The United States men`s basketball coach Gregg Popovich lauded the sportsmanship showed by his players and their opponents Iran during their Olympic match on Wednesday, saying it showed the potential of sport to transcend differences. 
 
The two sides both applauded after their countries national anthems were played at the Saitama Super Arena and fist bumped each other before the game and shook hands after. 
 
After the game, which the U.S. won 120-66, Popovich said that his team played well against a "very hard-working Iranian team." 
 
Asked about the significance of the two countries that have had a contentious history facing each other at the Games, Popovich said that people were able to put aside differences of national policy. 
 
"In general people in different countries get along a whole lot better than their governments do," he told reporters. "Once you get to the politicians, suddenly it becomes much more complicated." 
 
Wednesday`s game recalled a football match between the two nations at the 1998 World Cup, when the Iranians gave their American rivals flowers as a sign of respect. The two teams also took a joint photograph prior to kick off as a show of solidarity. 
 
That match-up ended with a 2-1 win for Iran. 
 
"The Olympics... transcends all that," Popovich said on Wednesday. "There is no surprise that coaches would enjoy meeting each other, talking with each other and players show sportsmanship, they did. You just wish that was real life."

The United States men`s basketball coach Gregg Popovich lauded the sportsmanship showed by his players and their opponents Iran during their Olympic match on Wednesday, saying it showed the potential of sport to transcend differences.

The United States men`s basketball coach Gregg Popovich lauded the sportsmanship showed by his players and their opponents Iran during their Olympic match on Wednesday, saying it showed the potential of sport to transcend differences. The two sides both applauded after their countries national anthems were played at the Saitama Super Arena and fist bumped each other before the game and shook hands after. After the game, which the U.S. won 120-66, Popovich said that his team played well against a "very hard-working Iranian team." Asked about the significance of the two countries that have had a contentious history facing each other at the Games, Popovich said that people were able to put aside differences of national policy. "In general people in different countries get along a whole lot better than their governments do," he told reporters. "Once you get to the politicians, suddenly it becomes much more complicated." Wednesday`s game recalled a football match between the two nations at the 1998 World Cup, when the Iranians gave their American rivals flowers as a sign of respect. The two teams also took a joint photograph prior to kick off as a show of solidarity. That match-up ended with a 2-1 win for Iran. "The Olympics... transcends all that," Popovich said on Wednesday. "There is no surprise that coaches would enjoy meeting each other, talking with each other and players show sportsmanship, they did. You just wish that was real life."

Tokyo Olympics: US basketball coach praises Iran, American sportsmanship

A strong tropical storm is approaching Japan and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, Japan's meteorological agency said.

Tropical Storm Nepartak, with a wind speed of 108 kilometres per hour, has forced the organisers of Tokyo Olympics 2020 to change rowing and archery events.&nbsp;

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"In line with the current weather forecast, the schedule for the rowing and archery events due to take place on the 27th have already been changed," Tokyo 2020 said.

"At this time, there are no plans to change the schedule for any of the other events due to be held on Tuesday."

Nepartak is shifting its course from the Tokyo area to northeastern regions, including Fukushima.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-and-rahul-dravids-special-message-for-indian-contingent-at-tokyo-olympics-2020-watch-400772" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid's special message for Indian contingent at Tokyo Olympics 2020 - Watch</a>

Fukushima suffered a nuclear disaster in 2011 during a tsunami that left thousands of people dead. Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant went into meltdown when the massive quake and tsunami struck on March 11, 2011.

Around 18,500 people were left dead or missing, most of them victims of the devastating tsunami.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands were forced to flee their homes, with radiation making some areas uninhabitable for years.

The area's recovery is not complete even now.&nbsp;

According to the meteorological agency, Nepartak is referred to as a typhoon, whereas, the US Navy still calls it a tropical storm.&nbsp;

A strong tropical storm is approaching Japan and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, Japan's meteorological agency said. Tropical Storm Nepartak, with a wind speed of 108 kilometres per hour, has forced the organisers of Tokyo Olympics 2020 to change rowing and archery events.

