The International Olympic Committee's longest-serving member assured Thursday that the Tokyo Games are "a go," as IOC officials huddled with local organizers for online talks.

"There's nothing to indicate that there's an elephant in the room that we don't know about," Richard Pound told AFP two months before the scheduled start of the Games, which have already been pushed from last year due to the pandemic.

Japanese public sentiment is against the mega event, with polls showing a majority in the country want the Olympics delayed further or altogether cancelled.

"Based on everything we know today it's a go," Pound said, adding, "I have my ticket."

"If the host country (Japan) doesn't want to host, it doesn't host," he said, but added that the IOC ultimately retains "the power to cancel the Games if the conditions are dangerous enough."

Organisers have outlined extensive virus countermeasures to keep the Olympics safe, including barring overseas fans for the first time ever.

But with Japan battling the fourth wave of infections, doctors' associations have warned that the healthcare system is already overstretched and the Games could add further stress.

As currently planned, there will be less "celebratory stuff, the streets (won't be) filled with athletes and spectators and so on. The excitement of being in an Olympic city, that's going to be a lot more subdued," Pound said.

Athletes will be tested for Covid-19 at the Tokyo airport upon arrival and then effectively isolated at the Olympic village. After competing, they will be asked to quickly leave the country.

"It's not going to have all the frills and bells and whistles that we've come to expect," he said. "That kind of ambience is not going to be there."

But "there will be Olympic competitions and the athletes from all 206 countries are expected to participate."

Pound, a former Canadian swimming champion who later became the first president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, acknowledged the pushback in Japan against the Games, but downplayed its likelihood of forcing a cancellation.

He drew parallels with the 1984 Games in Los Angeles in which there were concerns "about how many Olympic athletes were going to die because of the smog," and a Zika virus outbreak prior to the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

"It was the wrong season and the wrong area (for Zika) but people still thought that Zika would decimate the crowds and the athletes," he said. In the end, no foreign visitors to the Rio Games contracted the virus.

"So you've got to expect some of that stuff and just persist through it," he said, adding that "communications could be better to try and reassure the public at large."

"At the moment, the big question is will there be spectators and if so, what percentage of the venues will be available."

He said the IOC has agreed, in addition to banning foreign spectators, to halving the number of people with Olympic responsibilities entering Japan from overseas for the Olympics, which take place from July 23 to August 8.

If the Games are cancelled at the last minute, Pound said, "certainly there would be massive disappointment on the part of the athletes, (and) around the world that this opportunity could not be seized upon."

The IOC, sponsors, broadcasters and "almost anybody connected with the risks" of putting on the world's premier sporting event, he said, are insured for that eventuality.

Financial losses resulting from a cancellation "would be significant."

But it "would not put the entire international sports system or the Olympic movement in dire straits," Pound assured. "We'd have to tighten the belts a little bit of course but it certainly would not cause financial ruin."

It would, however, be regrettable for competitors as "three out of four Olympic athletes get one kick at the can," he said.

The Games have only been cancelled on three occasions, because of World War I in 1916 and due to World War II in 1940 and 1946.

The coronavirus pandemic, Pound said, is certainly the biggest "existential threat since the Spanish flu" (1918-1920), but he added that vaccines now exist for it, and "we know how to prevent the transmission of it with masks, social distancing and all that sort of stuff."

The International Olympic Committee's longest-serving member assured Thursday that the Tokyo Games are "a go," as IOC officials huddled with local organizers for online talks.

The International Olympic Committee's longest-serving member assured Thursday that the Tokyo Games are "a go," as IOC officials huddled with local organizers for online talks. "There's nothing to indicate that there's an elephant in the room that we don't know about," Richard Pound told AFP two months before the scheduled start of the Games, which have already been pushed from last year due to the pandemic. Japanese public sentiment is against the mega event, with polls showing a majority in the country want the Olympics delayed further or altogether cancelled. "Based on everything we know today it's a go," Pound said, adding, "I have my ticket." "If the host country (Japan) doesn't want to host, it doesn't host," he said, but added that the IOC ultimately retains "the power to cancel the Games if the conditions are dangerous enough." Organisers have outlined extensive virus countermeasures to keep the Olympics safe, including barring overseas fans for the first time ever. But with Japan battling the fourth wave of infections, doctors' associations have warned that the healthcare system is already overstretched and the Games could add further stress. As currently planned, there will be less "celebratory stuff, the streets (won't be) filled with athletes and spectators and so on. The excitement of being in an Olympic city, that's going to be a lot more subdued," Pound said. Athletes will be tested for Covid-19 at the Tokyo airport upon arrival and then effectively isolated at the Olympic village. After competing, they will be asked to quickly leave the country. "It's not going to have all the frills and bells and whistles that we've come to expect," he said. "That kind of ambience is not going to be there." But "there will be Olympic competitions and the athletes from all 206 countries are expected to participate." Pound, a former Canadian swimming champion who later became the first president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, acknowledged the pushback in Japan against the Games, but downplayed its likelihood of forcing a cancellation. He drew parallels with the 1984 Games in Los Angeles in which there were concerns "about how many Olympic athletes were going to die because of the smog," and a Zika virus outbreak prior to the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. "It was the wrong season and the wrong area (for Zika) but people still thought that Zika would decimate the crowds and the athletes," he said. In the end, no foreign visitors to the Rio Games contracted the virus. "So you've got to expect some of that stuff and just persist through it," he said, adding that "communications could be better to try and reassure the public at large." "At the moment, the big question is will there be spectators and if so, what percentage of the venues will be available." He said the IOC has agreed, in addition to banning foreign spectators, to halving the number of people with Olympic responsibilities entering Japan from overseas for the Olympics, which take place from July 23 to August 8. If the Games are cancelled at the last minute, Pound said, "certainly there would be massive disappointment on the part of the athletes, (and) around the world that this opportunity could not be seized upon." The IOC, sponsors, broadcasters and "almost anybody connected with the risks" of putting on the world's premier sporting event, he said, are insured for that eventuality. Financial losses resulting from a cancellation "would be significant." But it "would not put the entire international sports system or the Olympic movement in dire straits," Pound assured. "We'd have to tighten the belts a little bit of course but it certainly would not cause financial ruin." It would, however, be regrettable for competitors as "three out of four Olympic athletes get one kick at the can," he said. The Games have only been cancelled on three occasions, because of World War I in 1916 and due to World War II in 1940 and 1946. The coronavirus pandemic, Pound said, is certainly the biggest "existential threat since the Spanish flu" (1918-1920), but he added that vaccines now exist for it, and "we know how to prevent the transmission of it with masks, social distancing and all that sort of stuff."

International Olympic Committee veteran Pound says Tokyo Games 'a go'

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday assured that most athletes and members staying at the Tokyo Olympic Village will be vaccinated for coronavirus by the Games. The statement for IOC head came amidst fears of staging the mega event as COVID-19 cases soar in Japan.&nbsp;

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"The most important principle is very clear, the Olympic village is a safe place and the Olympic and Paralympic Games of Tokyo 2020 will be organised in a safe way," he said, appearing by video call.

"At this moment, already as many as 75 percent of the residents of the Olympic village are already vaccinated or have secured vaccination in time before the Olympic Games," Bach added.

Japan is still under a state of emergency due to rising cases of coronavirus, due to which, Thomas Bach had to cancel his visit to the country last week.&nbsp;

The Asian country is currently batting a fourth wave of coronavirus and two doctors' association have said that the Olympics will add extra pressure to already over-stretched medical facilities in Japan.&nbsp;

To address the situation, Bach said the IOC was willing to bring extra medical personnel.

"The IOC has offered to the organising committee to have additional medical personnel as part of the NOC (National Olympic Committee) delegations," Bach said, without detailing how many people could come.

The additional personnel would "support the medical operations and the strict implementation of the Covid-19 countermeasures in the Olympic Village and the Olympic venues," he added.

According to a survey conducted by the Kyodo news agency a month ago, around 72 per cent wanted the Summer Games to be cancelled or postponed.&nbsp;

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday assured that most athletes and members staying at the Tokyo Olympic Village will be vaccinated for coronavirus by the Games.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday assured that most athletes and members staying at the Tokyo Olympic Village will be vaccinated for coronavirus by the Games. The statement for IOC head came amidst fears of staging the mega event as COVID-19 cases soar in Japan. ALSO READ: Pelosi calls for US, world leaders to boycott China's 2022 Olympics "The most important principle is very clear, the Olympic village is a safe place and the Olympic and Paralympic Games of Tokyo 2020 will be organised in a safe way," he said, appearing by video call. "At this moment, already as many as 75 percent of the residents of the Olympic village are already vaccinated or have secured vaccination in time before the Olympic Games," Bach added. Japan is still under a state of emergency due to rising cases of coronavirus, due to which, Thomas Bach had to cancel his visit to the country last week. The Asian country is currently batting a fourth wave of coronavirus and two doctors' association have said that the Olympics will add extra pressure to already over-stretched medical facilities in Japan. To address the situation, Bach said the IOC was willing to bring extra medical personnel. "The IOC has offered to the organising committee to have additional medical personnel as part of the NOC (National Olympic Committee) delegations," Bach said, without detailing how many people could come. The additional personnel would "support the medical operations and the strict implementation of the Covid-19 countermeasures in the Olympic Village and the Olympic venues," he added. According to a survey conducted by the Kyodo news agency a month ago, around 72 per cent wanted the Summer Games to be cancelled or postponed.

Most in Tokyo Olympic Village will be vaccinated for COVID-19 by Games: IOC chief Thomas Bach

Dozens of Japanese towns have abandoned plans to host Olympic athletes because of concern they will overburden stretched medical resources amid the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Thursday.

Forty of more than 500 towns registered to welcome international competitors had decided not to accept athletes for training camps and cultural exchanges before the global sporting showpiece, the newspaper reported, citing a government source.

The reluctance of some towns to host visiting athletes, normally a source of pride for communities outside the host city, is the latest sign of deep unease in Japan over the scheduling of the Games in the middle of a pandemic.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were postponed last year and are scheduled to take place from July 23 to Aug. 8 despite a surge in infections and a state of emergency in the host city.

Other regions scheduled to host athletes have also been hard hit, including the eastern prefecture of Chiba, where the U.S. track and field team had been due to have a training camp. The prefecture reported on Wednesday that the team had cancelled those plans.

Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai said the prefecture would not guarantee hospital beds for athletes as they should not be given preferential treatment.

"Chiba prefecture is not thinking about securing scarce hospital beds ... for athletes and people involved in the Olympic Games in a way that would prohibit our residents from using them,” Kumagai told reporters.

Shiro Hasegawa, an official in Okuizumo town, said it was no longer possible to host India's hockey team for pre-Games training as planned.

"There's limited time and cost issues and it is impossible to have exchange activities between residents and athletes," he told Reuters.

Overseas athletes will also not participate in a test event for the Olympics BMX freestyle cycling, the Yomiuri newspaper said.

'TOUGH TIME'

Some municipalities have expressed concern about how Japan's medical system would cope if the Games turned into a superspreader event, concerns shared by Japan's top medical adviser.

"It is extremely important to evaluate how much medical care will be burdened," medical adviser Shigeru Omi told lawmakers on Thursday, repeating concern he has raised since April.

The International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday it was confident the Olympics would be a historic event.

But public opposition to the Games is growing as Japan struggles to contain new infections that are pushing medical resources to the brink.

A union of about 100 doctors called on Thursday for the government to cancel Games, saying that the health system faced collapse if they went ahead.

Some high-profile Japanese athletes are also questioning whether the Games should be held during a pandemic.

Masters golf champion Hideki Matsuyama said on Wednesday he had "mixed feelings" about the Olympics, after top women's tennis player, Naomi Osaka, raised concerns.

"Japan is seeing a lot of new infections now and is going through a tough time, so I can't imagine just blindly pushing the Olympics forward," Matsuyama said at a news conference.

The government has been criticised for not locking down hard enough and bungling the vaccine rollout. Only 2.8% of the population has been inoculated, the lowest rate among wealthy countries.

To forestall a virus outbreak during the event, Japan is preparing to offer vaccinations to about 2,500 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and support staff, using donated shots.

Japan reported more than 7,000 new infections on Wednesday, with 969 cases in Tokyo.

A record 712 daily coronavirus cases were confirmed on Thursday in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido where the Olympic marathon will take place, according to the government.

