested before the state of emergency came into force in the capital. The city's bars and restaurants have been ordered to shut early even as Olympic organisers banned spectators from attending the mega event. The Olympics were postponed last year due to the pandemic but is set to go ahead this year with Tokyo under the spotlight as it experiences its fourth state of emergency in over a year. (With inputs from Agencies)

Police arrest four Olympic contractors in Tokyo over alleged cocaine consumption

The Olympic flame arrived in Tokyo on Friday but the public was kept away from a low-key welcoming ceremony over coronavirus fears, after a "heartbreaking" announcement that spectators would be banned from most Games events.

On a rainy morning two weeks before the opening of the biggest sports tournament since the pandemic began, the flame was brought on stage in a lantern and handed to Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-to-be-held-behind-closed-doors-under-state-of-emergency-measures-396768" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics to be held behind closed doors under state of emergency measures</a>

Despite the disruption to the nationwide torch relay, "it has been transmitted as a way of hope," Koike said.

Tokyo 2020 organisers and government officials on Thursday night announced their decision to bar fans from Olympic events in the capital, which will be under a virus emergency throughout the Games.

It means the pandemic-postponed Games will be the first to take place largely behind closed doors, with a handful of competitions taking place outside the capital.

The torch relay began in March and was meant to build excitement for the Olympics, but it has been pulled from public roads in many places, including Tokyo, to prevent crowds from spreading the virus.

Before the flame arrived on Friday morning, five male trumpet players dressed in suits played a rousing melody under a gazebo to shelter them from the drizzle, with only journalists and officials looking on.

The stands were empty at the Komazawa Olympic Park stadium in the capital's southeastern suburbs, which was used in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics -- seen as Japan's great return to the world stage after World War II.

Friday's event gave a taste of the atmosphere that could await athletes at the opening ceremony, to be held on July 23 at the National Stadium in the city centre.

On Thursday night, Koike said she felt "heartbreaking grief about this decision," but organisers said they were left no choice as infections rise and the Delta variant causes growing concern.

Tokyo 2020 had hoped to have up to 10,000 fans in venues throughout the Games, but now most events will be watched only by officials and Olympic representatives.

Japan has so far recorded around 14,900 virus deaths, despite avoiding harsh lockdowns. The new virus emergency largely limits alcohol sales and shortens opening hours for restaurants.

The government has been criticised over the slow start to its vaccination programme, with around 16 percent of the population fully inoculated.

When the 2020 Games were postponed last year as the scale of the pandemic became clear, there was talk they would be staged as proof the world had overcome the virus.

But that triumphant tone has given way to the harsh reality of new infection surges and more contagious variants.

The nationwide torch relay has been fraught with problems since it began in March, with almost half the legs disrupted in some way.

The relay was forced off public roads in famous tourist cities such as Kyoto and Hiroshima over fears that crowds of fans could spread the virus.

And it has also met with some public opposition, with a 53-year-old woman arrested at the weekend for squirting liquid from a water pistol towards a runner, shouting "extinguish the flame!"

On Friday, a very small protest was held outside the Komazawa stadium, with fewer than a dozen people holding colourful banners, with one that said "Just stop it".

A decision on spectators at the Paralympic Games, which open on August 24, will not be taken until after the Olympics end, organisers said on Thursday.

The Olympic flame arrived in Tokyo on Friday but the public was kept away from a low-key welcoming ceremony over coronavirus fears, after a "heartbreaking" announcement that spectators would be banned from most Games events.

The Olympic flame arrived in Tokyo on Friday but the public was kept away from a low-key welcoming ceremony over coronavirus fears, after a "heartbreaking" announcement that spectators would be banned from most Games events. On a rainy morning two weeks before the opening of the biggest sports tournament since the pandemic began, the flame was brought on stage in a lantern and handed to Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics to be held behind closed doors under state of emergency measures Despite the disruption to the nationwide torch relay, "it has been transmitted as a way of hope," Koike said. Tokyo 2020 organisers and government officials on Thursday night announced their decision to bar fans from Olympic events in the capital, which will be under a virus emergency throughout the Games. It means the pandemic-postponed Games will be the first to take place largely behind closed doors, with a handful of competitions taking place outside the capital. The torch relay began in March and was meant to build excitement for the Olympics, but it has been pulled from public roads in many places, including Tokyo, to prevent crowds from spreading the virus. Before the flame arrived on Friday morning, five male trumpet players dressed in suits played a rousing melody under a gazebo to shelter them from the drizzle, with only journalists and officials looking on. The stands were empty at the Komazawa Olympic Park stadium in the capital's southeastern suburbs, which was used in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics -- seen as Japan's great return to the world stage after World War II. Friday's event gave a taste of the atmosphere that could await athletes at the opening ceremony, to be held on July 23 at the National Stadium in the city centre. On Thursday night, Koike said she felt "heartbreaking grief about this decision," but organisers said they were left no choice as infections rise and the Delta variant causes growing concern. Tokyo 2020 had hoped to have up to 10,000 fans in venues throughout the Games, but now most events will be watched only by officials and Olympic representatives. Japan has so far recorded around 14,900 virus deaths, despite avoiding harsh lockdowns. The new virus emergency largely limits alcohol sales and shortens opening hours for restaurants. The government has been criticised over the slow start to its vaccination programme, with around 16 percent of the population fully inoculated. When the 2020 Games were postponed last year as the scale of the pandemic became clear, there was talk they would be staged as proof the world had overcome the virus. But that triumphant tone has given way to the harsh reality of new infection surges and more contagious variants. The nationwide torch relay has been fraught with problems since it began in March, with almost half the legs disrupted in some way. The relay was forced off public roads in famous tourist cities such as Kyoto and Hiroshima over fears that crowds of fans could spread the virus. And it has also met with some public opposition, with a 53-year-old woman arrested at the weekend for squirting liquid from a water pistol towards a runner, shouting "extinguish the flame!" On Friday, a very small protest was held outside the Komazawa stadium, with fewer than a dozen people holding colourful banners, with one that said "Just stop it". A decision on spectators at the Paralympic Games, which open on August 24, will not be taken until after the Olympics end, organisers said on Thursday.

