China has named an experienced gymnastics squad for the 2020 Olympics starting this month in Tokyo as they aim for a return to the top of the podium after failing to win a gold medal in Rio de Janeiro four years ago. 
 
Former world all-round champion Xiao Ruoteng, two-times parallel bars world champion Zou Jingyuan, Olympic bronze medallist Lin Chaopan and Olympic debutant Sun Wei will compete in the men`s all-round event. 
 
The quartet were part of the team that won gold at the 2018 world championships and finished second, behind Russia, the following year. 
 
Parallel bars specialist Lin, who won bronze in the all-round team event at Rio in 2016, was picked over Zhang Boheng for his superior international experience, despite the latter having higher scores in all three Olympic trial events. 
 
"We believe that Zhang is a talented young athlete who can be a perfect backup for the whole team," men`s coach Wang Hongwei said. 
 
Liu Yang and You Hao, who were also part of the bronze-winning team in Rio, will head to their second Olympics and compete in the individual events. 
 
Tang Xijing, the all-round silver medallist at the 2019 World Championships, will lead the women`s team, with Ou Yushan, Lu Yufei and Zhang Jin completing the line-up. 
 
Two-times uneven bars world champion Fan Yilin and teenage balance beam specialist Guan Chenchen took up the two spots for individual events. 
 
China won nine artistic gymnastics gold medals at the Beijing Games in 2008 and four in London four years later, but finished with just two bronze medals in 2016. 
 
The 2020 Olympics will start on July 23 after being delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
&nbsp;

China has named an experienced gymnastics squad for the 2020 Olympics starting this month in Tokyo as they aim for a return to the top of the podium after failing to win a gold medal in Rio de Janeiro four years ago.

China has named an experienced gymnastics squad for the 2020 Olympics starting this month in Tokyo as they aim for a return to the top of the podium after failing to win a gold medal in Rio de Janeiro four years ago. Former world all-round champion Xiao Ruoteng, two-times parallel bars world champion Zou Jingyuan, Olympic bronze medallist Lin Chaopan and Olympic debutant Sun Wei will compete in the men`s all-round event. The quartet were part of the team that won gold at the 2018 world championships and finished second, behind Russia, the following year. Parallel bars specialist Lin, who won bronze in the all-round team event at Rio in 2016, was picked over Zhang Boheng for his superior international experience, despite the latter having higher scores in all three Olympic trial events. "We believe that Zhang is a talented young athlete who can be a perfect backup for the whole team," men`s coach Wang Hongwei said. Liu Yang and You Hao, who were also part of the bronze-winning team in Rio, will head to their second Olympics and compete in the individual events. Tang Xijing, the all-round silver medallist at the 2019 World Championships, will lead the women`s team, with Ou Yushan, Lu Yufei and Zhang Jin completing the line-up. Two-times uneven bars world champion Fan Yilin and teenage balance beam specialist Guan Chenchen took up the two spots for individual events. China won nine artistic gymnastics gold medals at the Beijing Games in 2008 and four in London four years later, but finished with just two bronze medals in 2016. The 2020 Olympics will start on July 23 after being delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Olympics-China name experienced gymnastics line-up for Tokyo

The World Health Organization, which is advising the International Olympic Committee in the run-up to the Tokyo Games opening later this month, is urging caution so as to stem the spread of the coronavirus, a senior WHO official said on Friday. 
 
Crowds at Euro 2020 soccer stadiums and in pubs and bars in host cities are driving the current rise in COVID-19 infections in Europe, the WHO`s regional office said on Thursday. 
 
Maria van Kerkhove, WHO technical lead on COVID-19 at its global headquarters, was asked what lessons it was drawing from the Euro 2020 tournament in order to advise the IOC and Tokyo organisers ahead of the event`s opening on July 23. 
 
"The IOC and others have outlined their plans in taking their approach for the Olympics, and we have been engaging with them and advising them on the best use of those plans," van Kerkhove told a Geneva news conference. 
 
She said the WHO was learning from Euro 2020, adding: "If the virus is present and precautions are not in place the virus will spread." 
 
"We urge caution. We urge everyone to take caution in what they do," she added. 
 
"We urge everybody to take a risk-based approach in what they do and the decisions that they make. The choices that they make and the events they attend have consequences, good and bad." 
 
Mike Ryan, head of WHO`s emergencies programme, said last month that it would discuss managing COVID-19 risks with Japanese authorities and the IOC, after organisers announced some spectators would be permitted to attend, although fans from overseas have already been banned. 
&nbsp;

The World Health Organization, which is advising the International Olympic Committee in the run-up to the Tokyo Games opening later this month, is urging caution so as to stem the spread of the coronavirus, a senior WHO official said on Friday.

The World Health Organization, which is advising the International Olympic Committee in the run-up to the Tokyo Games opening later this month, is urging caution so as to stem the spread of the coronavirus, a senior WHO official said on Friday. Crowds at Euro 2020 soccer stadiums and in pubs and bars in host cities are driving the current rise in COVID-19 infections in Europe, the WHO`s regional office said on Thursday. Maria van Kerkhove, WHO technical lead on COVID-19 at its global headquarters, was asked what lessons it was drawing from the Euro 2020 tournament in order to advise the IOC and Tokyo organisers ahead of the event`s opening on July 23. "The IOC and others have outlined their plans in taking their approach for the Olympics, and we have been engaging with them and advising them on the best use of those plans," van Kerkhove told a Geneva news conference. She said the WHO was learning from Euro 2020, adding: "If the virus is present and precautions are not in place the virus will spread." "We urge caution. We urge everyone to take caution in what they do," she added. "We urge everybody to take a risk-based approach in what they do and the decisions that they make. The choices that they make and the events they attend have consequences, good and bad." Mike Ryan, head of WHO`s emergencies programme, said last month that it would discuss managing COVID-19 risks with Japanese authorities and the IOC, after organisers announced some spectators would be permitted to attend, although fans from overseas have already been banned.

'We urge caution,' WHO says on Tokyo Olympics

Japan is considering an extension of its coronavirus prevention measures in Tokyo and other areas by two weeks to a month, Japanese media said, with less than a month to go until the Tokyo Summer Olympics are set to open. 
 
The Japanese capital and other areas are currently under a `quasi` state of emergency set to be lifted on July 12, but a recent uptick in coronavirus cases has officials concerned and could affect the number of spectators allowed in to Olympics venues. 
 
According to the Mainichi Shimbun daily, the government is considering extending the measures by two to four weeks, a period that would overlap with the Olympics, already delayed a year, that open on July 23. 
 
A government meeting on coronavirus measures is set to be held later on Wednesday to discuss ways of dealing with signs of an impending surge in coronavirus numbers that has experts worried, along with concern about the spread of more highly transmissible variants. 
 
"Any decisions regarding quasi-emergency measures will be taken based on policies we have in place," chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato told a news conference. 
 
Under the `quasi` state of emergency, spectators at events are capped at 5,000. Olympics organisers have ruled that spectators will be allowed up to 50 per cent of the venue capacity or a maximum of 10,000, though foreign spectators have been banned. 
 
Meanwhile, Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, who had been in hospital due to fatigue, was released early on Wednesday. Media reports said she would be working from home for an indefinite period. 
 
Tokyo on Tuesday decided to move the first half of the 15-day Olympic torch relay scheduled to take place in the capital off public roads. 
 
Officials have pledged to hold a "safe and secure" Olympic Games but face continuing resistance from a substantial part of the public, with worries fanned after two members of the Ugandan delegation tested positive after arriving in Japan. 
&nbsp;

Japan is considering an extension of its coronavirus prevention measures in Tokyo and other areas by two weeks to a month, Japanese media said, with less than a month to go until the Tokyo Summer Olympics are set to open.

Japan is considering an extension of its coronavirus prevention measures in Tokyo and other areas by two weeks to a month, Japanese media said, with less than a month to go until the Tokyo Summer Olympics are set to open. The Japanese capital and other areas are currently under a `quasi` state of emergency set to be lifted on July 12, but a recent uptick in coronavirus cases has officials concerned and could affect the number of spectators allowed in to Olympics venues. According to the Mainichi Shimbun daily, the government is considering extending the measures by two to four weeks, a period that would overlap with the Olympics, already delayed a year, that open on July 23. A government meeting on coronavirus measures is set to be held later on Wednesday to discuss ways of dealing with signs of an impending surge in coronavirus numbers that has experts worried, along with concern about the spread of more highly transmissible variants. "Any decisions regarding quasi-emergency measures will be taken based on policies we have in place," chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato told a news conference. Under the `quasi` state of emergency, spectators at events are capped at 5,000. Olympics organisers have ruled that spectators will be allowed up to 50 per cent of the venue capacity or a maximum of 10,000, though foreign spectators have been banned. Meanwhile, Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, who had been in hospital due to fatigue, was released early on Wednesday. Media reports said she would be working from home for an indefinite period. Tokyo on Tuesday decided to move the first half of the 15-day Olympic torch relay scheduled to take place in the capital off public roads. Officials have pledged to hold a "safe and secure" Olympic Games but face continuing resistance from a substantial part of the public, with worries fanned after two members of the Ugandan delegation tested positive after arriving in Japan.

Tokyo may extend coronavirus curbs into Olympics period: Media

With 30 days to go until the start of an Olympic Games dogged&nbsp;by the coronavirus pandemic and by controversy, Tokyo Olympics organisers decided on Wednesday against selling alcohol at venues while defending plans to allow thousands of spectators. 
 
Organisers have pushed ahead with preparations for the Games, postponed from 2020 because of the pandemic, despite strong concerns among the Japanese public that hosting delegations from across the globe could result in further COVID-19 outbreaks. 
 
Media reports that organisers were considering allowing alcohol consumption in Olympics venues provoked a public outcry earlier this week, with the hashtag "cancel&nbsp;the Olympic Games" garnering tens of thousands of tweets. 
 
"Following experts` advice, the organising committee decided against selling and drinking alcohol drinks at the venues so as to prevent spread of infections," Tokyo Olympics President Seiko Hashimoto told reporters, adding that sponsor Asahi Breweries agreed&nbsp;with the decision to ban alcohol sales. 
 
Alcohol sales have been restricted in and around Tokyo after health officials warned drinking would encourage close contact, loud speaking and mingling in bars that could help spread the virus. 
 
Earlier, Hashimoto defended the organisers` decision to allow spectators into Olympic venues. 
 
Japanese medical experts have said banning spectators was the least risky option but also included recommendations on how best to host the Games if spectators were admitted. 
 
Organisers said on Monday up to 10,000 domestic spectators would be allowed into venues. Foreign visitors are banned. 
 
"We decided that it would be better to do the best preparations we can for a Games with spectators," Hashimoto said at a media roundtable attended by Reuters on Tuesday, saying the decision was in line with the medical experts` recommendations. 
 
"Of course, I understand that holding the event without spectators would lower the risk, but there is evidence that there have been no clusters at other events and tournaments," Hashimoto said. 
 
LIMITING CELEBRATIONS 
 
Organisers said on Wednesday they would decide on whether to allow spectators at night sessions, taking infections into account, by July 12 when virus curbs are due to be lifted in Tokyo and some other areas. 
 
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has still not ruled out holding the Games without spectators if Tokyo is put back under a state of emergency, from which it only emerged on June 21. The Games` opening ceremony is set for July 23. 
 
"The major challenge at the Tokyo Games is to curb a flow of people and limit a sense of celebration," Hashimoto said on Wednesday. "We are striving to make the Tokyo Games safe and secure, so it won`t be full of celebration." 
 
Many Japanese remain sceptical about the possibility of holding even a scaled-down Games safely during a pandemic. 
 