Dozens of Japanese towns have abandoned plans to host Olympic athletes because of concern they will overburden stretched medical resources amid the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Thursday.

Dozens of Japanese towns have abandoned plans to host Olympic athletes because of concern they will overburden stretched medical resources amid the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Thursday. Forty of more than 500 towns registered to welcome international competitors had decided not to accept athletes for training camps and cultural exchanges before the global sporting showpiece, the newspaper reported, citing a government source. The reluctance of some towns to host visiting athletes, normally a source of pride for communities outside the host city, is the latest sign of deep unease in Japan over the scheduling of the Games in the middle of a pandemic. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were postponed last year and are scheduled to take place from July 23 to Aug. 8 despite a surge in infections and a state of emergency in the host city. Other regions scheduled to host athletes have also been hard hit, including the eastern prefecture of Chiba, where the U.S. track and field team had been due to have a training camp. The prefecture reported on Wednesday that the team had cancelled those plans. Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai said the prefecture would not guarantee hospital beds for athletes as they should not be given preferential treatment. "Chiba prefecture is not thinking about securing scarce hospital beds ... for athletes and people involved in the Olympic Games in a way that would prohibit our residents from using them,” Kumagai told reporters. Shiro Hasegawa, an official in Okuizumo town, said it was no longer possible to host India's hockey team for pre-Games training as planned. "There's limited time and cost issues and it is impossible to have exchange activities between residents and athletes," he told Reuters. Overseas athletes will also not participate in a test event for the Olympics BMX freestyle cycling, the Yomiuri newspaper said. 'TOUGH TIME' Some municipalities have expressed concern about how Japan's medical system would cope if the Games turned into a superspreader event, concerns shared by Japan's top medical adviser. "It is extremely important to evaluate how much medical care will be burdened," medical adviser Shigeru Omi told lawmakers on Thursday, repeating concern he has raised since April. The International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday it was confident the Olympics would be a historic event. But public opposition to the Games is growing as Japan struggles to contain new infections that are pushing medical resources to the brink. A union of about 100 doctors called on Thursday for the government to cancel Games, saying that the health system faced collapse if they went ahead. Some high-profile Japanese athletes are also questioning whether the Games should be held during a pandemic. Masters golf champion Hideki Matsuyama said on Wednesday he had "mixed feelings" about the Olympics, after top women's tennis player, Naomi Osaka, raised concerns. "Japan is seeing a lot of new infections now and is going through a tough time, so I can't imagine just blindly pushing the Olympics forward," Matsuyama said at a news conference. The government has been criticised for not locking down hard enough and bungling the vaccine rollout. Only 2.8% of the population has been inoculated, the lowest rate among wealthy countries. To forestall a virus outbreak during the event, Japan is preparing to offer vaccinations to about 2,500 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and support staff, using donated shots. Japan reported more than 7,000 new infections on Wednesday, with 969 cases in Tokyo. A record 712 daily coronavirus cases were confirmed on Thursday in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido where the Olympic marathon will take place, according to the government.

Japanese towns drop plans to host Olympic athletes: Nikkei

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday said it backed Japanese measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 as was confident that the Tokyo Olympics would be a ‘historic’ event despite widespread public opposition.<o:p></o:p>

The Games commence on July 23 but the host country is still grappling with the dreaded virus. Several polls show that majority of the Japanese population wants the quadrennial event cancelled or postponed again. <o:p></o:p>

"We are now very much in an implementation phase with 78 days to go and fully concentrated on delivering the Games," IOC spokesman Mark Adams told during a virtual press conference.<o:p></o:p>

"When the Games happen and the Japanese people are proud hosts of an event that will be a historic moment, I think I am very confident we will see public opinion hugely in favour of the Games."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-neeraj-chopra-says-virus-restrictions-hit-olympic-hopes-384555" hreflang="en">India's Neeraj Chopra says virus restrictions hit Olympic hopes</a><o:p></o:p>

The virtual press conference, however, was ended abruptly after a protester, signed up as a journalist, asked a question before unfurling a banner that read “No to Olympics” and shouted profanities and “No Olympics anywhere” before being kicked out.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Japan has extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May as cases continue to rise. Even IOC president Thomas Bach’s visit to the country was postponed.

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An opinion survey conducted from May 7-9 by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily showed 59% of respondents wanted the Games cancelled as opposed to 39% who said they should be held. "Postponement" was not offered as an option.<o:p></o:p>

Another poll conducted at the weekend by TBS News found 65% wanted the Games cancelled or postponed again. More than 300,000 people have signed a petition to cancel the Games since it was launched about five days ago.<o:p></o:p>

"In terms of Japan and Tokyo we understand the caution," Adams said. "We are fully in solidarity with them. People are very cautious. We have to fully trust Japanese authorities."<o:p></o:p>

"There will be ups and downs (in public opinion).We have to take account of public opinion on a longer-term. As thing stand now we are moving full ahead. We continue to plan for full Games. That's the way it has to be for us."<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from agencies)<o:p></o:p>

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday said it backed Japanese measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 as was confident that the Tokyo Olympics would be a ‘historic’ event despite widespread public opposition.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday said it backed Japanese measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 as was confident that the Tokyo Olympics would be a ‘historic’ event despite widespread public opposition. The Games commence on July 23 but the host country is still grappling with the dreaded virus. Several polls show that majority of the Japanese population wants the quadrennial event cancelled or postponed again. "We are now very much in an implementation phase with 78 days to go and fully concentrated on delivering the Games," IOC spokesman Mark Adams told during a virtual press conference. "When the Games happen and the Japanese people are proud hosts of an event that will be a historic moment, I think I am very confident we will see public opinion hugely in favour of the Games." ALSO READ: India's Neeraj Chopra says virus restrictions hit Olympic hopes The virtual press conference, however, was ended abruptly after a protester, signed up as a journalist, asked a question before unfurling a banner that read “No to Olympics” and shouted profanities and “No Olympics anywhere” before being kicked out. Meanwhile, Japan has extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May as cases continue to rise. Even IOC president Thomas Bach’s visit to the country was postponed. ALSO READ: Hesitant Nadal joins chorus of concern about Olympics An opinion survey conducted from May 7-9 by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily showed 59% of respondents wanted the Games cancelled as opposed to 39% who said they should be held. "Postponement" was not offered as an option. Another poll conducted at the weekend by TBS News found 65% wanted the Games cancelled or postponed again. More than 300,000 people have signed a petition to cancel the Games since it was launched about five days ago. "In terms of Japan and Tokyo we understand the caution," Adams said. "We are fully in solidarity with them. People are very cautious. We have to fully trust Japanese authorities." "There will be ups and downs (in public opinion).We have to take account of public opinion on a longer-term. As thing stand now we are moving full ahead. We continue to plan for full Games. That's the way it has to be for us." (With inputs from agencies)

IOC confident of successful Tokyo Olympics despite widespread opposition

Serena Williams admitted that she hasn't "really thought much about" whether she will travel to Tokyo for the rescheduled&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;in July.

The 39-year-old, speaking at a press conference in Rome on Monday, May 10, hinted that if she was unable to travel to Tokyo with 3-year-old daughter Olympia, she would not go, saying: "I haven't spent 24 hours without her", but added:

"I've really been taking it one day at a time to a fault and I definitely need to figure out my next move."

Williams is in Rome to play her first match since her Australian Open semi-final exit in February but the American does not feel unprepared for the WTA 1000 event having had enough practice beforehand.

"I trained for the past two-and-a-half weeks at Patrick's (coach Mouratoglou's) academy, and then training a lot on the clay in the United States with team members," she said.

"So we had intense, several weeks of training, very intense.

"I feel good. I'm in Rome. I'm going to have some good matches here hopefully, and then I will be at another Grand Slam which always makes me excited."

The French Open begins at Roland Garros later this month and has been the least rewarding of the four majors for Williams, who won the last of her 23 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in 2017 before giving birth to Olympia.

She will probably fancy her chances more on the grass courts of Wimbledon, which will return with a raft of changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year after being canceled last year for the first time since World War II.

&nbsp;

Serena Williams admitted that she hasn't "really thought much about" whether she will travel to Tokyo for the rescheduled Olympics in July. The 39-year-old, speaking at a press conference in Rome on Monday, May 10, hinted that if she was unable to travel to Tokyo with 3-year-old daughter Olympia, she would not go, saying: "I haven't spent 24 hours without her", but added: "I've really been taking it one day at a time to a fault and I definitely need to figure out my next move.

Serena Williams admitted that she hasn't "really thought much about" whether she will travel to Tokyo for the rescheduled Olympics in July. The 39-year-old, speaking at a press conference in Rome on Monday, May 10, hinted that if she was unable to travel to Tokyo with 3-year-old daughter Olympia, she would not go, saying: "I haven't spent 24 hours without her", but added: "I've really been taking it one day at a time to a fault and I definitely need to figure out my next move." Williams is in Rome to play her first match since her Australian Open semi-final exit in February but the American does not feel unprepared for the WTA 1000 event having had enough practice beforehand. "I trained for the past two-and-a-half weeks at Patrick's (coach Mouratoglou's) academy, and then training a lot on the clay in the United States with team members," she said. "So we had intense, several weeks of training, very intense. "I feel good. I'm in Rome. I'm going to have some good matches here hopefully, and then I will be at another Grand Slam which always makes me excited." The French Open begins at Roland Garros later this month and has been the least rewarding of the four majors for Williams, who won the last of her 23 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in 2017 before giving birth to Olympia. She will probably fancy her chances more on the grass courts of Wimbledon, which will return with a raft of changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year after being canceled last year for the first time since World War II.

Serena Williams unsure of Tokyo Olympics participation

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates was adamant Saturday that nothing could stop the Tokyo Olympics from going ahead,&nbsp;despite ongoing risks from Covid-19.

Asked by AFP if there was any scenario in which the Games, which are due to start on July 23, could be cancelled or postponed again at this late stage, he replied: "No, there's not.

"The prime minister of Japan said that to the president of the United States two or three weeks ago. He continues to say that to the IOC.

"We're working with him (Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga) on all of the safety measures. It's going ahead."

Suga held talks with US President Joe Biden in April and stressed the Asian nation was doing everything possible to contain Covid-19 infections and hold a "safe and secure" Olympics.

But questions continue to be raised about the viability of the Games, given the ongoing pandemic and a virus state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of Japan being extended on Friday.

While Japan's Covid-19 outbreak remains much smaller than in many countries, with just over 10,500 deaths, its vaccine rollout is moving slowly and polls show most Japanese people support cancellation or another delay.

Coates, the point man for the Games as head of the IOC's coordination commission, said a huge amount of work had been done to ensure the safety of athletes and the Japanese public.

"We spent the first half of last year identifying all the worst-case scenarios," he told reporters in Sydney on the sidelines of the Australian Olympic Committee's annual general meeting.

"We spent the next six months looking at the countermeasures that are necessary.

"We're implementing those countermeasures, predicated on there being no vaccine, so that situation has improved. The Games will go ahead."

US drugs giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech on Thursday announced a deal with the IOC to provide vaccines to competitors and staff at the Games.

In a statement, the firms said they would coordinate with national sporting bodies to make sure that coronavirus vaccines are available to anyone who needs one before travelling to Japan.

<h2>'Safety comes first'&nbsp;</h2>

Coates said it was a big step forward.

"All of the precautions that we have been taking are aimed at the health of the athletes and the health of the people of Japan," he said, denying the IOC was putting sport and financial considerations before health.

"We've put an amazing amount of work into the procedures that ensure the safety of the athletes through testing ... boosted now by all athletes around the world now having access to the vaccine."

But he also admitted that not having the Japanese public fully on board was a concern.

"I think there's a correlation between the numbers who are concerned about their safety with the numbers who have been vaccinated in Japan," he said.

"And the numbers (vaccinated) are very small, particularly among the elderly. So as the vaccine is rolled out in Japan, I think that will improve.

"The other message we have to get across to them, and are getting across to them, is that these measures we've been taking and trialling at test events are working," he added.

While some Olympic test events and qualifiers have been postponed, cancelled or moved abroad, others, notably the diving World Cup, have been successfully held in Tokyo with athletes from overseas.

Coates revealed a Tunisian official at a recent rowing event in Tokyo tested positive for coronavirus, but said that only proved the tough measures were working.

"He tested okay before he left Tunisia, tested okay on arrival then three days later tested positive," he said.

