From knitting to India's gold in athletics: Some memorable moments of Tokyo Olympics

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 Games have come to a grand conclusion after facing several of challenges. Tokyo Games was kicked off on July 23 after a year-long delay due to COVID-19, however, the event retained the Tokyo 2020 name for marketing and branding purposes.

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 Games have come to a grand conclusion after facing several of challenges. Tokyo Games was kicked off on July 23 after a year-long delay due to COVID-19, however, the event retained the Tokyo 2020 name for marketing and branding purposes. LIVE UPDATES! With javelin-thrower Neeraj Chopra's historic gold medal, India's campaign at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 finished on a high. Neeraj Chopra became the first from the country to win a track and field gold in the world's biggest sporting event. One gold, two silver and four bronze —India ended the campaign with their best-ever haul of seven medals. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list × IN PICS | Indian Army to Olympic gold: India Javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra's lesser known journey in pictures ICONIC. #IND pic.twitter.com/2kbYByNGOn — Olympics (@Olympics) August 7, 2021 × The ceremony will be loaded with music, song, dance and fireworks. Here are all the details related to time, venue, theme etc. Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony: When will Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony happen? Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, August 8. What time will Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony begin? Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony will begin at 4.30pm Indian Standard Time (8:00 pm JST). What is the theme of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony? The theme of the closing ceremony is "Worlds We Share", which will give a moment for each and every one of us to think about what the future holds and expresses the idea that each of us inhabits our own world. Who will be India's flag-bearer at the Tokyo Olympics Closing Ceremony? Wrestler Bajrang Punia will be carrying India's tri-color at the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics What is the venue of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony? Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony is scheduled to take place in the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. Where to watch the Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony and final day events on TV? Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony will be aired on Sony TEN 1 HD/SD, Sony TEN 2 HD/SD. It will available in regional languages on Sony TEN 3 HD/SD. How to watch Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony and final day events online/stream? The Tokyo Olympics 2020 broadcast will be available online on SonyLiv. Also, follow WION's live blog to get quick updates.

Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony: When and where to watch; IST time, theme, venue, Indian flag bearers

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-closing-day-live-updates-final-events-underway-followed-by-ceremony-403835">Olympic Games </a>have been going on at a hectic pace in Tokyo, astronauts aboard the International Space Station(ISS) have created their own brand of "Space Olympics".

The crew members had watched the opening ceremony high above the Earth as they split into two teams in space - Soyuz and Crew Dragon although the same <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/indian-army-to-tokyo-olympic-gold-india-javelin-thrower-neeraj-chopras-unknown-journey-in-pictures-403758">Olympic</a> games could not be conducted in zero gravity.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Space <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> 1/4: 
Lack-of-floor routine – much 👏 to Pyotr for completing his routine without touching anything, a difficult feat! 
🥇 
Gym hors-sol – on ne dirait pas comme ça, mais les immobilisations en plein vol de Piotr requièrent une grande expérience<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissionAlpha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionAlpha</a> <a href="https://t.co/gXAHSHHmcu">pic.twitter.com/gXAHSHHmcu</a>
— Thomas Pesquet (@Thom_astro) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thom_astro/status/1423780299243196422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The crew members came up with new original ideas for the games namely synchronised floating or lack-of-floor routine, very long jumps and no-hand ball as they put mini flags of the participating countries atop the ISS lab.

The ISS crew reportedly take&nbsp;part in two and half hours of daily exercises in space to maintain their fitness levels. The crew is commanded by Akihiko Hoshide of Japan where the Olympic Games are being held with three Americans,&nbsp;two Russian cosmonauts and one French astronaut onboard.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Space <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> 2/4: 
No-handball – we had to adapt the rules a bit during the match, much investment on both sides for the win. 
🏐 
Handball sans les mains – les règles ont dû être adaptées au cours d’un match que nous décrirons sobrement comme intense. <a href="https://t.co/dVOv3GRThD">pic.twitter.com/dVOv3GRThD</a>
— Thomas Pesquet (@Thom_astro) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thom_astro/status/1423780526230548480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Olympic spirit is very much alive at the ISS with the advent of the cosmic games. &nbsp;French astronaut Thomas Pesquet said "The very first Space Olympics, for crew cohesion, we put together a friendly competition between the Soyuz team and the Crew Dragon team. With sports specific to space, mind you." &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-closing-ceremony-when-and-where-to-watch-ist-time-theme-venue-indian-flag-bearers-403843">Also Read:&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony: When and where to watch</a>

The Maxar Earth observation satellite had earlier captured photos of Japan's National Stadium in Tokyo.&nbsp;

French astronaut Thomas Pesquet had earlier wished the athletes good luck as the Olympic Games kicked off in Tokyo last month with the games now set to close today.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Space <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> 4/4: 
Weightless sharpshooting – concentration and skill (or luck) proved necessary to reach the target. 
🎯 
Tir sans gravité – concentration et persévérance ont dicté cette épreuve pour bien négocier la trajectoire des élastiques<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissionAlpha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionAlpha</a> <a href="https://t.co/eV2cSxEWQ5">pic.twitter.com/eV2cSxEWQ5</a>
— Thomas Pesquet (@Thom_astro) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thom_astro/status/1423780871761534980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In a tweet, Pesquet said: "Weightless sharpshooting – concentration and skill (or luck) proved necessary to reach the target," as the crew celebrated the Olympic spirit.&nbsp;

They also took part in "synchronised space swimming" to exhibit teamwork and crew cohesion.

"No-handball – we had to adapt the rules a bit during the match, much investment on both sides for the win," Pesquet informed.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

As the Olympic Games have been going on at a hectic pace in Tokyo, astronauts aboard the International Space Station(ISS) have created their own brand of "Space Olympics".

As the Olympic Games have been going on at a hectic pace in Tokyo, astronauts aboard the International Space Station(ISS) have created their own brand of "Space Olympics". The crew members had watched the opening ceremony high above the Earth as they split into two teams in space - Soyuz and Crew Dragon although the same Olympic games could not be conducted in zero gravity. Space #Olympics 1/4: Lack-of-floor routine – much 👏 to Pyotr for completing his routine without touching anything, a difficult feat! 🥇 Gym hors-sol – on ne dirait pas comme ça, mais les immobilisations en plein vol de Piotr requièrent une grande expérience#MissionAlpha pic.twitter.com/gXAHSHHmcu — Thomas Pesquet (@Thom_astro) August 6, 2021 × The crew members came up with new original ideas for the games namely synchronised floating or lack-of-floor routine, very long jumps and no-hand ball as they put mini flags of the participating countries atop the ISS lab. The ISS crew reportedly take part in two and half hours of daily exercises in space to maintain their fitness levels. The crew is commanded by Akihiko Hoshide of Japan where the Olympic Games are being held with three Americans, two Russian cosmonauts and one French astronaut onboard. Space #Olympics 2/4: No-handball – we had to adapt the rules a bit during the match, much investment on both sides for the win. 🏐 Handball sans les mains – les règles ont dû être adaptées au cours d’un match que nous décrirons sobrement comme intense. pic.twitter.com/dVOv3GRThD — Thomas Pesquet (@Thom_astro) August 6, 2021 × The Olympic spirit is very much alive at the ISS with the advent of the cosmic games. French astronaut Thomas Pesquet said "The very first Space Olympics, for crew cohesion, we put together a friendly competition between the Soyuz team and the Crew Dragon team. With sports specific to space, mind you." Also Read: Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony: When and where to watch The Maxar Earth observation satellite had earlier captured photos of Japan's National Stadium in Tokyo. French astronaut Thomas Pesquet had earlier wished the athletes good luck as the Olympic Games kicked off in Tokyo last month with the games now set to close today. Space #Olympics 4/4: Weightless sharpshooting – concentration and skill (or luck) proved necessary to reach the target. 🎯 Tir sans gravité – concentration et persévérance ont dicté cette épreuve pour bien négocier la trajectoire des élastiques#MissionAlpha pic.twitter.com/eV2cSxEWQ5 — Thomas Pesquet (@Thom_astro) August 6, 2021 × In a tweet, Pesquet said: "Weightless sharpshooting – concentration and skill (or luck) proved necessary to reach the target," as the crew celebrated the Olympic spirit. They also took part in "synchronised space swimming" to exhibit teamwork and crew cohesion. "No-handball – we had to adapt the rules a bit during the match, much investment on both sides for the win," Pesquet informed. (With inputs from Agencies)

Watch: 'Space Olympics' at ISS with synchronised swimming, weightless sharpshooting & no-handball

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge won the Olympic men's marathon with a commanding performance in Sapporo on Sunday, winning his second straight gold medal and cementing his place among the all-time greats of the sport. 
 
Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands took silver and Belgium's Bashir Abdi won bronze. 
 
Kipchoge, 36, joins Ethiopia's Abebe Bikila (1960 and 1964) and East Germany's Waldemar Cierpinski (1976 and 1980) as the only runners to win back-to-back gold medals on the Olympic stage.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

The world record holder has now won four Olympic medals overall, having also taken silver in 2008 and bronze in 2004 in the 5000m. 
 
Kipchoge showed why he was the man to beat going into Sunday's race when he took full control as he pushed ahead of the pack after the 30km mark.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/from-ravi-kumar-to-pv-sindhu-indian-athletes-with-mind-boggling-cash-rewards-after-winning-medals-in-tokyo-olympics-india-403367">From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics</a>

By the 35km stage he had jumped out to a lead of 27 seconds from a virtual tie 5km earlier and extended it to one minute and 17 seconds by 40km. 
 
Kipchoge finished in two hours, eight minutes and 38 seconds, holding up two fingers as he crossed the finish line.

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge won the Olympic men's marathon with a commanding performance in Sapporo on Sunday, winning his second straight gold medal and cementing his place among the all-time greats of the sport.

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge won the Olympic men's marathon with a commanding performance in Sapporo on Sunday, winning his second straight gold medal and cementing his place among the all-time greats of the sport. Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands took silver and Belgium's Bashir Abdi won bronze. Kipchoge, 36, joins Ethiopia's Abebe Bikila (1960 and 1964) and East Germany's Waldemar Cierpinski (1976 and 1980) as the only runners to win back-to-back gold medals on the Olympic stage. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list The world record holder has now won four Olympic medals overall, having also taken silver in 2008 and bronze in 2004 in the 5000m. Kipchoge showed why he was the man to beat going into Sunday's race when he took full control as he pushed ahead of the pack after the 30km mark. IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics By the 35km stage he had jumped out to a lead of 27 seconds from a virtual tie 5km earlier and extended it to one minute and 17 seconds by 40km. Kipchoge finished in two hours, eight minutes and 38 seconds, holding up two fingers as he crossed the finish line.

Tokyo Olympics athletics: Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge cements legacy with back-to-back marathon golds

Olympics 2020: Technology at Tokyo Games is exceptional; it promises sustainability too

2020 Summer Olympics or the Tokyo Olympics was hot, and when we say hot, it's not about the sizzling performances but the sweltering conditions. With Tokyo temperatures averaging 32.

2020 Summer Olympics or the Tokyo Olympics was hot, and when we say hot, it's not about the sizzling performances but the sweltering conditions. With Tokyo temperatures averaging 32.2C during the Olympics, Tokyo Games turned out to be one of the hottest and most humid on record owing to soaring temperatures in the host city of Japan. The critical combination of heat and humidity proved to be borderline dangerous for athletes. The temperatures in Tokyo have been a matter of concern for the Olympics organisers with humidity around 70% during the Games. Understand how it posed a threat to athletes — when the body gets too hot, sweating helps to cool it off. However, if the sweat cannot evaporate, the body cannot regulate its temperature and evaporation is needed to effectively cool the body. Ahead of the Olympics, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic stood as a challenge because of the emergence of deadly variants that caused havoc globally. However, crushing heat and humidity remained another major issue. Citing athletes' "health and well-being" the organisers and International Olympic Committee (IOC) rescheduled some events for cooler hours and some were shifted to another city, like Sapporo, in order to find cooler temperatures. Athletics, beach volleyball, cycling, football, hockey, marathon swimming were some high-risk events. Impact on athletes: When the organisers were busy curbing COVID-19 cases, an urgent concern related to weather conditions emerged when Russian archer Svetlana Gomboeva fainted due to the heat after finishing her qualifying round. She had to be taken out of the arena on a stretcher and later got medical attention. In one of the tennis matches, Russia's Daniil Medvedev took two medical timeouts during one match. He also told the match umpire that he can finish the match but he can "die". He said, "If I die, are you going to be responsible?" Tennis players Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan and Paula Badosa of Spain retired mid-match with heat exhaustion. Badosa was even taken off the court in a wheelchair. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list Tennis great Novak Djokovic also weighed in on the tougher conditions, he said, "You're constantly dehydrated, you feel you have weights on your shoulders because there's so much heat and humidity and stagnated air." The weather conditions impacted a range of events — beach volleyball players said that the sand had been almost too hot to stand on, athletes taking part in water sports had to wake up early to avoid morning heat, a caddie for American golfer had to quit due to exhaustion and another caddie was rushed to the hospital. Players, volunteers and support staff made staunch criticism of the conditions, urging the organisers to rethink the schedule. Ice baths and mist sprays for athletes: Organisers were quick on giving prompt help to the athletes when it came to weather-related struggles while coping with Tokyo's blazing humid summer. They prepared ice baths and mist sprays so that athletes can stay cool remain well-hydrated. Japan also used techniques such as solar heat-blocking pavements to reduce road surface temperatures to help. Toshiro Muto, the director-general of the Games opened up people suffering heat-related illnesses. He said, "I believe our steps have been working well so far." He added, "This is something we need to be vigilant about." Looking forward...: Remember, when in 2013, the Tokyo bid committee had promised "an ideal climate for athletes to perform at their best", we can now say that the experience in 2021 was not even close to "ideal". But where the anticipation went wrong, considering the fast-warming of the planet? Tokyo itself became hotter since it last hosted Olympics in 1964. As per a report by NASA, temperatures in the city have risen by 2.9C since 1900, which is almost three times the global average. IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics Amid all the adversities, Tokyo Olympics was organised successfully. However, it should be treated as a warning for the organisers to not underestimate climate change and global heating while planning future summer events, where athletes from around the world are invited to compete. Especially the Paris Olympics in 2024, as a record heatwave that swept the French capital in 2019 and led to temperatures as high as 46C, killing over 1,500 people should not be ignored.