In another blow to organisers` pledge that the Games will be safe, a member of the Ugandan delegation who arrived in Japan on the weekend tested positive for coronavirus despite having been vaccinated and testing negative for COVID-19 before arrival. 
 
The nine-strong delegation cancelled their plans to train and are currently quarantining in a hotel, local media reported. 
 
Hashimoto said the incident was proof of the effectiveness of the coronavirus measures in place. 
 
"We were able to identify this person at the border precisely because we have the proper border measures in place," she said. 
 
But the arduous preparations for the Olympics also appeared to have taken its toll on organisers. 
 
Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike was hospitalised on Tuesday after the metropolitan government said she would take the rest of the week off due to fatigue.

With 30 days to go until the start of an Olympic Games dogged by the coronavirus pandemic and by controversy, Tokyo Olympics organisers decided on Wednesday against selling alcohol at venues while defending plans to allow thousands of spectators.

With 30 days to go until the start of an Olympic Games dogged by the coronavirus pandemic and by controversy, Tokyo Olympics organisers decided on Wednesday against selling alcohol at venues while defending plans to allow thousands of spectators. Organisers have pushed ahead with preparations for the Games, postponed from 2020 because of the pandemic, despite strong concerns among the Japanese public that hosting delegations from across the globe could result in further COVID-19 outbreaks. Media reports that organisers were considering allowing alcohol consumption in Olympics venues provoked a public outcry earlier this week, with the hashtag "cancel the Olympic Games" garnering tens of thousands of tweets. "Following experts` advice, the organising committee decided against selling and drinking alcohol drinks at the venues so as to prevent spread of infections," Tokyo Olympics President Seiko Hashimoto told reporters, adding that sponsor Asahi Breweries agreed with the decision to ban alcohol sales. Alcohol sales have been restricted in and around Tokyo after health officials warned drinking would encourage close contact, loud speaking and mingling in bars that could help spread the virus. Earlier, Hashimoto defended the organisers` decision to allow spectators into Olympic venues. Japanese medical experts have said banning spectators was the least risky option but also included recommendations on how best to host the Games if spectators were admitted. Organisers said on Monday up to 10,000 domestic spectators would be allowed into venues. Foreign visitors are banned. "We decided that it would be better to do the best preparations we can for a Games with spectators," Hashimoto said at a media roundtable attended by Reuters on Tuesday, saying the decision was in line with the medical experts` recommendations. "Of course, I understand that holding the event without spectators would lower the risk, but there is evidence that there have been no clusters at other events and tournaments," Hashimoto said. LIMITING CELEBRATIONS Organisers said on Wednesday they would decide on whether to allow spectators at night sessions, taking infections into account, by July 12 when virus curbs are due to be lifted in Tokyo and some other areas. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has still not ruled out holding the Games without spectators if Tokyo is put back under a state of emergency, from which it only emerged on June 21. The Games` opening ceremony is set for July 23. "The major challenge at the Tokyo Games is to curb a flow of people and limit a sense of celebration," Hashimoto said on Wednesday. "We are striving to make the Tokyo Games safe and secure, so it won`t be full of celebration." Many Japanese remain sceptical about the possibility of holding even a scaled-down Games safely during a pandemic. In another blow to organisers` pledge that the Games will be safe, a member of the Ugandan delegation who arrived in Japan on the weekend tested positive for coronavirus despite having been vaccinated and testing negative for COVID-19 before arrival. The nine-strong delegation cancelled their plans to train and are currently quarantining in a hotel, local media reported. Hashimoto said the incident was proof of the effectiveness of the coronavirus measures in place. "We were able to identify this person at the border precisely because we have the proper border measures in place," she said. But the arduous preparations for the Olympics also appeared to have taken its toll on organisers. Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike was hospitalised on Tuesday after the metropolitan government said she would take the rest of the week off due to fatigue.

Olympics-Tokyo 2020 organisers ban alcohol, defend allowing spectators

With exactly one month to go for the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Olympic fever is slowly engulfing the entire sporting world. While the Indian athletes carry out their high-octane practice sessions, it's time for the hockey fans relive the memories from the triumphant Olympic campaigns in the past through Hockey India's Flashback Series.&nbsp;

Former Indian Hockey Forward Gurdev Singh recalls the fond&nbsp;memories from the 1956 Olympics.

Gurdev Singh, who played an integral part in India's Gold Medal victory at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, reminisced playing alongside the great Balbir Singh Sr. The 87-year-old recounted that if Balbir Singh got into the D, he would definitely find the back of the net, "We played with five Forwards in that tournament. I scored 5 goals in the Olympics. We all used to practice a lot, but Balbir Singh Sr used to practice much more. Whenever he got into the D, he never missed the goal. He was a really good scorer."

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Former Indian Hockey Forward Gurdev Singh kicks off this campaign with his recollection of the 1956 Olympics. 
 
Read 👉 <a href="https://t.co/B5EToFpl2C">https://t.co/B5EToFpl2C</a> 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HaiTayyar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HaiTayyar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StrongerTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StrongerTogether</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HockeyInvites?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HockeyInvites</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hockey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FIH_Hockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIH_Hockey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Olympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreTeamIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WeAreTeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/SbtOXTOKl5">pic.twitter.com/SbtOXTOKl5</a>
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/1407606470154153986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The former India player added that during a non-Olympic match Balbir Singh Sr was in such good form that he scored every time he got the ball, "There was a match in which Balbir Singh got the ball four-five times and he converted each one of those chances into goals. Then he said, 'if you keep giving me the ball, then I'll keep scoring and keep playing for four-five years'.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-tokyo-2020-organisers-ban-alcohol-defend-allowing-spectators-393277" hreflang="en">Olympics-Tokyo 2020 organisers ban alcohol, defend allowing spectators</a>

When asked about his memories from the Melbourne Games, Gurdev said, "It was a very happy moment for us. We won all the matches in the 1956 Olympics. This was only the second time that no team had scored against India in the entire Olympics campaign. Our Captain Balbir Singh Sr's finger was broken during the tournament, but he still played for the team. At that time, wherever the Indian Hockey Team went, it always won."

The former India Hockey Forward also spoke about roaming around in Melbourne during the Olympics, "Australia is a great country. During our free time, the entire team went around Melbourne and saw some sights."

Winning an Olympic Medal is a huge achievement for any sportsperson, but the Indian team didn't receive a big reception once they arrived in India. With great pride, Gurdev said that it was normal for India to win a Gold in hockey in those days.

"When we came back from Melbourne with the Gold Medal, there were only three-four persons to receive us at the airport. Everyone expected us to win as it was quite normal for us to win Gold Medals in the Olympics," signed off Gurdev."

With exactly one month to go for the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Olympic fever is slowly engulfing the entire sporting world. While the Indian athletes carry out their high-octane practice sessions, it's time for the hockey fans relive the memories from the triumphant Olympic campaigns in the past through Hockey India's Flashback Series.

With exactly one month to go for the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Olympic fever is slowly engulfing the entire sporting world. While the Indian athletes carry out their high-octane practice sessions, it's time for the hockey fans relive the memories from the triumphant Olympic campaigns in the past through Hockey India's Flashback Series. Former Indian Hockey Forward Gurdev Singh recalls the fond memories from the 1956 Olympics. Gurdev Singh, who played an integral part in India's Gold Medal victory at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, reminisced playing alongside the great Balbir Singh Sr. The 87-year-old recounted that if Balbir Singh got into the D, he would definitely find the back of the net, "We played with five Forwards in that tournament. I scored 5 goals in the Olympics. We all used to practice a lot, but Balbir Singh Sr used to practice much more. Whenever he got into the D, he never missed the goal. He was a really good scorer." Former Indian Hockey Forward Gurdev Singh kicks off this campaign with his recollection of the 1956 Olympics. Read 👉 https://t.co/B5EToFpl2C #IndiaKaGame #HaiTayyar #StrongerTogether #HockeyInvites #WeAreTeamIndia #Hockey @FIH_Hockey @Olympics @WeAreTeamIndia pic.twitter.com/SbtOXTOKl5 — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) June 23, 2021 × The former India player added that during a non-Olympic match Balbir Singh Sr was in such good form that he scored every time he got the ball, "There was a match in which Balbir Singh got the ball four-five times and he converted each one of those chances into goals. Then he said, 'if you keep giving me the ball, then I'll keep scoring and keep playing for four-five years'. ALSO READ: Olympics-Tokyo 2020 organisers ban alcohol, defend allowing spectators When asked about his memories from the Melbourne Games, Gurdev said, "It was a very happy moment for us. We won all the matches in the 1956 Olympics. This was only the second time that no team had scored against India in the entire Olympics campaign. Our Captain Balbir Singh Sr's finger was broken during the tournament, but he still played for the team. At that time, wherever the Indian Hockey Team went, it always won." The former India Hockey Forward also spoke about roaming around in Melbourne during the Olympics, "Australia is a great country. During our free time, the entire team went around Melbourne and saw some sights." Winning an Olympic Medal is a huge achievement for any sportsperson, but the Indian team didn't receive a big reception once they arrived in India. With great pride, Gurdev said that it was normal for India to win a Gold in hockey in those days. "When we came back from Melbourne with the Gold Medal, there were only three-four persons to receive us at the airport. Everyone expected us to win as it was quite normal for us to win Gold Medals in the Olympics," signed off Gurdev."

Former Indian hockey forward Gurdev Singh recounts playing with Balbir Singh Sr in 1956 Olympics

Hockey India today named veteran striker Rani as the Captain of the 16-member Olympic-bound Indian Women's Hockey Team. Rani&nbsp;is the&nbsp;obvious choice not just for her on-field exploits but also for her innate ability to guide the youngsters in the team.&nbsp;

Under Rani's Captaincy, the Indian team over the past four years have achieved significant results including winning the Asia Cup in 2017, Winning Silver at the Asian Games 2018, Silver at Asian Champions Trophy 2018 as well winning the FIH Series Final in 2019. The team led by Rani also made it to the quarterfinals of the FIH Women's World Cup 2018 in London for the first time. She was the cynosure of India's performance during the FIH Olympic Qualifiers in Bhubaneswar where her goal put the team ahead by 6-5 against USA to secure the qualification.&nbsp;

Hockey India also announced the very dependable defender Deep Grace Ekka and experienced goalkeeper Savita as the two Vice Captains of the Women's Team. Both the players have been in the Indian Core Group for nearly a decade and have been an integral part of the leadership group. They also played a&nbsp;key role in India's feats which saw them attain career-best ranking of World No.9 in 2018 following a strong performance at the FIH Women's World Cup.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-protest-unfair-tokyo-olympic-rules-for-covid-hit-nations-392911" hreflang="en">India protest 'unfair' Tokyo Olympic rules for Covid-hit nations</a>

Congratulating all three players named for their leadership roles, Indian Women's Team Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said, "I congratulate Rani on being named the Captain of the Indian Women's Hockey Team for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. I also congratulate Deep Grace Ekka and Savita on being named the Vice Captains of the team. All these three players have been part of the leadership group for a long time and have proven their abilities with this added responsibility and have guided many youngsters in the Core Group.&nbsp;

"Having two Vice Captains will also strengthen the core leadership group for the future. Their&nbsp;experience and role will be of importance as we aim to achieve good results in Tokyo. It has been a long journey for the team and we continue into a tough challenge at the Olympics. The team needs to be mentally strong and I am confident with these three players at the helm, they are headed in the right direction."&nbsp;

Expressing her gratitude on being named Captain, Rani said, "It is a huge honour to lead the Indian Team at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. In these past years my role as a Captain was made easy with teammates who have shared the responsibilities as senior players. I look forward to this added responsibility and thank Hockey India, Coaching staff and selectors for this honour."&nbsp;

Vice-captain Deep Grace Ekka too&nbsp;stated that this new responsibility will motivate her to ensure the team does well in Tokyo. "To lead India as Vice-Captain at the Olympics is a huge honour and it will surely motivate me further to do well for the team. We have players from different regions of India in the team, but we have come closer as a unit over these past 15 months during the pandemic which has been challenging for all," stated Grace who will be played her second Olympic Games.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Savita also expressed her gratefulness as she said, "I thank the team's support staff and Hockey India for giving me this responsibility. We are all eagerly awaiting to do well at the Olympics in Tokyo, and it will be great to lead India to good wins."&nbsp;

Hockey India today named veteran striker Rani as the Captain of the 16-member Olympic-bound Indian Women's Hockey Team. Rani is the obvious choice not just for her on-field exploits but also for her innate ability to guide the youngsters in the team.