"But the system worked and he was taken out of his team, the competition, and no one else tested positive. Sorry for him, but that was a very good experience (for organisers)."

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates was adamant Saturday that nothing could stop the Tokyo Olympics from going ahead, despite ongoing risks from Covid-19.

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates was adamant Saturday that nothing could stop the Tokyo Olympics from going ahead, despite ongoing risks from Covid-19. Asked by AFP if there was any scenario in which the Games, which are due to start on July 23, could be cancelled or postponed again at this late stage, he replied: "No, there's not. "The prime minister of Japan said that to the president of the United States two or three weeks ago. He continues to say that to the IOC. "We're working with him (Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga) on all of the safety measures. It's going ahead." Suga held talks with US President Joe Biden in April and stressed the Asian nation was doing everything possible to contain Covid-19 infections and hold a "safe and secure" Olympics. But questions continue to be raised about the viability of the Games, given the ongoing pandemic and a virus state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of Japan being extended on Friday. While Japan's Covid-19 outbreak remains much smaller than in many countries, with just over 10,500 deaths, its vaccine rollout is moving slowly and polls show most Japanese people support cancellation or another delay. Coates, the point man for the Games as head of the IOC's coordination commission, said a huge amount of work had been done to ensure the safety of athletes and the Japanese public. "We spent the first half of last year identifying all the worst-case scenarios," he told reporters in Sydney on the sidelines of the Australian Olympic Committee's annual general meeting. "We spent the next six months looking at the countermeasures that are necessary. "We're implementing those countermeasures, predicated on there being no vaccine, so that situation has improved. The Games will go ahead." US drugs giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech on Thursday announced a deal with the IOC to provide vaccines to competitors and staff at the Games. In a statement, the firms said they would coordinate with national sporting bodies to make sure that coronavirus vaccines are available to anyone who needs one before travelling to Japan. 'Safety comes first' Coates said it was a big step forward. "All of the precautions that we have been taking are aimed at the health of the athletes and the health of the people of Japan," he said, denying the IOC was putting sport and financial considerations before health. "We've put an amazing amount of work into the procedures that ensure the safety of the athletes through testing ... boosted now by all athletes around the world now having access to the vaccine." But he also admitted that not having the Japanese public fully on board was a concern. "I think there's a correlation between the numbers who are concerned about their safety with the numbers who have been vaccinated in Japan," he said. "And the numbers (vaccinated) are very small, particularly among the elderly. So as the vaccine is rolled out in Japan, I think that will improve. "The other message we have to get across to them, and are getting across to them, is that these measures we've been taking and trialling at test events are working," he added. While some Olympic test events and qualifiers have been postponed, cancelled or moved abroad, others, notably the diving World Cup, have been successfully held in Tokyo with athletes from overseas. Coates revealed a Tunisian official at a recent rowing event in Tokyo tested positive for coronavirus, but said that only proved the tough measures were working. "He tested okay before he left Tunisia, tested okay on arrival then three days later tested positive," he said. "But the system worked and he was taken out of his team, the competition, and no one else tested positive. Sorry for him, but that was a very good experience (for organisers)."

Nothing can stop Olympics from going ahead: IOC's Coates

International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach's planned visit to Japan has been cancelled as the Asian country extended its state of emergency in Tokyo, broadcaster NHK said on Friday citing unnamed sources.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/organisers-hail-diving-world-cup-after-anti-covid-measures-383497" hreflang="en">Organisers hail diving World Cup after anti-COVID measures</a>

Seiko Hashimoto, Tokyo 2020 chief, on Friday said that Bach's visit to the country was "difficult" amidst a "severe" situation with coronavirus cases showing no signs of abating and the government keeping infection countermeasures in place to slow the spread of the virus.

"I suspect that coming to Japan in the midst of this very severe situation would also be an emotional burden for President Bach," she said at a news conference held on Friday.

According to Japanese media reports, Bach would attend a torch relay ceremony in the western city of Hiroshima on May 17. However, Hashimoto is yet to confirm this visit.&nbsp;

Tokyo 2020 organisers will keep a close eye on the coronavirus situation and make a decision on Olympic spectators in June based on that, Hashimoto also said.

On Friday, Japan extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and four other areas until the end of May, meaning the measures would end less than two months before the Olympics start on July 23 after being postponed for a year due to the pandemic.

(Inputs from Reuters)

International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach's planned visit to Japan has been cancelled as the Asian country extended its state of emergency in Tokyo, broadcaster NHK said on Friday citing unnamed sources.

International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach's planned visit to Japan has been cancelled as the Asian country extended its state of emergency in Tokyo, broadcaster NHK said on Friday citing unnamed sources. ALSO READ: Organisers hail diving World Cup after anti-COVID measures Seiko Hashimoto, Tokyo 2020 chief, on Friday said that Bach's visit to the country was "difficult" amidst a "severe" situation with coronavirus cases showing no signs of abating and the government keeping infection countermeasures in place to slow the spread of the virus. "I suspect that coming to Japan in the midst of this very severe situation would also be an emotional burden for President Bach," she said at a news conference held on Friday. According to Japanese media reports, Bach would attend a torch relay ceremony in the western city of Hiroshima on May 17. However, Hashimoto is yet to confirm this visit. Tokyo 2020 organisers will keep a close eye on the coronavirus situation and make a decision on Olympic spectators in June based on that, Hashimoto also said. On Friday, Japan extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and four other areas until the end of May, meaning the measures would end less than two months before the Olympics start on July 23 after being postponed for a year due to the pandemic. (Inputs from Reuters)

IOC President Bach's visit to Japan to be cancelled due to state of emergency: Reports

Organisers of the diving World Cup in Tokyo hailed on Friday the "successful" staging of the event after implementing strict COVID-19 countermeasures for more than 400 participants. 
 
In what was seen as a dress rehearsal for bringing in international athletes for the Olympics during the pandemic, the diving World Cup, held May 1-6 at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, doubled as a test event for the upcoming Summer Games. 
 
It and a volleyball test event between Japan and China, held May 1-2, marked the first time overseas athletes participated in test events since they were restarted last month. 
 
"During the six-days of competition for this World Cup (attended by 224 athletes from 46 nations), strict COVID-19 countermeasures were put in place in order to ensure the health and protection of all those taking part in the event," the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and International Swimming Federation, FINA, said in a joint statement. 
 
"All participants fully complied with the measures in place and FINA and Tokyo 2020 really appreciated their efforts," the statement said. 
 
As previously announced, only one positive COVID-19 case was found, in a team official upon arrival in Japan. The person was immediately quarantined and no close contacts were identified by Japanese authorities, the statement said. 
 
Overall there were 438 participants, including athletes, coaches and team officials, it said. 
 
A marathon test event held in the northern city of Sapporo on Wednesday included six runners from overseas. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said Tokyo organisers had delivered both on an operational level and in their COVID-19 precautions. 
 
An athletics test event scheduled for Sunday is also expected to have international athletes participating. 
&nbsp;

Organisers of the diving World Cup in Tokyo hailed on Friday the "successful" staging of the event after implementing strict COVID-19 countermeasures for more than 400 participants.

Organisers of the diving World Cup in Tokyo hailed on Friday the "successful" staging of the event after implementing strict COVID-19 countermeasures for more than 400 participants. In what was seen as a dress rehearsal for bringing in international athletes for the Olympics during the pandemic, the diving World Cup, held May 1-6 at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, doubled as a test event for the upcoming Summer Games. It and a volleyball test event between Japan and China, held May 1-2, marked the first time overseas athletes participated in test events since they were restarted last month. "During the six-days of competition for this World Cup (attended by 224 athletes from 46 nations), strict COVID-19 countermeasures were put in place in order to ensure the health and protection of all those taking part in the event," the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and International Swimming Federation, FINA, said in a joint statement. "All participants fully complied with the measures in place and FINA and Tokyo 2020 really appreciated their efforts," the statement said. As previously announced, only one positive COVID-19 case was found, in a team official upon arrival in Japan. The person was immediately quarantined and no close contacts were identified by Japanese authorities, the statement said. Overall there were 438 participants, including athletes, coaches and team officials, it said. A marathon test event held in the northern city of Sapporo on Wednesday included six runners from overseas. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said Tokyo organisers had delivered both on an operational level and in their COVID-19 precautions. An athletics test event scheduled for Sunday is also expected to have international athletes participating.

Organisers hail diving World Cup after anti-COVID measures

Following the postponement of the Malaysia Open, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) has reached out to the world body, Badminton World Federation (BWF) asking for clarity on the qualification scenario for its shuttlers and future course of action.

The Super 750 event was scheduled from May 25-30 and also considered an Olympic qualification tournament. With four of its players, PV Sindhu, B Sai Praneeth, Chirag Shetty, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, have already sealed places for Tokyo, BAI expecting few more players to qualify including Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth.

"It`s really unfortunate that the crucial qualifier had to be postponed in this way but that is the time we live in now. Though four of our players have already qualified and there are few more including Saina and Srikanth who can still make it. I have reached out to BWF Secretary Thomas Lund asking for clarity on the future course of action," BAI General Secretary Ajay Singhania said in an official statement.

With the postponement of the Malaysia Open, the qualification hopes of the remaining Indian players now depends on the final qualifying event--Singapore Open (June 1-6). Singapore has suspended all the flights from Covid-hit India.

However, BAI is in touch with the Singapore Badminton Association and is trying to find the best possible way regarding the mandatory 21-day quarantine rule. "We will do whatever best possible can be done to find a better way out so that the shuttlers get the chance to secure the Olympic berths if there is any scope and opportunity," Singhania added.

Last month, India Open 2021 was postponed due to the upsurge in coronavirus cases here in the national capital. India Open is classified as BWF World Tour Super 500 event and was one of the last few qualification events for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The tournament was to be conducted behind closed doors at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi from May 11-16.&nbsp;

Following the postponement of the Malaysia Open, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) has reached out to the world body, Badminton World Federation (BWF) asking for clarity on the qualification scenario for its shuttlers and future course of action.

Following the postponement of the Malaysia Open, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) has reached out to the world body, Badminton World Federation (BWF) asking for clarity on the qualification scenario for its shuttlers and future course of action. The Super 750 event was scheduled from May 25-30 and also considered an Olympic qualification tournament. With four of its players, PV Sindhu, B Sai Praneeth, Chirag Shetty, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, have already sealed places for Tokyo, BAI expecting few more players to qualify including Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth. "It`s really unfortunate that the crucial qualifier had to be postponed in this way but that is the time we live in now. Though four of our players have already qualified and there are few more including Saina and Srikanth who can still make it. I have reached out to BWF Secretary Thomas Lund asking for clarity on the future course of action," BAI General Secretary Ajay Singhania said in an official statement. With the postponement of the Malaysia Open, the qualification hopes of the remaining Indian players now depends on the final qualifying event--Singapore Open (June 1-6). Singapore has suspended all the flights from Covid-hit India. However, BAI is in touch with the Singapore Badminton Association and is trying to find the best possible way regarding the mandatory 21-day quarantine rule. "We will do whatever best possible can be done to find a better way out so that the shuttlers get the chance to secure the Olympic berths if there is any scope and opportunity," Singhania added. Last month, India Open 2021 was postponed due to the upsurge in coronavirus cases here in the national capital. India Open is classified as BWF World Tour Super 500 event and was one of the last few qualification events for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The tournament was to be conducted behind closed doors at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi from May 11-16.

BAI writes to BWF after postponement of Malaysia Open, seeks clarity on Tokyo qualification

Six people who helped with Japan's Olympic Torch relay were diagnosed with COVID-19, bringing the total number of participants in the event who got the coronavirus to eight, organizers said.

The six people, who included a man in his 20s and another man in his 30s, helped on the relay in the southern prefecture of Kagoshima on April 27, Tokyo 2020 said in a statement late on Saturday.

All of them assisted with traffic control and wore masks, with three of them doing so in the city of Amami and the other three in the city of Kirishima, said the organizers.

Earlier last month, two other people who helped with the torch relay on the southern island of Shikoku were diagnosed with COVID-19, including a police officer in his 30s who guided traffic in Kagawa prefecture.

The Tokyo 2020 organizers urged people to comply with COVID-19 guidelines.

Japanese authorities are determined to protect Games participants and a local population that opinion surveys have shown is largely opposed to the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;due to fears the event will lead to more COVID-19 infections.