Olympics: Climate change played spoilsport at Tokyo, literally. Will Paris be worse?

Wrestler Bajrang Punia was India's flag bearer during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Sunday (August 8) as the 16-day event came to a close. The Tokyo 2020 Games were declared closed by IOC chief Thomas Bach, ending the pandemic-hit Games.&nbsp;The Olympic Flame was slowly extinguished in the cauldron.&nbsp;

The Tokyo 2020 ended with India registering the most successful Games in history by winning seven medals - one gold, two silver and four bronze. For India, the medal winners are Neeraj Chopra, Ravi Kumar, Mirabai Chanu, Bajrang Punia, PV Sindhu, Lovlina Borgohain and the Indian men's hockey team.&nbsp;

In the Olympic Stadium, which was nearly empty, Punia walked out,&nbsp;holding the Indian flag in his hand. The festivities began in front of VIPs after the Japanese flag was raised at the venue.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

See some pictures here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Indian Flag shining 🇮🇳 at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClosingCeremony?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClosingCeremony</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> 
 
Indian Contingent led by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BajrangPunia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BajrangPunia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BajrangPunia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BajrangPunia</a> 
 
What a event, What a performance by Indian Athletes. You made entire India Proud!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MirabaiChanu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MirabaiChanu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PVSindhu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PVSindhu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LovlinaBorgohain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LovlinaBorgohain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hockey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeerajChopra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeerajChopra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RaviDahiya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaviDahiya</a> <a href="https://t.co/M1500rUMBx">pic.twitter.com/M1500rUMBx</a>
— Gaurav Mishra🇮🇳 (@IAmGMishra) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAmGMishra/status/1424349757443514379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> | The closing ceremony begins<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BajrangPunia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BajrangPunia</a> walks out with Indian flag, athletes in cheerful mood 
 
India registered their best-ever campaign at the Tokyo Games, with 7 medals in total. <a href="https://t.co/4rUrUCBT0h">pic.twitter.com/4rUrUCBT0h</a>
— Aravind Raj (@Aravind83702342) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aravind83702342/status/1424344468111560709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tokyo Olympics 2020 comes to an end with the Closing Ceremony at the Olympic stadium. For India, <a href="https://twitter.com/BajrangPunia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BajrangPunia</a> led the proceedings as the flag bearer for the closing ceremony. 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> <a href="https://t.co/eVgwKV3gFo">pic.twitter.com/eVgwKV3gFo</a>
— Prasar Bharati News Services पी.बी.एन.एस. (@PBNS_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PBNS_India/status/1424344924221231109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The theme of the closing ceremony was "Worlds We Share", to give a moment to everyone to think about what the future holds and expresses the idea that we inhabit.&nbsp;

During the closing ceremony, the Olympic Flag was lowered and the Olympic Anthem was sung. Thomas Bach declared the Games closed, he said, "I declare the Games of the 32nd Olympiad closed. In accordance with tradition, I call upon the youth of the world to assemble in Paris, France, in three years' time to celebrate the Games of the 33rd Olympiad."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Olympic spirit is in all of us. 
 
A display of beautiful, luminous colours swirl together, representing the many flags of the world. 
 
They form the Olympic Rings, a timeless symbol of unity. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StrongerTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StrongerTogether</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClosingCeremony?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClosingCeremony</a> <a href="https://t.co/38dv0e0w98">pic.twitter.com/38dv0e0w98</a>
— Olympics (@Olympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/1424337113433186308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/from-ravi-kumar-to-pv-sindhu-indian-athletes-with-mind-boggling-cash-rewards-after-winning-medals-in-tokyo-olympics-india-403367">From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympic</a>

Bach called them "unprecedented Olympic Games" as he addressed the 68,000-seat Olympic Stadium, which was bereft of fans as Japan battles to contain a record coronavirus outbreak.

"In these difficult times we are all living through, you give the world the most precious of gifts: hope," the International Olympic Committee president told athletes at the&nbsp;ceremony.

"And now I have to mark the end of this most challenging Olympic journey to Tokyo: I declare the Games of the 32nd Olympiad closed," he added.

(with inputs from agencies)

Wrestler Bajrang Punia was India's flag bearer during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Sunday (August 8) as the 16-day event came to a close. The Tokyo 2020 Games were declared closed by IOC chief Thomas Bach, ending the pandemic-hit Games.

Wrestler Bajrang Punia was India's flag bearer during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Sunday (August 8) as the 16-day event came to a close. The Tokyo 2020 Games were declared closed by IOC chief Thomas Bach, ending the pandemic-hit Games. The Olympic Flame was slowly extinguished in the cauldron. The Tokyo 2020 ended with India registering the most successful Games in history by winning seven medals - one gold, two silver and four bronze. For India, the medal winners are Neeraj Chopra, Ravi Kumar, Mirabai Chanu, Bajrang Punia, PV Sindhu, Lovlina Borgohain and the Indian men's hockey team. In the Olympic Stadium, which was nearly empty, Punia walked out, holding the Indian flag in his hand. The festivities began in front of VIPs after the Japanese flag was raised at the venue. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list See some pictures here: Indian Flag shining 🇮🇳 at #ClosingCeremony of #Olympics #Tokyo2020 Indian Contingent led by #BajrangPunia @BajrangPunia What a event, What a performance by Indian Athletes. You made entire India Proud!#MirabaiChanu #PVSindhu #LovlinaBorgohain #Hockey #NeerajChopra #RaviDahiya pic.twitter.com/M1500rUMBx — Gaurav Mishra🇮🇳 (@IAmGMishra) August 8, 2021 × #Tokyo2020 | The closing ceremony begins#BajrangPunia walks out with Indian flag, athletes in cheerful mood India registered their best-ever campaign at the Tokyo Games, with 7 medals in total. pic.twitter.com/4rUrUCBT0h — Aravind Raj (@Aravind83702342) August 8, 2021 × Tokyo Olympics 2020 comes to an end with the Closing Ceremony at the Olympic stadium. For India, @BajrangPunia led the proceedings as the flag bearer for the closing ceremony. #Tokyo2020 #Cheer4India pic.twitter.com/eVgwKV3gFo — Prasar Bharati News Services पी.बी.एन.एस. (@PBNS_India) August 8, 2021 × The theme of the closing ceremony was "Worlds We Share", to give a moment to everyone to think about what the future holds and expresses the idea that we inhabit. During the closing ceremony, the Olympic Flag was lowered and the Olympic Anthem was sung. Thomas Bach declared the Games closed, he said, "I declare the Games of the 32nd Olympiad closed. In accordance with tradition, I call upon the youth of the world to assemble in Paris, France, in three years' time to celebrate the Games of the 33rd Olympiad." The Olympic spirit is in all of us. A display of beautiful, luminous colours swirl together, representing the many flags of the world. They form the Olympic Rings, a timeless symbol of unity. #StrongerTogether #Tokyo2020 #ClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/38dv0e0w98 — Olympics (@Olympics) August 8, 2021 × IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympic Bach called them "unprecedented Olympic Games" as he addressed the 68,000-seat Olympic Stadium, which was bereft of fans as Japan battles to contain a record coronavirus outbreak. "In these difficult times we are all living through, you give the world the most precious of gifts: hope," the International Olympic Committee president told athletes at the ceremony. "And now I have to mark the end of this most challenging Olympic journey to Tokyo: I declare the Games of the 32nd Olympiad closed," he added. (with inputs from agencies)

As Tokyo Olympics declared closed, see glimpses of India's flag bearer Bajrang Punia during closing ceremony

Battling shocks and upsets, the Tokyo Olympics 2020 emerged as a winner in more than one way but being the first gender-equal Games has been the right step in the right direction, which was long overdue. A similar reflection was seen in the Indian contingent where women participation — similar to Rio Games — was remarkable. Female athletes displayed stunning performances in various events, some even coming very close to winning.&nbsp;

India had sent its biggest-ever contingent to Tokyo Olympics with 126 athletes across 18 sports, out of which there were 54 female athletes. Indian athletes participated in 69 cumulative events across, which was the highest ever for the country. As soon as the Games began, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal, later boxer Lovlina Borgohain and shuttler PV Sindhu added two bronze medals. The Indian women were shining, inspiring millions of young girls to take up sport and bring laurels to the country. Overall, India at Tokyo Olympics finished with its best-ever haul in the Olympics with seven medals — a gold, two silvers and four bronze medals.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

Indian women's hockey team scripted history by playing the semi-finals for the first time at Olympics. They achieved their best performance since their Olympics debut in 1980. Young golfer Aditi Ashok finished fourth in the women's golf tournament. It was the best finish of any Indian golfer at the Olympics. Six-time world champion Mary Kom was also eyeing a medal but she missed despite giving a valiant fight.&nbsp;

Inspiration from history:

Carrying the entire nation's hope on her shoulders, when Karnam Malleswari won a bronze medal in the Women's 69kg weightlifting in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she created history. It set an example of how one victory can become an inspiration, how one win can break societal barriers, how one win can break the glass ceiling.&nbsp;

From Malleswari to PT Usha the list of some terrific female athletes, who have made the nation proud, goes on with the likes of tennis players Sania Mirza, wrestlers Geeta Phogat and Sakshi Malik, badminton players Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, boxer Mary Kom and Lovlina Borgohain, archer Deepika Kumari, table tennis player Manika Batra and many more.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/from-ravi-kumar-to-pv-sindhu-indian-athletes-with-mind-boggling-cash-rewards-after-winning-medals-in-tokyo-olympics-india-403367">From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics</a>

Here are some of the memorable and glorious moments of Indian women at the Olympics. In 2012, Saina Nehwal won a bronze medal in badminton in women's singles, which country's first Olympic medal in badminton, PV Sindhu carried the legacy forward and won a silver in Rio Games 2016 and a bronze at Tokyo 2020. Mary Kom became the first Indian woman to win a medal in boxing at the 2012 Games with her bronze medal in the women's flyweight division.&nbsp;

...more efforts are needed

From training to qualifying, these female athletes go through several challenges and hardships to reach the highest sporting events, like the Olympics or World Cups.&nbsp;The graph shows upward curve in female representation from India at Olympics, with some positives to look forward to, but still, more efforts are needed so that negatives like poor health management, lack of training facilities, lesser promotion etc do not create hurdles.&nbsp;

Battling shocks and upsets, the Tokyo Olympics 2020 emerged as a winner in more than one way but being the first gender-equal Games has been the right step in the right direction, which was long overdue.

Battling shocks and upsets, the Tokyo Olympics 2020 emerged as a winner in more than one way but being the first gender-equal Games has been the right step in the right direction, which was long overdue. A similar reflection was seen in the Indian contingent where women participation — similar to Rio Games — was remarkable. Female athletes displayed stunning performances in various events, some even coming very close to winning. India had sent its biggest-ever contingent to Tokyo Olympics with 126 athletes across 18 sports, out of which there were 54 female athletes. Indian athletes participated in 69 cumulative events across, which was the highest ever for the country. As soon as the Games began, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal, later boxer Lovlina Borgohain and shuttler PV Sindhu added two bronze medals. The Indian women were shining, inspiring millions of young girls to take up sport and bring laurels to the country. Overall, India at Tokyo Olympics finished with its best-ever haul in the Olympics with seven medals — a gold, two silvers and four bronze medals. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list Indian women's hockey team scripted history by playing the semi-finals for the first time at Olympics. They achieved their best performance since their Olympics debut in 1980. Young golfer Aditi Ashok finished fourth in the women's golf tournament. It was the best finish of any Indian golfer at the Olympics. Six-time world champion Mary Kom was also eyeing a medal but she missed despite giving a valiant fight. Inspiration from history: Carrying the entire nation's hope on her shoulders, when Karnam Malleswari won a bronze medal in the Women's 69kg weightlifting in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she created history. It set an example of how one victory can become an inspiration, how one win can break societal barriers, how one win can break the glass ceiling. From Malleswari to PT Usha the list of some terrific female athletes, who have made the nation proud, goes on with the likes of tennis players Sania Mirza, wrestlers Geeta Phogat and Sakshi Malik, badminton players Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, boxer Mary Kom and Lovlina Borgohain, archer Deepika Kumari, table tennis player Manika Batra and many more. IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics Here are some of the memorable and glorious moments of Indian women at the Olympics. In 2012, Saina Nehwal won a bronze medal in badminton in women's singles, which country's first Olympic medal in badminton, PV Sindhu carried the legacy forward and won a silver in Rio Games 2016 and a bronze at Tokyo 2020. Mary Kom became the first Indian woman to win a medal in boxing at the 2012 Games with her bronze medal in the women's flyweight division. ...more efforts are needed From training to qualifying, these female athletes go through several challenges and hardships to reach the highest sporting events, like the Olympics or World Cups. The graph shows upward curve in female representation from India at Olympics, with some positives to look forward to, but still, more efforts are needed so that negatives like poor health management, lack of training facilities, lesser promotion etc do not create hurdles.

India at Olympics 2020: Graph shows positives and upward curve in female representation; more efforts still needed

India's star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, turned 27 on August 8. She celebrated her special day with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh at his official residence.