Tokyo 2020: Olympic flame arrives in Japanese capital for no-spectator relay

Japan is set to declare a state of emergency for Tokyo that will run through its hosting of the Olympics to try to contain a new wave of coronavirus infections, a key minister said on Thursday, as organisers consider banning all spectators from the Games. 
 
The move is the latest blow to the troubled Olympics, already once delayed because of the pandemic and plagued by a series of setbacks, including massive budget overruns. 
 
Medical experts have said for weeks that having no spectators at the Games would be the least risky option amid widespread public concern that the influx of thousands of athletes and officials will fuel a fresh wave of infections. 
 
Organisers have already banned overseas spectators and have for now set a cap on domestic viewers at 50% of capacity, up to 10,000 people. Talks to finalise the restrictions on the spectators are expected either on Thursday or on Friday. 
 
The so called five-way talks would be chaired by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, who arrives in Tokyo on Thursday. Other participants include Tokyo and national governments and Paralympic officials. 
 
Whatever the outcome, those attending the Games have been asked to show their support by clapping rather than cheering or singing. Public viewing sites have been cancelled and companies, wary of public opposition, have been hesitant about advertising related to the Games, adding to a subdued mood in the Japanese capital. 
 
TOKYO INFECTIONS RISE 
 
Japan`s economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who heads the government`s coronavirus response, said a state of emergency in Tokyo is set to begin on July 12 and run through Aug 22. 
 
The Games are scheduled to run from July 23 to Aug. 8. 
 
Japan has not experienced the kind of explosive COVID-19 outbreaks seen in many other countries but has had more than 810,000 cases and 14,900 deaths. 
 
The imposition of the emergency comes after new daily infections in Tokyo, currently under slightly less strict "quasi emergency" curbs, rose to 920 on Wednesday, the highest level since mid-May. 
 
A slow vaccine rollout has meant only a quarter of Japan`s population has had at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot. 
 
Under the heightened restrictions, restaurants will be asked to stop serving alcohol, Nishimura said. 
 
The move is expected to be made official later on Thursday and followed by a news conference by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. 
 
Areas neighbouring Tokyo where some Olympic events are also slated to take place, such as Chiba and Kanagawa, are set to remain under "quasi emergency" through August 22. 
 
SPECTATORS 
 
Underscoring the last-minute nature of the preparations, organisers told Olympic sponsors on Wednesday they are anticipating two scenarios when Tokyo goes under the state of emergency: having no spectators or setting a 5,000-spectator cap, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. 
 
In the no-spectator scenario, all sports and opening and closing ceremonies will likely be carried out without fans, including tickets allocated to the sponsors, the organisers told companies in online meetings. 
 
If the number of spectators is capped at 5,000 per venue, tickets allocated to Olympic sponsors would be halved, and organisers also expect any session after 9 p.m. would be staged without spectators, the source said. 
 
The lack of crowds may further strain the Games'&nbsp;budget, which has already blown out to an estimated $15.4 billion, with ticket revenues of around $815 million expected to take a big hit. 
 
The organising committee did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. 
 
Until this week, officials have insisted they could organise the Games safely with some spectators, but a ruling party setback in a Tokyo assembly election on Sunday, which some allies of Suga attributed to public anger over the Olympics, had forced the change of tack, sources said. 
 
Japan will hold a parliamentary election later this year and the government`s insistence that the Games - postponed last year as the virus spread around the world - should go ahead this year could cost it at the ballot box, they said.

Japan is set to declare a state of emergency for Tokyo that will run through its hosting of the Olympics to try to contain a new wave of coronavirus infections, a key minister said on Thursday, as organisers consider banning all spectators from the Games.

Japan is set to declare a state of emergency for Tokyo that will run through its hosting of the Olympics to try to contain a new wave of coronavirus infections, a key minister said on Thursday, as organisers consider banning all spectators from the Games. The move is the latest blow to the troubled Olympics, already once delayed because of the pandemic and plagued by a series of setbacks, including massive budget overruns. Medical experts have said for weeks that having no spectators at the Games would be the least risky option amid widespread public concern that the influx of thousands of athletes and officials will fuel a fresh wave of infections. Organisers have already banned overseas spectators and have for now set a cap on domestic viewers at 50% of capacity, up to 10,000 people. Talks to finalise the restrictions on the spectators are expected either on Thursday or on Friday. The so called five-way talks would be chaired by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, who arrives in Tokyo on Thursday. Other participants include Tokyo and national governments and Paralympic officials. Whatever the outcome, those attending the Games have been asked to show their support by clapping rather than cheering or singing. Public viewing sites have been cancelled and companies, wary of public opposition, have been hesitant about advertising related to the Games, adding to a subdued mood in the Japanese capital. TOKYO INFECTIONS RISE Japan`s economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who heads the government`s coronavirus response, said a state of emergency in Tokyo is set to begin on July 12 and run through Aug 22. The Games are scheduled to run from July 23 to Aug. 8. Japan has not experienced the kind of explosive COVID-19 outbreaks seen in many other countries but has had more than 810,000 cases and 14,900 deaths. The imposition of the emergency comes after new daily infections in Tokyo, currently under slightly less strict "quasi emergency" curbs, rose to 920 on Wednesday, the highest level since mid-May. A slow vaccine rollout has meant only a quarter of Japan`s population has had at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot. Under the heightened restrictions, restaurants will be asked to stop serving alcohol, Nishimura said. The move is expected to be made official later on Thursday and followed by a news conference by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. Areas neighbouring Tokyo where some Olympic events are also slated to take place, such as Chiba and Kanagawa, are set to remain under "quasi emergency" through August 22. SPECTATORS Underscoring the last-minute nature of the preparations, organisers told Olympic sponsors on Wednesday they are anticipating two scenarios when Tokyo goes under the state of emergency: having no spectators or setting a 5,000-spectator cap, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. In the no-spectator scenario, all sports and opening and closing ceremonies will likely be carried out without fans, including tickets allocated to the sponsors, the organisers told companies in online meetings. If the number of spectators is capped at 5,000 per venue, tickets allocated to Olympic sponsors would be halved, and organisers also expect any session after 9 p.m. would be staged without spectators, the source said. The lack of crowds may further strain the Games' budget, which has already blown out to an estimated $15.4 billion, with ticket revenues of around $815 million expected to take a big hit. The organising committee did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. Until this week, officials have insisted they could organise the Games safely with some spectators, but a ruling party setback in a Tokyo assembly election on Sunday, which some allies of Suga attributed to public anger over the Olympics, had forced the change of tack, sources said. Japan will hold a parliamentary election later this year and the government`s insistence that the Games - postponed last year as the virus spread around the world - should go ahead this year could cost it at the ballot box, they said.