Hockey India today named veteran striker Rani as the Captain of the 16-member Olympic-bound Indian Women's Hockey Team. Rani is the obvious choice not just for her on-field exploits but also for her innate ability to guide the youngsters in the team. Under Rani's Captaincy, the Indian team over the past four years have achieved significant results including winning the Asia Cup in 2017, Winning Silver at the Asian Games 2018, Silver at Asian Champions Trophy 2018 as well winning the FIH Series Final in 2019. The team led by Rani also made it to the quarterfinals of the FIH Women's World Cup 2018 in London for the first time. She was the cynosure of India's performance during the FIH Olympic Qualifiers in Bhubaneswar where her goal put the team ahead by 6-5 against USA to secure the qualification. Hockey India also announced the very dependable defender Deep Grace Ekka and experienced goalkeeper Savita as the two Vice Captains of the Women's Team. Both the players have been in the Indian Core Group for nearly a decade and have been an integral part of the leadership group. They also played a key role in India's feats which saw them attain career-best ranking of World No.9 in 2018 following a strong performance at the FIH Women's World Cup. ALSO READ: India protest 'unfair' Tokyo Olympic rules for Covid-hit nations Congratulating all three players named for their leadership roles, Indian Women's Team Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said, "I congratulate Rani on being named the Captain of the Indian Women's Hockey Team for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. I also congratulate Deep Grace Ekka and Savita on being named the Vice Captains of the team. All these three players have been part of the leadership group for a long time and have proven their abilities with this added responsibility and have guided many youngsters in the Core Group. "Having two Vice Captains will also strengthen the core leadership group for the future. Their experience and role will be of importance as we aim to achieve good results in Tokyo. It has been a long journey for the team and we continue into a tough challenge at the Olympics. The team needs to be mentally strong and I am confident with these three players at the helm, they are headed in the right direction." Expressing her gratitude on being named Captain, Rani said, "It is a huge honour to lead the Indian Team at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. In these past years my role as a Captain was made easy with teammates who have shared the responsibilities as senior players. I look forward to this added responsibility and thank Hockey India, Coaching staff and selectors for this honour." Vice-captain Deep Grace Ekka too stated that this new responsibility will motivate her to ensure the team does well in Tokyo. "To lead India as Vice-Captain at the Olympics is a huge honour and it will surely motivate me further to do well for the team. We have players from different regions of India in the team, but we have come closer as a unit over these past 15 months during the pandemic which has been challenging for all," stated Grace who will be played her second Olympic Games. Savita also expressed her gratefulness as she said, "I thank the team's support staff and Hockey India for giving me this responsibility. We are all eagerly awaiting to do well at the Olympics in Tokyo, and it will be great to lead India to good wins."

Hockey India names Rani Rampal as captain of the Women's Hockey Team for Tokyo 2020

Japan is set to outline how it will lift its "state of emergency" curbs while keeping some restrictions, including spectator numbers at big events, amid fears that next month's Olympics could trigger a new wave of coronavirus infections.

Media reports say the government is considering allowing up to 10,000 spectators into stadiums during the Games, in line with a plan endorsed by health experts&nbsp;on Wednesday for local events.

Later on Thursday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is due to announce a decision on the state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka and seven other prefectures, which expires on June 20.

Instead of removing all lockdown measures, the government is seeking to call a "quasi-emergency" in seven of those prefectures, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said on Thursday, meaning some curbs will remain in place.

The southern island prefecture Okinawa, currently battling a surge in infections, is widely expected to remain in a state of emergency.

The one-notch easing of the emergency restrictions would come just over a month before the Tokyo Olympics, delayed last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is due to start on July 23.

To avoid a resurgence of the pandemic, Japan, which is due to decide this month on whether to allow domestic spectators at the Games, will likely keep restrictions on the flow of people, including the Olympics.

Health experts including top medical adviser Shigeru Omi on Wednesday agreed with a government plan that would permit up to 10,000 spectators or 50% of a venue's capacity, whichever is smaller, at events, under certain conditions.

The Mainichi and other media reported the government was aiming to allow spectators into the Games, using the 10,000 cap. A decision on the maximum number of spectators for the Olympics is due by the end of the month.

Polls have shown most Japanese remain wary of the Games, particularly as vaccination rates are still lower than in other wealthy nations.

Omi previously called on the government to better explain to the public how it expects to prevent infections while hosting the Games.

Public broadcaster NHK said on Thursday that Omi and other health experts had compiled proposals for the Games. The proposals will state that banning live spectators will be the least risky way method and that if spectators are to be allowed, there should be more restrictions than those applied to other large-scale events.

Japan is set to outline how it will lift its "state of emergency" curbs while keeping some restrictions, including spectator numbers at big events, amid fears that next month's Olympics could trigger a new wave of coronavirus infections.

Japan is set to outline how it will lift its "state of emergency" curbs while keeping some restrictions, including spectator numbers at big events, amid fears that next month's Olympics could trigger a new wave of coronavirus infections. Media reports say the government is considering allowing up to 10,000 spectators into stadiums during the Games, in line with a plan endorsed by health experts on Wednesday for local events. Later on Thursday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is due to announce a decision on the state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka and seven other prefectures, which expires on June 20. Instead of removing all lockdown measures, the government is seeking to call a "quasi-emergency" in seven of those prefectures, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said on Thursday, meaning some curbs will remain in place. The southern island prefecture Okinawa, currently battling a surge in infections, is widely expected to remain in a state of emergency. The one-notch easing of the emergency restrictions would come just over a month before the Tokyo Olympics, delayed last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is due to start on July 23. To avoid a resurgence of the pandemic, Japan, which is due to decide this month on whether to allow domestic spectators at the Games, will likely keep restrictions on the flow of people, including the Olympics. Health experts including top medical adviser Shigeru Omi on Wednesday agreed with a government plan that would permit up to 10,000 spectators or 50% of a venue's capacity, whichever is smaller, at events, under certain conditions. The Mainichi and other media reported the government was aiming to allow spectators into the Games, using the 10,000 cap. A decision on the maximum number of spectators for the Olympics is due by the end of the month. Polls have shown most Japanese remain wary of the Games, particularly as vaccination rates are still lower than in other wealthy nations. Omi previously called on the government to better explain to the public how it expects to prevent infections while hosting the Games. Public broadcaster NHK said on Thursday that Omi and other health experts had compiled proposals for the Games. The proposals will state that banning live spectators will be the least risky way method and that if spectators are to be allowed, there should be more restrictions than those applied to other large-scale events.

Tokyo 2020: Japan to ease state of emergency, focus on Games spectators

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates arrived in Japan on Tuesday, as organisers ramp up final preparations with just over five weeks until the pandemic-postponed Games open.

Ahead of his arrival, several dozen people protested against the Games in Tokyo, though recent opinion polls suggest public opposition may be weakening.

Later Tuesday, organisers will release the final version of their virus countermeasures for athletes in a so-called "playbook" that they say will keep the event safe.

They have already announced measures including daily testing for athletes and GPS tracking of journalists coming from abroad, in an attempt to reassure a sceptical public.

National polls have regularly shown most people in Japan oppose holding the Games this summer, preferring either a postponement or cancellation.

But with the first foreign athletes already in the country and Olympic officials arriving, there is some evidence that opposition may be declining.

"I hope they will hold the Games with spectators," 54-year-old Michiyo Saito told AFP in Ota City, north of Tokyo, which is hosting Australia's softball team ahead of the Games.

Several hundred residents turned out Tuesday to watch the team train.

"They came from very far away, so I wanted to support them in any small way I can," Saito said.

"I am scared of the coronavirus. But as they seem to have anti-virus measures in place, I thought it would be OK."

<h2>- Emergency restrictions to end -</h2>

A survey in early June found half of the Japanese public back holding the Games, and a new poll published late Monday showed 64 percent now support it going ahead.

The new survey by national broadcaster NHK found 31 percent of respondents want the Games cancelled, down from 49 percent in May.

In all, 64 percent said they want the Games to go ahead -- including 29 percent who favour a ban on spectators, 32 percent who want limited spectators and three percent who want no restrictions on fans.

The poll did not give the option of postponement, which organisers have ruled out.

Coates will be in quarantine for three days, according to local media, and subject to some restrictions on his movement after that.

Japan's mandatory 14-day quarantine for overseas arrivals is being relaxed for Olympic participants.

But organisers insist that Tokyo 2020 will be safe, with athletes tested daily and prevented from contact with Japan's public.

Around 84 percent of athletes have already been vaccinated, Coates told the Australian Financial Review newspaper before departing for Tokyo.

"We can never get to 100 percent, I don't imagine, but if we can try and identify who hasn't been vaccinated and ensure they're vaccinated," he said.

Athletes from some Asian and African countries are being flown to Qatar for vaccines, while South American athletes are being flown to Miami and Houston for shots organised by the IOC, he said.

Overseas fans have already been barred from the Games, with a decision on how many domestic spectators will be allowed expected in late June.

The ruling will come after a virus state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of the country, mainly requiring bars and restaurants to close early and stop serving alcohol, is lifted on June 20.

Kyodo news agency reported late Monday that the government could keep some restrictions in place in Tokyo during the Games, potentially limiting the number of spectators who could attend.

Japan has seen a smaller outbreak than many countries, with just over 14,000 deaths, but Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government has come under fire for its response.

On Tuesday, opposition parties filed a motion of no confidence, but it is expected to fail given the government's large majority.

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates arrived in Japan on Tuesday, as organisers ramp up final preparations with just over five weeks until the pandemic-postponed Games open.

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates arrived in Japan on Tuesday, as organisers ramp up final preparations with just over five weeks until the pandemic-postponed Games open. Ahead of his arrival, several dozen people protested against the Games in Tokyo, though recent opinion polls suggest public opposition may be weakening. Later Tuesday, organisers will release the final version of their virus countermeasures for athletes in a so-called "playbook" that they say will keep the event safe. They have already announced measures including daily testing for athletes and GPS tracking of journalists coming from abroad, in an attempt to reassure a sceptical public. National polls have regularly shown most people in Japan oppose holding the Games this summer, preferring either a postponement or cancellation. But with the first foreign athletes already in the country and Olympic officials arriving, there is some evidence that opposition may be declining. "I hope they will hold the Games with spectators," 54-year-old Michiyo Saito told AFP in Ota City, north of Tokyo, which is hosting Australia's softball team ahead of the Games. Several hundred residents turned out Tuesday to watch the team train. "They came from very far away, so I wanted to support them in any small way I can," Saito said. "I am scared of the coronavirus. But as they seem to have anti-virus measures in place, I thought it would be OK." - Emergency restrictions to end - A survey in early June found half of the Japanese public back holding the Games, and a new poll published late Monday showed 64 percent now support it going ahead. The new survey by national broadcaster NHK found 31 percent of respondents want the Games cancelled, down from 49 percent in May. In all, 64 percent said they want the Games to go ahead -- including 29 percent who favour a ban on spectators, 32 percent who want limited spectators and three percent who want no restrictions on fans. The poll did not give the option of postponement, which organisers have ruled out. Coates will be in quarantine for three days, according to local media, and subject to some restrictions on his movement after that. Japan's mandatory 14-day quarantine for overseas arrivals is being relaxed for Olympic participants. But organisers insist that Tokyo 2020 will be safe, with athletes tested daily and prevented from contact with Japan's public. Around 84 percent of athletes have already been vaccinated, Coates told the Australian Financial Review newspaper before departing for Tokyo. "We can never get to 100 percent, I don't imagine, but if we can try and identify who hasn't been vaccinated and ensure they're vaccinated," he said. Athletes from some Asian and African countries are being flown to Qatar for vaccines, while South American athletes are being flown to Miami and Houston for shots organised by the IOC, he said. Overseas fans have already been barred from the Games, with a decision on how many domestic spectators will be allowed expected in late June. The ruling will come after a virus state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of the country, mainly requiring bars and restaurants to close early and stop serving alcohol, is lifted on June 20. Kyodo news agency reported late Monday that the government could keep some restrictions in place in Tokyo during the Games, potentially limiting the number of spectators who could attend. Japan has seen a smaller outbreak than many countries, with just over 14,000 deaths, but Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government has come under fire for its response. On Tuesday, opposition parties filed a motion of no confidence, but it is expected to fail given the government's large majority.