India's star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, turned 27 on August 8. She celebrated her special day with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh at his official residence. Silver medal at Tokyo Games was a historic feat for Chanu as her win came two decades after Karnam Malleswari became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal (Bronze) while competing at the 2000 Sydney Games in the women's 69kg weight category. Mirabai was spotted cutting cake and CM Biren Singh was there with some other officials. The Chief Minister posted the video on his official Twitter account, with a caption, "Wishing you a very happy birthday Mirabai. May you continue to bring laurels to the country." IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list The silver medalist re-tweeted the post and wrote, "Thank you Hon'ble CM @NBirenSingh sir for making my birthday so special." Former sports minister Kiren Rijiju also wished her. He wrote, "A warm birthday greetings to the first Olympic medalist for India at the #Tokyo2020@mirabai_chanu This Birthday is very special for all of us. Best wishes for future journey!" Watch the video here: Thank you Hon'ble CM @NBirenSingh sir for making my birthday so special. https://t.co/VLCEZH7uBM — Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) August 8, 2021 × Thank you so much @KirenRijiju sir for the birthday wishes. https://t.co/yCS3C3YJz9 — Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) August 8, 2021 × IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics Mirabai Chanu's 'extraordinary gestures' After winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu had expressed her desire to meet the truck drivers who used to give her a lift during training days. Looks like, she got the opportunity to finally get in touch with them as she was recently spotted thanking and rewarding them for their help. The 26-year-old made the entire nation proud after she won a medal in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category at Tokyo Games. It's been known that Chanu's home was more than 25kms away from the sports complex in Imphal where she used to train. There were limited means of transport. During those days, some truck drivers used to give a lift to the Manipuri weightlifter every day. Now, the Olympic medalist has rewarded those truck drivers. Thank you @sonmonib5 sir. I will continue to support our people who have contributed in my journey at any level. https://t.co/s3v2XmRdYI — Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) August 7, 2021 ×

Mirabai Chanu celebrates birthday with Manipur CM: 'May you continue to bring laurels to the country' - watch

Eliud Kipchoge produced a marathon masterclass and the USA edged China at the top of the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;medals table as the curtain fell on the biggest sports event since the pandemic on Sunday.

After Kipchoge's marathon win for Kenya, the United States scored victories in volleyball, track cycling, and basketball to top the tally with 39 gold medals, just one ahead of China.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-paris-saint-germain-is-a-possibility-admits-lionel-messi-403996" hreflang="en">Football: Paris Saint-Germain is a 'possibility', admits Lionel Messi</a>

The 339th and final gold medal went to Serbia's men's water polo team, capping a Games that were in serious danger of cancellation after they became the first postponed&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;last year.

Thirty-three sports have been contested across 16 days in largely empty stadiums, with fans barred over coronavirus risks and athletes living in strict biosecure conditions.

"Some were already speaking of 'Ghost Games',"&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;chief Thomas Bach told an International Olympic Committee session ahead of the closing ceremony on Sunday.

"What we have seen here is that on the contrary, the athletes have brought soul to the Olympic Games."

The&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;were plagued by low Japanese support over fears they would become a super-spreader event but officials maintained that a record haul of 27 gold medals, putting Japan third on the table, has won hearts.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-2020-tokyo-games-in-the-shadow-of-the-pandemic-403963" hreflang="en">Olympics 2020: Tokyo Games in the shadow of the pandemic</a>

"We believe our athletes' earnest spirit and all-out performance moved people," said Tsuyoshi Fukui, chef de mission for the Japanese team.

Britain finished fourth with 22 golds and the Russian Olympic Committee, the team for Russian athletes after Russia were banned for systematic doping, were fifth with 20.

Eliud Kipchoge produced a marathon masterclass and the USA edged China at the top of the Tokyo Olympics medals table as the curtain fell on the biggest sports event since the pandemic on Sunday.

Eliud Kipchoge produced a marathon masterclass and the USA edged China at the top of the Tokyo Olympics medals table as the curtain fell on the biggest sports event since the pandemic on Sunday. After Kipchoge's marathon win for Kenya, the United States scored victories in volleyball, track cycling, and basketball to top the tally with 39 gold medals, just one ahead of China. ALSO READ: Football: Paris Saint-Germain is a 'possibility', admits Lionel Messi The 339th and final gold medal went to Serbia's men's water polo team, capping a Games that were in serious danger of cancellation after they became the first postponed Olympics last year. Thirty-three sports have been contested across 16 days in largely empty stadiums, with fans barred over coronavirus risks and athletes living in strict biosecure conditions. "Some were already speaking of 'Ghost Games'," Olympics chief Thomas Bach told an International Olympic Committee session ahead of the closing ceremony on Sunday. "What we have seen here is that on the contrary, the athletes have brought soul to the Olympic Games." The Olympics were plagued by low Japanese support over fears they would become a super-spreader event but officials maintained that a record haul of 27 gold medals, putting Japan third on the table, has won hearts. ALSO READ: Olympics 2020: Tokyo Games in the shadow of the pandemic "We believe our athletes' earnest spirit and all-out performance moved people," said Tsuyoshi Fukui, chef de mission for the Japanese team. Britain finished fourth with 22 golds and the Russian Olympic Committee, the team for Russian athletes after Russia were banned for systematic doping, were fifth with 20.

Tokyo 2020: USA top medal table as pandemic-defying Olympics close

Britain's chef de mission Mark England hailed the team's achievement as the greatest in their Olympic history after the team matched their medals total from their home games in London in 2012 on the final day of competition in Tokyo.

Track cyclist Jason Kenny and boxer Lauren Price ensured that Britain finished their campaign with two more gold, taking them to fourth in the Tokyo medals table with 22 gold, 21 silver and 22 bronze medals for a total of 65.

It made Tokyo their second-most successful&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;overseas after the contingent won 67 medals in the Rio de Janeiro Games five years ago.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-at-olympics-graph-shows-positives-and-upward-curve-in-female-representation-more-efforts-still-needed-403973" hreflang="en">India at Olympics: Graph shows positives and upward curve in female representation; more efforts still needed</a>

"Following Beijing, we had no idea that British athletes would deliver 65 medals in London. We knew we were in great shape for Rio but it had never been done before, matching and then surpassing London's number of medals," England told reporters on Sunday.

"I just think that finishing this Games with two gold medals, and for this team to deliver 65 medals, is absolutely extraordinary.

"Not only has the team made history but it has probably made history on the back of the most complex and most challenging and difficult environment that we will face certainly in my lifetime.

"It has been against all the odds and I think it is the greatest achievement in British Olympic history. It has been the miracle of Tokyo and it has been wonderful to be here."

The next Olympic Games are in less than three years and England believes the youthful side would be in great shape heading into Paris.

"The Bryony Pages of this team, winning another (trampoline) bronze after her silver medal in Rio, and the women's artistic gymnastics team winning a bronze with two 16-year-old twins -- these kept the scoreboard ticking over and gave everybody the confidence that the team is in great shape," he said.

"We've had 16 fourth places. This is a very, very young team and a very talented team, and a team I'm absolutely confident that will go to Paris in less than three years and do exceptionally well."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-chief-thomas-bach-calls-tokyo-olympics-2020-very-successful-403923" hreflang="en">IOC chief Thomas Bach calls Tokyo Olympics 2020 'very successful'</a>

The British Olympic Association and UK Sport had previously announced a change of approach towards funding, which was previously targeted narrowly at potential medallists, amid an athlete welfare crisis and various governance problems.

The organisation said last year that it would be taking a more holistic approach towards Olympic funding, with positive culture at its core, raising fears that a softer approach might lead to a drop in results.

"I'm thrilled that we are in a better place now and we certainly haven't seen any drop-off in performance," said Katherine Grainger, Chair Of UK Sport.

"If anyone was unconvinced before hopefully they would be convinced now."

Britain's chef de mission Mark England hailed the team's achievement as the greatest in their Olympic history after the team matched their medals total from their home games in London in 2012 on the final day of competition in Tokyo.

Britain's chef de mission Mark England hailed the team's achievement as the greatest in their Olympic history after the team matched their medals total from their home games in London in 2012 on the final day of competition in Tokyo. Track cyclist Jason Kenny and boxer Lauren Price ensured that Britain finished their campaign with two more gold, taking them to fourth in the Tokyo medals table with 22 gold, 21 silver and 22 bronze medals for a total of 65. It made Tokyo their second-most successful Olympics overseas after the contingent won 67 medals in the Rio de Janeiro Games five years ago. ALSO READ: India at Olympics: Graph shows positives and upward curve in female representation; more efforts still needed "Following Beijing, we had no idea that British athletes would deliver 65 medals in London. We knew we were in great shape for Rio but it had never been done before, matching and then surpassing London's number of medals," England told reporters on Sunday. "I just think that finishing this Games with two gold medals, and for this team to deliver 65 medals, is absolutely extraordinary. "Not only has the team made history but it has probably made history on the back of the most complex and most challenging and difficult environment that we will face certainly in my lifetime. "It has been against all the odds and I think it is the greatest achievement in British Olympic history. It has been the miracle of Tokyo and it has been wonderful to be here." The next Olympic Games are in less than three years and England believes the youthful side would be in great shape heading into Paris. "The Bryony Pages of this team, winning another (trampoline) bronze after her silver medal in Rio, and the women's artistic gymnastics team winning a bronze with two 16-year-old twins -- these kept the scoreboard ticking over and gave everybody the confidence that the team is in great shape," he said. "We've had 16 fourth places. This is a very, very young team and a very talented team, and a team I'm absolutely confident that will go to Paris in less than three years and do exceptionally well." ALSO READ: IOC chief Thomas Bach calls Tokyo Olympics 2020 'very successful' The British Olympic Association and UK Sport had previously announced a change of approach towards funding, which was previously targeted narrowly at potential medallists, amid an athlete welfare crisis and various governance problems. The organisation said last year that it would be taking a more holistic approach towards Olympic funding, with positive culture at its core, raising fears that a softer approach might lead to a drop in results. "I'm thrilled that we are in a better place now and we certainly haven't seen any drop-off in performance," said Katherine Grainger, Chair Of UK Sport. "If anyone was unconvinced before hopefully they would be convinced now."

Olympics 2020: British team hail 'miracle of Tokyo' after big medals haul

Olympics kills! People protest against Tokyo 2020 before closing ceremony

The rampant United States swept past Japan to their seventh straight women's basketball crown Sunday, with Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi collecting their fifth Olympic gold medals to cap remarkable careers.

Brittney Griner scored a game-high 30 points with five rebounds and two assists as the hosts were overpowered 90-75 by a team that stretched their Olympic win streak to 55 games dating back to their last defeat in the 1992 semis.

They went to half-time with a 50-39 lead and there was no stopping them, with a valiant Japan settling for second place and a best-ever Olympic finish.

Beating the Americans in Saitama was always going to be a huge ask, with the USA one of the most dominant teams in Olympic sporting history.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-chief-thomas-bach-calls-tokyo-olympics-2020-very-successful-403923" hreflang="en">IOC chief Thomas Bach calls Tokyo Olympics 2020 'very successful'</a>

They had won eight out of the past nine Olympic titles heading into the final.&nbsp;

Their only blemishes in the history of the tournament were a silver behind the Soviet Union at the inaugural event in 1976 and bronze in 1992.&nbsp;

"It really is hard to wrap your head around it, to grasp what it is," said Bird on her fifth gold, as &nbsp;US soccer star fiancée Megan Rapinoe watched on in Saitama Super Arena.

"Twenty years of staying true to the game, making sure you're at the top of your game, so much sacrifice."

Bird, 40, and Taurasi, 39, both scored early buckets as the US raced to a 13-point lead against a nervous Japan, closing out the first quarter with a 23-14 advantage and Griner already into double digits.

Japan stabilized and began making some shots but they again struggled with Griner's 6ft 7ins (2.01 metres) height in the paint as the US picked her out repeatedly and she went 9-of-10 from the floor.

They took a 50-39 lead into the second half and built it into a 75-56 edge heading into the final stretch, with A'ja Wilson contributing 19 points and five assists for the game.

Japan were led by Maki Takada with 17 points, but the US successfully restricted the dangerous Rui Machida to just six assists, after she made an incredible 18 in the semi-finals to set a new Olympic women's game record.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-2020-clowns-and-propaganda-best-quotes-of-the-tokyo-games-403914" hreflang="en">Olympics 2020: Clowns and propaganda - best quotes of the Tokyo Games</a>

The Americans' seventh title equalled the longest ever streak by a team in any Olympic sport -- matching the feat of the US men's basketball team between 1936 and 1968.

Bird, who has won four WNBA titles with the Seattle Storm, and Taurasi, who has led the&nbsp;Phoenix Mercury&nbsp;to three WNBA championships, have been front and centre during the past five.

The pair won their first gold at Athens in 2004 as two of the youngest players on a team that also featured Dawn Staley, who claimed three gold as a player and is now the national coach.

"We've ignored the 'five gold' talk because we just want to be in the moment, and we want to really enjoy our last&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;and make it about the team," said Tuarasi.

"It's a lot of time on the court, it's a lot of time away from your family, and we've been able to do it together (her and Bird) which means probably more than any medal that we've won."

The rampant United States swept past Japan to their seventh straight women's basketball crown Sunday, with Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi collecting their fifth Olympic gold medals to cap remarkable careers.

The rampant United States swept past Japan to their seventh straight women's basketball crown Sunday, with Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi collecting their fifth Olympic gold medals to cap remarkable careers. Brittney Griner scored a game-high 30 points with five rebounds and two assists as the hosts were overpowered 90-75 by a team that stretched their Olympic win streak to 55 games dating back to their last defeat in the 1992 semis. They went to half-time with a 50-39 lead and there was no stopping them, with a valiant Japan settling for second place and a best-ever Olympic finish. Beating the Americans in Saitama was always going to be a huge ask, with the USA one of the most dominant teams in Olympic sporting history. ALSO READ: IOC chief Thomas Bach calls Tokyo Olympics 2020 'very successful' They had won eight out of the past nine Olympic titles heading into the final. Their only blemishes in the history of the tournament were a silver behind the Soviet Union at the inaugural event in 1976 and bronze in 1992. "It really is hard to wrap your head around it, to grasp what it is," said Bird on her fifth gold, as US soccer star fiancée Megan Rapinoe watched on in Saitama Super Arena. "Twenty years of staying true to the game, making sure you're at the top of your game, so much sacrifice." Bird, 40, and Taurasi, 39, both scored early buckets as the US raced to a 13-point lead against a nervous Japan, closing out the first quarter with a 23-14 advantage and Griner already into double digits. Japan stabilized and began making some shots but they again struggled with Griner's 6ft 7ins (2.01 metres) height in the paint as the US picked her out repeatedly and she went 9-of-10 from the floor. They took a 50-39 lead into the second half and built it into a 75-56 edge heading into the final stretch, with A'ja Wilson contributing 19 points and five assists for the game. Japan were led by Maki Takada with 17 points, but the US successfully restricted the dangerous Rui Machida to just six assists, after she made an incredible 18 in the semi-finals to set a new Olympic women's game record. ALSO READ: Olympics 2020: Clowns and propaganda - best quotes of the Tokyo Games The Americans' seventh title equalled the longest ever streak by a team in any Olympic sport -- matching the feat of the US men's basketball team between 1936 and 1968. Bird, who has won four WNBA titles with the Seattle Storm, and Taurasi, who has led the Phoenix Mercury to three WNBA championships, have been front and centre during the past five. The pair won their first gold at Athens in 2004 as two of the youngest players on a team that also featured Dawn Staley, who claimed three gold as a player and is now the national coach. "We've ignored the 'five gold' talk because we just want to be in the moment, and we want to really enjoy our last Olympics and make it about the team," said Tuarasi. "It's a lot of time on the court, it's a lot of time away from your family, and we've been able to do it together (her and Bird) which means probably more than any medal that we've won."