Olympics without fans: Japan to declare COVID-19 emergency for Tokyo

He’s made it to the Olympics 4x400m relay and will be representing India -a country of 1.3 billion people. But, his parents- Pandi, a construction labourer and Panchavarnam, a homemaker, hardly have an inkling of an idea of how significant their son’s feat is. However, for his colleagues at the Tamil Nadu Police, this is a historic leap, as one from their Service has made it to the world’s biggest sporting event. Zee Media spoke to the 25-year old sprinter to understand his journey thus far.

Growing up, Naganathan never had it easy. His father’s meagre income from working as a construction or agricultural labourer was what fed the five children and their homemaker mother. It was a struggle for his parents to even make ends meet, while also ensuring that the five children got their education. After they turned 15, Naganathan and his brother worked as construction labourers, ferrying material, and performing masonry over the weekends to support their family.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It was around 10th grade (aged 15) that Naganathan had taken to running. His foray was purely out of fascination from seeing his peers succeed on the track in his village school. He started off as a barefoot runner, as shoes were too much of a luxury. With the support of his Physical training teacher from school, he ran 1500m races. Following his encouraging performance, the school gifted him a pair of running spikes, by the time he was in 12th grade.

While pursuing his BA History at the PTMTM college in his hometown, he continued his stellar runs by winning golds at the college and university level with 400m timings of nearly 49 seconds. A certificate from having taken part in an all India meet in Bengaluru made him eligible to apply for a job in the State Police department, under the sports quota.&nbsp;

Having passed the entrance tests, he joined the Tamil Nadu Police in 2017 as a Constable, with a posting in Chennai. To better his track performance, despite having less time to spare, he trained before and after his duty hours. It was Prabhakaran, a friend and batchmate who recognized the inherent potential and coached Naganathan during his initial days in the service, in the absence of a dedicated coach.&nbsp;

To continue his training and nutrition, along with his basic living expenses in an expensive metropolis like Chennai, Naganathan even secured a loan of Rs.5 lakhs - of which he spent 3 lakhs for his needs and offered the rest to his family, back home in Ramanathapuram. Manikandan, an athlete since his schooling and also Naganathan’s roommate was also instrumental in helping the sprinter cope with injuries and better his technique, besides making the necessary arrangement for training and equipment.&nbsp;

Since 2019, there has been no looking back for Naganathan who went on to bag an individual Gold (400m) at the Chief Minister’s Meet, a gold at the 400m individual and relay events in the All India Police meet in Chandigarh, followed by another gold in the 400m individuals at the Indian Grand Prix. He also ran a personal best and completed the 400m dash in 46.09 seconds at the Federation Cup, which took him to the Indian Camp at Patiala that was training sportspersons for the Olympics.

To this day, his friends continue to lend him money to support his training and basic needs. The sprinter says that he repays his friends promptly after he receives his salary, but whatever remains is barely sufficient for his sustenance. Recently, he was also gifted a running kit by the Greater Chennai Police.

Until he started winning big at the National level, Naganathan didn’t even tell his parents about his athletics training and achievements. All this was owing to fear of backlash from his uneducated parents, who wanted their five children to continue and focus on their respective academic pursuits and careers to support the family. In the eyes of his parents, sports are a needless pursuit, in the face of all their struggles to fend for themselves.&nbsp;

Now he coyly admits that his parents have some knowledge about the Olympics and are happy about his feats. He credits his siblings for having convinced their parents and conveyed the message of his having won the coveted ticket and an India jersey to Tokyo.

He’s made it to the Olympics 4x400m relay and will be representing India -a country of 1.3 billion people. But, his parents- Pandi, a construction labourer and Panchavarnam, a homemaker, hardly have an inkling of an idea of how significant their son’s feat is.

He’s made it to the Olympics 4x400m relay and will be representing India -a country of 1.3 billion people. But, his parents- Pandi, a construction labourer and Panchavarnam, a homemaker, hardly have an inkling of an idea of how significant their son’s feat is. However, for his colleagues at the Tamil Nadu Police, this is a historic leap, as one from their Service has made it to the world’s biggest sporting event. Zee Media spoke to the 25-year old sprinter to understand his journey thus far. Growing up, Naganathan never had it easy. His father’s meagre income from working as a construction or agricultural labourer was what fed the five children and their homemaker mother. It was a struggle for his parents to even make ends meet, while also ensuring that the five children got their education. After they turned 15, Naganathan and his brother worked as construction labourers, ferrying material, and performing masonry over the weekends to support their family. It was around 10th grade (aged 15) that Naganathan had taken to running. His foray was purely out of fascination from seeing his peers succeed on the track in his village school. He started off as a barefoot runner, as shoes were too much of a luxury. With the support of his Physical training teacher from school, he ran 1500m races. Following his encouraging performance, the school gifted him a pair of running spikes, by the time he was in 12th grade. While pursuing his BA History at the PTMTM college in his hometown, he continued his stellar runs by winning golds at the college and university level with 400m timings of nearly 49 seconds. A certificate from having taken part in an all India meet in Bengaluru made him eligible to apply for a job in the State Police department, under the sports quota. Having passed the entrance tests, he joined the Tamil Nadu Police in 2017 as a Constable, with a posting in Chennai. To better his track performance, despite having less time to spare, he trained before and after his duty hours. It was Prabhakaran, a friend and batchmate who recognized the inherent potential and coached Naganathan during his initial days in the service, in the absence of a dedicated coach. To continue his training and nutrition, along with his basic living expenses in an expensive metropolis like Chennai, Naganathan even secured a loan of Rs.5 lakhs - of which he spent 3 lakhs for his needs and offered the rest to his family, back home in Ramanathapuram. Manikandan, an athlete since his schooling and also Naganathan’s roommate was also instrumental in helping the sprinter cope with injuries and better his technique, besides making the necessary arrangement for training and equipment. Since 2019, there has been no looking back for Naganathan who went on to bag an individual Gold (400m) at the Chief Minister’s Meet, a gold at the 400m individual and relay events in the All India Police meet in Chandigarh, followed by another gold in the 400m individuals at the Indian Grand Prix. He also ran a personal best and completed the 400m dash in 46.09 seconds at the Federation Cup, which took him to the Indian Camp at Patiala that was training sportspersons for the Olympics. To this day, his friends continue to lend him money to support his training and basic needs. The sprinter says that he repays his friends promptly after he receives his salary, but whatever remains is barely sufficient for his sustenance. Recently, he was also gifted a running kit by the Greater Chennai Police. Until he started winning big at the National level, Naganathan didn’t even tell his parents about his athletics training and achievements. All this was owing to fear of backlash from his uneducated parents, who wanted their five children to continue and focus on their respective academic pursuits and careers to support the family. In the eyes of his parents, sports are a needless pursuit, in the face of all their struggles to fend for themselves. Now he coyly admits that his parents have some knowledge about the Olympics and are happy about his feats. He credits his siblings for having convinced their parents and conveyed the message of his having won the coveted ticket and an India jersey to Tokyo.