IOC vice-president in Japan as Olympic preparations ramp up

Senior Olympic official John Coates says a decision on whether spectators will be allowed at the Tokyo Games will be made at the end of June as part of a more general ruling for all sports events in Japan, the Australian said on Friday.

The Japanese government has already decided that fans from overseas will not be permitted because of the fourth wave of the COVID-19 which has forced Tokyo and other areas of the country into a state of emergency.

Coates, a vice president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the organisation's point man for the Games, said he hoped some spectators would be allowed.

"I'd love to see (crowds) and I think the athletes would love to see it," he told reporters in Sydney on Friday.

"I think the decision will be put off until a decision on the whole of sport at the end of the month. The national leagues are still going on ...

"The government will make a decision on crowds and I think it will vary from venue to venue, it won't be a fixed percentage for all."

Polls have shown a majority of the Japanese public opposes holding the Games this year, worried about the flood of athletes and officials arriving in a country that has effectively been closed to foreign visitors since the pandemic broke out.

Coates said he was confident that the health protocols put in place by local organisers would keep both the population and the athletes safe, confidence boosted by the five test events held "successfully" in Japan this year.

"I'm very, very confident in the work undertaken by our Japanese hosts," he added.

"We've also got the experience since last November of some 240 international sporting events taking place around the world involving 50-60,000 athletes. It's on that basis that I'm confident."

The Games, which were postponed for a year because of the pandemic, will officially open on July 23.

Senior Olympic official John Coates says a decision on whether spectators will be allowed at the Tokyo Games will be made at the end of June as part of a more general ruling for all sports events in Japan, the Australian said on Friday.

Senior Olympic official John Coates says a decision on whether spectators will be allowed at the Tokyo Games will be made at the end of June as part of a more general ruling for all sports events in Japan, the Australian said on Friday. The Japanese government has already decided that fans from overseas will not be permitted because of the fourth wave of the COVID-19 which has forced Tokyo and other areas of the country into a state of emergency. Coates, a vice president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the organisation's point man for the Games, said he hoped some spectators would be allowed. "I'd love to see (crowds) and I think the athletes would love to see it," he told reporters in Sydney on Friday. "I think the decision will be put off until a decision on the whole of sport at the end of the month. The national leagues are still going on ... "The government will make a decision on crowds and I think it will vary from venue to venue, it won't be a fixed percentage for all." Polls have shown a majority of the Japanese public opposes holding the Games this year, worried about the flood of athletes and officials arriving in a country that has effectively been closed to foreign visitors since the pandemic broke out. Coates said he was confident that the health protocols put in place by local organisers would keep both the population and the athletes safe, confidence boosted by the five test events held "successfully" in Japan this year. "I'm very, very confident in the work undertaken by our Japanese hosts," he added. "We've also got the experience since last November of some 240 international sporting events taking place around the world involving 50-60,000 athletes. It's on that basis that I'm confident." The Games, which were postponed for a year because of the pandemic, will officially open on July 23.

Tokyo 2020: Crowds decision to be part of wider ruling on sport: Coates

The Japanese government is considering ending a state of emergency in Tokyo and several other prefectures as scheduled on June 20, but keeping some curbs such as on restaurant hours until the Olympics start in July, the Mainichi daily reported.

New coronavirus infections in Olympics city Tokyo have inched down during the last month of emergency restrictions although authorities remain concerned about the spread of variants and the continued strain on medical resources.

On Friday, the head of Japan's main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Yukio Edano, called for the global sporting event to be postponed or cancelled, warning there was an "extremely high risk" of an explosive outbreak in August and September if they went ahead.

The Mainichi newspaper reported on Friday the government would ask restaurants to keep shorter hours and impose other curbs under the targeted quasi-emergency measures. Bars and restaurants are now asked to close by 8 p.m. and are banned from serving alcohol.

A final decision is expected late next week, a few days before the end of the current emergency state, which also covers the northern island of Hokkaido, host of the marathon event.

Polls have shown many of the Japanese public oppose holding the Games this year, worried about the flood of athletes and officials from overseas. Japan has effectively been closed to foreign visitors since the pandemic broke out last year.

The Japanese government and Olympic organisers have said the Games would go ahead - barring "Armageddon", as one International Olympic Committee (IOC) member put it. The Olympics are scheduled to start on July 23.

NOT TOO LATE

Opposition leader Edano said it was not too late to cancel or postpone the Games.

"I can understand the desire to go ahead for the sake of the athletes, but they should either postpone for another year or cancel the Games," Edano told a news conference.

A team of experts led by government adviser Hiroshi Nishiura said this week Japan could be forced to declare another state of emergency in August if the current measures were lifted on June 20, since summer holidays and the Games could spark a rise in infections and the spread of new variants.

In another potential headache for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government, the minister for digital transformation apologised for telling bureaucrats they should "threaten" the developer of a smartphone app aimed at monitoring the health of foreign visitors to the Games to force a reduction in cost, media reported.

Olympics organisers decided in March to ban spectators from abroad. Hirai's comments sparked outrage on social media.

"As one responsible for the people's precious tax money, I strongly wanted to eradicate waste," Kyodo news agency quoted Takuya Hirai as telling reporters. "The expression was inappropriate and I want to be careful in future."

Japan has recorded more than 760,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 13,800 deaths, while only 12% of its population has received at least one vaccination shot.

Japan plans to finish vaccinating all those who want shots by October-November, Suga said in parliament this week.

The Japanese government is considering ending a state of emergency in Tokyo and several other prefectures as scheduled on June 20, but keeping some curbs such as on restaurant hours until the Olympics start in July, the Mainichi daily reported.

The Japanese government is considering ending a state of emergency in Tokyo and several other prefectures as scheduled on June 20, but keeping some curbs such as on restaurant hours until the Olympics start in July, the Mainichi daily reported. New coronavirus infections in Olympics city Tokyo have inched down during the last month of emergency restrictions although authorities remain concerned about the spread of variants and the continued strain on medical resources. On Friday, the head of Japan's main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Yukio Edano, called for the global sporting event to be postponed or cancelled, warning there was an "extremely high risk" of an explosive outbreak in August and September if they went ahead. The Mainichi newspaper reported on Friday the government would ask restaurants to keep shorter hours and impose other curbs under the targeted quasi-emergency measures. Bars and restaurants are now asked to close by 8 p.m. and are banned from serving alcohol. A final decision is expected late next week, a few days before the end of the current emergency state, which also covers the northern island of Hokkaido, host of the marathon event. Polls have shown many of the Japanese public oppose holding the Games this year, worried about the flood of athletes and officials from overseas. Japan has effectively been closed to foreign visitors since the pandemic broke out last year. The Japanese government and Olympic organisers have said the Games would go ahead - barring "Armageddon", as one International Olympic Committee (IOC) member put it. The Olympics are scheduled to start on July 23. NOT TOO LATE Opposition leader Edano said it was not too late to cancel or postpone the Games. "I can understand the desire to go ahead for the sake of the athletes, but they should either postpone for another year or cancel the Games," Edano told a news conference. A team of experts led by government adviser Hiroshi Nishiura said this week Japan could be forced to declare another state of emergency in August if the current measures were lifted on June 20, since summer holidays and the Games could spark a rise in infections and the spread of new variants. In another potential headache for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government, the minister for digital transformation apologised for telling bureaucrats they should "threaten" the developer of a smartphone app aimed at monitoring the health of foreign visitors to the Games to force a reduction in cost, media reported. Olympics organisers decided in March to ban spectators from abroad. Hirai's comments sparked outrage on social media. "As one responsible for the people's precious tax money, I strongly wanted to eradicate waste," Kyodo news agency quoted Takuya Hirai as telling reporters. "The expression was inappropriate and I want to be careful in future." Japan has recorded more than 760,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 13,800 deaths, while only 12% of its population has received at least one vaccination shot. Japan plans to finish vaccinating all those who want shots by October-November, Suga said in parliament this week.

Tokyo 2020: Japan may keep some virus curbs until Games start- Reports

Two days after Sifan Hassan smashed the world 10,000 metres record in Hengelo, Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey – competing on the same track in the Dutch city – improved the mark by another five seconds to win the Ethiopian Trials on Tuesday.

Dutchwoman Hassan had run 29:06.82 to slice almost 10 seconds off the record set by Almaz Ayana at the 2016 Olympics but Gidey, who last year claimed the world 5,000m record, demolished that new mark to finish in 29:01.03, more than a minute ahead of Tuesday's runner-up Tsigie Gebreselama.

Until Ayana's gold medal performance in Rio nobody had got near Chinese runner Wang Junixa's controversial 1993 record of 29:31.78 but shoe technology featuring carbon plates and thick foam insoles is enabling athletes to rip up the record books.

“I expected to run a world record,” said the 23-year-old Gidey, who was aided by Wavelight Technology and becomes the first woman to hold both the 5,000m and 10,000m world records since Norway's Ingrid Kristiansen from 1986-1993.

“What a special night, I am so proud that after the 5,000 metres world record I am now the 10,000 metres world record holder as well. In this Olympic year it is the perfect preparation (for next month's Tokyo Games).”

Two days after Sifan Hassan smashed the world 10,000 metres record in Hengelo, Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey – competing on the same track in the Dutch city – improved the mark by another five seconds to win the Ethiopian Trials on Tuesday.

Two days after Sifan Hassan smashed the world 10,000 metres record in Hengelo, Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey – competing on the same track in the Dutch city – improved the mark by another five seconds to win the Ethiopian Trials on Tuesday. Dutchwoman Hassan had run 29:06.82 to slice almost 10 seconds off the record set by Almaz Ayana at the 2016 Olympics but Gidey, who last year claimed the world 5,000m record, demolished that new mark to finish in 29:01.03, more than a minute ahead of Tuesday's runner-up Tsigie Gebreselama. Until Ayana's gold medal performance in Rio nobody had got near Chinese runner Wang Junixa's controversial 1993 record of 29:31.78 but shoe technology featuring carbon plates and thick foam insoles is enabling athletes to rip up the record books. “I expected to run a world record,” said the 23-year-old Gidey, who was aided by Wavelight Technology and becomes the first woman to hold both the 5,000m and 10,000m world records since Norway's Ingrid Kristiansen from 1986-1993. “What a special night, I am so proud that after the 5,000 metres world record I am now the 10,000 metres world record holder as well. In this Olympic year it is the perfect preparation (for next month's Tokyo Games).”