Japan last month declared a COVID-19 state of emergency for the major population centers of Tokyo and Osaka and two other areas set to last until May 11 to contain the fourth wave of infections.

The Games, delayed by a year because of the pandemic, are scheduled to open on July 23.

Six people who helped with Japan's Olympic Torch relay were diagnosed with COVID-19, bringing the total number of participants in the event who got the coronavirus to eight, organizers said.

Six people who helped with Japan's Olympic Torch relay were diagnosed with COVID-19, bringing the total number of participants in the event who got the coronavirus to eight, organizers said. The six people, who included a man in his 20s and another man in his 30s, helped on the relay in the southern prefecture of Kagoshima on April 27, Tokyo 2020 said in a statement late on Saturday. All of them assisted with traffic control and wore masks, with three of them doing so in the city of Amami and the other three in the city of Kirishima, said the organizers. Earlier last month, two other people who helped with the torch relay on the southern island of Shikoku were diagnosed with COVID-19, including a police officer in his 30s who guided traffic in Kagawa prefecture. The Tokyo 2020 organizers urged people to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. Japanese authorities are determined to protect Games participants and a local population that opinion surveys have shown is largely opposed to the Olympics due to fears the event will lead to more COVID-19 infections. Japan last month declared a COVID-19 state of emergency for the major population centers of Tokyo and Osaka and two other areas set to last until May 11 to contain the fourth wave of infections. The Games, delayed by a year because of the pandemic, are scheduled to open on July 23.

Tokyo Olympics: Six torch staffers diagnosed with COVID-19

This summer's virus-postponed Olympics could be held behind closed doors,&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;2020 president Seiko Hashimoto told AFP on Friday, pledging to ensure the Games will be safe.

Former Olympian Hashimoto said the Games could only be a success if organisers "completely protect" athletes and people in Japan, and that she is hopeful people will "be glad" the event went ahead.

Overseas spectators have already been barred from the Games, and this week a decision on domestic fans was delayed until June, with organisers citing a new wave of infections in Japan.

"There might be a situation where we can't allow any spectators to attend," Hashimoto conceded in an interview.

"The only way that we can call the Games a success is if we completely protect the lives and health of athletes and the people of Japan."

Most people in Japan back either a further delay of the Games or an outright cancellation, and a recent surge in virus cases has prompted a state of emergency in&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;and other parts of the country.

With the medical system already under pressure, Olympic organisers have been criticised for requesting volunteer medical staff for the Games.

Hashimoto said cutting spectators could ease pressure on the medical system.

"If the event itself does change, I think it will be with regard to spectators," she said.

"That is one area where we might be able to reduce the anxiety of people who are worried about the medical system."&nbsp;

The Games have never been cancelled outside of wartime and organisers have made it clear that they see no possibility of either further delay or a cancellation.

In a bid to win public confidence, they have released rulebooks mandating daily testing for athletes and limiting their movement.

But there will be no quarantine required for athletes, and vaccines will not be mandatory.

Hashimoto said the rules would continue to be refined, and she felt "a big responsibility to show the Games can be held safely".

"I want to show that clearly as we work towards the Games," she said.

When the Games were postponed last year, officials said the delayed event would be held as proof that humanity had triumphed over the virus.

But with the pandemic still raging, Hashimoto said the emphasis would be on hope and unity.

"It will show that the world can come together no matter how hard times are. I think this is a time when we can show that we are united," she said.

Japan has experienced a smaller virus outbreak than many countries, with just over 10,000 deaths despite avoiding the harsh lockdowns seen elsewhere.

But the recent spike in infections has played havoc with Olympic preparations, forcing changes to test events and qualifiers and prompting several regions to take the nationwide torch relay off public roads.

Hashimoto said organisers accepted that the situation would continue to change, and that they were running simulations to adapt as necessary.

"The organising committee is thinking about what needs to be done to make sure the event is not cancelled," she said.

Olympic officials have defended their determination to continue with the Games despite the pandemic and public opposition, and Hashimoto said she wants "lots of people to be glad that we held the Games".

"My big goal is to prepare for the Games in a way that makes people feel that way."

Hashimoto, 56, is former athlete who competed at seven consecutive winter and summer Games in speed skating and as a sprint cyclist.

She took over as&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;2020 president in February, after her predecessor was forced to resign over sexist comments.

She was previously Olympic minister and one of just two women in the cabinet, and has pushed for better gender equality at&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;2020.

But she said Japan is still not a place where women can feel they want to get involved in politics or business.

"I want to see an environment where it's easier for a woman to put her hand up and say she wants to do that," she added.

"I think my position is to clear the way for more women of the next generation to be able to do that."

This summer's virus-postponed Olympics could be held behind closed doors, Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto told AFP on Friday, pledging to ensure the Games will be safe.

This summer's virus-postponed Olympics could be held behind closed doors, Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto told AFP on Friday, pledging to ensure the Games will be safe. Former Olympian Hashimoto said the Games could only be a success if organisers "completely protect" athletes and people in Japan, and that she is hopeful people will "be glad" the event went ahead. Overseas spectators have already been barred from the Games, and this week a decision on domestic fans was delayed until June, with organisers citing a new wave of infections in Japan. "There might be a situation where we can't allow any spectators to attend," Hashimoto conceded in an interview. "The only way that we can call the Games a success is if we completely protect the lives and health of athletes and the people of Japan." Most people in Japan back either a further delay of the Games or an outright cancellation, and a recent surge in virus cases has prompted a state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of the country. With the medical system already under pressure, Olympic organisers have been criticised for requesting volunteer medical staff for the Games. Hashimoto said cutting spectators could ease pressure on the medical system. "If the event itself does change, I think it will be with regard to spectators," she said. "That is one area where we might be able to reduce the anxiety of people who are worried about the medical system." The Games have never been cancelled outside of wartime and organisers have made it clear that they see no possibility of either further delay or a cancellation. In a bid to win public confidence, they have released rulebooks mandating daily testing for athletes and limiting their movement. But there will be no quarantine required for athletes, and vaccines will not be mandatory. Hashimoto said the rules would continue to be refined, and she felt "a big responsibility to show the Games can be held safely". "I want to show that clearly as we work towards the Games," she said. When the Games were postponed last year, officials said the delayed event would be held as proof that humanity had triumphed over the virus. But with the pandemic still raging, Hashimoto said the emphasis would be on hope and unity. "It will show that the world can come together no matter how hard times are. I think this is a time when we can show that we are united," she said. Japan has experienced a smaller virus outbreak than many countries, with just over 10,000 deaths despite avoiding the harsh lockdowns seen elsewhere. But the recent spike in infections has played havoc with Olympic preparations, forcing changes to test events and qualifiers and prompting several regions to take the nationwide torch relay off public roads. Hashimoto said organisers accepted that the situation would continue to change, and that they were running simulations to adapt as necessary. "The organising committee is thinking about what needs to be done to make sure the event is not cancelled," she said. Olympic officials have defended their determination to continue with the Games despite the pandemic and public opposition, and Hashimoto said she wants "lots of people to be glad that we held the Games". "My big goal is to prepare for the Games in a way that makes people feel that way." Hashimoto, 56, is former athlete who competed at seven consecutive winter and summer Games in speed skating and as a sprint cyclist. She took over as Tokyo 2020 president in February, after her predecessor was forced to resign over sexist comments. She was previously Olympic minister and one of just two women in the cabinet, and has pushed for better gender equality at Tokyo 2020. But she said Japan is still not a place where women can feel they want to get involved in politics or business. "I want to see an environment where it's easier for a woman to put her hand up and say she wants to do that," she added. "I think my position is to clear the way for more women of the next generation to be able to do that."

Tokyo Olympics could be held without fans: Games chief

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

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

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

Olympic Torch taken through water and over a spectacular bridge

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

India's Vinesh Phogat believes she has mentally toughened up since her injury at the 2016 Rio Olympics and is confident of putting behind the heartbreak with a medal in Tokyo this year.

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

India's Vinesh Phogat eyes Tokyo redemption

Mirabai Chanu has achieved a massive milestone after setting a new World Record in the women's 49kg Clean and Jerk with a massive 119kg lift on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-virat-kohli-to-rashid-khan-top-7-ipl-2021-stars-and-their-cricketing-idols-378258">IN PICS- From Kohli to Rashid: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols</a>

The Indian weightlifter also recorded a new personal best of 205kg (86+119). Her previous personal best was 203 kgs that she achieved in the National championships in Kolkata last year.

With this, Chanu clinched a bronze medal at the Asian Weightlifting Championship, which is her first tournament after over a year.&nbsp;

The former World Champion was off to a rough start as she failed twice in Snatch before lifting 86kg in her final attempt, however, she bounced back in the Clean and Jerk as she lifted 113 kg, 117kg and 119kg to storm to the bronze. The final list (119 kgs) set the new world record shattering the previous one which was held by Chinese lifter Jiang Huihua at 118 kgs.&nbsp;

As per chief National coach Vijay Sharma, Mirabai will qualify for Olympics (Tokyo 2020) after taking part in the Asian championships as she fulfilled the requirement of taking part in six designated events in the prescribed time frame.

Mirabai Chanu has achieved a massive milestone after setting a new World Record in the women's 49kg Clean and Jerk with a massive 119kg lift on Saturday. ALSO READ: IN PICS- From Kohli to Rashid: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols The Indian weightlifter also recorded a new personal best of 205kg (86+119).

Mirabai Chanu has achieved a massive milestone after setting a new World Record in the women's 49kg Clean and Jerk with a massive 119kg lift on Saturday. ALSO READ: IN PICS- From Kohli to Rashid: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols The Indian weightlifter also recorded a new personal best of 205kg (86+119). Her previous personal best was 203 kgs that she achieved in the National championships in Kolkata last year. With this, Chanu clinched a bronze medal at the Asian Weightlifting Championship, which is her first tournament after over a year. The former World Champion was off to a rough start as she failed twice in Snatch before lifting 86kg in her final attempt, however, she bounced back in the Clean and Jerk as she lifted 113 kg, 117kg and 119kg to storm to the bronze. The final list (119 kgs) set the new world record shattering the previous one which was held by Chinese lifter Jiang Huihua at 118 kgs. As per chief National coach Vijay Sharma, Mirabai will qualify for Olympics (Tokyo 2020) after taking part in the Asian championships as she fulfilled the requirement of taking part in six designated events in the prescribed time frame.

Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu sets a new world record in Clean and Jerk event

UN Women, a United Nations entity for gender equality and women`s empowerment, on Friday said that the 2021 Tokyo Olympics will have close to equal representation of women and men competing for the first time in its history. 
 
The Tokyo Games, which are three months away, will see the percentage of women competing&nbsp;touch 48.8 per cent for the first time in the history of modern Olympics. They will compete in 46 disciplines - one more than men - in the quadrennial event. 
 
"For comparison, only 22 women (2.2 per cent) out of 997 athletes competed in the modern @Olympics for the first time in 1900. The Tokyo2020 Olympics will have close to equal representation of women and men competing for the first time in its history," tweeted the global organisation. 
 
They also posted a GIF, tracing the history of the growth of women athletes - and disciplines - over a period of 124 years of the Olympic movement. 
 
For the record, the first modern Olympics, hosted by Athens in 1896, had 280 male participants from 13 nations. 
 
The Games truly became global in 1924 Paris when 3,089 athletes competed, of which 135 were women. 
 
According to UN Women, the 1900 Paris Olympics had 2.2 per cent participation by women; it came down to 0.9 per cent in 1904 and by the 1932 Games in Los Angeles, the percentage had risen to nine. 
 
By the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, the percentage of women had gone up to 26, and of the 8,400-odd athletes, about 2,200 were women. 
 
Discipline-wise too, while only four were designated for women, compared to men`s 21 in 1904, it had risen to 40 in 2008 Beijing as compared to men, who competed in 41 events. 
 
Women competed in more disciplines at the 2016 Rio Olympics -- 41 as compared to men in 40 disciplines - with their percentage standing at 45. 
 
The Tokyo Olympics will see nearly half of the athletes -- 48.8 per cent - being women competing in 46 disciplines as compared to men who will take part in 45.

UN Women, a United Nations entity for gender equality and women`s empowerment, on Friday said that the 2021 Tokyo Olympics will have close to equal representation of women and men competing for the first time in its history.