Naganathan Pandi - Trained & ran barefoot, toiled as construction worker, now a Police Constable and 4x400m Olympian

Japan's government on Thursday imposed a state of emergency in capital Tokyo&nbsp;throughout the duration of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-without-fans-japan-to-declare-covid-19-emergency-for-tokyo-396637">Olympics </a>amid surging coronavirus cases in the country.

"We will impose the state of emergency in Tokyo," Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said, adding, "The period will be until August 22."

Watch:

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The Tokyo Olympics starts on July 23 and is set to end on August 8 with at least 11,000 athletes from around 200 countries set to take part in the sporting extravaganza.

The Japanese capital recorded 896 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday even as authorities begin the final lap to host the mega sporting event.

"In areas under the state of emergency, we will continue with the measures we have been undertaking and will uniformly suspend the serving of alcoholic beverages at restaurants," Suga added.

The emergency measures come as local media reports said Olympic organizers are set to ban spectators for the event. Reports say people have been asked to avoid the route when the marathon even takes place in northern Hokkaido.

The Olympic torch relay event has already been scrapped by organizers amid the pandemic in Tokyo.

The Japanese prime minister assured citizens that the emergency measures could be lifted if the effect of the vaccine is visible and demand for hospital beds go down.

Authorities say the Delta variant now accounts for 30 per cent of cases in Tokyo and may rise further.

Under the new restrictions, alcohol will be banned at bars and restaurants and it will be ordered to close by 8pm.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics has already been delayed by year with the sporting event due to take place last year but was postponed last year as the pandemic took hold worldwide.

In polls conducted across the country, most Japanese wanted the event to be postponed further, however, the mood has changed somewhat in recent weeks.

Japan has recorded &nbsp;810,000 COVID-19 cases with 14,900 fatalities so far with health authorities fearful that cases could rise during the Olympics as thousands of athletes, organizers and fans gather for the event.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Japan's government on Thursday imposed a state of emergency in capital Tokyo throughout the duration of the Olympics amid surging coronavirus cases in the country.

Japan's government on Thursday imposed a state of emergency in capital Tokyo throughout the duration of the Olympics amid surging coronavirus cases in the country. "We will impose the state of emergency in Tokyo," Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said, adding, "The period will be until August 22." Watch: The Tokyo Olympics starts on July 23 and is set to end on August 8 with at least 11,000 athletes from around 200 countries set to take part in the sporting extravaganza. The Japanese capital recorded 896 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday even as authorities begin the final lap to host the mega sporting event. "In areas under the state of emergency, we will continue with the measures we have been undertaking and will uniformly suspend the serving of alcoholic beverages at restaurants," Suga added. The emergency measures come as local media reports said Olympic organizers are set to ban spectators for the event. Reports say people have been asked to avoid the route when the marathon even takes place in northern Hokkaido. The Olympic torch relay event has already been scrapped by organizers amid the pandemic in Tokyo. The Japanese prime minister assured citizens that the emergency measures could be lifted if the effect of the vaccine is visible and demand for hospital beds go down. Authorities say the Delta variant now accounts for 30 per cent of cases in Tokyo and may rise further. Under the new restrictions, alcohol will be banned at bars and restaurants and it will be ordered to close by 8pm. Tokyo 2020 Olympics has already been delayed by year with the sporting event due to take place last year but was postponed last year as the pandemic took hold worldwide. In polls conducted across the country, most Japanese wanted the event to be postponed further, however, the mood has changed somewhat in recent weeks. Japan has recorded 810,000 COVID-19 cases with 14,900 fatalities so far with health authorities fearful that cases could rise during the Olympics as thousands of athletes, organizers and fans gather for the event. (With inputs from Agencies)

Japan declares virus emergency in Tokyo ahead of Olympics 2020

American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson on Tuesday was declined by USA Track &amp; Field (USATF) to be a part of the 4x100-metre relay team for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo after she tested positive for cannabis use. However, the White House has decided to step in to review the anti-doping rules in sport on Wednesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-shacarri-richardson-not-selected-to-us-relay-team-after-testing-positive-for-cannabis-396376" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Sha'Carri Richardson not selected to US relay team after testing positive for cannabis</a>

As per Richardson, she used the banned substance to cope with the death of her mother. The 21-year-old sprinter was expected to be one of the biggest stars for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics but is unable to compete in the individual 100m event as her suspension wiped out her win at the trials.

"We know the rules are where they are, maybe we should take another look at them," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a CNN interview, adding that President Joe Biden had paid particular attention to her after the tragedy she endured.

"We certainly have to respect the role of the US&nbsp;Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the US&nbsp;Olympic Committee and the decisions they make," said Psaki. "But it is sad, and we do wish her luck and look forward to seeing her running, running as the fastest woman in the world, and for years to come."

In response, USADA CEO Travis Tygart said the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was the global arbiter.

"While the US&nbsp;government has a seat at the table to provide feedback, and will continue to speak up for athletes, we are ultimately bound to the WADA rules," he said in a statement.