Tokyo Olympics: All-conquering US win seventh straight women's Olympic basketball title

Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin star has&nbsp;brought glory to the nation by winning a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. While the entire nation is pumped up and congratulating the "Golden Boy" after his historic triumph, he spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo about his journey and dreams. He said it is a "happy moment" for him as he led India to its&nbsp;best-ever haul in the Olympics with seven medals — a gold, two silvers and four bronze medals.&nbsp;

There have been critical voices raised in the past that India can't win a gold medal in athletics at Olympics Games. While showing his glitzy medal during the virtual chat, the 23-year-old - very politely - slammed those criticisms and said. "Now, we don't have to say anything as we have gold now. No one can now say India cant win gold. We can and more athletes will also do."

IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/indian-army-to-tokyo-olympic-gold-india-javelin-thrower-neeraj-chopras-unknown-journey-in-pictures-403758">Indian Army to Olympic gold: India Javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra's lesser known journey in pictures</a>

Neeraj became only the second individual Olympic gold medalist for India after Abhinav Bindra won shooting gold in 2008. His performance at Tokyo Olympics will be written in golden words in history. With a mammoth 87.58 metres throw, he finished ahead of gold-medal favourite and 2017 world champion Johannes Vetter of Germany.&nbsp;

Neeraj Chopra was a plump kid, who took to athletics to lose weight but ended up being India's first track-and-field Olympic gold-medallist. On his win, he said, "It's hard to believe at the moment, sometimes I feel it it's a dream. But for me, it's a dream come true. Gold in the Olympics is a different feeling and I also feel great to have done this for our country."

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

He also reflected his thoughts on some Indian legends of athletics like Milkha Singh, PT Usha, Anju Bobby George. Neeraj said, "I want to dedicate my medal to great Indian athletes like Milkha Singh and PT Usha"

"Definitely that's [gold medal moment] an inspiration for India as the seniors worked hard for this and their dreams came true with&nbsp;a gold medal," he added.&nbsp;

On being asked, what are his plans now, he said, "Just want to rest for a while and be with family."&nbsp;

LIVE UPDATES | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-closing-day-live-updates-final-events-underway-followed-by-ceremony-403835">Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing day: Final events underway followed by ceremony</a>

Watch his exclusive interview here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-olympic-gold-medalist-neeraj-chopra-speaks-with-wion-403839/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was joined by and several other ministers in paying tribute to Chopra's success.&nbsp;"History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever," Modi tweeted.

"The young&nbsp;Neeraj&nbsp;has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold."

The sports fraternity also lavished praise on Chopra who was described by local media as the "man with the golden arm".

"The impact your victory will create on promoting your sport amongst the country's youth is immeasurable," Bindra said in a statement.

"Also, welcome you to the club. It is not the most happening of places yet and needs more members, but I feel your entry is going to pave the way for many more deserving athletes."

Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin star has brought glory to the nation by winning a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. While the entire nation is pumped up and congratulating the "Golden Boy" after his historic triumph, he spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo about his journey and dreams.

Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin star has brought glory to the nation by winning a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. While the entire nation is pumped up and congratulating the "Golden Boy" after his historic triumph, he spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo about his journey and dreams. He said it is a "happy moment" for him as he led India to its best-ever haul in the Olympics with seven medals — a gold, two silvers and four bronze medals. There have been critical voices raised in the past that India can't win a gold medal in athletics at Olympics Games. While showing his glitzy medal during the virtual chat, the 23-year-old - very politely - slammed those criticisms and said. "Now, we don't have to say anything as we have gold now. No one can now say India cant win gold. We can and more athletes will also do." IN PICS | Indian Army to Olympic gold: India Javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra's lesser known journey in pictures Neeraj became only the second individual Olympic gold medalist for India after Abhinav Bindra won shooting gold in 2008. His performance at Tokyo Olympics will be written in golden words in history. With a mammoth 87.58 metres throw, he finished ahead of gold-medal favourite and 2017 world champion Johannes Vetter of Germany. Neeraj Chopra was a plump kid, who took to athletics to lose weight but ended up being India's first track-and-field Olympic gold-medallist. On his win, he said, "It's hard to believe at the moment, sometimes I feel it it's a dream. But for me, it's a dream come true. Gold in the Olympics is a different feeling and I also feel great to have done this for our country." IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list He also reflected his thoughts on some Indian legends of athletics like Milkha Singh, PT Usha, Anju Bobby George. Neeraj said, "I want to dedicate my medal to great Indian athletes like Milkha Singh and PT Usha" "Definitely that's [gold medal moment] an inspiration for India as the seniors worked hard for this and their dreams came true with a gold medal," he added. On being asked, what are his plans now, he said, "Just want to rest for a while and be with family." LIVE UPDATES | Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing day: Final events underway followed by ceremony Watch his exclusive interview here: × President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was joined by and several other ministers in paying tribute to Chopra's success. "History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever," Modi tweeted. "The young Neeraj has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold." The sports fraternity also lavished praise on Chopra who was described by local media as the "man with the golden arm". "The impact your victory will create on promoting your sport amongst the country's youth is immeasurable," Bindra said in a statement. "Also, welcome you to the club. It is not the most happening of places yet and needs more members, but I feel your entry is going to pave the way for many more deserving athletes."

Exclusive: Tokyo Olympics - 'Nobody can say that India cannot win a gold in athletics,' says 'Golden Boy' Neeraj Chopra

Indian golfer Aditi Ashok missed a medal by a whisker at the Tokyo Olympics as she finished fourth in the women's golf tournament at the Kasumigaseki Country Club on Friday. Aditi was in contention for a medal finish until the 17th hole but she dropped down.&nbsp;World No. 1&nbsp;Nelly Korda&nbsp;of the USA won the Olympic gold medal with 17-under.

Aditi, who finished 41st at Rio 2016,&nbsp;carded 3-under 68 in the final round and had a combined score of 15-under, just one shot off playing for the medal places.

It is the best finish of any Indian golfer at the Olympics.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-athletics-kenyas-peres-jepchirchir-wins-womens-marathon-with-late-burst-403587">Tokyo Olympics athletics: Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir wins women's marathon with late burst</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Great effort by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IND</a> golfer <a href="https://twitter.com/aditigolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aditigolf</a> finishing the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Golf?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Golf</a> Women's Round 4 with 3 under par (-3) with a score of 68 
 
With this Aditi finished 4th overall at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> 15 under par (-15) with a total score of 269 
 
Aditi has made 🇮🇳 proud with her skills &amp; consistency!! <a href="https://t.co/pTiP9NUeiE">pic.twitter.com/pTiP9NUeiE</a>
— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI/status/1423876198661181443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Indian Prime Minister congratulated the player, he said, "Well played Aditi Ashok! You have shown tremendous skill and resolve during #Tokyo2020. A medal was narrowly missed but you’ve gone farther than any Indian and blazed a trail. Best wishes for your future endeavours."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Well played <a href="https://twitter.com/aditigolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aditigolf</a>! You have shown tremendous skill and resolve during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a>. A medal was narrowly missed but you’ve gone farther than any Indian and blazed a trail. Best wishes for your future endeavours.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1423879974302277637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Anurag Thakur, the sports minister of India also wished the golfer, he wrote, "India’s 1st woman golfer to finish 4th at Olympics! Aditi Ashok deserves a standing ovation for her performance. You played consistently well, had us holding our breath till end! You created history."

Indian golfer Aditi Ashok missed a medal by a whisker at the Tokyo Olympics as she finished fourth in the women's golf tournament at the Kasumigaseki Country Club on Friday.

Indian golfer Aditi Ashok missed a medal by a whisker at the Tokyo Olympics as she finished fourth in the women's golf tournament at the Kasumigaseki Country Club on Friday. Aditi was in contention for a medal finish until the 17th hole but she dropped down. World No. 1 Nelly Korda of the USA won the Olympic gold medal with 17-under. Aditi, who finished 41st at Rio 2016, carded 3-under 68 in the final round and had a combined score of 15-under, just one shot off playing for the medal places. It is the best finish of any Indian golfer at the Olympics. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics athletics: Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir wins women's marathon with late burst Great effort by #IND golfer @aditigolf finishing the #Golf Women's Round 4 with 3 under par (-3) with a score of 68 With this Aditi finished 4th overall at #Tokyo2020 15 under par (-15) with a total score of 269 Aditi has made 🇮🇳 proud with her skills & consistency!! pic.twitter.com/pTiP9NUeiE — SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) August 7, 2021 × Indian Prime Minister congratulated the player, he said, "Well played Aditi Ashok! You have shown tremendous skill and resolve during #Tokyo2020. A medal was narrowly missed but you’ve gone farther than any Indian and blazed a trail. Best wishes for your future endeavours." Well played @aditigolf! You have shown tremendous skill and resolve during #Tokyo2020. A medal was narrowly missed but you’ve gone farther than any Indian and blazed a trail. Best wishes for your future endeavours. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2021 × Anurag Thakur, the sports minister of India also wished the golfer, he wrote, "India’s 1st woman golfer to finish 4th at Olympics! Aditi Ashok deserves a standing ovation for her performance. You played consistently well, had us holding our breath till end! You created history."

Tokyo Olympics: Golfer Aditi Ashok misses medal as she slips on final day, finishes fourth

Several comments of praise followed Neeraj Chopra's gold medal win in the javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Indian to take gold in athletics at the Olympics.&nbsp;

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra tweeted that, "The Javelin throw is arguably the most frequently used image for commemorative coins. We need to have one officially released depicting #NeerajChopra."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Javelin throw is arguably the most frequently used image for commemorative coins. We need to have one officially released depicting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeerajChopra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeerajChopra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a> <a href="https://t.co/034m0ISTis">pic.twitter.com/034m0ISTis</a>
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandmahindra/status/1423981694357544960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In the post, he mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Neeraj Chopra, the Indian champion, has made Indian sporting history. His mammoth throw of 87.58 metres earned India an Olympic gold medal.&nbsp;

After Abhinav Bindra's Gold in shooting in 2008 Beijing, this is India's first-ever Athletics Gold Medal and just the country's second-ever individual Gold medal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Several comments of praise followed Neeraj Chopra's gold medal win in the javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Indian to take gold in athletics at the Olympics.

Several comments of praise followed Neeraj Chopra's gold medal win in the javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Indian to take gold in athletics at the Olympics. Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra tweeted that, "The Javelin throw is arguably the most frequently used image for commemorative coins. We need to have one officially released depicting #NeerajChopra." The Javelin throw is arguably the most frequently used image for commemorative coins. We need to have one officially released depicting #NeerajChopra @narendramodi @ianuragthakur pic.twitter.com/034m0ISTis — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 7, 2021 × In the post, he mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Neeraj Chopra, the Indian champion, has made Indian sporting history. His mammoth throw of 87.58 metres earned India an Olympic gold medal. After Abhinav Bindra's Gold in shooting in 2008 Beijing, this is India's first-ever Athletics Gold Medal and just the country's second-ever individual Gold medal. (With inputs from agencies)

A commemorative coin depicting Neeraj is needed: Anand Mahindra to PM on Olympic gold win 

Kevin Durant led Team USA's victory over France in the men's basketball final in Tokyo on Saturday, avenging a first-round loss and claiming a 16th gold for the country in the sport.

Durant, who in these Games surpassed Carmelo Anthony as the United States' highest career scorer, led with 29 points in the 87-82 victory at the Saitama Super Arena.

The championship attracted the biggest crowd yet to the arena north of Tokyo in these Games, with the bottom bowl of seats about half full of athletes, officials, media and volunteers in place of fans due to COVID-19 restrictions.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-athletics-kenyas-peres-jepchirchir-wins-womens-marathon-with-late-burst-403587">Tokyo Olympics athletics: Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir wins women's marathon with late burst</a>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Four in a row! 
 
Kevin Durant leads <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a> to their fourth consecutive gold in the men's Olympic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Basketball</a> tournament!<a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIBA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeamUSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/EAvj7VU9vd">pic.twitter.com/EAvj7VU9vd</a>
— Olympics (@Olympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/1423862292060442624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

France earned their third Olympic silver medal in men's basketball. Slovenia, making their debut at the Games, will play Australia in the bronze medal match later on Saturday.

The U.S. men have historically been the team to beat, with 15 gold medals since 1936 going into these Games. This championship marks their fourth straight gold medal.

But this year's team proved to be vulnerable, dropping two-straight exhibition games in July and suffering a shock 83-76 defeat to France in the preliminary round of the Games, which was their first defeat on the Olympic stage since 2004.

Kevin Durant led Team USA's victory over France in the men's basketball final in Tokyo on Saturday, avenging a first-round loss and claiming a 16th gold for the country in the sport.