UN Women, a United Nations entity for gender equality and women`s empowerment, on Friday said that the 2021 Tokyo Olympics will have close to equal representation of women and men competing for the first time in its history. The Tokyo Games, which are three months away, will see the percentage of women competing touch 48.8 per cent for the first time in the history of modern Olympics. They will compete in 46 disciplines - one more than men - in the quadrennial event. "For comparison, only 22 women (2.2 per cent) out of 997 athletes competed in the modern @Olympics for the first time in 1900. The Tokyo2020 Olympics will have close to equal representation of women and men competing for the first time in its history," tweeted the global organisation. They also posted a GIF, tracing the history of the growth of women athletes - and disciplines - over a period of 124 years of the Olympic movement. For the record, the first modern Olympics, hosted by Athens in 1896, had 280 male participants from 13 nations. The Games truly became global in 1924 Paris when 3,089 athletes competed, of which 135 were women. According to UN Women, the 1900 Paris Olympics had 2.2 per cent participation by women; it came down to 0.9 per cent in 1904 and by the 1932 Games in Los Angeles, the percentage had risen to nine. By the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, the percentage of women had gone up to 26, and of the 8,400-odd athletes, about 2,200 were women. Discipline-wise too, while only four were designated for women, compared to men`s 21 in 1904, it had risen to 40 in 2008 Beijing as compared to men, who competed in 41 events. Women competed in more disciplines at the 2016 Rio Olympics -- 41 as compared to men in 40 disciplines - with their percentage standing at 45. The Tokyo Olympics will see nearly half of the athletes -- 48.8 per cent - being women competing in 46 disciplines as compared to men who will take part in 45.

Women to set new benchmarks at Tokyo Olympics

A senior Japanese ruling party official said on Thursday that cancelling this year's Olympics in&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;remains an option if the coronavirus crisis becomes too dire, dropping a bomb on a hot-button issue and sending social media into a frenzy.

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"If it seems impossible to do it any more, then we have to stop, decisively," Toshihiro Nikai, secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party, said in comments to broadcaster TBS.

Cancellation is "of course" an option, he said, adding: "If the Olympics were to spread infection, then what are the Olympics for?"

With the country in the midst of a fourth wave of coronavirus infections, doubts over whether&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;would be able to host the Summer Games - already an unpopular idea with the public - have resurfaced in recent weeks.

But government and organising officials have consistently insisted the Games would go ahead, and the fact that a ruling party heavyweight made the comment was enough to give his comments top billing on domestic news. "Olympics Cancelled" was trending on Twitter in Japan with more than 45,000 tweets from users as of Thursday afternoon.

"If this person says it, Olympics cancellation looks like a reality," tweeted @marumaru_clm in reference to Nikai, who is a key backer of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and is known for his frank comments.

"Yay! This is great! Finally, it's cancelled, cancelled, cancelled!" tweeted another user, @haruha3156.

Nikai later issued a written statement to explain his stance.

"I want the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics and Paralympics to succeed," the statement said. "At the same time, to the question of whether we would host the (Games) no matter what, that is not the case. That's what I meant by my comments."

The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;government declined to comment, while the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;2020 organising committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Japan is grappling with rising COVID-19 infections, with new cases in&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;jumping to 729 on Thursday, the most since early February.&nbsp;Tokyo, Osaka and several other prefectures entered a quasi-state of emergency this month, asking bars and restaurants to shorten their hours.

Still, the government is pushing ahead with preparations incorporating social distancing measures and other restrictions for the postponed Games, which are set to begin on July 23 and will be held without international spectators. A scaled-back torch relay is already underway.

"We'll hold (the Games) in a way that's feasible," Taro Kono, a popular minister in charge of Japan's vaccination drive, said on a separate TV programme, according to Kyodo News. "That may be without spectators," he added.

Japan's top medical adviser, Shigeru Omi, acknowledged the pandemic had entered a fourth wave, driven by mutant strains, with Kyoto University professor Hiroshi Nishiura urging in a magazine commentary that the Olympics be postponed.

Akira Koike, an opposition lawmaker with the Japanese Communist Party, reacted to Nikai's comments on Twitter saying that holding the event was already "impossible" and that a swift decision on cancellation should be made.

Cancelling or postponing the Games would probably not hurt Japan's economy much but would have a larger effect on&nbsp;Tokyo's service sector, a senior International Monetary Fund official said on Wednesday.

A senior Japanese ruling party official said on Thursday that cancelling this year's Olympics in Tokyo remains an option if the coronavirus crisis becomes too dire, dropping a bomb on a hot-button issue and sending social media into a frenzy.

A senior Japanese ruling party official said on Thursday that cancelling this year's Olympics in Tokyo remains an option if the coronavirus crisis becomes too dire, dropping a bomb on a hot-button issue and sending social media into a frenzy. ALSO READ: Training or terror? China's state sports system turning kids into factory products "If it seems impossible to do it any more, then we have to stop, decisively," Toshihiro Nikai, secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party, said in comments to broadcaster TBS. Cancellation is "of course" an option, he said, adding: "If the Olympics were to spread infection, then what are the Olympics for?" With the country in the midst of a fourth wave of coronavirus infections, doubts over whether Tokyo would be able to host the Summer Games - already an unpopular idea with the public - have resurfaced in recent weeks. But government and organising officials have consistently insisted the Games would go ahead, and the fact that a ruling party heavyweight made the comment was enough to give his comments top billing on domestic news. "Olympics Cancelled" was trending on Twitter in Japan with more than 45,000 tweets from users as of Thursday afternoon. "If this person says it, Olympics cancellation looks like a reality," tweeted @marumaru_clm in reference to Nikai, who is a key backer of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and is known for his frank comments. "Yay! This is great! Finally, it's cancelled, cancelled, cancelled!" tweeted another user, @haruha3156. Nikai later issued a written statement to explain his stance. "I want the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics to succeed," the statement said. "At the same time, to the question of whether we would host the (Games) no matter what, that is not the case. That's what I meant by my comments." The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and the Tokyo government declined to comment, while the Tokyo 2020 organising committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Japan is grappling with rising COVID-19 infections, with new cases in Tokyo jumping to 729 on Thursday, the most since early February. Tokyo, Osaka and several other prefectures entered a quasi-state of emergency this month, asking bars and restaurants to shorten their hours. Still, the government is pushing ahead with preparations incorporating social distancing measures and other restrictions for the postponed Games, which are set to begin on July 23 and will be held without international spectators. A scaled-back torch relay is already underway. "We'll hold (the Games) in a way that's feasible," Taro Kono, a popular minister in charge of Japan's vaccination drive, said on a separate TV programme, according to Kyodo News. "That may be without spectators," he added. Japan's top medical adviser, Shigeru Omi, acknowledged the pandemic had entered a fourth wave, driven by mutant strains, with Kyoto University professor Hiroshi Nishiura urging in a magazine commentary that the Olympics be postponed. Akira Koike, an opposition lawmaker with the Japanese Communist Party, reacted to Nikai's comments on Twitter saying that holding the event was already "impossible" and that a swift decision on cancellation should be made. Cancelling or postponing the Games would probably not hurt Japan's economy much but would have a larger effect on Tokyo's service sector, a senior International Monetary Fund official said on Wednesday.

Are the Olympics being cancelled? It remains an option, says Japanese official

The French Olympic committee (CNOSF) is confident that all French athletes can be vaccinated against COVID-19 before this year`s Tokyo Olympics, its president said on Wednesday. 
 
"The time has come that we allow the athletes who go to Tokyo to be vaccinated in a timely manner," Denis Masseglia told Reuters at an event marking 100 days to go until the Games. 
 
"The end of April, beginning of May would be the right time. I am optimistic that the athletes will be vaccinated." 
 
France is however not expecting to open vaccination to under-50s before mid-June. 
 
Masseglia explained that the athletes should "pass" ahead of others, only once vaccination is open to the whole population. 
 
France have so far administered just over 11 million shots, hoping to reach the 30-million mark by mid-June. 
 
"We`re almost about to open vaccination to everyone. There is no reason that the athletes going to Tokyo, maybe 500-600, cannot be vaccinated (in due time)," said Masseglia. 
 
A delegation of up to 1,000 people will travel to Tokyo, where the Games will be held from July 23-Aug. 8. 
 
The CNOSF said it encourages athletes to get vaccinated, although they have not made it mandatory. 
 
On Wednesday, Poland Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said the country would vaccinate its Olympic athletes and national soccer team against COVID-19. 
 
Prioritising athletes for vaccination has proved controversial in some countries, especially those that have experienced problems with their vaccination programmes. 
 
"We know that it is very important that in the next month, month and a half, a decision can be made regarding the athletes and that a vaccination plan can be implemented," said French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu, who will discuss the topic with Health ministry officials and the CNOSF on Friday. 
 
"The athletes must be able to arrive in good health and in full confidence with regard to COVID-19. It is very difficult to test positive before an event. The more we can prevent this from happening, the better. 
 
"We are working on it. I hope they can be vaccinated."

The French Olympic committee (CNOSF) is confident that all French athletes can be vaccinated against COVID-19 before this year`s Tokyo Olympics, its president said on Wednesday.

The French Olympic committee (CNOSF) is confident that all French athletes can be vaccinated against COVID-19 before this year`s Tokyo Olympics, its president said on Wednesday. "The time has come that we allow the athletes who go to Tokyo to be vaccinated in a timely manner," Denis Masseglia told Reuters at an event marking 100 days to go until the Games. "The end of April, beginning of May would be the right time. I am optimistic that the athletes will be vaccinated." France is however not expecting to open vaccination to under-50s before mid-June. Masseglia explained that the athletes should "pass" ahead of others, only once vaccination is open to the whole population. France have so far administered just over 11 million shots, hoping to reach the 30-million mark by mid-June. "We`re almost about to open vaccination to everyone. There is no reason that the athletes going to Tokyo, maybe 500-600, cannot be vaccinated (in due time)," said Masseglia. A delegation of up to 1,000 people will travel to Tokyo, where the Games will be held from July 23-Aug. 8. The CNOSF said it encourages athletes to get vaccinated, although they have not made it mandatory. On Wednesday, Poland Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said the country would vaccinate its Olympic athletes and national soccer team against COVID-19. Prioritising athletes for vaccination has proved controversial in some countries, especially those that have experienced problems with their vaccination programmes. "We know that it is very important that in the next month, month and a half, a decision can be made regarding the athletes and that a vaccination plan can be implemented," said French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu, who will discuss the topic with Health ministry officials and the CNOSF on Friday. "The athletes must be able to arrive in good health and in full confidence with regard to COVID-19. It is very difficult to test positive before an event. The more we can prevent this from happening, the better. "We are working on it. I hope they can be vaccinated."

French Committee confident French athletes will be vaccinated for Tokyo

Tokyo&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;plan to prepare&nbsp;300&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;rooms&nbsp;for&nbsp;athletes&nbsp;who test positive for the coronavirus at this summer's Games but show no or minor symptoms of&nbsp;COVID-19,&nbsp;Kyodo&nbsp;news agency said on Sunday.

Japan's government is placing&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;under a month-long state of "quasi-emergency" from Monday to combat surging infections, less than a month after a broader state of emergency was lifted for the capital and&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;host.

The&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;organising committee plans to reserve an entire&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;located a few kilometres away from the&nbsp;athletes' village in the Harumi waterfront district, which will likely cost several million dollars,&nbsp;Kyodo&nbsp;said, citing several unnamed sources.

Coronavirus-positive&nbsp;athletes&nbsp;and other Games participants who do not require hospitalisation will be quarantined in the&nbsp;rooms&nbsp;for 10 days in principle, and medical staff will treat them around the clock, it said.

The committee will also prepare about 30 special vehicles to transport the patients to the&nbsp;hotel, according to&nbsp;Kyodo.

Athletes&nbsp;will receive&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;tests every four days at least under rules unveiled in February for the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Games, scheduled to begin in late July after a one-year delay due to the pandemic. More guidance on isolation and testing is to come in April.

Japan has recorded more than 500,000 infections and nearly 9,400 deaths, public broadcaster NHK said on Saturday, low compared to most other major economies. But concerns about the new wave of infections are rising ahead of the Games.

Tokyo Olympic organisers plan to prepare 300 hotel rooms for athletes who test positive for the coronavirus at this summer's Games but show no or minor symptoms of COVID-19, Kyodo news agency said on Sunday.