"This is true even in sad and tough cases like this one, where we might take a different approach if the choice was ours to make."

USATF said on Tuesday that its "heartfelt understanding lies with Sha'Carri" but that out of fairness for other athletes it had declined to select her for the team.

(Inputs from Agency)&nbsp;

American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson on Tuesday was declined by USA Track & Field (USATF) to be a part of the 4x100-metre relay team for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo after she tested positive for cannabis use.

American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson on Tuesday was declined by USA Track & Field (USATF) to be a part of the 4x100-metre relay team for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo after she tested positive for cannabis use. However, the White House has decided to step in to review the anti-doping rules in sport on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Sha'Carri Richardson not selected to US relay team after testing positive for cannabis As per Richardson, she used the banned substance to cope with the death of her mother. The 21-year-old sprinter was expected to be one of the biggest stars for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics but is unable to compete in the individual 100m event as her suspension wiped out her win at the trials. "We know the rules are where they are, maybe we should take another look at them," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a CNN interview, adding that President Joe Biden had paid particular attention to her after the tragedy she endured. "We certainly have to respect the role of the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the US Olympic Committee and the decisions they make," said Psaki. "But it is sad, and we do wish her luck and look forward to seeing her running, running as the fastest woman in the world, and for years to come." In response, USADA CEO Travis Tygart said the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was the global arbiter. "While the US government has a seat at the table to provide feedback, and will continue to speak up for athletes, we are ultimately bound to the WADA rules," he said in a statement. "This is true even in sad and tough cases like this one, where we might take a different approach if the choice was ours to make." USATF said on Tuesday that its "heartfelt understanding lies with Sha'Carri" but that out of fairness for other athletes it had declined to select her for the team. (Inputs from Agency)

Tokyo Olympics: White House to review anti-doping rules after Richardson ban

Marking their maiden collaboration, Oscar, BAFTA and Grammy-winning composer, A.R. Rahman joins Ananya Birla on the record of her latest track 'Hindustani Way’ as the composer and producer.&nbsp;

 
The track is an amalgamation of Hindi and English lyrics that is set out to establish an upbeat message of unity and optimism, heralding the gradual retreat of COVID-19 led tumultuous times as the kick-off date of the sporting extravaganza nears.&nbsp;

 
Talking about this collaboration with her 'role model', Ananya said in a statement,“It is a true honour to write and sing a song to cheer our Indian Olympic contingent at Tokyo 2020. The grit and fortitude of the Indian Olympic team in the face of such a challenging year is inspiring. It was surreal to have had the opportunity to collaborate with my role model, AR sir on such a prestigious project, from whom I have learnt so much. We are here cheering, the 'Hindustani Way'”&nbsp;

 
Speaking about his involvement in the project, A.R. Rahman added, “All of us are really excited to have made this special song and hope our athletes can feel the entire nation rooting for them, the Hindustani way, when they hear it. It was a pleasure working with Ananya on this project and we hope to convey all our support and best wishes to Team India through it. Jai Hind!”&nbsp;

 
The patriotic track was jointly written by Ananya Birla, lyricists Nirmika Singh and Shishir Samant. The music video's been directed by Danny Mamik and Sahaan Hattangadi, &nbsp;and produced by Ananya's new production house. The music video features key Olympic archival footage from Atlanta (1996), Athens (2004), Beijing (2002, 2008), Rio (2016), London (2012) and exclusive training footage of this year’s contingent.&nbsp;

 
The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will kickstart on July 23 after it was postponed for a year amid soaring Coronavirus infection rates and lockdowns across the world. With the mercury of excitement soaring new high, Indians are weaving high hopes around their star athletes to shine at the biggest sporting extravaganza in the world.

Marking their maiden collaboration, Oscar, BAFTA and Grammy-winning composer, A.R. Rahman joins Ananya Birla on the record of her latest track 'Hindustani Way’ as the composer and producer.

Marking their maiden collaboration, Oscar, BAFTA and Grammy-winning composer, A.R. Rahman joins Ananya Birla on the record of her latest track 'Hindustani Way’ as the composer and producer. The track is an amalgamation of Hindi and English lyrics that is set out to establish an upbeat message of unity and optimism, heralding the gradual retreat of COVID-19 led tumultuous times as the kick-off date of the sporting extravaganza nears. Talking about this collaboration with her 'role model', Ananya said in a statement,“It is a true honour to write and sing a song to cheer our Indian Olympic contingent at Tokyo 2020. The grit and fortitude of the Indian Olympic team in the face of such a challenging year is inspiring. It was surreal to have had the opportunity to collaborate with my role model, AR sir on such a prestigious project, from whom I have learnt so much. We are here cheering, the 'Hindustani Way'” Speaking about his involvement in the project, A.R. Rahman added, “All of us are really excited to have made this special song and hope our athletes can feel the entire nation rooting for them, the Hindustani way, when they hear it. It was a pleasure working with Ananya on this project and we hope to convey all our support and best wishes to Team India through it. Jai Hind!” The patriotic track was jointly written by Ananya Birla, lyricists Nirmika Singh and Shishir Samant. The music video's been directed by Danny Mamik and Sahaan Hattangadi, and produced by Ananya's new production house. The music video features key Olympic archival footage from Atlanta (1996), Athens (2004), Beijing (2002, 2008), Rio (2016), London (2012) and exclusive training footage of this year’s contingent. The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will kickstart on July 23 after it was postponed for a year amid soaring Coronavirus infection rates and lockdowns across the world. With the mercury of excitement soaring new high, Indians are weaving high hopes around their star athletes to shine at the biggest sporting extravaganza in the world.

Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, musician Ananya Birla collaborate for Indian Olympians ahead of Tokyo 2020

American sprinter Sha'Carri&nbsp;Richardson&nbsp;will not be selected to the U.S. 4x100-metre relay team for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo after she accepted a one-month ban for testing positive for cannabis.

The 21-year-old, who streaked to victory in the 100m at the U.S. Olympic trials in June, was expected to be one of the biggest draws at the upcoming Games in Japan.

Her supporters had hoped she could still compete in the relay event after the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) confirmed the suspension last week.