Kevin Durant led Team USA's victory over France in the men's basketball final in Tokyo on Saturday, avenging a first-round loss and claiming a 16th gold for the country in the sport. Durant, who in these Games surpassed Carmelo Anthony as the United States' highest career scorer, led with 29 points in the 87-82 victory at the Saitama Super Arena. The championship attracted the biggest crowd yet to the arena north of Tokyo in these Games, with the bottom bowl of seats about half full of athletes, officials, media and volunteers in place of fans due to COVID-19 restrictions. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics athletics: Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir wins women's marathon with late burst Four in a row! Kevin Durant leads #USA to their fourth consecutive gold in the men's Olympic #Basketball tournament!@FIBA @TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/EAvj7VU9vd — Olympics (@Olympics) August 7, 2021 × France earned their third Olympic silver medal in men's basketball. Slovenia, making their debut at the Games, will play Australia in the bronze medal match later on Saturday. The U.S. men have historically been the team to beat, with 15 gold medals since 1936 going into these Games. This championship marks their fourth straight gold medal. But this year's team proved to be vulnerable, dropping two-straight exhibition games in July and suffering a shock 83-76 defeat to France in the preliminary round of the Games, which was their first defeat on the Olympic stage since 2004.

Tokyo Olympics, men's basketball: US beat France to win 16th men's gold

Japan won their first Olympic gold medal in&nbsp;baseball&nbsp;by beating the United States 2-0 on Saturday, furnishing a long-awaited crown for their country’s most broadcast and beloved sport and denying their foes a second title.

"The colour of the medal was so wonderful," Japan coach Atsunori Inaba said of the moment he draped it round his neck. "It was so heavy and I felt the win."

He also felt a weight off his shoulders.

Local organisers returned&nbsp;baseball&nbsp;to the Games for the first time since Beijing 2008, when the Japanese team came fourth, to show the world that their team, amid a growing cross-pollination of players between the U.S. and Japan, are the best.

Japan's Muneteka Murakami split a pitching duel in favour of the hosts by homering off an outside change-up from U.S. starter and Japanese league pro Nick Martinez in the third inning.

"He hit my best pitch," Martinez said. "Really nothing much you can do about it."

A throwing error by U.S. center fielder Jack Lopez on an eighth-inning single enabled Tetsuto Yamada to score the other run.

Five Japanese pitchers, led by starter Masato Morishita, held the U.S. to six hits as Martinez paced the U.S. dugout hoping in vain for a break-through blast.

JAPANESE-STYLE&nbsp;BASEBALL

Inaba said the game showed Japanese-style&nbsp;baseball, driven by pitching, speed and boring hits, triumphs compared to the flashier approach of the Americans.

Attendance was limited to a couple of hundred sporting officials because of COVID-19 restrictions. But the Japanese players hopped a dozen times in a swarm on the mound to commemorate an undefeated run in the six-team tournament.

Shortstop Hayato Sakamoto also experienced happiness and relief in the celebration.

"We had high expectations from everyone," he said. "But playing for the gold under the pressure has become an important asset of my&nbsp;baseball&nbsp;life."

As Japan's softball team had done to their coach last week after winning gold in a similar 2-0 win over the U.S., the&nbsp;baseball&nbsp;team rested Inaba flat on their hands and pushed him towards a sky that fortunately never delivered the forecast rain. [mL8N2P31H3]

The&nbsp;baseball&nbsp;triumph came against a U.S. roster restricted by North America's Major League&nbsp;Baseball&nbsp;(MLB) from drafting top-flight players. While those rules also limited Japan's picks, their roster drew entirely from the cream of Nippon Professional&nbsp;Baseball&nbsp;(NPB).

For many in Japan, the gold medal - adding to a past silver and two bronze - shows NPB deserves equal global attention like MLB and avoided the disappointment of finishing second again.

The teams had not met for gold before because Cuba, who failed to qualify this year, had taken a final slot in each of&nbsp;baseball's five earlier Olympic appearances.

TENSE INNINGS

Five innings of tension followed Murakami's homer, with both sides struggling to bring in runners. The few observers clapped when Japan escaped jams, roared on the second run and focused their phones on the field before the last out.

"Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to an opposing team," said U.S. pitcher and long-time Major Leaguer Edwin Jackson Jr. "We knew it was going to be a dogfight, we knew it was going to be a tough game, and they came out and they ended up on top."

For the U.S., the silver medal for second baseman and former speed skater Eddy Alvarez makes him the sixth person to win a medal at the Winter and Summer Olympics.

Earlier on Saturday, the Dominican Republic beat South Korea 10-6 for the bronze, the country's first medal in a team sport.

Julio Rodriguez, the&nbsp;baseball-loving nation's top hitter, said the medal meant the world and demonstrated that the small island can compete.

Missing out on the podium marked an upset for South Korea, who had two returnees from their gold medal finish in 2008.

Japan won their first Olympic gold medal in baseball by beating the United States 2-0 on Saturday, furnishing a long-awaited crown for their country’s most broadcast and beloved sport and denying their foes a second title.

Japan won their first Olympic gold medal in baseball by beating the United States 2-0 on Saturday, furnishing a long-awaited crown for their country’s most broadcast and beloved sport and denying their foes a second title. "The colour of the medal was so wonderful," Japan coach Atsunori Inaba said of the moment he draped it round his neck. "It was so heavy and I felt the win." He also felt a weight off his shoulders. Local organisers returned baseball to the Games for the first time since Beijing 2008, when the Japanese team came fourth, to show the world that their team, amid a growing cross-pollination of players between the U.S. and Japan, are the best. Japan's Muneteka Murakami split a pitching duel in favour of the hosts by homering off an outside change-up from U.S. starter and Japanese league pro Nick Martinez in the third inning. "He hit my best pitch," Martinez said. "Really nothing much you can do about it." A throwing error by U.S. center fielder Jack Lopez on an eighth-inning single enabled Tetsuto Yamada to score the other run. Five Japanese pitchers, led by starter Masato Morishita, held the U.S. to six hits as Martinez paced the U.S. dugout hoping in vain for a break-through blast. JAPANESE-STYLE BASEBALL Inaba said the game showed Japanese-style baseball, driven by pitching, speed and boring hits, triumphs compared to the flashier approach of the Americans. Attendance was limited to a couple of hundred sporting officials because of COVID-19 restrictions. But the Japanese players hopped a dozen times in a swarm on the mound to commemorate an undefeated run in the six-team tournament. Shortstop Hayato Sakamoto also experienced happiness and relief in the celebration. "We had high expectations from everyone," he said. "But playing for the gold under the pressure has become an important asset of my baseball life." As Japan's softball team had done to their coach last week after winning gold in a similar 2-0 win over the U.S., the baseball team rested Inaba flat on their hands and pushed him towards a sky that fortunately never delivered the forecast rain. [mL8N2P31H3] The baseball triumph came against a U.S. roster restricted by North America's Major League Baseball (MLB) from drafting top-flight players. While those rules also limited Japan's picks, their roster drew entirely from the cream of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). For many in Japan, the gold medal - adding to a past silver and two bronze - shows NPB deserves equal global attention like MLB and avoided the disappointment of finishing second again. The teams had not met for gold before because Cuba, who failed to qualify this year, had taken a final slot in each of baseball's five earlier Olympic appearances. TENSE INNINGS Five innings of tension followed Murakami's homer, with both sides struggling to bring in runners. The few observers clapped when Japan escaped jams, roared on the second run and focused their phones on the field before the last out. "Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to an opposing team," said U.S. pitcher and long-time Major Leaguer Edwin Jackson Jr. "We knew it was going to be a dogfight, we knew it was going to be a tough game, and they came out and they ended up on top." For the U.S., the silver medal for second baseman and former speed skater Eddy Alvarez makes him the sixth person to win a medal at the Winter and Summer Olympics. Earlier on Saturday, the Dominican Republic beat South Korea 10-6 for the bronze, the country's first medal in a team sport. Julio Rodriguez, the baseball-loving nation's top hitter, said the medal meant the world and demonstrated that the small island can compete. Missing out on the podium marked an upset for South Korea, who had two returnees from their gold medal finish in 2008.

Tokyo Olympics: Japan rejoice over 'wonderful' gold medal in Baseball, pressure off their backs

Brazil retained their Olympic football title with substitute Malcom scoring an extra-time winner in a 2-1 victory over Spain in the men`s gold medal match on Saturday. 
 
After the game ended 1-1 in normal time, Malcom raced onto a diagonal ball from Antony and got the better of Jesus Vallejo before driving the winner into the far corner in the 108th minute to ensure Brazil repeated their Rio 2016 triumph. 
 
Dani Alves, Brazil`s 38-year-old captain, who had led the team as an over-age player in a bid to win a major global tournament with his country, collapsed to his knees at the final whistle and buried his face in his hands. 
 
The Brazilian players made up for the absence of fans in the 65,000 Yokohama stadium by going through the full repertoire of celebratory songs after the final whistle. 
 
An Olympic gold in football will never match a World Cup title but for 120 minutes there was no doubt that this match meant plenty to both sides. 
 
Brazil were awarded a penalty in the 39th minute when Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon came out to punch clear a cross but crashed into Matheus Cunha, only for Richarlison to blast the spot-kick high over the bar. 
 
The South Americans grabbed the lead on the stroke of halftime, however, when a deep Claudinho cross was hooked back across the area by Dani Alves and Cunha brought the ball down to slot home. 
 
Spain threatened little but got on level terms in the 61st minute when substitute Carlos Soler broke down the right and whipped a cross to the back post where Mikel Oyarzabal connected with a sweet left-foot volley that whistled past Santos. 
 
With Brazil looking to break on the counter and Spain moving the ball well, the game was tightly balanced in the latter stages but the Spaniards came closest to grabbing a win in normal time. 
 
Oscar Gil`s cross shot from the right caught out Santos and struck the top of the bar in the 86th minute and two minutes later Bryan Gil`s thundering shot from outside the box blasted against the bar. 
 
That meant extra-time and the introduction of Malcom by Brazil coach Andre Jardine, which proved to be crucial as the Zenit St Petersburg winger wrote his name into Brazilian football folklore.

Brazil retained their Olympic football title with substitute Malcom scoring an extra-time winner in a 2-1 victory over Spain in the men`s gold medal match on Saturday.

Brazil retained their Olympic football title with substitute Malcom scoring an extra-time winner in a 2-1 victory over Spain in the men`s gold medal match on Saturday. After the game ended 1-1 in normal time, Malcom raced onto a diagonal ball from Antony and got the better of Jesus Vallejo before driving the winner into the far corner in the 108th minute to ensure Brazil repeated their Rio 2016 triumph. Dani Alves, Brazil`s 38-year-old captain, who had led the team as an over-age player in a bid to win a major global tournament with his country, collapsed to his knees at the final whistle and buried his face in his hands. The Brazilian players made up for the absence of fans in the 65,000 Yokohama stadium by going through the full repertoire of celebratory songs after the final whistle. An Olympic gold in football will never match a World Cup title but for 120 minutes there was no doubt that this match meant plenty to both sides. Brazil were awarded a penalty in the 39th minute when Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon came out to punch clear a cross but crashed into Matheus Cunha, only for Richarlison to blast the spot-kick high over the bar. The South Americans grabbed the lead on the stroke of halftime, however, when a deep Claudinho cross was hooked back across the area by Dani Alves and Cunha brought the ball down to slot home. Spain threatened little but got on level terms in the 61st minute when substitute Carlos Soler broke down the right and whipped a cross to the back post where Mikel Oyarzabal connected with a sweet left-foot volley that whistled past Santos. With Brazil looking to break on the counter and Spain moving the ball well, the game was tightly balanced in the latter stages but the Spaniards came closest to grabbing a win in normal time. Oscar Gil`s cross shot from the right caught out Santos and struck the top of the bar in the 86th minute and two minutes later Bryan Gil`s thundering shot from outside the box blasted against the bar. That meant extra-time and the introduction of Malcom by Brazil coach Andre Jardine, which proved to be crucial as the Zenit St Petersburg winger wrote his name into Brazilian football folklore.

Tokyo Olympics: Malcom grabs golden glory for Brazil in football

Sjoerd Marijne announced that he would be stepping down as the coach of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-is-proud-pm-modi-praises-womens-hockey-team-for-outstanding-run-at-tokyo-olympics-403324">Indian women's hockey team</a>. As per the official site of the Olympics, the coach said that India's bronze medal match against Great Britain was his "last". The Indian women's hockey team finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics after a heartbreaking loss to Great Britain.&nbsp;

"It was my last match with the team," he stated during a press conference after Indian women's hockey team's Tokyo&nbsp;2020 campaign ended with a 4-3 loss against Great Britain.&nbsp;

Marijne led the Indian team to a dream run at the Tokyo Games as they scripted history by entering the semi-finals of the Games for the first time.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hockey-goalkeeper-sreejeshs-father-sold-a-family-cow-to-afford-a-hockey-kit-son-returns-with-olympic-bronze-403556">Hockey Goalkeeper Sreejesh’s Father sold a family cow to afford a Hockey Kit; son returns with Olympic bronze</a>

Sjoerd Marijne began coaching the Indian women's team in 2017. After impressing the Hockey India officials, he was given charge of the men's team for some time, however, he returned back to the women's team after the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

In Tokyo Olympics, India faced several ups and downs throughout. During the qualifiers, they defeated the USA 5-1 in the first game, but in the next match, they went down 4-1. They just managed to enter the Olympics. &nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-womens-hockey-team-captures-nations-imagination-heres-a-look-at-their-fairytale-run-at-tokyo-2020-403368">Indian women's hockey team captures nation's imagination, here's a look at their fairytale run at Tokyo 2020</a>

India's run at the Tokyo Olympics had ups and downs as they were off to a disappointing start as they lost their first three games in the Pool stage. They then defeated Ireland and South Africa and then pulled off a stunning show against Australia in the knockout match to book a place in the semis. However, they lost the semis to Argentina.&nbsp;

Watch WION's exclusive chat with Sjoerd Marijne:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sjoerd-marijne-exclusive-indian-womens-hockey-team-wins-hearts-at-olympics-403559/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-indian-womens-hockey-team-breaks-down-during-conversation-with-pm-modi-watch-403422">Tokyo Olympics: Indian women's hockey team breaks down during conversation with PM Modi - watch</a>

After India lost to the GB team, the coach wrote on his official Twitter handle wrote, "We did not win a medal, but I think we have won something bigger. We have made Indians proud again and we inspired millions of girls that dreams CAN come true as long as you work hard for it and believe it! Thanks for all the support!"