A strong tropical storm is approaching Japan and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, Japan's meteorological agency said. Tropical Storm Nepartak, with a wind speed of 108 kilometres per hour, has forced the organisers of Tokyo Olympics 2020 to change rowing and archery events. ALSO READ: Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback "In line with the current weather forecast, the schedule for the rowing and archery events due to take place on the 27th have already been changed," Tokyo 2020 said. "At this time, there are no plans to change the schedule for any of the other events due to be held on Tuesday." Nepartak is shifting its course from the Tokyo area to northeastern regions, including Fukushima. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid's special message for Indian contingent at Tokyo Olympics 2020 - Watch Fukushima suffered a nuclear disaster in 2011 during a tsunami that left thousands of people dead. Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant went into meltdown when the massive quake and tsunami struck on March 11, 2011. Around 18,500 people were left dead or missing, most of them victims of the devastating tsunami. Tens of thousands were forced to flee their homes, with radiation making some areas uninhabitable for years. The area's recovery is not complete even now. According to the meteorological agency, Nepartak is referred to as a typhoon, whereas, the US Navy still calls it a tropical storm.

Tokyo Olympics: As tropical storm approaches, organisers forced to reschedule several events

A basketball-playing robot CUE captured everybody's attention during the men's preliminary round Group B game between the United States and France on Sunday at the Tokyo <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-coachs-wild-celebration-goes-viral-after-australian-swimmer-wins-gold-watch-400732">Olympics</a> as it displayed its skills at halftime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-pakistan-and-two-other-countries-make-awkward-entry-in-opening-ceremony-watch-400139">Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan and two other countries make awkward entry in opening ceremony</a>

The 6-foot-10-inch basketball robot has been created by Toyota. It uses sensors on its torso to judge the distance and angle of the basket and uses motorised arms and knees to execute set shots.

<img alt="Basketball Robot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7585aaa-9b64-4d59-8856-0c0a7f638d54" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_51.jpg" />

The robot wearing jersey No-95 became the talking point of the game with its entertaining style of play. The robot is not a new feature as it had made its debut three&nbsp;years ago.

The robot can't dribble or jump but it can throw some deep winners as it showed off its skill hitting a free throw, a three-pointer and a half-court shot outperforming many star players and stole everybody's heart.

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Artificial Intelligence Basketball Robot CUE! 
 
Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Toyota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Toyota</a> to developed a CUE Robot!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/artificialintellegence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#artificialintellegence</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/toyota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#toyota</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cybersecurity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cybersecurity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/robot?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#robot</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/basketballrobot?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#basketballrobot</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#basketball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wethenorth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wethenorth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/toyotacanada?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#toyotacanada</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/abdullatifjameel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#abdullatifjameel</a> <a href="https://t.co/h8G9hs3LpB">pic.twitter.com/h8G9hs3LpB</a>
— Azhar Khan (@khanazharsemail) <a href="https://twitter.com/khanazharsemail/status/1236120488562372608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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How about a basketball match with the robot? 
Meet Cue, the robot that can shoot basketball with nearly 100% accuracy.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/robots?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#robots</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/roboticplayer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#roboticplayer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/artificialintelligence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#artificialintelligence</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#basketball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/robotforgames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#robotforgames</a> <a href="https://t.co/ESxTsitU11">https://t.co/ESxTsitU11</a>
— Avishkaar (@AvishkaarEdu) <a href="https://twitter.com/AvishkaarEdu/status/1402118460243546113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Toyota CUE Basketball Robot That Never Misses A Free Throw <a href="https://t.co/gwnae9MhJM">https://t.co/gwnae9MhJM</a> <a href="https://t.co/NOTMAfaCvU">pic.twitter.com/NOTMAfaCvU</a>
— gadgetking (@gadgetking) <a href="https://twitter.com/gadgetking/status/975791303786102786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The chances of CUE replacing the US all-star team may not be on the agenda anytime soon but from the looks of it, the US team may have picked a few tips from him during their embarrassing show against France on Sunday.