"We are incredibly sympathetic toward Sha'Carri&nbsp;Richardson's extenuating circumstances and strongly applaud her accountability - and will offer her our continued support both on and off the track," USA Track &amp; Field (USATF) said in a written statement.

Richardson&nbsp;said in an NBC interview last week that she used the banned substance to cope with the death of her mother.

Richardson's agent did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"The attention that is on track now and was because of very very few names,"&nbsp;Richardson&nbsp;tweeted later on Tuesday. "So if that's where fans support lay, you can't be mad at that."

The women's 100m event in Tokyo starts on July 30, two days after&nbsp;Richardson's ban ends, but she is unable to compete in the event as her suspension wiped out her results at the trials.

Selection to the relay team was her only remaining chance of competing at the Games. The relay coaches, with input from USATF performance staff, are able to select two athletes on top of the first four trials finishers.

"All USATF athletes are equally aware of and must adhere to the current anti-doping code, and our credibility as the National Governing Body would be lost if rules were only enforced under certain circumstances," USATF said.

The organisation added it believes the World Anti-Doping Agency rules regarding THC, the main active ingredient in cannabis, "would be re-evaluated."

"While our heartfelt understanding lies with Sha'Carri, we must also maintain fairness for all of the athletes who attempted to realize their dreams by securing a place on the U.S. Olympic Track &amp; Field Team," it said.

American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson will not be selected to the U.S. 4x100-metre relay team for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo after she accepted a one-month ban for testing positive for cannabis.

American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson will not be selected to the U.S. 4x100-metre relay team for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo after she accepted a one-month ban for testing positive for cannabis. The 21-year-old, who streaked to victory in the 100m at the U.S. Olympic trials in June, was expected to be one of the biggest draws at the upcoming Games in Japan. Her supporters had hoped she could still compete in the relay event after the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) confirmed the suspension last week. "We are incredibly sympathetic toward Sha'Carri Richardson's extenuating circumstances and strongly applaud her accountability - and will offer her our continued support both on and off the track," USA Track & Field (USATF) said in a written statement. Richardson said in an NBC interview last week that she used the banned substance to cope with the death of her mother. Richardson's agent did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "The attention that is on track now and was because of very very few names," Richardson tweeted later on Tuesday. "So if that's where fans support lay, you can't be mad at that." The women's 100m event in Tokyo starts on July 30, two days after Richardson's ban ends, but she is unable to compete in the event as her suspension wiped out her results at the trials. Selection to the relay team was her only remaining chance of competing at the Games. The relay coaches, with input from USATF performance staff, are able to select two athletes on top of the first four trials finishers. "All USATF athletes are equally aware of and must adhere to the current anti-doping code, and our credibility as the National Governing Body would be lost if rules were only enforced under certain circumstances," USATF said. The organisation added it believes the World Anti-Doping Agency rules regarding THC, the main active ingredient in cannabis, "would be re-evaluated." "While our heartfelt understanding lies with Sha'Carri, we must also maintain fairness for all of the athletes who attempted to realize their dreams by securing a place on the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team," it said.

Tokyo Olympics: Sha'Carri Richardson not selected to US relay team after testing positive for cannabis

The Japanese government plans to impose a virus state of emergency in Tokyo during the Olympics, reports said Wednesday, meaning spectators could be barred from venues.&nbsp;

The emergency measures -- less strict than a blanket lockdown -- will be in force until August 22, several Japanese media outlets reported, following a rise in cases less than three weeks before the Games begin.

"The government decided to declare the fourth state of emergency for Tokyo and communicated the decision to the ruling parties," public broadcaster NHK said.

Kyodo News, citing a senior government official, said it was now likely the Olympics would be held behind closed doors.

The pandemic-postponed 2020 Games will take place under strict anti-infection rules, with overseas fans already banned.

Organisers set a limit last month of 10,000 fans, or half of each venue's capacity, but recently warned that a fully closed-door Games remained an option as the virus situation worsens.

Japan's Covid-19 outbreak has not been as severe as in some countries, with around 14,800 deaths, but experts say another wave could stretch medical services as the Games begin.

Participants have already begun arriving in Japan, with 11,000 Olympic athletes from around 200 countries set to take part.

The Japanese government plans to impose a virus state of emergency in Tokyo during the Olympics, reports said Wednesday, meaning spectators could be barred from venues.

The Japanese government plans to impose a virus state of emergency in Tokyo during the Olympics, reports said Wednesday, meaning spectators could be barred from venues. The emergency measures -- less strict than a blanket lockdown -- will be in force until August 22, several Japanese media outlets reported, following a rise in cases less than three weeks before the Games begin. "The government decided to declare the fourth state of emergency for Tokyo and communicated the decision to the ruling parties," public broadcaster NHK said. Kyodo News, citing a senior government official, said it was now likely the Olympics would be held behind closed doors. The pandemic-postponed 2020 Games will take place under strict anti-infection rules, with overseas fans already banned. Organisers set a limit last month of 10,000 fans, or half of each venue's capacity, but recently warned that a fully closed-door Games remained an option as the virus situation worsens. Japan's Covid-19 outbreak has not been as severe as in some countries, with around 14,800 deaths, but experts say another wave could stretch medical services as the Games begin. Participants have already begun arriving in Japan, with 11,000 Olympic athletes from around 200 countries set to take part.

Japan to impose virus emergency in Tokyo during Olympics: Reports

The Olympic torch relay has been scrapped on Tokyo's public roads, officials announced Wednesday, as virus concerns continue to plague the Games just over two weeks before they begin.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-shacarri-richardson-not-selected-to-us-tokyo-relay-team-396376" hreflang="en">Olympics: Sha'Carri Richardson not selected to US Tokyo relay team</a>

Private flame-lighting ceremonies will replace public relay events across the capital beginning Friday, the Tokyo city government said.

Right up to the opening ceremony on July 23, the torch events will be streamed online, with authorities urging spectators to watch them "in the comfort of your home".

Only the relay leg in the Ogasawara islands -- a remote archipelago some 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) south of Tokyo -- will go ahead as scheduled.

The nationwide torch relay has been fraught with problems since it began in March, with almost half the legs disrupted in some way.

The relay was forced off public roads in famous tourist cities such as Kyoto and Hiroshima over fears that crowds of fans could spread the virus.