He also shed some light on how to improve the game in future, he said, "Last match we played under pressure is almost 2 years ago in the Olympics qualifiers. They (women's hockey team) need more of these matches. And the only way I can think of is, organizing Hockey India League &amp; tournaments."

"Let us hope that the stories of these women inspire the future generations," he added.&nbsp;

Sjoerd Marijne announced that he would be stepping down as the coach of the Indian women's hockey team. As per the official site of the Olympics, the coach said that India's bronze medal match against Great Britain was his "last".

Sjoerd Marijne announced that he would be stepping down as the coach of the Indian women's hockey team. As per the official site of the Olympics, the coach said that India's bronze medal match against Great Britain was his "last". The Indian women's hockey team finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics after a heartbreaking loss to Great Britain. "It was my last match with the team," he stated during a press conference after Indian women's hockey team's Tokyo 2020 campaign ended with a 4-3 loss against Great Britain. Marijne led the Indian team to a dream run at the Tokyo Games as they scripted history by entering the semi-finals of the Games for the first time. ALSO READ | Hockey Goalkeeper Sreejesh’s Father sold a family cow to afford a Hockey Kit; son returns with Olympic bronze Sjoerd Marijne began coaching the Indian women's team in 2017. After impressing the Hockey India officials, he was given charge of the men's team for some time, however, he returned back to the women's team after the 2018 Commonwealth Games. In Tokyo Olympics, India faced several ups and downs throughout. During the qualifiers, they defeated the USA 5-1 in the first game, but in the next match, they went down 4-1. They just managed to enter the Olympics. IN PICS | Indian women's hockey team captures nation's imagination, here's a look at their fairytale run at Tokyo 2020 India's run at the Tokyo Olympics had ups and downs as they were off to a disappointing start as they lost their first three games in the Pool stage. They then defeated Ireland and South Africa and then pulled off a stunning show against Australia in the knockout match to book a place in the semis. However, they lost the semis to Argentina. Watch WION's exclusive chat with Sjoerd Marijne: × ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: Indian women's hockey team breaks down during conversation with PM Modi - watch After India lost to the GB team, the coach wrote on his official Twitter handle wrote, "We did not win a medal, but I think we have won something bigger. We have made Indians proud again and we inspired millions of girls that dreams CAN come true as long as you work hard for it and believe it! Thanks for all the support!" He also shed some light on how to improve the game in future, he said, "Last match we played under pressure is almost 2 years ago in the Olympics qualifiers. They (women's hockey team) need more of these matches. And the only way I can think of is, organizing Hockey India League & tournaments." "Let us hope that the stories of these women inspire the future generations," he added.

Sjoerd Marijne steps down as Indian women's hockey team coach

Indian Army to Olympic gold: India Javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra's lesser known journey in pictures

India's javelin ace Neeraj Chopra has scripted history in Tokyo Olympics 2020. The 23-year-old has become the second Indian, after Abhinav Bindra,&nbsp;to win an individual gold medal for India.

His monstrous throw in the second round proved too good for other javelin throwers. His biggest rival,&nbsp;Johannes Vetter, was out in the first round of the finals.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/indian-army-to-tokyo-olympic-gold-india-javelin-thrower-neeraj-chopras-unknown-journey-in-pictures-403758">From Indian Army to Olympic gold: Unknown journey of Neeraj Chopra</a>

Neeraj Chopra finished on top with a throw that went 87.58m.&nbsp;

Czech Republic's Vadlejch (86.67m) and Vítězslav Veselý (85.44m) won silver and bronze respectively.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-neeraj-chopras-javelin-throw-that-won-india-its-first-ever-athletics-gold-watch-403719">Neeraj Chopra's throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH</a>

With this medal, India goes past their previous best and have 7 medals in their tally with four bronze, two silver and one gold.&nbsp;

Twitteratis were overjoyed with the win. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and wrote: "History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever. The young Neeraj has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold. #Tokyo2020."

Neeraj Chopra's father also reacted after his win and said: "I am so happy that the country's dream has been fulfilled through the efforts of my son. After seeing the level of his training, we were sure of this medal."&nbsp;

India's javelin ace Neeraj Chopra has scripted history in Tokyo Olympics 2020. The 23-year-old has become the second Indian, after Abhinav Bindra, to win an individual gold medal for India.

India's javelin ace Neeraj Chopra has scripted history in Tokyo Olympics 2020. The 23-year-old has become the second Indian, after Abhinav Bindra, to win an individual gold medal for India. His monstrous throw in the second round proved too good for other javelin throwers. His biggest rival, Johannes Vetter, was out in the first round of the finals. ALSO READ: From Indian Army to Olympic gold: Unknown journey of Neeraj Chopra Neeraj Chopra finished on top with a throw that went 87.58m. Czech Republic's Vadlejch (86.67m) and Vítězslav Veselý (85.44m) won silver and bronze respectively. ALSO READ: Neeraj Chopra's throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH With this medal, India goes past their previous best and have 7 medals in their tally with four bronze, two silver and one gold. Twitteratis were overjoyed with the win. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and wrote: "History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever. The young Neeraj has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold. #Tokyo2020." Neeraj Chopra's father also reacted after his win and said: "I am so happy that the country's dream has been fulfilled through the efforts of my son. After seeing the level of his training, we were sure of this medal."

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Neeraj Chopra wins Gold in Javelin, India's first-ever win in athletics

Neeraj Chopra has become the second Indian to win an individual gold in the Olympics after Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra, who won it in Beijing in 2008.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/indian-army-to-tokyo-olympic-gold-india-javelin-thrower-neeraj-chopras-unknown-journey-in-pictures-403758">From Indian Army to Olympic gold: Unknown journey of Neeraj Chopra</a>

During the finals of the javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra breached the 87m metre mark in his very first throw. No other thrower could go past 87m.&nbsp;

Neeraj then went past his mark on the second throw. He threw his javelin at 87.58m.&nbsp;

<h2>Take a look at the Gold-winning throw:&nbsp;</h2>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
THE THROW THAT WON <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IND</a> A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GOLD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GOLD</a> MEDAL 😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StrongerTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StrongerTogether</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedByEmotion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedByEmotion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> <a href="https://t.co/F6xr6yFe8J">pic.twitter.com/F6xr6yFe8J</a>
— #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020hi/status/1423983726980001798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

His closest rival and reigning World Champion was out in the very first round during the finals.&nbsp;

Czech Republic's Vadlejch (86.67m) and Vítězslav Veselý (85.44m) won silver and bronze respectively.&nbsp;

With this medal, India go past their previous best and have 7 medals in their tally with four bronze, two silver and one gold.&nbsp;

Neeraj Chopra has become the second Indian to win an individual gold in the Olympics after Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra, who won it in Beijing in 2008. ALSO READ: From Indian Army to Olympic gold: Unknown journey of Neeraj Chopra During the finals of the javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra breached the 87m metre mark in his very first throw.

Neeraj Chopra has become the second Indian to win an individual gold in the Olympics after Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra, who won it in Beijing in 2008. ALSO READ: From Indian Army to Olympic gold: Unknown journey of Neeraj Chopra During the finals of the javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra breached the 87m metre mark in his very first throw. No other thrower could go past 87m. Neeraj then went past his mark on the second throw. He threw his javelin at 87.58m. Take a look at the Gold-winning throw: THE THROW THAT WON #IND A #GOLD MEDAL 😍#Tokyo2020 | #StrongerTogether | #UnitedByEmotion @Neeraj_chopra1 pic.twitter.com/F6xr6yFe8J — #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) August 7, 2021 × His closest rival and reigning World Champion was out in the very first round during the finals. Czech Republic's Vadlejch (86.67m) and Vítězslav Veselý (85.44m) won silver and bronze respectively. With this medal, India go past their previous best and have 7 medals in their tally with four bronze, two silver and one gold.

Tokyo Olympics: Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH

Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir won the Olympic women's marathon in Sapporo on Saturday, outduelling compatriot Brigid Kosgei in the final minutes and claiming her country's second consecutive gold medal in the event. 
 
Kosgei took silver and Molly Seidel of the United States, competing in just her third marathon after moving up from shorter distances, claimed bronze. 
 
Kenyans Kosgei, the world record holder, and world champion Ruth Chepngetich had been favourites to win gold on Saturday.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-when-and-where-to-watch-bajrang-punias-fight-for-bronze-in-65kg-freestyle-wrestling-403597">Tokyo Olympics: When and where to watch Bajrang Punia's fight for bronze in 65kg freestyle wrestling</a> 
 
But it was two-time world half marathon champion Jepchirchir who came out on top after breaking out of a virtual tie with Kosgei at the 40km mark where she decided to make her move. 
 
"When I was there I said, wow, I'm going to make it. So I pushed the pace because I knew I was going to win," Jepchirchir said. 
 
"I'm so, so happy because we win as Kenya, first and second ... I'm happy, for my family, happy for my country Kenya for supporting us."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hockey-goalkeeper-sreejeshs-father-sold-a-family-cow-to-afford-a-hockey-kit-son-returns-with-olympic-bronze-403556">Hockey Goalkeeper Sreejesh’s Father sold a family cow to afford a Hockey Kit; son returns with Olympic bronze</a>

Jepchirchir finished with a time of 2:27:20, 16 seconds ahead of Kosgei and 26 seconds in front of Seidel. 
 
Battling hot and humid conditions, Chepngetich dropped out around the 30km mark, while Israel's Lonah Chemtai Salpeter dropped out at the 38km stage after looking like a strong contender for bronze. 
 
The race was moved to Sapporo from Tokyo ahead of the Games in an effort to beat the sweltering summer heat in the Japanese capital. But a heat wave has been sweeping the area, and even after rescheduling the race to begin an hour earlier at 6 a.m., temperatures had climbed from 26 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) at the start of the race to 30 degrees (86 Fahrenheit) by 9 a.m. 
 
Sally Kipyego of the United States, who was with the leader's pack at the midway point but finished more than five minutes off the lead, said the heat was "absolutely" a factor. 
 
"I knew that I was really fit coming in, so that performance is nowhere close to my fitness. I know the heat had to play a role and I just thought I was going to cope better and I didn't," she said.

Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir won the Olympic women's marathon in Sapporo on Saturday, outduelling compatriot Brigid Kosgei in the final minutes and claiming her country's second consecutive gold medal in the event.

Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir won the Olympic women's marathon in Sapporo on Saturday, outduelling compatriot Brigid Kosgei in the final minutes and claiming her country's second consecutive gold medal in the event. Kosgei took silver and Molly Seidel of the United States, competing in just her third marathon after moving up from shorter distances, claimed bronze. Kenyans Kosgei, the world record holder, and world champion Ruth Chepngetich had been favourites to win gold on Saturday. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: When and where to watch Bajrang Punia's fight for bronze in 65kg freestyle wrestling But it was two-time world half marathon champion Jepchirchir who came out on top after breaking out of a virtual tie with Kosgei at the 40km mark where she decided to make her move. "When I was there I said, wow, I'm going to make it. So I pushed the pace because I knew I was going to win," Jepchirchir said. "I'm so, so happy because we win as Kenya, first and second ... I'm happy, for my family, happy for my country Kenya for supporting us." ALSO READ | Hockey Goalkeeper Sreejesh’s Father sold a family cow to afford a Hockey Kit; son returns with Olympic bronze Jepchirchir finished with a time of 2:27:20, 16 seconds ahead of Kosgei and 26 seconds in front of Seidel. Battling hot and humid conditions, Chepngetich dropped out around the 30km mark, while Israel's Lonah Chemtai Salpeter dropped out at the 38km stage after looking like a strong contender for bronze. The race was moved to Sapporo from Tokyo ahead of the Games in an effort to beat the sweltering summer heat in the Japanese capital. But a heat wave has been sweeping the area, and even after rescheduling the race to begin an hour earlier at 6 a.m., temperatures had climbed from 26 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) at the start of the race to 30 degrees (86 Fahrenheit) by 9 a.m. Sally Kipyego of the United States, who was with the leader's pack at the midway point but finished more than five minutes off the lead, said the heat was "absolutely" a factor. "I knew that I was really fit coming in, so that performance is nowhere close to my fitness. I know the heat had to play a role and I just thought I was going to cope better and I didn't," she said.

Tokyo Olympics athletics: Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir wins women's marathon with late burst

Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia won a bronze medal in the freestyle 65kgs category at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. This medal equals India's previous best tally of six medals in the Olympics. Bajrang beat&nbsp;Daulet Niyazbekov of Kazakhastan 8-0 to win the bronze medal.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/from-ravi-kumar-to-pv-sindhu-indian-athletes-with-mind-boggling-cash-rewards-after-winning-medals-in-tokyo-olympics-india-403367" hreflang="en">From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics</a>

He also becomes the sixth Indian wrestler to win an Olympics medal.&nbsp;

Previously, he defeated Iran's Morteza Ghiasi by fall in the quarter-finals to book a berth in the semis. Earlier in the day, he beat Kyrgyzstan's Ernazar Akmataliev in his opening bout to move to the quarterfinals.&nbsp;

However, he lost the semi-finals bout against Azerbaijan's Haji Aliyev 5-12 in Men's 65kg Freestyle. After the match, Bajrang Punia's father, Balwan Singh said, "Winning and losing is part of life. He will definitely win the Bronze medal."

In the match against&nbsp;Daulet Niyazbekov, Punia dominated from the very beginning. India earned two medals from wrestling in Olympics this year. Ravi Kumar Dahiya won a silver medal, and now Bajrang Punia has won bronze.&nbsp;

Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia won a bronze medal in the freestyle 65kgs category at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. This medal equals India's previous best tally of six medals in the Olympics.

Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia won a bronze medal in the freestyle 65kgs category at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. This medal equals India's previous best tally of six medals in the Olympics. Bajrang beat Daulet Niyazbekov of Kazakhastan 8-0 to win the bronze medal. ALSO READ: From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics He also becomes the sixth Indian wrestler to win an Olympics medal. Previously, he defeated Iran's Morteza Ghiasi by fall in the quarter-finals to book a berth in the semis. Earlier in the day, he beat Kyrgyzstan's Ernazar Akmataliev in his opening bout to move to the quarterfinals. However, he lost the semi-finals bout against Azerbaijan's Haji Aliyev 5-12 in Men's 65kg Freestyle. After the match, Bajrang Punia's father, Balwan Singh said, "Winning and losing is part of life. He will definitely win the Bronze medal." In the match against Daulet Niyazbekov, Punia dominated from the very beginning. India earned two medals from wrestling in Olympics this year. Ravi Kumar Dahiya won a silver medal, and now Bajrang Punia has won bronze.

Tokyo Olympics: Bajrang Punia wins bronze in wrestling, India medal tally equals previous best

Indian women's hockey captain Rani Rampal has condemned the alleged casteist remarks hurled at teammate Vandana Katariya's family. Rani said that whatever happened with Vandana's family was&nbsp;"shameful" and urged people to "rise above casteism". A few days ago, there were reports that a group of people made casteist remarks towards Vandana'a family in Haridwar after the Indian women's team lost to Argentina in the semi-final clash at the Tokyo Olympics. The reports also added that they burst crackers and danced in celebration.&nbsp;

"We make so many sacrifices to do best for our country. And then to see what's happening to our family, especially with what happened to Vandana is really shameful. We come from different religions &amp; regions. But when we are playing, we are representing one nation - India," said Rani during a virtual press conference as quoted by ANI.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-indian-womens-hockey-team-breaks-down-during-conversation-with-pm-modi-watch-403422">Tokyo Olympics: Indian women's hockey team breaks down during conversation with PM Modi - watch</a>

A day after losing the bronze medal match to Great Britain, the skipper of women's hockey team has opened up on a range of issues. Emphasising further on the incident related to Vandana's family, Rani said, "If we want our country to become a sporting powerhouse, everyone has to contribute. Just athletes cannot make it happen so it is a bad thing that happened with Vandana Katariya's family, I hope it is a lesson for everybody that no such thing should happen."

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/from-ravi-kumar-to-pv-sindhu-indian-athletes-with-mind-boggling-cash-rewards-after-winning-medals-in-tokyo-olympics-india-403367">From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics</a>

On one hand men's team won a bronze medal, the women's scripted history by entering the semi-finals of the Games for the first time. The Rani Rampal team has been hailed for their dream run at Tokyo. On reacting to the love the entire team received, Rani said, "We sweat it out day in and day out to make the country proud. There are many good people in the country as well, even though we did not win the medal, I have never seen this level of respect from the people."&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

Previously, police informed that they have received a complaint from Vandana Kataria's brother and FIR has been registered. Senthil Abudai Krishnaraj S, SSP Haridwar was quoted by ANI, "We received a complaint from Women's hockey player Vandana Kataria's brother over casteist slurs by neighbours against family after Olympic loss. FIR lodged under Sec 504 of IPC &amp; Sec 3 of SC/ST Act. One held. Probe is on".&nbsp;

Indian women's hockey captain Rani Rampal has condemned the alleged casteist remarks hurled at teammate Vandana Katariya's family. Rani said that whatever happened with Vandana's family was "shameful" and urged people to "rise above casteism".

Indian women's hockey captain Rani Rampal has condemned the alleged casteist remarks hurled at teammate Vandana Katariya's family. Rani said that whatever happened with Vandana's family was "shameful" and urged people to "rise above casteism". A few days ago, there were reports that a group of people made casteist remarks towards Vandana'a family in Haridwar after the Indian women's team lost to Argentina in the semi-final clash at the Tokyo Olympics. The reports also added that they burst crackers and danced in celebration. "We make so many sacrifices to do best for our country. And then to see what's happening to our family, especially with what happened to Vandana is really shameful. We come from different religions & regions. But when we are playing, we are representing one nation - India," said Rani during a virtual press conference as quoted by ANI. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: Indian women's hockey team breaks down during conversation with PM Modi - watch A day after losing the bronze medal match to Great Britain, the skipper of women's hockey team has opened up on a range of issues. Emphasising further on the incident related to Vandana's family, Rani said, "If we want our country to become a sporting powerhouse, everyone has to contribute. Just athletes cannot make it happen so it is a bad thing that happened with Vandana Katariya's family, I hope it is a lesson for everybody that no such thing should happen." IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics On one hand men's team won a bronze medal, the women's scripted history by entering the semi-finals of the Games for the first time. The Rani Rampal team has been hailed for their dream run at Tokyo. On reacting to the love the entire team received, Rani said, "We sweat it out day in and day out to make the country proud. There are many good people in the country as well, even though we did not win the medal, I have never seen this level of respect from the people." IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list Previously, police informed that they have received a complaint from Vandana Kataria's brother and FIR has been registered. Senthil Abudai Krishnaraj S, SSP Haridwar was quoted by ANI, "We received a complaint from Women's hockey player Vandana Kataria's brother over casteist slurs by neighbours against family after Olympic loss. FIR lodged under Sec 504 of IPC & Sec 3 of SC/ST Act. One held. Probe is on".

Hockey - 'Player makes so many sacrifices...': Rani Rampal condemns 'shameful' remarks hurled at Vandana's family

After winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Indian weightlifter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-mirabai-chanus-exclusive-interview-right-after-silver-medal-win-watch-400412">Mirabai Chanu</a> had expressed her desire to meet the truck drivers who used to give her a lift during training days. Looks like, she got the opportunity to finally get in touch with them as she was recently spotted thanking and rewarding them for their help. The 26-year-old made the entire nation proud after she won a medal in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category at Tokyo Games. &nbsp;

It's been known that Chanu's home was more than 25kms away from the sports complex in Imphal where she used to train. There were limited means of transport. During those days, some truck drivers used to give a lift to the Manipuri weightlifter every day. Now, the Olympic medalist has rewarded those truck drivers.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

"Extraordinary gestures by @mirabai_chanu #MirabaiChanu as she conveys her gratitude to these wonderful #TruckDrivers! In her difficult days, these sand carrying truck drivers used to give free transportation to Mira so that she could have training at 25 km away #spirts facility," Sonmoni Borah IAS, tweeted with a couple of photos, where Mirabai can be seen.

See viral pics here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/sonmonib5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sonmonib5</a> sir. I will continue to support our people who have contributed in my journey at any level. <a href="https://t.co/s3v2XmRdYI">https://t.co/s3v2XmRdYI</a>
— Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) <a href="https://twitter.com/mirabai_chanu/status/1423922326261821442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While replying to the tweet, Mirabai wrote, "Thank you @sonmonib5 sir. I will continue to support our people who have contributed in my journey at any level."

Previously, Mirabai opened up on how Prime Minister Narendra Modi helped her to reach the Tokyo Games 2020 and in recovering from an injury. Chanu revealed that PM Modi "helped" with a ticket for the US flight in one day to train there and undergo rehabilitation.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/from-ravi-kumar-to-pv-sindhu-indian-athletes-with-mind-boggling-cash-rewards-after-winning-medals-in-tokyo-olympics-india-403367">From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics</a>

"It's true that Prime Minister Narendra Modi helped me reach Tokyo 2020 Olympics after my injury. They booked the ticket for the flight in one day for the US to help me train there and undergo rehabilitation," Mirabai Chanu told ANI. "Sir has given me huge support for the training," added Chanu.&nbsp;

Watch her&nbsp;Mirabai Chanu's exclusive interview here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tokyo-olympics-2020-indian-medal-winner-mirabai-chanu-speaks-with-wion-400389/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

After winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu had expressed her desire to meet the truck drivers who used to give her a lift during training days.

After winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu had expressed her desire to meet the truck drivers who used to give her a lift during training days. Looks like, she got the opportunity to finally get in touch with them as she was recently spotted thanking and rewarding them for their help. The 26-year-old made the entire nation proud after she won a medal in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category at Tokyo Games. It's been known that Chanu's home was more than 25kms away from the sports complex in Imphal where she used to train. There were limited means of transport. During those days, some truck drivers used to give a lift to the Manipuri weightlifter every day. Now, the Olympic medalist has rewarded those truck drivers. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list "Extraordinary gestures by @mirabai_chanu #MirabaiChanu as she conveys her gratitude to these wonderful #TruckDrivers! In her difficult days, these sand carrying truck drivers used to give free transportation to Mira so that she could have training at 25 km away #spirts facility," Sonmoni Borah IAS, tweeted with a couple of photos, where Mirabai can be seen. See viral pics here: Thank you @sonmonib5 sir. I will continue to support our people who have contributed in my journey at any level. https://t.co/s3v2XmRdYI — Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) August 7, 2021 × While replying to the tweet, Mirabai wrote, "Thank you @sonmonib5 sir. I will continue to support our people who have contributed in my journey at any level." Previously, Mirabai opened up on how Prime Minister Narendra Modi helped her to reach the Tokyo Games 2020 and in recovering from an injury. Chanu revealed that PM Modi "helped" with a ticket for the US flight in one day to train there and undergo rehabilitation. IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics "It's true that Prime Minister Narendra Modi helped me reach Tokyo 2020 Olympics after my injury. They booked the ticket for the flight in one day for the US to help me train there and undergo rehabilitation," Mirabai Chanu told ANI. "Sir has given me huge support for the training," added Chanu. Watch her Mirabai Chanu's exclusive interview here: ×

'Extraordinary gestures': Mirabai Chanu felicitates truck drivers who helped her during training days - see pics

The IOC said it had issued a warning to the two Chinese cycling medallists who wore badges featuring the head of their country's former leader Mao Zedong at the Tokyo Olympics podium, breaching a rule on political gestures, and that the case was now closed. 
 
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Saturday it had received a "clarification" from the Chinese Olympic Committee over the political gesture of its athletes.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

"We have received a clarification and the athletes have been warned," Christian Klaue, IOC Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, told reporters. 
 
"We also received assurances that it will not happen again and with this the IOC considers this case closed."

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/from-ravi-kumar-to-pv-sindhu-indian-athletes-with-mind-boggling-cash-rewards-after-winning-medals-in-tokyo-olympics-india-403367">From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics</a>

The Tokyo Games end on Sunday. 
 
Cyclists Bao Shanju and Zhong Tianshi wore the badges&nbsp;during a medal ceremony on Monday, in a breach of Rule 50 of the Olympic charter that prohibits the display of political paraphernalia on the podium. 
 
The two athletes wore the badges, commonplace in China for half a century and often an identifier of Communist party membership, after retaining the women's cycling team sprint title at the Izu Velodrome. 
 
While the IOC last month relaxed Rule 50 to allow gestures, such as taking the knee on the field of play provided athletes do so without disruption and with respect for fellow competitors, it has made clear that such gestures were not allowed on the podium. 
 
Beijing will host the 2022 winter Olympics in February.

The IOC said it had issued a warning to the two Chinese cycling medallists who wore badges featuring the head of their country's former leader Mao Zedong at the Tokyo Olympics podium, breaching a rule on political gestures, and that the case was now closed.

The IOC said it had issued a warning to the two Chinese cycling medallists who wore badges featuring the head of their country's former leader Mao Zedong at the Tokyo Olympics podium, breaching a rule on political gestures, and that the case was now closed. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Saturday it had received a "clarification" from the Chinese Olympic Committee over the political gesture of its athletes. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list "We have received a clarification and the athletes have been warned," Christian Klaue, IOC Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, told reporters. "We also received assurances that it will not happen again and with this the IOC considers this case closed." IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics The Tokyo Games end on Sunday. Cyclists Bao Shanju and Zhong Tianshi wore the badges during a medal ceremony on Monday, in a breach of Rule 50 of the Olympic charter that prohibits the display of political paraphernalia on the podium. The two athletes wore the badges, commonplace in China for half a century and often an identifier of Communist party membership, after retaining the women's cycling team sprint title at the Izu Velodrome. While the IOC last month relaxed Rule 50 to allow gestures, such as taking the knee on the field of play provided athletes do so without disruption and with respect for fellow competitors, it has made clear that such gestures were not allowed on the podium. Beijing will host the 2022 winter Olympics in February.

Olympics: China athletes warned over Mao badges, case closed - IOC

Japanese judokas achieved a record gold medal rush for the host country at the Tokyo Games, but it was France's Teddy Riner who stole the show at the home of judo in the end. 
 
Of the 14 weight categories for the men and women, Japan won nine golds, a silver and a bronze in the individual contests in Tokyo - a record haul since judo became an Olympic event for men in 1964 and for women in 1992. 
 
However, the feeling of exaltation among Japanese judokas quickly faded after they suffered a shock loss&nbsp;against Riner-led France 1-4 in the mixed team event on the final day of the judo contest.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

"This is the reality in the world. The world of judo is evolving fast," Kosei Inoue, the head coach of the Japanese judo national team, told reporters. 
 
"I'm really frustrated as we ended up in the second place and couldn't live up to expectations, although I'm the happiest man on earth to have worked with such wonderful athletes." 
 
Japanese judokas have a big job to do if they want to outperform their Tokyo Games results at the Paris 2024, he added. 
 
Confronting Japan will likely be French judokas led by Riner, who plans to return to the mat for his fourth Games in his home country.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/from-ravi-kumar-to-pv-sindhu-indian-athletes-with-mind-boggling-cash-rewards-after-winning-medals-in-tokyo-olympics-india-403367">From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics</a>

The 32-year-old French heavyweight legend had to settle for the bronze medal after failing to win a third consecutive Olympic gold in the men's +100kg individual contest against Tamerlan Bashaev of the Russian Olympic Committee. 
 
A win at Tokyo's Budokan, the arena built to host judo's debut at the 1964 Games, would have matched the record held by Japanese great judoka Tadahiro Nomura. 
 
Still, the French win in the team event helped bring Riner a tally of three golds and two bronze medals from his Olympics appearances. Riner said he was happy to win both bronze for the individual and gold for the team event. 
 
"It's my third Olympic gold medal, my fifth medal at an Olympics. I think this is very, very... important to win here in the country of judo during the Olympic Games in Tokyo at the Budokan. It's just amazing," Riner told reporters. 
 