The star-studded US basketball team led by 11-time NBA all-star Kevin Durant were soundly beaten 83-76 by France which was their first defeat since the 2004 Athens Olympics.

<img alt="Basketball Robot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8e5d53aa-afd1-4664-a9a7-39cb1001f6b2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4_20.jpg" />

The determined French team came from behind to overpower the US team as the Americans missed their final nine shots. The French team was down 10 points but they came back fiercely in the final quarter to destabilise the US team which had no answers to French fury.&nbsp;

Durant himself had said earlier that the Tokyo Olympics won't be a "cakewalk" as his worst fears came true on Sunday.

Fournier top-scored with 28 points for France as the underrated team stunned the United States.

The USA will take on Iran in their next game on Wednesday while France will clash against the Czech Republic.

(With inputs from Agencies)

A basketball-playing robot CUE captured everybody's attention during the men's preliminary round Group B game between the United States and France on Sunday at the Tokyo Olympics as it displayed its skills at halftime.

A basketball-playing robot CUE captured everybody's attention during the men's preliminary round Group B game between the United States and France on Sunday at the Tokyo Olympics as it displayed its skills at halftime. Watch: Pakistan and two other countries make awkward entry in opening ceremony The 6-foot-10-inch basketball robot has been created by Toyota. It uses sensors on its torso to judge the distance and angle of the basket and uses motorised arms and knees to execute set shots. The robot wearing jersey No-95 became the talking point of the game with its entertaining style of play. The robot is not a new feature as it had made its debut three years ago. The robot can't dribble or jump but it can throw some deep winners as it showed off its skill hitting a free throw, a three-pointer and a half-court shot outperforming many star players and stole everybody's heart. Artificial Intelligence Basketball Robot CUE! Thank you #Toyota to developed a CUE Robot!#artificialintellegence #toyota #cybersecurity #cue #robot #basketballrobot #basketball #wethenorth #toyotacanada #abdullatifjameel pic.twitter.com/h8G9hs3LpB — Azhar Khan (@khanazharsemail) March 7, 2020 × How about a basketball match with the robot? Meet Cue, the robot that can shoot basketball with nearly 100% accuracy.#AI #robots #roboticplayer #artificialintelligence #basketball #robotforgames https://t.co/ESxTsitU11 — Avishkaar (@AvishkaarEdu) June 8, 2021 × Toyota CUE Basketball Robot That Never Misses A Free Throw https://t.co/gwnae9MhJM pic.twitter.com/NOTMAfaCvU — gadgetking (@gadgetking) March 19, 2018 × The chances of CUE replacing the US all-star team may not be on the agenda anytime soon but from the looks of it, the US team may have picked a few tips from him during their embarrassing show against France on Sunday. The star-studded US basketball team led by 11-time NBA all-star Kevin Durant were soundly beaten 83-76 by France which was their first defeat since the 2004 Athens Olympics. The determined French team came from behind to overpower the US team as the Americans missed their final nine shots. The French team was down 10 points but they came back fiercely in the final quarter to destabilise the US team which had no answers to French fury. Durant himself had said earlier that the Tokyo Olympics won't be a "cakewalk" as his worst fears came true on Sunday. Fournier top-scored with 28 points for France as the underrated team stunned the United States. The USA will take on Iran in their next game on Wednesday while France will clash against the Czech Republic. (With inputs from Agencies)

Olympics: Watch- Twitter explodes as CUE, the basketball robot, never misses a throw

Pakistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan delegations made an awkward entry&nbsp;as the flag bearers of the&nbsp;three contingents did not wear&nbsp;a COVID-19 mask while entering the stadium during the opening ceremony of the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/condoms-and-sex-at-tokyo-olympics-awareness-creation-restrictions-and-pushback-400698" hreflang="en">Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback</a>

Several in Tajikistan's contingent did not wear a mask. The organisers have taken some big measures to curb the virus outbreak. From tweaks in medal ceremonies to no group photos, the organisers have promoted the idea of masks and social distancing, however, walking without masks is contrary to what they hoped.&nbsp;

On Friday, the Games' organising committee announced that 110 people have been infected with the coronavirus as a result of the Games.