Tokyo 2020: Gidey breaks two-day-old 10,000m world record

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

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

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

Tokyo Olympics: Bromell runs fastest 100 meters this year

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

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

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

Japan Olympic Committee board member blasts Tokyo Games organisers

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

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

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

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

Around 10,000 of 80,000 planned Tokyo 2020 Olympic volunteers have quit, organisers have revealed as they battle persistent doubts over the Games with just 50 days until the opening ceremony.

Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto ruled out a further postponement of the Games, speaking to a Japan sports paper, and said the cancellation would only happen in catastrophic circumstance such as most delegations not being able to come to Japan.

Organisers will later Thursday mark 50 days to go when they unveil details about the medal ceremonies, in the latest attempt to build public enthusiasm despite polls showing most people in Japan want the Games delayed or cancelled.

Japan is battling the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, with Tokyo and several other parts of the country under a state of emergency due to last until a month before the Games.

On Wednesday night, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told local media that around 10,000 volunteers -- who are vital to the smooth running of the massive event -- have quit, largely over coronavirus concerns.

Others dropped out after the Games were postponed by a year, or in protest over sexist remarks made by Hashimoto's predecessor who was forced to resign.

Some of the volunteers are likely also to be among the approximately 80 per cent of people in Japan who oppose hosting the Games this year, according to opinion polls.

But surveys among the population of Tokyo have found a more even split between those in favour and opposed to holding the Games.

Muto said the reduction in volunteers would not affect the running of the Games because the event has been scaled back, so fewer people are needed.

Participants cut

Overseas fans have already been barred from attending, and a decision on whether to allow domestic spectators is expected later this month after the state of emergency in Tokyo ends on June 20.

The number of overseas officials and participants coming for the Games has been cut by about half, to around 78,000, with calls for further reductions.

Hashimoto reiterated that the Games are on and will be safe for participants and the Japanese public in an interview published Thursday, saying the cancellation was virtually inconceivable.

"If various countries around the world experience very serious situations and delegations from most countries can't come, then we wouldn't be able to hold it," she told the Nikkan Sports daily.

"But conversely, unless such a situation emerges, the Games will not be cancelled."

Australia's softball team earlier this week became the first Olympic athletes to arrive in Japan for the Olympics, a major step forward.

Hashimoto said she believed the tide of public opinion could be turning as Japan's initially slow vaccine campaign begins to speed up.

"We are hearing more and more voices from people saying 'if this is the case, the Olympics may be able to take place," she said.

Japan has seen a smaller Covid-19 outbreak than many countries, with just over 13,000 deaths. Around 2.9 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

Around 10,000 of 80,000 planned Tokyo 2020 Olympic volunteers have quit, organisers have revealed as they battle persistent doubts over the Games with just 50 days until the opening ceremony.

Around 10,000 of 80,000 planned Tokyo 2020 Olympic volunteers have quit, organisers have revealed as they battle persistent doubts over the Games with just 50 days until the opening ceremony. Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto ruled out a further postponement of the Games, speaking to a Japan sports paper, and said the cancellation would only happen in catastrophic circumstance such as most delegations not being able to come to Japan. Organisers will later Thursday mark 50 days to go when they unveil details about the medal ceremonies, in the latest attempt to build public enthusiasm despite polls showing most people in Japan want the Games delayed or cancelled. Japan is battling the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, with Tokyo and several other parts of the country under a state of emergency due to last until a month before the Games. On Wednesday night, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told local media that around 10,000 volunteers -- who are vital to the smooth running of the massive event -- have quit, largely over coronavirus concerns. Others dropped out after the Games were postponed by a year, or in protest over sexist remarks made by Hashimoto's predecessor who was forced to resign. Some of the volunteers are likely also to be among the approximately 80 per cent of people in Japan who oppose hosting the Games this year, according to opinion polls. But surveys among the population of Tokyo have found a more even split between those in favour and opposed to holding the Games. Muto said the reduction in volunteers would not affect the running of the Games because the event has been scaled back, so fewer people are needed. Participants cut Overseas fans have already been barred from attending, and a decision on whether to allow domestic spectators is expected later this month after the state of emergency in Tokyo ends on June 20. The number of overseas officials and participants coming for the Games has been cut by about half, to around 78,000, with calls for further reductions. Hashimoto reiterated that the Games are on and will be safe for participants and the Japanese public in an interview published Thursday, saying the cancellation was virtually inconceivable. "If various countries around the world experience very serious situations and delegations from most countries can't come, then we wouldn't be able to hold it," she told the Nikkan Sports daily. "But conversely, unless such a situation emerges, the Games will not be cancelled." Australia's softball team earlier this week became the first Olympic athletes to arrive in Japan for the Olympics, a major step forward. Hashimoto said she believed the tide of public opinion could be turning as Japan's initially slow vaccine campaign begins to speed up. "We are hearing more and more voices from people saying 'if this is the case, the Olympics may be able to take place," she said. Japan has seen a smaller Covid-19 outbreak than many countries, with just over 13,000 deaths. Around 2.9 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

10,000 Olympic volunteers quit ahead of Games: Organisers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed Indian athlete's preparedness for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics on Thursday and told the officials to get the athlete and support staff travelling for the games vaccinated as soon as possible.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/badminton-cant-say-field-becomes-easy-pv-sindhu-on-carolina-marins-withdrawal-from-tokyo-2020-389186" hreflang="en">Badminton- 'Can’t say field becomes easy': PV Sindhu on Carolina Marin's withdrawal from Tokyo 2020</a>

“From vaccination to training facilities, every need of our sportspersons must be fulfilled on top priority,” PM Modi told the officials, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office.

“While a total of 19 Indian athletes had participated at the last Paralympics in 2016 at Rio de Janeiro. 26 para-athletes have qualified (this year) and 16 more athletes are likely to qualify…,” the PMO statement said.

The Indian Prime Minister also said that he will talk to the contingent travelling to the Olympics in July to encourage them and wish them luck for the Summer Games.&nbsp;

Tokyo Olympics was postponed by a year due to a raging coronavirus pandemic. However, despite COVID fears still at large, Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto, on Thursday, said that the Games cannot be postponed again.&nbsp;

Seiko Hashimoto countered the gloom, telling the Nikkan Sports newspaper: "We cannot postpone again."

Hashimoto, who competed in seven summers and winter Olympics as a cyclist and skater, also told the BBC that while the Japanese were understandably worried, they should be reassured that a "bubble situation" was being carefully constructed.

"I believe that the possibility of these Games going on is 100 per cent that we will do this," she added. "One thing the organising committee commits and promises to all the athletes out there is that we will defend and protect their health."

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga also seemed confident of pulling off a successful Olympics and Paralympics as he plans a snap vote afterwards, the Asahi newspaper said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed Indian athlete's preparedness for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics on Thursday and told the officials to get the athlete and support staff travelling for the games vaccinated as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed Indian athlete's preparedness for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics on Thursday and told the officials to get the athlete and support staff travelling for the games vaccinated as soon as possible. ALSO READ: Badminton- 'Can’t say field becomes easy': PV Sindhu on Carolina Marin's withdrawal from Tokyo 2020 “From vaccination to training facilities, every need of our sportspersons must be fulfilled on top priority,” PM Modi told the officials, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office. “While a total of 19 Indian athletes had participated at the last Paralympics in 2016 at Rio de Janeiro. 26 para-athletes have qualified (this year) and 16 more athletes are likely to qualify…,” the PMO statement said. The Indian Prime Minister also said that he will talk to the contingent travelling to the Olympics in July to encourage them and wish them luck for the Summer Games. Tokyo Olympics was postponed by a year due to a raging coronavirus pandemic. However, despite COVID fears still at large, Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto, on Thursday, said that the Games cannot be postponed again. Seiko Hashimoto countered the gloom, telling the Nikkan Sports newspaper: "We cannot postpone again." Hashimoto, who competed in seven summers and winter Olympics as a cyclist and skater, also told the BBC that while the Japanese were understandably worried, they should be reassured that a "bubble situation" was being carefully constructed. "I believe that the possibility of these Games going on is 100 per cent that we will do this," she added. "One thing the organising committee commits and promises to all the athletes out there is that we will defend and protect their health." Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga also seemed confident of pulling off a successful Olympics and Paralympics as he plans a snap vote afterwards, the Asahi newspaper said.

Tokyo 2020: PM Narendra Modi directs officials to vaccinate athletes 'on top priority'

Spanish ace Carolina Marin withdrew from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday after suffering tears in her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and both meniscus on her left knee.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-chief-rules-out-delay-despite-pandemic-fears-389114" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020 chief rules out delay despite pandemic fears</a>

With Carolina's withdrawal, social media began analysing PV Sindhu's increased chances to win a gold medal for India in the much-awaited Summer Games.&nbsp;

Current World Champion PV Sindhu lost to Carolina Marin in the 2016 Rio Olympics and had to settle for a silver medal. However, Sindhu said that the competition will still be difficult despite Marin's absence.&nbsp;

“It is unfortunate she had to pull out due to injury, I really hope she has a speedy recovery,” Sindhu, 25, said from Hyderabad on Wednesday. “She has been a great competitor for me and we share a good equation.”

Sindhu said: “I can’t say the field becomes easy because the top 10 participants are all great at their game and I will still need to give it my best and focus on getting results one match at a time.”

In the head-to-head stat, Marin has a 9-5 career record against Sindhu. Recently, Marin defeated Sindhu in the Swiss Open final at Basel in March.&nbsp;

“In women’s singles, the top 10 are of the same standard, be it Tai Tzu Ying, Ratchanok (Intanon), Chen Yu Fei, (Nozomi) Okuhara, Carolina, (Akane) Yamaguchi, An Seyoung or Pornpawee (Chochuwong). I cannot take even one match easy as everybody is going to be at their 100 percent. Plus, everybody has their own set of skills,” world No.7 said.

“Now everybody will not know each other’s game because we haven’t played for two-and-a-half months. So, they’ll come and use their skill, tactics, everything. We’ll have to watch out for everyone and shouldn’t go with one strategy because everybody’s going to improve their game, learn new skills and techniques. We have to be ready and prepared for everything.”

Spanish ace Carolina Marin withdrew from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday after suffering tears in her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and both meniscus on her left knee.

Spanish ace Carolina Marin withdrew from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday after suffering tears in her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and both meniscus on her left knee. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020 chief rules out delay despite pandemic fears With Carolina's withdrawal, social media began analysing PV Sindhu's increased chances to win a gold medal for India in the much-awaited Summer Games. Current World Champion PV Sindhu lost to Carolina Marin in the 2016 Rio Olympics and had to settle for a silver medal. However, Sindhu said that the competition will still be difficult despite Marin's absence. “It is unfortunate she had to pull out due to injury, I really hope she has a speedy recovery,” Sindhu, 25, said from Hyderabad on Wednesday. “She has been a great competitor for me and we share a good equation.” Sindhu said: “I can’t say the field becomes easy because the top 10 participants are all great at their game and I will still need to give it my best and focus on getting results one match at a time.” In the head-to-head stat, Marin has a 9-5 career record against Sindhu. Recently, Marin defeated Sindhu in the Swiss Open final at Basel in March. “In women’s singles, the top 10 are of the same standard, be it Tai Tzu Ying, Ratchanok (Intanon), Chen Yu Fei, (Nozomi) Okuhara, Carolina, (Akane) Yamaguchi, An Seyoung or Pornpawee (Chochuwong). I cannot take even one match easy as everybody is going to be at their 100 percent. Plus, everybody has their own set of skills,” world No.7 said. “Now everybody will not know each other’s game because we haven’t played for two-and-a-half months. So, they’ll come and use their skill, tactics, everything. We’ll have to watch out for everyone and shouldn’t go with one strategy because everybody’s going to improve their game, learn new skills and techniques. We have to be ready and prepared for everything.”