Tokyo Olympic organisers plan to prepare 300 hotel rooms for athletes who test positive for the coronavirus at this summer's Games but show no or minor symptoms of COVID-19, Kyodo news agency said on Sunday. Japan's government is placing Tokyo under a month-long state of "quasi-emergency" from Monday to combat surging infections, less than a month after a broader state of emergency was lifted for the capital and Olympic host. The Tokyo organising committee plans to reserve an entire hotel located a few kilometres away from the athletes' village in the Harumi waterfront district, which will likely cost several million dollars, Kyodo said, citing several unnamed sources. Coronavirus-positive athletes and other Games participants who do not require hospitalisation will be quarantined in the rooms for 10 days in principle, and medical staff will treat them around the clock, it said. The committee will also prepare about 30 special vehicles to transport the patients to the hotel, according to Kyodo. Athletes will receive COVID-19 tests every four days at least under rules unveiled in February for the Tokyo Games, scheduled to begin in late July after a one-year delay due to the pandemic. More guidance on isolation and testing is to come in April. Japan has recorded more than 500,000 infections and nearly 9,400 deaths, public broadcaster NHK said on Saturday, low compared to most other major economies. But concerns about the new wave of infections are rising ahead of the Games.

Tokyo Olympic organisers to secure 300 hotel rooms for athletes with COVID-19-Kyodo

Authorities in Japan's Osaka will discuss plans on Friday with organisers of the 2020 Tokyo Games to cancel the western region's leg of the Olympic torch relay, its governor said, to avert a clash with measures to curb a spate of virus infections.

The 121-day relay, set to touch Osaka in mid-April, is seen as the first major test of Games organisers' ability to hold a large event under strict coronavirus curbs. It features 10,000 runners carrying the torch through 47 prefectures.

"We can't have the Olympic torch relay take place on the public roads of Osaka city," Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura told reporters, adding that the talks with organisers would be held on Friday evening.

"I'd like to discuss with the Tokyo 2020 organising committee whether there might be something we could do in place of the relay."

The organisers require roadside spectators to wear masks, observe social distancing and avoid cheering to limit spread of the virus, although there have been no reports of infections arising from the relay.

Osaka city is the capital of one of Japan's biggest prefectures, which has a population of nearly 9 million people, and is grappling with a jump in infections surpassing those in the bigger city of Tokyo, the capital.

A two-month high of more than 600 new cases reported on Thursday, prompted the prefecture to adopt new emergency measures, such as shorter business hours and requests for people to work from home, which will run until May 5.

The Olympics, delayed by a year because of the pandemic, are set to run from July 23 to Aug. 8 and the Paralympics from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.

Authorities in Japan's Osaka will discuss plans on Friday with organisers of the 2020 Tokyo Games to cancel the western region's leg of the Olympic torch relay, its governor said, to avert a clash with measures to curb a spate of virus infections.

Authorities in Japan's Osaka will discuss plans on Friday with organisers of the 2020 Tokyo Games to cancel the western region's leg of the Olympic torch relay, its governor said, to avert a clash with measures to curb a spate of virus infections. The 121-day relay, set to touch Osaka in mid-April, is seen as the first major test of Games organisers' ability to hold a large event under strict coronavirus curbs. It features 10,000 runners carrying the torch through 47 prefectures. "We can't have the Olympic torch relay take place on the public roads of Osaka city," Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura told reporters, adding that the talks with organisers would be held on Friday evening. "I'd like to discuss with the Tokyo 2020 organising committee whether there might be something we could do in place of the relay." The organisers require roadside spectators to wear masks, observe social distancing and avoid cheering to limit spread of the virus, although there have been no reports of infections arising from the relay. Osaka city is the capital of one of Japan's biggest prefectures, which has a population of nearly 9 million people, and is grappling with a jump in infections surpassing those in the bigger city of Tokyo, the capital. A two-month high of more than 600 new cases reported on Thursday, prompted the prefecture to adopt new emergency measures, such as shorter business hours and requests for people to work from home, which will run until May 5. The Olympics, delayed by a year because of the pandemic, are set to run from July 23 to Aug. 8 and the Paralympics from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.

Japan's Osaka weighs cancelling leg of Olympic torch relay over virus surge

Osaka's governor Hirofumi Yoshimura on Thursday said that the Olympic torch relay in the city of Osaka should be cancelled due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, Japan's Kyodo News reported.&nbsp;

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"We will ask people to refrain from going out for non-urgent matters," Kyodo quoted Yoshimura as telling reporters on Thursday regarding COVID-19 countermeasures.

"The torch relay in Osaka city should be cancelled," the news agency quoted him as saying.

Yoshimura, earlier, said that the surge in new COVI-19 cases in Osaka has raised concerns about a fresh wave of the infectious virus in the western Japanese metropolis. The fresh wave could be the worst one yet.&nbsp;

The region report 599 new cases on Wednesday. That was a jump from 432 on Tuesday and near the all-time high of 654 set on January 8.&nbsp;

The torch relay began last week in Fukushima and is being seen as the first major test of the Games in holding a large-scale event while implementing stringent health protocols. The relay is scheduled to through Osaka from April 13-14.

Around 10,000 runners will carry the torch through the country's 47 prefectures over 121 days.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Osaka's governor Hirofumi Yoshimura on Thursday said that the Olympic torch relay in the city of Osaka should be cancelled due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, Japan's Kyodo News reported.

Osaka's governor Hirofumi Yoshimura on Thursday said that the Olympic torch relay in the city of Osaka should be cancelled due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, Japan's Kyodo News reported. ALSO READ: Nagano bars fans from parts of torch relay as COVID precaution "We will ask people to refrain from going out for non-urgent matters," Kyodo quoted Yoshimura as telling reporters on Thursday regarding COVID-19 countermeasures. "The torch relay in Osaka city should be cancelled," the news agency quoted him as saying. Yoshimura, earlier, said that the surge in new COVI-19 cases in Osaka has raised concerns about a fresh wave of the infectious virus in the western Japanese metropolis. The fresh wave could be the worst one yet. The region report 599 new cases on Wednesday. That was a jump from 432 on Tuesday and near the all-time high of 654 set on January 8. The torch relay began last week in Fukushima and is being seen as the first major test of the Games in holding a large-scale event while implementing stringent health protocols. The relay is scheduled to through Osaka from April 13-14. Around 10,000 runners will carry the torch through the country's 47 prefectures over 121 days. (Inputs from Reuters)

Osaka governor says Olympic torch relay should be cancelled: Reports

Japan's Nagano prefecture barred spectators from parts of the Olympic torch relay on Thursday to prevent large groups from gathering after its capital city raised its COVID-19 alert level following a recent rise in infections.

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No spectators will be present when the last relay runner of the day brings in the torch and lights the Olympic cauldron in Nagano City, the prefecture said.

Spectators would also be barred from a section of road in Nagano City that was expected to attract large numbers of people, while the city's elderly and those with underlying conditions were urged to avoid watching from roadsides.

Tokyo Olympics organisers are already requiring roadside spectators to wear masks, practise social distancing and not cheer out loud to prevent the spread of the virus.

The additional measures underscore the lengths to which authorities are going to organise a safe torch relay and assuage public concerns, with surveys showing most Japanese oppose holding the Games this summer due to the pandemic.

The relay began last week in Fukushima and is being seen as the first major test of the Games in holding a large-scale event while implementing stringent health protocols.

Around 10,000 runners will carry the torch through the country's 47 prefectures over 121 days.

Although Japan has been affected by the pandemic less severely than the United States and Europe, its vaccination campaign is off to a slow start while some prefectures are seeing an uptick in new infections.

Olympic organisers last month decided to bar international spectators from the Games, and this month are due to decide on the maximum capacity for spectators in venues.

The Olympics, postponed by a year because of the pandemic, are scheduled for July 23 to Aug. 8 and the Paralympics from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.

Japan's Nagano prefecture barred spectators from parts of the Olympic torch relay on Thursday to prevent large groups from gathering after its capital city raised its COVID-19 alert level following a recent rise in infections.

Japan's Nagano prefecture barred spectators from parts of the Olympic torch relay on Thursday to prevent large groups from gathering after its capital city raised its COVID-19 alert level following a recent rise in infections. ALSO READ: UEFA hands Euro 2020 spectator limit responsibility to host cities No spectators will be present when the last relay runner of the day brings in the torch and lights the Olympic cauldron in Nagano City, the prefecture said. Spectators would also be barred from a section of road in Nagano City that was expected to attract large numbers of people, while the city's elderly and those with underlying conditions were urged to avoid watching from roadsides. Tokyo Olympics organisers are already requiring roadside spectators to wear masks, practise social distancing and not cheer out loud to prevent the spread of the virus. The additional measures underscore the lengths to which authorities are going to organise a safe torch relay and assuage public concerns, with surveys showing most Japanese oppose holding the Games this summer due to the pandemic. The relay began last week in Fukushima and is being seen as the first major test of the Games in holding a large-scale event while implementing stringent health protocols. Around 10,000 runners will carry the torch through the country's 47 prefectures over 121 days. Although Japan has been affected by the pandemic less severely than the United States and Europe, its vaccination campaign is off to a slow start while some prefectures are seeing an uptick in new infections. Olympic organisers last month decided to bar international spectators from the Games, and this month are due to decide on the maximum capacity for spectators in venues. The Olympics, postponed by a year because of the pandemic, are scheduled for July 23 to Aug. 8 and the Paralympics from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.

Nagano bars fans from parts of torch relay as COVID precaution

British Olympic Association chief executive Andy Anson on Sunday said that British athletes competing at this year's Tokyo Olympics will be provided with an independent hotline service to be able to report concerns of physical or psychological abuse.

The step was taken after 17 former British gymnasts filed a group-claim lawsuit against the national governing body British Gymnastics last month. They alleged abusive behaviour.&nbsp;

"One of the things we are ensuring for when we get to Tokyo is that every athlete knows who they can contact if they have got any issues in that environment," Anson told the Mail on Sunday.

"This would not be their line manager but someone outside the line. It can't be someone in our line management structure."

Last year, Britain's Olympic medal-winning gymnast Amy Tinkler and others also spoke out about their experiences with British Gymnastics, accusing coaches of bullying and "body shaming".

"There has got to be an independent hotline you can call without fear of any recrimination and that is really important," Anson added.

"We can have all the policies and procedures in the world but if they are not enforceable or if the athletes don't feel like we are on their side, then they are not right."

(Inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

British Olympic Association chief executive Andy Anson on Sunday said that British athletes competing at this year's Tokyo Olympics will be provided with an independent hotline service to be able to report concerns of physical or psychological abuse.

British Olympic Association chief executive Andy Anson on Sunday said that British athletes competing at this year's Tokyo Olympics will be provided with an independent hotline service to be able to report concerns of physical or psychological abuse. The step was taken after 17 former British gymnasts filed a group-claim lawsuit against the national governing body British Gymnastics last month. They alleged abusive behaviour. "One of the things we are ensuring for when we get to Tokyo is that every athlete knows who they can contact if they have got any issues in that environment," Anson told the Mail on Sunday. "This would not be their line manager but someone outside the line. It can't be someone in our line management structure." Last year, Britain's Olympic medal-winning gymnast Amy Tinkler and others also spoke out about their experiences with British Gymnastics, accusing coaches of bullying and "body shaming". "There has got to be an independent hotline you can call without fear of any recrimination and that is really important," Anson added. "We can have all the policies and procedures in the world but if they are not enforceable or if the athletes don't feel like we are on their side, then they are not right." (Inputs from Reuters)

British Olympic Association to launch bullying hotline for athletes at Tokyo Games

Overseas fans will be banned from this summer's pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, organisers said Saturday, in a bid to reduce virus risks and convince a sceptical Japanese public the Games will be safe.

The unprecedented decision will make the Tokyo Games the first ever held without overseas spectators, as organisers scale back their ambitions for the pandemic event.

When the decision to postpone the Games was taken last year, officials said the delay would allow them to hold the event as "proof of humanity's triumph over the virus."

But instead, the Games are shaping up to be a largely television event for most of the world, with little of the international party atmosphere that usually characterises an Olympics.

In a statement issued after talks between local organisers, Japanese officials and Olympic and Paralympic chiefs, Games officials said the virus situation in Japan and abroad remained "very challenging".

"Based on the present situation of the pandemic, it is highly unlikely that entry into Japan will be guaranteed this summer for people from overseas," they added.