And it has also met with some public opposition, with a 53-year-old woman arrested on Sunday for squirting a runner with liquid from a water gun.

Olympic organisers have warned competitions at the Games could be held behind closed doors, as they are forced to rethink how many spectators can attend.

They set a limit last month of 10,000 domestic fans or half of each venue's capacity. Overseas fans have already been barred.

But Japan's government is this week expected to extend anti-virus measures in Tokyo and elsewhere, with a further decision on Olympic fans to follow.

Current restrictions cap spectators at non-Olympic sports events at 5,000 and limit the opening hours of bars and restaurants.

On Tuesday, Games organisers urged members of the public not to line the route of the marathon over fears that crowds of fans could spread the virus.

They said it was "necessary to reduce the risk of infection by restricting the movement of members of the public".

The marathon will take place in the northern city of Sapporo, which is currently under the same anti-virus measures as Tokyo.

Japan's Covid-19 outbreak has not been as severe as in some countries, with around 14,800 deaths, but experts say another wave could stretch medical services as the Olympics begin.

Participants have already begun arriving in Japan, with 11,000 Olympic athletes from around 200 countries set to take part.

The Japanese team held a stripped-down, socially distanced send-off ceremony on Tuesday, with almost all of the 582 athletes taking part online.

The Olympic torch relay has been scrapped on Tokyo's public roads, officials announced Wednesday, as virus concerns continue to plague the Games just over two weeks before they begin.

The Olympic torch relay has been scrapped on Tokyo's public roads, officials announced Wednesday, as virus concerns continue to plague the Games just over two weeks before they begin. ALSO READ: Olympics: Sha'Carri Richardson not selected to US Tokyo relay team Private flame-lighting ceremonies will replace public relay events across the capital beginning Friday, the Tokyo city government said. Right up to the opening ceremony on July 23, the torch events will be streamed online, with authorities urging spectators to watch them "in the comfort of your home". Only the relay leg in the Ogasawara islands -- a remote archipelago some 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) south of Tokyo -- will go ahead as scheduled. The nationwide torch relay has been fraught with problems since it began in March, with almost half the legs disrupted in some way. The relay was forced off public roads in famous tourist cities such as Kyoto and Hiroshima over fears that crowds of fans could spread the virus. And it has also met with some public opposition, with a 53-year-old woman arrested on Sunday for squirting a runner with liquid from a water gun. Olympic organisers have warned competitions at the Games could be held behind closed doors, as they are forced to rethink how many spectators can attend. They set a limit last month of 10,000 domestic fans or half of each venue's capacity. Overseas fans have already been barred. But Japan's government is this week expected to extend anti-virus measures in Tokyo and elsewhere, with a further decision on Olympic fans to follow. Current restrictions cap spectators at non-Olympic sports events at 5,000 and limit the opening hours of bars and restaurants. On Tuesday, Games organisers urged members of the public not to line the route of the marathon over fears that crowds of fans could spread the virus. They said it was "necessary to reduce the risk of infection by restricting the movement of members of the public". The marathon will take place in the northern city of Sapporo, which is currently under the same anti-virus measures as Tokyo. Japan's Covid-19 outbreak has not been as severe as in some countries, with around 14,800 deaths, but experts say another wave could stretch medical services as the Olympics begin. Participants have already begun arriving in Japan, with 11,000 Olympic athletes from around 200 countries set to take part. The Japanese team held a stripped-down, socially distanced send-off ceremony on Tuesday, with almost all of the 582 athletes taking part online.

Tokyo 2020 scraps Olympic torch relay legs in capital

Had her grandmother, her only guardian paid heed to relatives and other villagers of Sakkimangalam, 23-year old Revathi Veeramani would have been living a different life today, perhaps, as a married woman. Now, she’ll have more than a billion hearts rooting for her, as she dons the India jersey and races for the country in the 4x400m mixed relay event at the Tokyo Olympics, after securing her berth recently. The sprinter who is making her Olympics foray revealed this and much more about her life in an exclusive conversation with Zee Media.&nbsp;

Born in a very poor family in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai, Revathi, the first of two daughters, lost her parents at a very young age and was brought up by her grandmother K. Aarmmal. Struggling to make ends meet and with even a single meal too hard to get, their grandmother, had no option but to leave the girls in a Government Hostel. From their second grade until completing their twelfth grade, the sisters remained in the hostel and carried on with their education, barely meeting their grandmother once a month.&nbsp;

While she had been taking part in school-level track events, it was during 12th grade that Revathi took part in a state-level 100m dash. Despite running barefoot, she put on a stunning performance and made the finals, thus impressing&nbsp;K. Kannan, an athletics coach, who spotted her talent.&nbsp;

Kannan went on to coach her and support her financially, while also providing food and accommodation at his own house. Realizing her immense talent and potential, he urged the young athlete to work harder and pursue her career in sports. With his help, Revathi got admitted into the Lady Doak College in Madurai, where she continued to train.&nbsp;

What followed was the sweetness of her maiden victory - Gold medals in both 100m &amp;200m at the Junior Nationals in 2016, following by a Silver medal at the Senior Nationals, which landed her a place at the Indian National camp in Patiala that was training athletes for the Olympics.&nbsp;

Training under the National Camp Coach and Galina Bukharina she worked on getting faster and honing her technique, following which she competed at the 2019 Asian Championship in Doha, securing fourth place in the 4x100m relay. Under the advice of her coach, she also made the switch from 100m races to the 400m dash. Later that year she also took part in the World Championship in the 4x400m relay.&nbsp;

It was in 2019 that she got employed by the Southern Railways’ Madurai Division as a Commercial Clerk and Ticket Examiner. She is immensely grateful to her organization for having provided her with continued support and encouragement while she trains in faraway Patiala. She says that her income from the Railways and that of her sister (who is a Policewoman in Chennai) is of great help in supporting their grandmother, aged 76.&nbsp;

Injury struck in November 2020, when she suffered knee pain, which further aggravated and kept her off the track for a handful of months. the young sprinter underwent the most difficult phase of her track career while being under strict bed rest while being treated by her physio Simoni Shah. A victory at a state meet, following her recovery helped her regain her spirits, which also reflected in her personal best of 400m in 53.55seconds and a first place at the Olympics qualifier event.&nbsp;

Revathi says that her Granny is more delighted than ever, after having known the news of her qualifying for the Olympics. Looking back at her journey, she exudes that if she could make it to the Olympics, despite the circumstances she grew up in, anyone can do it.&nbsp;

“These days there are separate hostels for sportspersons at the district level, training and schooling is free and they take care of everything. Back in our days, we didn’t know much about this. But the most important part is to perform to the fullest of our ability - Sponsors, coaching and support facilities will all follow” she signs off, with immense gratitude for everyone that has supported her get thus far.&nbsp;

Had her grandmother, her only guardian paid heed to relatives and other villagers of Sakkimangalam, 23-year old Revathi Veeramani would have been living a different life today, perhaps, as a married woman.