Badminton- 'Can’t say field becomes easy': PV Sindhu on Carolina Marin's withdrawal from Tokyo 2020

Taiwan has pulled out of the final baseball qualifying tournament for the Tokyo Olympics after failing to secure a training facility and because of concerns over the health of the players in Mexico.

Ranked fourth in the world, Taiwan was originally scheduled to host the tournament before a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country forced the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) to move it to Puebla, Mexico.

Mexico is still reporting thousands of new COVID-19 cases a day and health ministry data released on Wednesday said that 228,146 people had died since the start of the pandemic.

The surge in COVID-19 cases in Taiwan was also behind the refusal of the Yunlin County local government to let the squad prepare at training fields under their jurisdiction, the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association said in a statement.

"We apologise to all team staff who originally expressed their willingness to participate and we thank them for their dedication," the statement released late on Wednesday added.

Taiwan, which competes as Chinese Taipei at the Olympics, has won only 22 medals at previous Summer Games, including a baseball silver in Barcelona in 1992.

Baseball is returning to the Games for the first time since Beijing 2008, when Taiwan finished fifth in the group stage to just miss out on the medal rounds.

Six nations will compete for gold in Tokyo with hosts Japan, Israel, Mexico and South Korea already qualified.

The Americas qualifying tournament, which offers one ticket to Tokyo, is ongoing in the United States with the final berth up for grabs in Puebla from June 22-26.

China pulled out of the final Olympic qualification tournament last month, leaving a five-team event now reduced to four with Taiwan's withdrawal.

Australia and Netherlands are the two teams confirmed for the tournament with the second and third-placed teams from the Americas qualifiers set to join them.

"At this stage Team Australia is still planning to attend," Baseball Australia Chief Executive Glenn Williams told Reuters by e-mail on Thursday.

"The complexity of the location change so close to the event is providing challenges but we are working on trying to meet those challenges."

Taiwan has pulled out of the final baseball qualifying tournament for the Tokyo Olympics after failing to secure a training facility and because of concerns over the health of the players in Mexico.

Taiwan has pulled out of the final baseball qualifying tournament for the Tokyo Olympics after failing to secure a training facility and because of concerns over the health of the players in Mexico. Ranked fourth in the world, Taiwan was originally scheduled to host the tournament before a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country forced the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) to move it to Puebla, Mexico. Mexico is still reporting thousands of new COVID-19 cases a day and health ministry data released on Wednesday said that 228,146 people had died since the start of the pandemic. The surge in COVID-19 cases in Taiwan was also behind the refusal of the Yunlin County local government to let the squad prepare at training fields under their jurisdiction, the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association said in a statement. "We apologise to all team staff who originally expressed their willingness to participate and we thank them for their dedication," the statement released late on Wednesday added. Taiwan, which competes as Chinese Taipei at the Olympics, has won only 22 medals at previous Summer Games, including a baseball silver in Barcelona in 1992. Baseball is returning to the Games for the first time since Beijing 2008, when Taiwan finished fifth in the group stage to just miss out on the medal rounds. Six nations will compete for gold in Tokyo with hosts Japan, Israel, Mexico and South Korea already qualified. The Americas qualifying tournament, which offers one ticket to Tokyo, is ongoing in the United States with the final berth up for grabs in Puebla from June 22-26. China pulled out of the final Olympic qualification tournament last month, leaving a five-team event now reduced to four with Taiwan's withdrawal. Australia and Netherlands are the two teams confirmed for the tournament with the second and third-placed teams from the Americas qualifiers set to join them. "At this stage Team Australia is still planning to attend," Baseball Australia Chief Executive Glenn Williams told Reuters by e-mail on Thursday. "The complexity of the location change so close to the event is providing challenges but we are working on trying to meet those challenges."

Olympics: Taiwan pulls out of baseball qualifying tournament over COVID-19 fears

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

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

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

Tokyo Olympics 2020 chief rules out delay despite pandemic fears

From Bach to Muto: Officials and politicians react on Yoshiro Mori resignation as Tokyo 2020 chief

Tokyo 2020: Olympic Stadium holds track and field test event without fans

Japan stands to lose 1.8 trillion yen ($16 billion) if the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;were canceled, but that would pale in comparison to the economic hit from emergency curbs if the Summer Games turned into a super-spreader event, a top economist estimated.

Takahide Kiuchi, the executive economist at Nomura Research Institute and a former Bank of Japan board member, said that the first nationwide state of emergency last spring had caused an estimated 6.4 trillion yen loss. Further losses have resulted from the second and presently third running state of emergency.

"If the Olympic Games&nbsp;trigger the spread of infections and necessitates another emergency declaration, then the economic loss would be much greater," Kiuchi said in a report published on Tuesday. The direct loss from a cancellation would be equivalent to a third of a percent of nominal gross domestic product GDP in fiscal 2020, he noted.

"These calculations suggest that the decision of whether to hold or cancel the Games should be made from the perspective of infection risk rather than economic loss," he concluded.

Olympic organizers have said the Games, postponed from last year, will go ahead by adopting strict safety measures, including ensuring that athletes don't mix with the Japanese public. The Games start on July 23.

Opinion polls have repeatedly shown the majority of the public is opposed to holding the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;during a pandemic.

Kiuchi's estimate supports the view expressed by Japanese tycoon and SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son, who argued in a series of tweets&nbsp;at the weekend that Japan could have a "lot to lose" if the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;led to a spike in infections.

Japan has recorded about 719,000 novel coronavirus cases. The numbers are low compared with other countries but much of Japan remains under emergency curbs due to a strained medical system, while its vaccination drive has been slow, with just 5% inoculated so far.

Japan stands to lose 1.8 trillion yen ($16 billion) if the Olympics were canceled, but that would pale in comparison to the economic hit from emergency curbs if the Summer Games turned into a super-spreader event, a top economist estimated.

Japan stands to lose 1.8 trillion yen ($16 billion) if the Olympics were canceled, but that would pale in comparison to the economic hit from emergency curbs if the Summer Games turned into a super-spreader event, a top economist estimated. Takahide Kiuchi, the executive economist at Nomura Research Institute and a former Bank of Japan board member, said that the first nationwide state of emergency last spring had caused an estimated 6.4 trillion yen loss. Further losses have resulted from the second and presently third running state of emergency. "If the Olympic Games trigger the spread of infections and necessitates another emergency declaration, then the economic loss would be much greater," Kiuchi said in a report published on Tuesday. The direct loss from a cancellation would be equivalent to a third of a percent of nominal gross domestic product GDP in fiscal 2020, he noted. "These calculations suggest that the decision of whether to hold or cancel the Games should be made from the perspective of infection risk rather than economic loss," he concluded. Olympic organizers have said the Games, postponed from last year, will go ahead by adopting strict safety measures, including ensuring that athletes don't mix with the Japanese public. The Games start on July 23. Opinion polls have repeatedly shown the majority of the public is opposed to holding the Olympics during a pandemic. Kiuchi's estimate supports the view expressed by Japanese tycoon and SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son, who argued in a series of tweets at the weekend that Japan could have a "lot to lose" if the Olympics led to a spike in infections. Japan has recorded about 719,000 novel coronavirus cases. The numbers are low compared with other countries but much of Japan remains under emergency curbs due to a strained medical system, while its vaccination drive has been slow, with just 5% inoculated so far.

Olympics: Japan's losses from COVID-19 curbs to dwarf Olympics no-go fallout, says economist

International Olympic Association (IOC) vice president John Coates on Thursday said that athletes are being encouraged to take the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the Tokyo Olympics but it will not be compulsory.&nbsp;

The comment comes after IOC chief Thomas Bach's statement, last month, where he said that individual national Olympic committees would coordinate vaccine roll-outs, but that he was not in favour of athletes "jumping the queue".

"Not compulsory, we can't do that," Coates, the head of the IOC's Coordination Commission for the Tokyo Games, told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday.

"But it is certainly being encouraged and the IOC has an agreement with COVAX where it's helping to facilitate the distribution of vaccines."

The postponed Olympics are set to kick off on July 23, and Coates, who is also president of the Australian Olympic Committee, expected Australia's athletes to be vaccinated by June at "the latest".

According to Coates, the Japanese government is expected to decide on how many fans could attend the Olympics by April. The Organisers of Tokyo 2020 are hopeful that the Games will be host spectators, while many believe the event might get cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

"A decision on all of the accredited people and all of those who have bought tickets in Japan will certainly be there," Coates said.

"A final decision will be taken by the Japanese government. It's governments that decide these things on what's safe and, a bit later, probably March, April ... a decision on what venue capacity we are going to have."

International Olympic Association (IOC) vice president John Coates on Thursday said that athletes are being encouraged to take the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the Tokyo Olympics but it will not be compulsory.

International Olympic Association (IOC) vice president John Coates on Thursday said that athletes are being encouraged to take the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the Tokyo Olympics but it will not be compulsory. The comment comes after IOC chief Thomas Bach's statement, last month, where he said that individual national Olympic committees would coordinate vaccine roll-outs, but that he was not in favour of athletes "jumping the queue". "Not compulsory, we can't do that," Coates, the head of the IOC's Coordination Commission for the Tokyo Games, told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday. "But it is certainly being encouraged and the IOC has an agreement with COVAX where it's helping to facilitate the distribution of vaccines." The postponed Olympics are set to kick off on July 23, and Coates, who is also president of the Australian Olympic Committee, expected Australia's athletes to be vaccinated by June at "the latest". According to Coates, the Japanese government is expected to decide on how many fans could attend the Olympics by April. The Organisers of Tokyo 2020 are hopeful that the Games will be host spectators, while many believe the event might get cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. "A decision on all of the accredited people and all of those who have bought tickets in Japan will certainly be there," Coates said. "A final decision will be taken by the Japanese government. It's governments that decide these things on what's safe and, a bit later, probably March, April ... a decision on what venue capacity we are going to have."

Encouraged but not compulsory: IOC vice president on athletes being vaccinated for Tokyo 2020

Tokyo Olympics chief on Friday said that Japan was committed to holding the Summer Olympics this year despite a surge in coronavirus cases which has resulted in fresh calls for the Games to again be postponed or cancelled.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/are-the-olympics-being-cancelled-it-remains-an-option-says-japanese-official-377711" hreflang="en">Will Olympics be cancelled? It remains an option, says Japan official</a>

"We're not thinking of cancelling the Olympics," Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said, speaking on behalf of the organising committee.

"We will continue to do what we can to implement a thorough safety regimen that will make people feel complete safety."

The Japanese government will be expanding quasi-emergency measures to 10 regions due to the fourth wave of coronavirus, which has raised doubts regarding hosting the Games.&nbsp;

Earlier, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters the government was considering adding Aichi, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba to six other prefectures already under contagion controls, including the cities of Tokyo and Osaka.

The final call is expected to be taken on Friday afternoon. According to the country's health experts, the COVID-19 pandemic has entered a fourth wave.

On Thursday, a senior from the ruling party said that cancelling this year's Olympics remains an option if the coronavirus situation if the virus outbreak worsens.&nbsp;

Japan has exhibited "poor performance" in containing virus transmission, along with limited testing capacity and a slow vaccination rollout, according to a commentary of health experts published in the British Medical Journal on Wednesday.

"Plans to hold the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer must be reconsidered as a matter of urgency," wrote lead author Kazuki Shimizu of the London School of Economics.

"Holding Tokyo 2020 for domestic political and economic purposes--ignoring scientific and moral imperatives--is contradictory to Japan's commitment to global health and human security."