As a result, "the parties on the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they (overseas fans) will not be able to enter into Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games."

The International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee "fully respect and accept this conclusion," the statement added, saying refund details would be released soon.

IOC chief Thomas Bach set the stage for the decision at the start of talks between the parties earlier Saturday evening, warning "difficult decisions" would be necessary to ensure safety.

The move had been widely anticipated in recent weeks, with leaks suggesting organisers believe a ban on overseas fans is the only option as they work to make the Games safe despite the pandemic.

The IOC has reportedly sought limited exemptions for some overseas guests, but the rules are likely to be strict.

Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto has admitted it will be "difficult" for even the families of foreign athletes to attend.

Just how many domestic spectators will be in venues this summer has yet to be decided.

Organisers originally suggested they would rule on that by April, but Bach has said the decision could be pushed closer to the July 23 opening ceremony.

Whatever they decide, there's no doubt that barring overseas fans will help make the Games a very different event from years past.

"It has never happened that foreign spectators were banned from entering the host country at the time of the Games, even during the Spanish flu at the time of the Antwerp 1920 Olympic Games," said Jean-Loup Chappelet, a Lausanne-based professor who specialises in the Olympics.

"Even for Athens 1896, the Cook agency organised 'packages' for those who wanted to attend the first modern Games."

When the Games were postponed last year, organisers and Japanese officials had hoped that the pandemic would be receding by spring 2021.

They proclaimed the event would mark the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, and a celebration of the end of a global crisis.

But even with vaccines rolling out in much of the world, the virus continues to cause havoc, and the narrative from Olympic officials looks to be changing.

The torch relay kicks off next week, with spectators barred from the launch ceremony and those lining the route asked to avoid cheering.

In an interview last week, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto acknowledged that the virus situation in the Japanese capital remained "extremely serious" and said the Games offered "solidarity" during a difficult time.

Japan's public remains sceptical about the safety of the event, with a majority opposed to holding it this year and favouring either cancellation or further postponement.

But organisers and Olympic officials have said neither of those are options, and they have put together virus rulebooks they say will ensure the Games are safe regardless of the pandemic.

The IOC is also encouraging athletes to get vaccinated, even securing a supply of doses from China to offer to those in countries without advanced inoculation programmes.

The year-long delay and virus safety countermeasures have helped balloon Tokyo 2020's already mammoth budget to an eyewatering 1.64 trillion yen ($15 billion), making the Games potentially the most expensive summer Olympics in history.

Overseas fans will be banned from this summer's pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, organisers said Saturday, in a bid to reduce virus risks and convince a sceptical Japanese public the Games will be safe.

Overseas fans will be banned from this summer's pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, organisers said Saturday, in a bid to reduce virus risks and convince a sceptical Japanese public the Games will be safe. The unprecedented decision will make the Tokyo Games the first ever held without overseas spectators, as organisers scale back their ambitions for the pandemic event. When the decision to postpone the Games was taken last year, officials said the delay would allow them to hold the event as "proof of humanity's triumph over the virus." But instead, the Games are shaping up to be a largely television event for most of the world, with little of the international party atmosphere that usually characterises an Olympics. In a statement issued after talks between local organisers, Japanese officials and Olympic and Paralympic chiefs, Games officials said the virus situation in Japan and abroad remained "very challenging". "Based on the present situation of the pandemic, it is highly unlikely that entry into Japan will be guaranteed this summer for people from overseas," they added. As a result, "the parties on the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they (overseas fans) will not be able to enter into Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games." The International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee "fully respect and accept this conclusion," the statement added, saying refund details would be released soon. IOC chief Thomas Bach set the stage for the decision at the start of talks between the parties earlier Saturday evening, warning "difficult decisions" would be necessary to ensure safety. The move had been widely anticipated in recent weeks, with leaks suggesting organisers believe a ban on overseas fans is the only option as they work to make the Games safe despite the pandemic. The IOC has reportedly sought limited exemptions for some overseas guests, but the rules are likely to be strict. Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto has admitted it will be "difficult" for even the families of foreign athletes to attend. Just how many domestic spectators will be in venues this summer has yet to be decided. Organisers originally suggested they would rule on that by April, but Bach has said the decision could be pushed closer to the July 23 opening ceremony. Whatever they decide, there's no doubt that barring overseas fans will help make the Games a very different event from years past. "It has never happened that foreign spectators were banned from entering the host country at the time of the Games, even during the Spanish flu at the time of the Antwerp 1920 Olympic Games," said Jean-Loup Chappelet, a Lausanne-based professor who specialises in the Olympics. "Even for Athens 1896, the Cook agency organised 'packages' for those who wanted to attend the first modern Games." When the Games were postponed last year, organisers and Japanese officials had hoped that the pandemic would be receding by spring 2021. They proclaimed the event would mark the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, and a celebration of the end of a global crisis. But even with vaccines rolling out in much of the world, the virus continues to cause havoc, and the narrative from Olympic officials looks to be changing. The torch relay kicks off next week, with spectators barred from the launch ceremony and those lining the route asked to avoid cheering. In an interview last week, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto acknowledged that the virus situation in the Japanese capital remained "extremely serious" and said the Games offered "solidarity" during a difficult time. Japan's public remains sceptical about the safety of the event, with a majority opposed to holding it this year and favouring either cancellation or further postponement. But organisers and Olympic officials have said neither of those are options, and they have put together virus rulebooks they say will ensure the Games are safe regardless of the pandemic. The IOC is also encouraging athletes to get vaccinated, even securing a supply of doses from China to offer to those in countries without advanced inoculation programmes. The year-long delay and virus safety countermeasures have helped balloon Tokyo 2020's already mammoth budget to an eyewatering 1.64 trillion yen ($15 billion), making the Games potentially the most expensive summer Olympics in history.

Overseas fans barred from Tokyo Olympics over virus fears

The starting ceremony for this month's Olympic torch relay will likely be held without spectators, a Japanese newspaper reported Tuesday, but fans will still be able to line the route.

The Yomiuri Shimbun daily reported that organisers fear crowding at the March 25 event in Fukushima, and will probably bar the 3,000 spectators initially planned.

Tokyo 2020 organisers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report, which cited an unnamed source.

The organisers have already laid out strict rules for the virus-delayed, nationwide relay, which was called off in 2020 after the historic decision to postpone the Games by a year.

Cheering along the relay route will be strictly banned, and people are asked to only attend sections near their homes and avoid crowding.

Mask-wearing will be mandatory, and spectators are asked to offer "support with applause and by using distributed goods rather than shouting or cheering".

Portions of the relay could also be suspended if there is overcrowding.

Organisers are battling persistent doubts about whether the Games can be held safely this summer and have unveiled a rulebook with various virus countermeasures.

They are set to decide this month on whether foreign fans will be able to attend, with limits on overall spectator numbers to be set next month.

The starting ceremony for this month's Olympic torch relay will likely be held without spectators, a Japanese newspaper reported Tuesday, but fans will still be able to line the route.

The starting ceremony for this month's Olympic torch relay will likely be held without spectators, a Japanese newspaper reported Tuesday, but fans will still be able to line the route. The Yomiuri Shimbun daily reported that organisers fear crowding at the March 25 event in Fukushima, and will probably bar the 3,000 spectators initially planned. Tokyo 2020 organisers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report, which cited an unnamed source. The organisers have already laid out strict rules for the virus-delayed, nationwide relay, which was called off in 2020 after the historic decision to postpone the Games by a year. Cheering along the relay route will be strictly banned, and people are asked to only attend sections near their homes and avoid crowding. Mask-wearing will be mandatory, and spectators are asked to offer "support with applause and by using distributed goods rather than shouting or cheering". Portions of the relay could also be suspended if there is overcrowding. Organisers are battling persistent doubts about whether the Games can be held safely this summer and have unveiled a rulebook with various virus countermeasures. They are set to decide this month on whether foreign fans will be able to attend, with limits on overall spectator numbers to be set next month.

Fans likely to be barred from Olympic torch relay start: Reports

A poll conducted by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily found that over 75 per cent of Japanese don't want foreign fans attending the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, the Games' organisers are set to make a decision on overseas spectators.&nbsp;

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According to the poll, only 18 per cent of people who responded were in favour of foreign spectators being allowed into Japan for the coronavirus-delayed Games, with 77 per cent against.

Last week, the organisers said that they will decide on the matter, most likely, before the nationwide torch relay begins on March 25.

However, several Japanese media reports&nbsp;suggested that Games chiefs have already decided to bar foreign fans.

Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said Friday that organisers "really want to hold the event in full stadiums with fans from around the world", but would find it difficult "if we're not in a position where we can accept them and the situation with medical facilities isn't perfect".

The Yomiuri poll also revealed that 45 per cent of respondents were in favour of spectators, in general, attending the Games, with 48 per cent opposed.

The poll was conducted between March 5-7 through random phone calls, with 1,066 of the 1,977 people contacted responding.

(With Agency inputs)

A poll conducted by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily found that over 75 per cent of Japanese don't want foreign fans attending the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, the Games' organisers are set to make a decision on overseas spectators.

A poll conducted by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily found that over 75 per cent of Japanese don't want foreign fans attending the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, the Games' organisers are set to make a decision on overseas spectators. ALSO READ: Polls open for presidential election at troubled Barcelona According to the poll, only 18 per cent of people who responded were in favour of foreign spectators being allowed into Japan for the coronavirus-delayed Games, with 77 per cent against. Last week, the organisers said that they will decide on the matter, most likely, before the nationwide torch relay begins on March 25. However, several Japanese media reports suggested that Games chiefs have already decided to bar foreign fans. Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said Friday that organisers "really want to hold the event in full stadiums with fans from around the world", but would find it difficult "if we're not in a position where we can accept them and the situation with medical facilities isn't perfect". The Yomiuri poll also revealed that 45 per cent of respondents were in favour of spectators, in general, attending the Games, with 48 per cent opposed. The poll was conducted between March 5-7 through random phone calls, with 1,066 of the 1,977 people contacted responding. (With Agency inputs)

Over 75 per cent Japanese don't want foreign fans at Tokyo Games: Poll

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

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

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

Paris to host rescheduled Tokyo Olympic boxing qualifier

Japan's government is planning to stop overseas spectators coming to the Summer Olympics due to worries they will spread the coronavirus, a report said on Wednesday, as many Japanese remain opposed to holding the Games during the pandemic.

The final decision would be made this month after talks with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other parties, the Mainichi newspaper reported, citing multiple unnamed sources.

The government would continue to consider whether to accept spectators from within Japan, including the number allowed into venues, the Mainichi added.

The report came as the local organising committee was set to host a meeting on Wednesday with officials from the IOC, the International Paralympic Committee, and the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;and national governments.

The question of whether to allow spectators into venues was top of the agenda and organisers have previously said they would make a decision by March.

Also on Wednesday, a&nbsp;Yomiuri newspaper poll showed that, if the Games are to go ahead as scheduled, 91% of respondents in Japan want spectators kept to a minimum, or not allowed at all.

The poll - conducted between Jan. 18 and Feb. 25 - showed 70% of respondents said they were "interested in the Olympics", but 58% said they did not want them to be held this year because of fears over COVID-19.

The 58% in opposition was, however, about 20 percentage points lower than earlier opinion polls.

The&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympic Games were postponed last year because of the pandemic and rescheduled to take place this year from July 23.

A survey by global consultancy Kekst CNC published on Wednesday showed similar rates of majority opposition to the Games going ahead in Japan, at 56%, as well as in Britain and Germany, at 55% and 52% respectively.

In France and Sweden, more people opposed than approved, while in the United States, respondents were split at one-third between those who agreed and disagreed that the Games should go ahead, according to the survey.

While coronavirus infection numbers are low in Japan compared with the United States and many European countries, the greater&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;metropolitan area remains in a state of emergency, with restrictions in place for spectator numbers for big sporting and cultural events, as well as closing times for bars and restaurants. The country remains closed to non-resident foreigners.

A Reuters poll published last month showed nearly two-thirds of Japanese companies also oppose holding the Games as planned, swinging from the previous survey showing most in favour.

Japan has so far confirmed 431,250 coronavirus cases and 7,931 deaths as of Monday.

Japan's government is planning to stop overseas spectators coming to the Summer Olympics due to worries they will spread the coronavirus, a report said on Wednesday, as many Japanese remain opposed to holding the Games during the pandemic.