"This is a dream, we win the final (against the) Japanese team. Wow."

Japanese judokas achieved a record gold medal rush for the host country at the Tokyo Games, but it was France's Teddy Riner who stole the show at the home of judo in the end.

Japanese judokas achieved a record gold medal rush for the host country at the Tokyo Games, but it was France's Teddy Riner who stole the show at the home of judo in the end. Of the 14 weight categories for the men and women, Japan won nine golds, a silver and a bronze in the individual contests in Tokyo - a record haul since judo became an Olympic event for men in 1964 and for women in 1992. However, the feeling of exaltation among Japanese judokas quickly faded after they suffered a shock loss against Riner-led France 1-4 in the mixed team event on the final day of the judo contest. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list "This is the reality in the world. The world of judo is evolving fast," Kosei Inoue, the head coach of the Japanese judo national team, told reporters. "I'm really frustrated as we ended up in the second place and couldn't live up to expectations, although I'm the happiest man on earth to have worked with such wonderful athletes." Japanese judokas have a big job to do if they want to outperform their Tokyo Games results at the Paris 2024, he added. Confronting Japan will likely be French judokas led by Riner, who plans to return to the mat for his fourth Games in his home country. IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics The 32-year-old French heavyweight legend had to settle for the bronze medal after failing to win a third consecutive Olympic gold in the men's +100kg individual contest against Tamerlan Bashaev of the Russian Olympic Committee. A win at Tokyo's Budokan, the arena built to host judo's debut at the 1964 Games, would have matched the record held by Japanese great judoka Tadahiro Nomura. Still, the French win in the team event helped bring Riner a tally of three golds and two bronze medals from his Olympics appearances. Riner said he was happy to win both bronze for the individual and gold for the team event. "It's my third Olympic gold medal, my fifth medal at an Olympics. I think this is very, very... important to win here in the country of judo during the Olympic Games in Tokyo at the Budokan. It's just amazing," Riner told reporters. "This is a dream, we win the final (against the) Japanese team. Wow."

Tokyo Olympics judo: France's Teddy Riner shines even as Japan judokas win record gold

The Chinese state media has been facing flak for asking sexist questions to an Olympic athlete. The incident happened when state-owned broadcaster CCTV asked Tokyo Olympics gold-medal-winning shot-putter Gong Lijiao about her "masculine appearance" and also questioned her "plans for marriage". Not just that, the reporter went on to ask when Gong will "return to being a woman".&nbsp;

China's Lijiao earned praises for winning the shot put gold medal, with a personal best of 20.58 metres on her sixth and final attempt at the Tokyo Games. However, the athlete was asked questions related to her appearance instead of her outstanding performance, which led to strong criticism of Chinese state media.&nbsp;

IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a>

As reported by the media globally, the interviewer said: "Gong Lijiao gives me the impression of a masculine woman." The reporter also asked, "You used to be a masculine woman for the sake of shot put. But moving forward, can you be yourself?"

To which Gong replied: I'll look at my plans. If I don't train then perhaps I will lose weight, get married and have children. Yes, it's the path one must take in life."

On being asked about boyfriends and arm-wrestling, she said: "I don't arm-wrestle. I'm very gentle."

Netizens were furious after Lijiao was subjected to such sexist comments as they came out to support her on social media. They even termed the interview as "bullying" and "disgusting".&nbsp;

IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/from-ravi-kumar-to-pv-sindhu-indian-athletes-with-mind-boggling-cash-rewards-after-winning-medals-in-tokyo-olympics-india-403367">From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics</a>

On Twitter, one user commented, "Backlash over marriage question in Olympian's interview. Sounds like bullying to me. #gonglijiao love that u stood #strong &amp; you have a sense of humour. Neither should have been necessary, you won an #gold medal not a free dating membership!"

Another Twitter user called the interview "disgusting" and wrote, "Gong Lijiao you are beautiful, you are enough, you are an Olympic medalist! Congratulations!!! #GongLijiao Your country should be ashamed for treating you the way they did."

Here are some other reactions:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
China's Gong Lijiao quizzed by state media over plans for 'woman's life,' described as 'manly woman' 
Gong Lijiao had a historic Olympics for her country and all she was asked was about her personal life. Gong, of China, picked up her first gold at the Olympics. <a href="https://t.co/cl4sq7TZYK">pic.twitter.com/cl4sq7TZYK</a>
— Need2MAGA (@RonaldNeedlema1) <a href="https://twitter.com/RonaldNeedlema1/status/1423579474831028225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I want to throw myself into all my tasks with the same ferocious determination Gong Lijiao has when throwing a shot put
— Caroline Talks Cinema (@ctcreviews) <a href="https://twitter.com/ctcreviews/status/1423588238388826112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Good Morning to shot putter Gong Lijiao and archer An San only. Fight the patriarchy. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldMedalists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoldMedalists</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Women?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Women</a>
— Vaccinate. Mask. Distance. 🌈 ⚢ #BB23 (@PurlMaster55) <a href="https://twitter.com/PurlMaster55/status/1423637679665713152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gonglijiao?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gonglijiao</a> for your Olympic gold. Sorry you had to put up with idiotic men from Chinese broadcaster CCTV asking you questions they would never ask any man.
— Simon Doughty (@SimonMDoughty) <a href="https://twitter.com/SimonMDoughty/status/1423671279786369027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Chinese gold medalist Gong Lijiao makes historic win, faces sexist comments from reporters <a href="https://t.co/NWaZZyVZTu">https://t.co/NWaZZyVZTu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/news?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#news</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kennywade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kennywade</a> <a href="https://t.co/GyP0f1sFs8">pic.twitter.com/GyP0f1sFs8</a>
— Kenny Wade (@KennyWadeMusic) <a href="https://twitter.com/KennyWadeMusic/status/1423781515243102210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hockey-goalkeeper-sreejeshs-father-sold-a-family-cow-to-afford-a-hockey-kit-son-returns-with-olympic-bronze-403556">Hockey Goalkeeper Sreejesh’s Father sold a family cow to afford a Hockey Kit; son returns with Olympic bronze</a>

Watch how&nbsp;she reacted after winning the gold medal:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Gong Lijiao wins the Shot Putt Gold Medal with a personal best throw of 20.58m at the Tokyo 2020! 
Watch it (unmute)! 
 
Congratulations to Gong Lijiao 巩立姣! 
Congratulations China 🇨🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/liewhinleong?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@liewhinleong</a> <a href="https://t.co/DtfCbt0As1">pic.twitter.com/DtfCbt0As1</a>
— LIEWhinleong (@liewhinleong) <a href="https://twitter.com/liewhinleong/status/1421932153709858820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I think all my efforts were really worth it," Gong had said after winning the medal.&nbsp;

"This is my 21st year that I have been training in&nbsp;shot&nbsp;put, I really think I can break the 21 metre (mark). I didn't do it today, but it's still very exciting and I'm very happy to win this campaign," she added.&nbsp;

The Chinese state media has been facing flak for asking sexist questions to an Olympic athlete. The incident happened when state-owned broadcaster CCTV asked Tokyo Olympics gold-medal-winning shot-putter Gong Lijiao about her "masculine appearance" and also questioned her "plans for marriage".

The Chinese state media has been facing flak for asking sexist questions to an Olympic athlete. The incident happened when state-owned broadcaster CCTV asked Tokyo Olympics gold-medal-winning shot-putter Gong Lijiao about her "masculine appearance" and also questioned her "plans for marriage". Not just that, the reporter went on to ask when Gong will "return to being a woman". China's Lijiao earned praises for winning the shot put gold medal, with a personal best of 20.58 metres on her sixth and final attempt at the Tokyo Games. However, the athlete was asked questions related to her appearance instead of her outstanding performance, which led to strong criticism of Chinese state media. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list As reported by the media globally, the interviewer said: "Gong Lijiao gives me the impression of a masculine woman." The reporter also asked, "You used to be a masculine woman for the sake of shot put. But moving forward, can you be yourself?" To which Gong replied: I'll look at my plans. If I don't train then perhaps I will lose weight, get married and have children. Yes, it's the path one must take in life." On being asked about boyfriends and arm-wrestling, she said: "I don't arm-wrestle. I'm very gentle." Netizens were furious after Lijiao was subjected to such sexist comments as they came out to support her on social media. They even termed the interview as "bullying" and "disgusting". IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics On Twitter, one user commented, "Backlash over marriage question in Olympian's interview. Sounds like bullying to me. #gonglijiao love that u stood #strong & you have a sense of humour. Neither should have been necessary, you won an #gold medal not a free dating membership!" Another Twitter user called the interview "disgusting" and wrote, "Gong Lijiao you are beautiful, you are enough, you are an Olympic medalist! Congratulations!!! #GongLijiao Your country should be ashamed for treating you the way they did." Here are some other reactions: China's Gong Lijiao quizzed by state media over plans for 'woman's life,' described as 'manly woman' Gong Lijiao had a historic Olympics for her country and all she was asked was about her personal life. Gong, of China, picked up her first gold at the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/cl4sq7TZYK — Need2MAGA (@RonaldNeedlema1) August 6, 2021 × I want to throw myself into all my tasks with the same ferocious determination Gong Lijiao has when throwing a shot put — Caroline Talks Cinema (@ctcreviews) August 6, 2021 × Good Morning to shot putter Gong Lijiao and archer An San only. Fight the patriarchy. #Olympics #GoldMedalists #Women — Vaccinate. Mask. Distance. 🌈 ⚢ #BB23 (@PurlMaster55) August 6, 2021 × Congratulations #gonglijiao for your Olympic gold. Sorry you had to put up with idiotic men from Chinese broadcaster CCTV asking you questions they would never ask any man. — Simon Doughty (@SimonMDoughty) August 6, 2021 × Chinese gold medalist Gong Lijiao makes historic win, faces sexist comments from reporters https://t.co/NWaZZyVZTu #news #kennywade pic.twitter.com/GyP0f1sFs8 — Kenny Wade (@KennyWadeMusic) August 6, 2021 × ALSO READ | Hockey Goalkeeper Sreejesh’s Father sold a family cow to afford a Hockey Kit; son returns with Olympic bronze Watch how she reacted after winning the gold medal: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Gong Lijiao wins the Shot Putt Gold Medal with a personal best throw of 20.58m at the Tokyo 2020! Watch it (unmute)! Congratulations to Gong Lijiao 巩立姣! Congratulations China 🇨🇳 @liewhinleong pic.twitter.com/DtfCbt0As1 — LIEWhinleong (@liewhinleong) August 1, 2021 × "I think all my efforts were really worth it," Gong had said after winning the medal. "This is my 21st year that I have been training in shot put, I really think I can break the 21 metre (mark). I didn't do it today, but it's still very exciting and I'm very happy to win this campaign," she added.

'Fight the patriarchy': Netizens slam Chinese media for calling Tokyo Olympics gold winner a 'masculine woman'

Nelly Korda won the gold medal at the Olympic women's golf on Saturday with a tense one-stroke victory to complete a United States sweep and secure another glittering prize for a royal family of sport. 
 
New Zealander Lydia Ko and Japan's Mone Inami will have a playoff for the silver and bronze medals at Kasumigaseki Country Club. 
 
Overnight leader by three strokes, Korda gave up a share of the lead to Japan's fast-finishing Inami on the 17th but the home favourite bogeyed 18, giving the American a precious one-stroke buffer as she shot towards the final green. 
 
Korda landed her second in regulation and two-putted for the winning par, finishing with a 69 for a 17-under total of 267.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-golfer-aditi-ashok-misses-medal-as-she-slips-on-final-day-finishes-fourth-403637">Tokyo Olympics: Golfer Aditi Ashok misses medal as she slips on final day, finishes fourth</a> 
 
Korda was joined on the green by her sister Jessica, who finished tied for 15th and gave the winner a hug. 
 
Korda's triumph followed Xander Schauffele's win in the men's event on Sunday, underlining the United States'&nbsp;superpower status in the sport. 
 
It continues Korda's annus mirabilis, having clinched her first major and the world number one ranking at the Women's PGA Championship in June. 
 
The gold medal also gives the Korda family another precious heirloom to rival father Petr's Australian Open tennis trophy. 
 
The Kordas can hope for plenty more, with Nelly's older sister Jessica a six-times winner on the LPGA Tour in her own right and younger brother Sebastian a title-winner on the ATP tennis tour at the age of 21.

Nelly Korda won the gold medal at the Olympic women's golf on Saturday with a tense one-stroke victory to complete a United States sweep and secure another glittering prize for a royal family of sport.

Nelly Korda won the gold medal at the Olympic women's golf on Saturday with a tense one-stroke victory to complete a United States sweep and secure another glittering prize for a royal family of sport. New Zealander Lydia Ko and Japan's Mone Inami will have a playoff for the silver and bronze medals at Kasumigaseki Country Club. Overnight leader by three strokes, Korda gave up a share of the lead to Japan's fast-finishing Inami on the 17th but the home favourite bogeyed 18, giving the American a precious one-stroke buffer as she shot towards the final green. Korda landed her second in regulation and two-putted for the winning par, finishing with a 69 for a 17-under total of 267. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: Golfer Aditi Ashok misses medal as she slips on final day, finishes fourth Korda was joined on the green by her sister Jessica, who finished tied for 15th and gave the winner a hug. Korda's triumph followed Xander Schauffele's win in the men's event on Sunday, underlining the United States' superpower status in the sport. It continues Korda's annus mirabilis, having clinched her first major and the world number one ranking at the Women's PGA Championship in June. The gold medal also gives the Korda family another precious heirloom to rival father Petr's Australian Open tennis trophy. The Kordas can hope for plenty more, with Nelly's older sister Jessica a six-times winner on the LPGA Tour in her own right and younger brother Sebastian a title-winner on the ATP tennis tour at the age of 21.

Tokyo Olympics golf: Nelly Korda claims gold medal and another family triumph

tokyo-2020

Tokyo 2020, News on Tokyo 2020, stories on Tokyo 2020, articles on Tokyo 2020, Tokyo 2020 stories at Wion, Tokyo 2020 news, Tokyo 2020 latest news

tokyo 2020