(With inputs from agencies)

Tokyo Olympics chief on Friday said that Japan was committed to holding the Summer Olympics this year despite a surge in coronavirus cases which has resulted in fresh calls for the Games to again be postponed or cancelled.

Tokyo Olympics chief on Friday said that Japan was committed to holding the Summer Olympics this year despite a surge in coronavirus cases which has resulted in fresh calls for the Games to again be postponed or cancelled. ALSO READ: Will Olympics be cancelled? It remains an option, says Japan official "We're not thinking of cancelling the Olympics," Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said, speaking on behalf of the organising committee. "We will continue to do what we can to implement a thorough safety regimen that will make people feel complete safety." The Japanese government will be expanding quasi-emergency measures to 10 regions due to the fourth wave of coronavirus, which has raised doubts regarding hosting the Games. Earlier, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters the government was considering adding Aichi, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba to six other prefectures already under contagion controls, including the cities of Tokyo and Osaka. The final call is expected to be taken on Friday afternoon. According to the country's health experts, the COVID-19 pandemic has entered a fourth wave. On Thursday, a senior from the ruling party said that cancelling this year's Olympics remains an option if the coronavirus situation if the virus outbreak worsens. Japan has exhibited "poor performance" in containing virus transmission, along with limited testing capacity and a slow vaccination rollout, according to a commentary of health experts published in the British Medical Journal on Wednesday. "Plans to hold the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer must be reconsidered as a matter of urgency," wrote lead author Kazuki Shimizu of the London School of Economics. "Holding Tokyo 2020 for domestic political and economic purposes--ignoring scientific and moral imperatives--is contradictory to Japan's commitment to global health and human security." (With inputs from agencies)

Not thinking of cancelling the Olympics', says Tokyo 2020 chief amid surge in COVID infections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tokyo 2020 defends request for Olympic nurses as virus spikes

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

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

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

Tokyo 2020 organisers announce tougher COVID countermeasures

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer and world number two Daniil Medvedev all said they were keen to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but added their decision could change in the coming weeks.

Speaking ahead of his opening round Roland Garros match on Monday (May 31), Djokovic revealed that he might consider skipping the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;if the competitions are played without spectators.

Foreign spectators have already been banned and organizers are expected to make a decision next month on whether Japanese fans will be able to attend the Games, set to run between July 23 and Aug. 8, and under what conditions.

"I'm planning to play the Olympic Games for now. As I heard, there's going to be some crowd, local crowd from Japan only. As I understand, 20%, 30% of the capacity,"

"If they change something, if there's not going to be any crowd, then I'll consider if I want to go or not. Right now I am planning to go and I'm very excited about that," said Djokovic

Federer, who claimed a comfortable 6-2 6-4 6-3 first-round win over qualifier Denis Istomin, admitted his dream is to attend the Games but is still undecided.

"I feel two ways. I would love to play. I wish things were better around the world. My wish and hope and dream is that I can play it,"

"But it needs to make sense for me, my team, my family, and my country. So, I'm still waiting to see how things are going to develop in the next couple of weeks and months," added the Swiss veteran.

Meanwhile, Medvedev, off the back of a first-ever match win at the Paris slam, said he was excited to compete in Tokyo, but would be wary if there was a 14-day quarantine period rule.

"If you have to quarantine for 14 days in the room, I want to tell you nobody from tennis will go there,"

"So far from what I know, you can come there five days before the tournament, get used to the jet lag, get used to conditions and if these conditions stay, I think many people will go."

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer and world number two Daniil Medvedev all said they were keen to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but added their decision could change in the coming weeks.

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer and world number two Daniil Medvedev all said they were keen to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but added their decision could change in the coming weeks. Speaking ahead of his opening round Roland Garros match on Monday (May 31), Djokovic revealed that he might consider skipping the Olympics if the competitions are played without spectators. Foreign spectators have already been banned and organizers are expected to make a decision next month on whether Japanese fans will be able to attend the Games, set to run between July 23 and Aug. 8, and under what conditions. "I'm planning to play the Olympic Games for now. As I heard, there's going to be some crowd, local crowd from Japan only. As I understand, 20%, 30% of the capacity," "If they change something, if there's not going to be any crowd, then I'll consider if I want to go or not. Right now I am planning to go and I'm very excited about that," said Djokovic Federer, who claimed a comfortable 6-2 6-4 6-3 first-round win over qualifier Denis Istomin, admitted his dream is to attend the Games but is still undecided. "I feel two ways. I would love to play. I wish things were better around the world. My wish and hope and dream is that I can play it," "But it needs to make sense for me, my team, my family, and my country. So, I'm still waiting to see how things are going to develop in the next couple of weeks and months," added the Swiss veteran. Meanwhile, Medvedev, off the back of a first-ever match win at the Paris slam, said he was excited to compete in Tokyo, but would be wary if there was a 14-day quarantine period rule. "If you have to quarantine for 14 days in the room, I want to tell you nobody from tennis will go there," "So far from what I know, you can come there five days before the tournament, get used to the jet lag, get used to conditions and if these conditions stay, I think many people will go."

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Daniil Medvedev give their Olympic verdict

Japan is looking to extend a state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas by about three weeks to June 20, a cabinet minister said on Friday, as the COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of easing less than two months before the Summer Olympics open.

The state of emergency in the capital and eight other prefectures had been scheduled to end on May 31, but strains on the medical system https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/beset-by-coronavirus-wave-tokyos-doctors-lead-push-against-games-2021-05-26 remain severe. Japan's southern island of Okinawa is already under a state of emergency set to end on June 20.

Japan has seen a record number of COVID-19 patients in critical condition in recent days, even as the number of new infections has slowed.

"In Osaka and Tokyo, the flow of people is starting to creep up, and there are concerns that infections will rise," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who also heads the country's coronavirus countermeasures, said at the start of a meeting with experts.

The experts later approved the government proposal and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to officially announce the extended state of emergency later on Friday.

Worries about variants of the novel coronavirus and a slow vaccination drive have prompted urgent calls from doctors, some high-profile business leaders and hundreds of thousands of citizens to cancel the Olympic Games, due to start on July 23.

Japanese officials, Olympics organisers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have said the Games would go ahead under strict virus-prevention measures. IOC Vice President John Coates, who oversees the preparations, said last week the Games were on https://www.reuters.com/article/olympics-2020-idCNL2N2N80BL whether or not the host city, Tokyo, is under an emergency state at the time.

Japan has recorded about 727,000 coronavirus infections and 12,597 deaths so far. About 6% of its population has been vaccinated, according to Reuters data, https://tmsnrt.rs/3uqFNWb the lowest among the world's larger, rich countries.

ANGER MOUNTS

Comments by IOC officials appearing to dismiss Japanese concerns have sparked outrage on social media, including IOC President Thomas Bach telling an International Athletes Forum on Thursday: "Come with full confidence to Tokyo and get ready".

"I want to say 'shut up'," said one Twitter user. "Let's beat up on the IOC, which denigrates Japan, and halt these crazy Olympics."

Polls show a majority of Japanese want the Games, postponed last year due to COVID-19, either cancelled or put off again.

That is a worry for Suga, whose support has slid over his handling of the response to COVID-19 and who faces a general election and a ruling party leadership race later this year.

But cancellation would carry its own political risk for the premier, some ruling party lawmakers said.

"The demerits would outweigh the merits," Liberal Democratic Party MP Hajime Funada told Reuters. "It would give the impression that Japan is in such dire straits in cannot hold the Games."

In a joint statement after a summit on Thursday, the European Union and Japan backed Tokyo's hosting of the Olympic Games this year.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union had authorised the export to Japan of more than 100 million vaccine doses, enough to inoculate about 40% of the population. "We have of course said we are looking forward to the Olympics Games," she told a news conference.

Japan is looking to extend a state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas by about three weeks to June 20, a cabinet minister said on Friday, as the COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of easing less than two months before the Summer Olympics open.

Japan is looking to extend a state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas by about three weeks to June 20, a cabinet minister said on Friday, as the COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of easing less than two months before the Summer Olympics open. The state of emergency in the capital and eight other prefectures had been scheduled to end on May 31, but strains on the medical system https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/beset-by-coronavirus-wave-tokyos-doctors-lead-push-against-games-2021-05-26 remain severe. Japan's southern island of Okinawa is already under a state of emergency set to end on June 20. Japan has seen a record number of COVID-19 patients in critical condition in recent days, even as the number of new infections has slowed. "In Osaka and Tokyo, the flow of people is starting to creep up, and there are concerns that infections will rise," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who also heads the country's coronavirus countermeasures, said at the start of a meeting with experts. The experts later approved the government proposal and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to officially announce the extended state of emergency later on Friday. Worries about variants of the novel coronavirus and a slow vaccination drive have prompted urgent calls from doctors, some high-profile business leaders and hundreds of thousands of citizens to cancel the Olympic Games, due to start on July 23. Japanese officials, Olympics organisers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have said the Games would go ahead under strict virus-prevention measures. IOC Vice President John Coates, who oversees the preparations, said last week the Games were on https://www.reuters.com/article/olympics-2020-idCNL2N2N80BL whether or not the host city, Tokyo, is under an emergency state at the time. Japan has recorded about 727,000 coronavirus infections and 12,597 deaths so far. About 6% of its population has been vaccinated, according to Reuters data, https://tmsnrt.rs/3uqFNWb the lowest among the world's larger, rich countries. ANGER MOUNTS Comments by IOC officials appearing to dismiss Japanese concerns have sparked outrage on social media, including IOC President Thomas Bach telling an International Athletes Forum on Thursday: "Come with full confidence to Tokyo and get ready". "I want to say 'shut up'," said one Twitter user. "Let's beat up on the IOC, which denigrates Japan, and halt these crazy Olympics." Polls show a majority of Japanese want the Games, postponed last year due to COVID-19, either cancelled or put off again. That is a worry for Suga, whose support has slid over his handling of the response to COVID-19 and who faces a general election and a ruling party leadership race later this year. But cancellation would carry its own political risk for the premier, some ruling party lawmakers said. "The demerits would outweigh the merits," Liberal Democratic Party MP Hajime Funada told Reuters. "It would give the impression that Japan is in such dire straits in cannot hold the Games." In a joint statement after a summit on Thursday, the European Union and Japan backed Tokyo's hosting of the Olympic Games this year. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union had authorised the export to Japan of more than 100 million vaccine doses, enough to inoculate about 40% of the population. "We have of course said we are looking forward to the Olympics Games," she told a news conference.

Olympics: Japan looks to extend COVID-19 states of emergency ahead of Games

Japanese tycoon Masayoshi Son warned of significant dangers around holding the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;in Tokyo, where the government on Monday kicked off a mass vaccination drive to catch up with other countries and ensure a "safe and secure" Games.

In a series of tweets, the influential SoftBank Group CEO expressed bewilderment and concern about the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics, calling Japan a "vaccine laggard" and saying the slow inoculation drive less than two months before the start of the Games could put people's lives at risk.

"Currently more than 80% of people want the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;to be postponed or canceled. Who and on what authority is it being forced through?" the billionaire executive wrote in a Twitter post in Japanese over the weekend.

In a follow-up tweet late on Sunday, Son wrote: "Does the IOC (International Olympic Committee) have the power to decide that the Games would go ahead?

"There's talk about a huge penalty (if the Games are canceled). But if 100,000 people from 200 countries descend on vaccine-laggard Japan and the mutant variant spreads, lives could be lost, subsidies could result if a state of emergency is called, and the gross domestic product could fall. If we consider what the public has to endure, I think we could have a lot more to lose."

Son's tweets followed comments on Friday https://www.reuters.com/article/olympics-2020-idCNL2N2N80BL from IOC Vice President John Coates that the games would "absolutely" go ahead even if Tokyo was under COVID-19 restrictions.