Japan's government is planning to stop overseas spectators coming to the Summer Olympics due to worries they will spread the coronavirus, a report said on Wednesday, as many Japanese remain opposed to holding the Games during the pandemic. The final decision would be made this month after talks with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other parties, the Mainichi newspaper reported, citing multiple unnamed sources. The government would continue to consider whether to accept spectators from within Japan, including the number allowed into venues, the Mainichi added. The report came as the local organising committee was set to host a meeting on Wednesday with officials from the IOC, the International Paralympic Committee, and the Tokyo and national governments. The question of whether to allow spectators into venues was top of the agenda and organisers have previously said they would make a decision by March. Also on Wednesday, a Yomiuri newspaper poll showed that, if the Games are to go ahead as scheduled, 91% of respondents in Japan want spectators kept to a minimum, or not allowed at all. The poll - conducted between Jan. 18 and Feb. 25 - showed 70% of respondents said they were "interested in the Olympics", but 58% said they did not want them to be held this year because of fears over COVID-19. The 58% in opposition was, however, about 20 percentage points lower than earlier opinion polls. The Tokyo Olympic Games were postponed last year because of the pandemic and rescheduled to take place this year from July 23. A survey by global consultancy Kekst CNC published on Wednesday showed similar rates of majority opposition to the Games going ahead in Japan, at 56%, as well as in Britain and Germany, at 55% and 52% respectively. In France and Sweden, more people opposed than approved, while in the United States, respondents were split at one-third between those who agreed and disagreed that the Games should go ahead, according to the survey. While coronavirus infection numbers are low in Japan compared with the United States and many European countries, the greater Tokyo metropolitan area remains in a state of emergency, with restrictions in place for spectator numbers for big sporting and cultural events, as well as closing times for bars and restaurants. The country remains closed to non-resident foreigners. A Reuters poll published last month showed nearly two-thirds of Japanese companies also oppose holding the Games as planned, swinging from the previous survey showing most in favour. Japan has so far confirmed 431,250 coronavirus cases and 7,931 deaths as of Monday.

Japan planning to ban overseas Olympic spectators over COVID-19 fears: Reports

New Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto has said that this year's Olympics should take place before a live audience. The statement comes despite doubts due to the surge in the COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-no-hugs-to-150000-condoms-here-are-the-details-of-athlete-rulebook-for-tokyo-2020-362452" hreflang="en">From no hugs to 150,000 condoms: Here are the details of the athlete rulebook for Tokyo 2020</a>

Hashimoto, who was elected as the new Tokyo Games chief, told the Japanese media that the Games should have spectators just like other major sports hosting events before fans, although in limited numbers.

"When we think about the possibility of holding the Olympics without fans in the stands, athletes will definitely wonder why there are no fans just for the Olympics and Paralympics when other competitions are allowing in spectators," Hashimoto told reporters, according to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper.

"Everyone wants an early decision about the direction to be taken regarding fans to prepare tickets and hotel accommodations," Hashimoto said, according to the daily.

Hashimoto replaced Yoshiro Mori, who resigned after making sexist remarks about women. "When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he reportedly told members of the Japanese Olympic Committee.

Mori, later on, issued an apology for these remarks, but he had refused to step down as Tokyo 2020 chief.&nbsp;

New Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto has said that this year's Olympics should take place before a live audience. The statement comes despite doubts due to the surge in the COVID-19 cases.

New Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto has said that this year's Olympics should take place before a live audience. The statement comes despite doubts due to the surge in the COVID-19 cases. ALSO READ: From no hugs to 150,000 condoms: Here are the details of the athlete rulebook for Tokyo 2020 Hashimoto, who was elected as the new Tokyo Games chief, told the Japanese media that the Games should have spectators just like other major sports hosting events before fans, although in limited numbers. "When we think about the possibility of holding the Olympics without fans in the stands, athletes will definitely wonder why there are no fans just for the Olympics and Paralympics when other competitions are allowing in spectators," Hashimoto told reporters, according to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper. "Everyone wants an early decision about the direction to be taken regarding fans to prepare tickets and hotel accommodations," Hashimoto said, according to the daily. Hashimoto replaced Yoshiro Mori, who resigned after making sexist remarks about women. "When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he reportedly told members of the Japanese Olympic Committee. Mori, later on, issued an apology for these remarks, but he had refused to step down as Tokyo 2020 chief.

Tokyo Games should have spectators in stands: Seiko Hashimoto

Organisers of Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday said that the next president of the Games organising committee must have a deep understanding of gender equality. This statement came after Yoshiro Mori's resignation after stirring massive controversy by making sexist remarks.

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Tokyo 2020's candidate selection agreed on five requirements for a new leader, including a deep understanding of gender equality and diversity and the ability to actualise those values during the Games in the first meeting on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Among other qualities required are an international profile and experience on the global stage.

"The committee will make its selection of candidates for Tokyo 2020 president in accordance with these five criteria as swiftly as possible," the organisers said.

Last week, Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori resigned as a result of massive outrage after making sexist comments. This decision comes with less than six months until the virus-postponed Games.

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"My inappropriate statement has caused a lot of chaos... I wish to resign as president as of today," he told a meeting of Tokyo 2020's council and the executive board called to discuss his remarks.

The 83-year-old sparked massive controversy after he said that women speak too much in meetings. "When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he reportedly told members of the Japanese Olympic Committee.

Mori, later on, issued an apology for these remarks, but he had refused to step down as Tokyo 2020 chief.&nbsp;

Organisers of Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday said that the next president of the Games organising committee must have a deep understanding of gender equality. This statement came after Yoshiro Mori's resignation after stirring massive controversy by making sexist remarks.

Organisers of Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday said that the next president of the Games organising committee must have a deep understanding of gender equality. This statement came after Yoshiro Mori's resignation after stirring massive controversy by making sexist remarks. ALSO READ| From no hugs to 150,000 condoms: Here are the details of athlete rulebook for Tokyo 2020 Tokyo 2020's candidate selection agreed on five requirements for a new leader, including a deep understanding of gender equality and diversity and the ability to actualise those values during the Games in the first meeting on Tuesday. Among other qualities required are an international profile and experience on the global stage. "The committee will make its selection of candidates for Tokyo 2020 president in accordance with these five criteria as swiftly as possible," the organisers said. Last week, Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori resigned as a result of massive outrage after making sexist comments. This decision comes with less than six months until the virus-postponed Games. ALSO SEE| From Bach to Muto: Officials and politicians react on Yoshiro Mori resignation as Tokyo 2020 chief "My inappropriate statement has caused a lot of chaos... I wish to resign as president as of today," he told a meeting of Tokyo 2020's council and the executive board called to discuss his remarks. The 83-year-old sparked massive controversy after he said that women speak too much in meetings. "When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he reportedly told members of the Japanese Olympic Committee. Mori, later on, issued an apology for these remarks, but he had refused to step down as Tokyo 2020 chief.

New Tokyo 2020 chief needs deep understanding of gender equality: Organisers

Multiple Japanese media outlets on Thursday have reported that Tokyo Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori will be stepping down after sparking a huge controversy across the world after his sexist remarks.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-no-hugs-to-150000-condoms-here-are-the-details-of-athlete-rulebook-for-tokyo-2020-362452" hreflang="en">From no hugs to 150,000 condoms: Here are the details of athlete rulebook for Tokyo 2020</a>

According to these reports, who cited anonymous sources, Mori told officials of his wish to step down and intends to announce his resignation at a meeting of Games organisers that will be held on Friday.

The 83-year-old sparked massive controversy after he said that women speak too much in meetings. "When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he reportedly told members of the Japanese Olympic Committee.

Mori, later on, issued an apology for these remarks, but he had refused to step down as Tokyo 2020 chief.&nbsp;

As per broadcasters TBS and NTV, officials are considering appointing Saburo Kawabuchi as Mori's replacement as head of Tokyo 2020.&nbsp;

Who is Saburo Kawabuchi?&nbsp;

84-year-old Kawabuchi is a former football player who is known to have played a huge role in popularising his sport in the 1990s. He is currently the symbolic mayor of the Olympic Village.

<img alt="ff" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6545d2b4-5dc9-4d0d-936e-f7e9511837eb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_152.jpg" />

Many politicians and sports stars were quick to condemn Mori's remarks and thousands of volunteers quit from the Games after former Japanese Prime Minister's (Yoshiro Mori) statement.&nbsp;

Multiple Japanese media outlets on Thursday have reported that Tokyo Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori will be stepping down after sparking a huge controversy across the world after his sexist remarks.

Multiple Japanese media outlets on Thursday have reported that Tokyo Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori will be stepping down after sparking a huge controversy across the world after his sexist remarks. ALSO READ: From no hugs to 150,000 condoms: Here are the details of athlete rulebook for Tokyo 2020 According to these reports, who cited anonymous sources, Mori told officials of his wish to step down and intends to announce his resignation at a meeting of Games organisers that will be held on Friday. The 83-year-old sparked massive controversy after he said that women speak too much in meetings. "When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he reportedly told members of the Japanese Olympic Committee. Mori, later on, issued an apology for these remarks, but he had refused to step down as Tokyo 2020 chief. As per broadcasters TBS and NTV, officials are considering appointing Saburo Kawabuchi as Mori's replacement as head of Tokyo 2020. Who is Saburo Kawabuchi? 84-year-old Kawabuchi is a former football player who is known to have played a huge role in popularising his sport in the 1990s. He is currently the symbolic mayor of the Olympic Village. Many politicians and sports stars were quick to condemn Mori's remarks and thousands of volunteers quit from the Games after former Japanese Prime Minister's (Yoshiro Mori) statement.

Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori to resign? Japanese media reports

Organisers of Tokyo 2020 are set to meet this week to discuss their response to sexist remarks made by Yoshiro Mori, reports said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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These reports come after hundreds of event volunteers quit due to a massive uproar after Tokyo 2020 boss, last week, said that women speak too much in the meeting.

The 83-year-old has apologised for the remarks, however, refused to step down. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said that the matter is closed.&nbsp;

According to Japanese media, Tokyo 2020's organising committee is planning to meet later this week, possibly on Friday, to discuss its response as calls grow for Mori to resign.&nbsp;

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Around 80,000 volunteers from Japan and across the world, but sue to Mori's remarks, 390 Olympic and Paralympic volunteers have quit, the committee said, noting that this number includes withdrawals for all reasons.

As per public broadcaster NHK, two people pulled out of the torch relay and around 4,000 people made complaint calls to organisers.&nbsp;

Top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said Tuesday that organisers should try and convince volunteers to return.

"It is important that the organising committee gives a careful explanation to volunteers," he said after Tokyo 2020 released a statement quoting Mori's apology and reaffirming its commitment to gender equality and diversity.

Osaka called the former Japanese Prime Minister "ignorant" for his remarks.&nbsp;

(Inputs from AFP)

Organisers of Tokyo 2020 are set to meet this week to discuss their response to sexist remarks made by Yoshiro Mori, reports said on Tuesday. ALSO READ: 'It remains to be seen.

Organisers of Tokyo 2020 are set to meet this week to discuss their response to sexist remarks made by Yoshiro Mori, reports said on Tuesday. ALSO READ: 'It remains to be seen...': US President Joe Biden opines on 2020 Tokyo Olympics These reports come after hundreds of event volunteers quit due to a massive uproar after Tokyo 2020 boss, last week, said that women speak too much in the meeting. The 83-year-old has apologised for the remarks, however, refused to step down. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said that the matter is closed. According to Japanese media, Tokyo 2020's organising committee is planning to meet later this week, possibly on Friday, to discuss its response as calls grow for Mori to resign. ALSO SEE: Economy to values: Tokyo Olympics highlight stark difference from 1964 to 2021 Around 80,000 volunteers from Japan and across the world, but sue to Mori's remarks, 390 Olympic and Paralympic volunteers have quit, the committee said, noting that this number includes withdrawals for all reasons. As per public broadcaster NHK, two people pulled out of the torch relay and around 4,000 people made complaint calls to organisers. Top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said Tuesday that organisers should try and convince volunteers to return. "It is important that the organising committee gives a careful explanation to volunteers," he said after Tokyo 2020 released a statement quoting Mori's apology and reaffirming its commitment to gender equality and diversity. Osaka called the former Japanese Prime Minister "ignorant" for his remarks. (Inputs from AFP)

Tokyo 2020 organisers to hold meeting this week over Mori's sexist remarks: Reports

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