Had her grandmother, her only guardian paid heed to relatives and other villagers of Sakkimangalam, 23-year old Revathi Veeramani would have been living a different life today, perhaps, as a married woman. Now, she’ll have more than a billion hearts rooting for her, as she dons the India jersey and races for the country in the 4x400m mixed relay event at the Tokyo Olympics, after securing her berth recently. The sprinter who is making her Olympics foray revealed this and much more about her life in an exclusive conversation with Zee Media. Born in a very poor family in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai, Revathi, the first of two daughters, lost her parents at a very young age and was brought up by her grandmother K. Aarmmal. Struggling to make ends meet and with even a single meal too hard to get, their grandmother, had no option but to leave the girls in a Government Hostel. From their second grade until completing their twelfth grade, the sisters remained in the hostel and carried on with their education, barely meeting their grandmother once a month. While she had been taking part in school-level track events, it was during 12th grade that Revathi took part in a state-level 100m dash. Despite running barefoot, she put on a stunning performance and made the finals, thus impressing K. Kannan, an athletics coach, who spotted her talent. Kannan went on to coach her and support her financially, while also providing food and accommodation at his own house. Realizing her immense talent and potential, he urged the young athlete to work harder and pursue her career in sports. With his help, Revathi got admitted into the Lady Doak College in Madurai, where she continued to train. What followed was the sweetness of her maiden victory - Gold medals in both 100m &200m at the Junior Nationals in 2016, following by a Silver medal at the Senior Nationals, which landed her a place at the Indian National camp in Patiala that was training athletes for the Olympics. Training under the National Camp Coach and Galina Bukharina she worked on getting faster and honing her technique, following which she competed at the 2019 Asian Championship in Doha, securing fourth place in the 4x100m relay. Under the advice of her coach, she also made the switch from 100m races to the 400m dash. Later that year she also took part in the World Championship in the 4x400m relay. It was in 2019 that she got employed by the Southern Railways’ Madurai Division as a Commercial Clerk and Ticket Examiner. She is immensely grateful to her organization for having provided her with continued support and encouragement while she trains in faraway Patiala. She says that her income from the Railways and that of her sister (who is a Policewoman in Chennai) is of great help in supporting their grandmother, aged 76. Injury struck in November 2020, when she suffered knee pain, which further aggravated and kept her off the track for a handful of months. the young sprinter underwent the most difficult phase of her track career while being under strict bed rest while being treated by her physio Simoni Shah. A victory at a state meet, following her recovery helped her regain her spirits, which also reflected in her personal best of 400m in 53.55seconds and a first place at the Olympics qualifier event. Revathi says that her Granny is more delighted than ever, after having known the news of her qualifying for the Olympics. Looking back at her journey, she exudes that if she could make it to the Olympics, despite the circumstances she grew up in, anyone can do it. “These days there are separate hostels for sportspersons at the district level, training and schooling is free and they take care of everything. Back in our days, we didn’t know much about this. But the most important part is to perform to the fullest of our ability - Sponsors, coaching and support facilities will all follow” she signs off, with immense gratitude for everyone that has supported her get thus far.

Was under pressure to get married, but this 23-yr old followed her dreams to be India’s Olympic sprinter

Celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom and men's hockey team skipper Manpreet Singh will be flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. One of India's biggest hopes, wrestler Bajrang Punia will be flag bearer at the closing ceremony on August 8.&nbsp;The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has communicated the decision in this regard to the Organising Committee of the Games.&nbsp;In a first, India is having two flag-bearers -- one male and one female -- at the upcoming Tokyo Games to ensure "gender parity".&nbsp;

This was recently informed by IOA chief Narinder Batra. The country's lone individual Olympic gold-medallist Abhinav Bindra was the flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.&nbsp;

The Tokyo Games are scheduled to open on July 23 and over 100 Indian athletes would be gunning for podium finishes at the showpiece, which was postponed by a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

At its executive board meeting last year, the International Olympic Committee had made provisions for flag-bearers from both genders at the opening ceremony.&nbsp;

"...the IOC Executive Board also decided that there should be - for the first time ever - at least one female and one male athlete in every one of the 206 teams and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team participating at the Games of the Olympiad," IOC chief Thomas Bach had said.

Celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom and men's hockey team skipper Manpreet Singh will be flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. One of India's biggest hopes, wrestler Bajrang Punia will be flag bearer at the closing ceremony on August 8.

Celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom and men's hockey team skipper Manpreet Singh will be flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. One of India's biggest hopes, wrestler Bajrang Punia will be flag bearer at the closing ceremony on August 8. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has communicated the decision in this regard to the Organising Committee of the Games. In a first, India is having two flag-bearers -- one male and one female -- at the upcoming Tokyo Games to ensure "gender parity". This was recently informed by IOA chief Narinder Batra. The country's lone individual Olympic gold-medallist Abhinav Bindra was the flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. The Tokyo Games are scheduled to open on July 23 and over 100 Indian athletes would be gunning for podium finishes at the showpiece, which was postponed by a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At its executive board meeting last year, the International Olympic Committee had made provisions for flag-bearers from both genders at the opening ceremony. "...the IOC Executive Board also decided that there should be - for the first time ever - at least one female and one male athlete in every one of the 206 teams and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team participating at the Games of the Olympiad," IOC chief Thomas Bach had said.

Mary Kom, Manpreet Singh to be India's flag bearers at Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony

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