Earlier this month, Son said in a TV interview he was "afraid" of having the&nbsp;Olympics, partly due to the severity of the pandemic in some countries.

Japan remains under state-of-emergency curbs https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-approve-more-covid-19-vaccines-state-emergency-set-widen-2021-05-21 that have progressively been expanded as the fourth wave of infections rips through the population.

That contrasts with some other major economies that are beginning to ease lockdown measures as vaccinations race ahead. The Games begin on July 23.

Japan has delivered vaccinations to just 4.4% of its population, the slowest among the world's larger, rich countries, and has recorded 711,360 infections and 12,232 COVID-19 deaths from the virus.

The military began mass vaccinations in Tokyo and Osaka on Monday with the newly approved Moderna Inc dose. The medical system in the western city of Osaka is particularly feeling the pressure of surging infections.

The government has vowed to finish vaccinating all eligible elderly who wish to be inoculated by the end of July.

Japan's slow vaccination progress has kept the majority of the public opposed to holding the Games this year. A Reuters corporate survey found nearly 70% of Japanese firms also want the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;either canceled or postponed.

While opinion polls show strong opposition to the Games, public protests have been limited.

On Sunday, a group of fewer than 20 gathered in Tokyo's Shinjuku district, calling on the government to cancel the Games, holding placards like "No&nbsp;Olympics".

Meanwhile, aspiring Olympians continue to succumb to the virus that has killed more than three million worldwide.

A team of Australian skateboarders was disqualified from a qualifying event in the United States after three positive COVID-19 tests in their group.

IOC President Thomas Bach on the weekend added his voice to those insisting the Games proceed.

"The athletes definitely can make their Olympic dreams come true," Bach said in comments to the International Hockey Federation on Saturday, Indian media reported.

"We have to make some sacrifices to make this possible," he added.

Japanese tycoon Masayoshi Son warned of significant dangers around holding the Olympics in Tokyo, where the government on Monday kicked off a mass vaccination drive to catch up with other countries and ensure a "safe and secure" Games.

Japanese tycoon Masayoshi Son warned of significant dangers around holding the Olympics in Tokyo, where the government on Monday kicked off a mass vaccination drive to catch up with other countries and ensure a "safe and secure" Games. In a series of tweets, the influential SoftBank Group CEO expressed bewilderment and concern about the Tokyo Olympics, calling Japan a "vaccine laggard" and saying the slow inoculation drive less than two months before the start of the Games could put people's lives at risk. "Currently more than 80% of people want the Olympics to be postponed or canceled. Who and on what authority is it being forced through?" the billionaire executive wrote in a Twitter post in Japanese over the weekend. In a follow-up tweet late on Sunday, Son wrote: "Does the IOC (International Olympic Committee) have the power to decide that the Games would go ahead? "There's talk about a huge penalty (if the Games are canceled). But if 100,000 people from 200 countries descend on vaccine-laggard Japan and the mutant variant spreads, lives could be lost, subsidies could result if a state of emergency is called, and the gross domestic product could fall. If we consider what the public has to endure, I think we could have a lot more to lose." Son's tweets followed comments on Friday https://www.reuters.com/article/olympics-2020-idCNL2N2N80BL from IOC Vice President John Coates that the games would "absolutely" go ahead even if Tokyo was under COVID-19 restrictions. Earlier this month, Son said in a TV interview he was "afraid" of having the Olympics, partly due to the severity of the pandemic in some countries. Japan remains under state-of-emergency curbs https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-approve-more-covid-19-vaccines-state-emergency-set-widen-2021-05-21 that have progressively been expanded as the fourth wave of infections rips through the population. That contrasts with some other major economies that are beginning to ease lockdown measures as vaccinations race ahead. The Games begin on July 23. Japan has delivered vaccinations to just 4.4% of its population, the slowest among the world's larger, rich countries, and has recorded 711,360 infections and 12,232 COVID-19 deaths from the virus. The military began mass vaccinations in Tokyo and Osaka on Monday with the newly approved Moderna Inc dose. The medical system in the western city of Osaka is particularly feeling the pressure of surging infections. The government has vowed to finish vaccinating all eligible elderly who wish to be inoculated by the end of July. Japan's slow vaccination progress has kept the majority of the public opposed to holding the Games this year. A Reuters corporate survey found nearly 70% of Japanese firms also want the Olympics either canceled or postponed. While opinion polls show strong opposition to the Games, public protests have been limited. On Sunday, a group of fewer than 20 gathered in Tokyo's Shinjuku district, calling on the government to cancel the Games, holding placards like "No Olympics". Meanwhile, aspiring Olympians continue to succumb to the virus that has killed more than three million worldwide. A team of Australian skateboarders was disqualified from a qualifying event in the United States after three positive COVID-19 tests in their group. IOC President Thomas Bach on the weekend added his voice to those insisting the Games proceed. "The athletes definitely can make their Olympic dreams come true," Bach said in comments to the International Hockey Federation on Saturday, Indian media reported. "We have to make some sacrifices to make this possible," he added.

Olympics: SoftBank CEO slams Games as Japan races to catch up on vaccinations

Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch thought she had played her last match for Britain when she stepped away from the international hockey arena in the wake of her gold-medal-winning exploits at the Rio&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;in 2016.

Nine weeks before the scheduled start of the delayed Tokyo Games, however, the 32-year-old is back in her familiar role as her country's last line of defence.

Hinch became a household name in 2016, saving all four penalties in an Olympic final shoot-out against the Netherlands.

Two years later she relinquished the jersey and moved to the Netherlands to play club hockey, later saying she had struggled with the self-imposed pressure to perform like a "superhero" every time she put the pads on.

After time out of the spotlight, in 2019 Hinch returned and this weekend keeps the goal for Britain against the U.S. in the FIH Pro League in London as the Games build-up gathers pace.

"Taking a break I knew would put pressure on the shirt, having worked pretty hard to try and get it in the first place," Hinch told Reuters in an interview.

"Once you've got it and you're playing well you have to really play badly to lose it. When I let it go the other two were doing well and I knew if I came back I would have to earn it. It took a while to settle back in and prove to myself that I could still play at that level and still belong."

Hinch said the past year has been an emotional rollercoaster with matches cancelled and little time for team bonding.

To keep herself in shape she has spent hours working out in her garage with gym equipment provided by energy drink company Red Bull, whose stable of international athletes she is part of.

But while the 12-month postponement of the Games because of COVID-19 was frustrating, Hinch says it could benefit herself and a squad that is vastly different to the one that won gold in Rio.

"When it was cancelled it was a bit of a relief," Hinch, who disclosed recently that she was diagnosed with depression, said.

"It may be helped me as I had more time to bed in with the group. We had a new coach, a lot of new faces, so it gave me a bit more time to get more comfortable around the group.

"That took me longer than I anticipated. In that sense, I've been grateful to have the extra year, another year to settle."

Hinch knows Britain will have a target on their backs this time, even if the Dutch are favourites, and says despite Britain being ranked fifth by the FIH, they can defend their title.

She is careful, however, not to predict anything quite as dramatic as what happened in Rio.

"The fashion we did it last time would be hard to top," Hinch said. "That game was ridiculous really. It had everything and the showcase for hockey was amazing. But maybe if we can defend it the feeling would be even better.

"People have written us off but we still have the target on our backs. We are still the team that people will pay attention to. So I think it would be even sweeter to do it again."

Her knowledge of having "been there and done it" will hold the British team in good stead, with Hinch saying that whatever happens in the build-up often goes out the window in the pressure cooker of an Olympic tournament.

"We were seventh in the world before Rio and were bottom of the tournament just before," Hinch, capped 151 times, said.

"But within our bubble, we knew where we were at and where we could be and we brought it together at the right time."

With Hinch between the posts, Britain will have a chance -- and pity, anyone, trying to score a penalty against her.

Unlike soccer, since 2011 hockey's shoot-outs involve a one-on-one in which the outfield player has eight seconds to dribble from the 23-metre line and beat the keeper.

It's a scenario Hinch loves, just ask the Dutch.

"It's a little bit more of a showcase of skill," Hinch, who is launching her own training app for budding keepers, said.

"What I love about it is that it is very much a test of keeping in all aspects, being active, being brave, the mental aspect. I think it's a great way to decide on a game.

"In the old days (of the penalty stroke) you expected the player to score and if they did it's not really on the keeper. Now I back myself to save them."

Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch thought she had played her last match for Britain when she stepped away from the international hockey arena in the wake of her gold-medal-winning exploits at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch thought she had played her last match for Britain when she stepped away from the international hockey arena in the wake of her gold-medal-winning exploits at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Nine weeks before the scheduled start of the delayed Tokyo Games, however, the 32-year-old is back in her familiar role as her country's last line of defence. Hinch became a household name in 2016, saving all four penalties in an Olympic final shoot-out against the Netherlands. Two years later she relinquished the jersey and moved to the Netherlands to play club hockey, later saying she had struggled with the self-imposed pressure to perform like a "superhero" every time she put the pads on. After time out of the spotlight, in 2019 Hinch returned and this weekend keeps the goal for Britain against the U.S. in the FIH Pro League in London as the Games build-up gathers pace. "Taking a break I knew would put pressure on the shirt, having worked pretty hard to try and get it in the first place," Hinch told Reuters in an interview. "Once you've got it and you're playing well you have to really play badly to lose it. When I let it go the other two were doing well and I knew if I came back I would have to earn it. It took a while to settle back in and prove to myself that I could still play at that level and still belong." Hinch said the past year has been an emotional rollercoaster with matches cancelled and little time for team bonding. To keep herself in shape she has spent hours working out in her garage with gym equipment provided by energy drink company Red Bull, whose stable of international athletes she is part of. But while the 12-month postponement of the Games because of COVID-19 was frustrating, Hinch says it could benefit herself and a squad that is vastly different to the one that won gold in Rio. "When it was cancelled it was a bit of a relief," Hinch, who disclosed recently that she was diagnosed with depression, said. "It may be helped me as I had more time to bed in with the group. We had a new coach, a lot of new faces, so it gave me a bit more time to get more comfortable around the group. "That took me longer than I anticipated. In that sense, I've been grateful to have the extra year, another year to settle." Hinch knows Britain will have a target on their backs this time, even if the Dutch are favourites, and says despite Britain being ranked fifth by the FIH, they can defend their title. She is careful, however, not to predict anything quite as dramatic as what happened in Rio. "The fashion we did it last time would be hard to top," Hinch said. "That game was ridiculous really. It had everything and the showcase for hockey was amazing. But maybe if we can defend it the feeling would be even better. "People have written us off but we still have the target on our backs. We are still the team that people will pay attention to. So I think it would be even sweeter to do it again." Her knowledge of having "been there and done it" will hold the British team in good stead, with Hinch saying that whatever happens in the build-up often goes out the window in the pressure cooker of an Olympic tournament. "We were seventh in the world before Rio and were bottom of the tournament just before," Hinch, capped 151 times, said. "But within our bubble, we knew where we were at and where we could be and we brought it together at the right time." With Hinch between the posts, Britain will have a chance -- and pity, anyone, trying to score a penalty against her. Unlike soccer, since 2011 hockey's shoot-outs involve a one-on-one in which the outfield player has eight seconds to dribble from the 23-metre line and beat the keeper. It's a scenario Hinch loves, just ask the Dutch. "It's a little bit more of a showcase of skill," Hinch, who is launching her own training app for budding keepers, said. "What I love about it is that it is very much a test of keeping in all aspects, being active, being brave, the mental aspect. I think it's a great way to decide on a game. "In the old days (of the penalty stroke) you expected the player to score and if they did it's not really on the keeper. Now I back myself to save them."

Olympics: Maddie Hinch ready to be Britain's last line of defense again

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