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Pakistan Contingent in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> | 🇵🇰 <a href="https://t.co/Wnt74FQgil">pic.twitter.com/Wnt74FQgil</a>
— Mandy. (@MandyHox) <a href="https://twitter.com/MandyHox/status/1418557463054405632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The coronavirus has been diagnosed in 19 persons, including three who are living at the Olympic Village in the capital's Harumi seaside district.

The daily figure was the highest since the committee began announcing COVID-19 positive cases among persons associated with the Olympics on July 1st.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is determined to hold the Olympics, placed Tokyo under a state of emergency on July 12, but daily cases have sharply increased since then.

The opening ceremony is being held behind closed doors due to a surge in the infectious virus. The 1,979 new cases reported on Thursday are the most since 2,044 were reported on January 15.

Japan has reported about 853,000 cases and 15,100 deaths since the pandemic began, most of them this year.

Still, the number of cases and deaths as a share of the population are much lower than in many other countries.

Pakistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan delegations made an awkward entry as the flag bearers of the three contingents did not wear a COVID-19 mask while entering the stadium during the opening ceremony of the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Pakistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan delegations made an awkward entry as the flag bearers of the three contingents did not wear a COVID-19 mask while entering the stadium during the opening ceremony of the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics 2020. ALSO READ: Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback Several in Tajikistan's contingent did not wear a mask. The organisers have taken some big measures to curb the virus outbreak. From tweaks in medal ceremonies to no group photos, the organisers have promoted the idea of masks and social distancing, however, walking without masks is contrary to what they hoped. On Friday, the Games' organising committee announced that 110 people have been infected with the coronavirus as a result of the Games. Pakistan Contingent in #Olympics | 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/Wnt74FQgil — Mandy. (@MandyHox) July 23, 2021 × The coronavirus has been diagnosed in 19 persons, including three who are living at the Olympic Village in the capital's Harumi seaside district. The daily figure was the highest since the committee began announcing COVID-19 positive cases among persons associated with the Olympics on July 1st. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is determined to hold the Olympics, placed Tokyo under a state of emergency on July 12, but daily cases have sharply increased since then. The opening ceremony is being held behind closed doors due to a surge in the infectious virus. The 1,979 new cases reported on Thursday are the most since 2,044 were reported on January 15. Japan has reported about 853,000 cases and 15,100 deaths since the pandemic began, most of them this year. Still, the number of cases and deaths as a share of the population are much lower than in many other countries.

Tokyo Olympics: Pakistan and two other countries make awkward entry in opening ceremony - WATCH

NBC's&nbsp;broadcast&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;Games&nbsp;opening&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;drew&nbsp;16.7&nbsp;million&nbsp;viewers, the&nbsp;smallest&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;television&nbsp;audience&nbsp;for the&nbsp;event&nbsp;in the&nbsp;past&nbsp;33&nbsp;years,&nbsp;according&nbsp;to&nbsp;preliminary&nbsp;data&nbsp;from Comcast-owned NBCUniversal on Saturday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-mens-hockey-australia-thrash-india-7-1-in-pool-a-game-400549" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics, Men's Hockey: Australia thrash India 7-1 in Pool A game</a>

Across all platforms, including NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app, 17&nbsp;million&nbsp;people watched the&nbsp;ceremony, NBCUniversal said in an email.

The streaming&nbsp;audience&nbsp;on those platforms grew 76% from the 2018 PyeongChang&nbsp;opening&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;and 72% from the 2016 Rio opener, reflecting a change in viewing habits.

Friday's&nbsp;audience&nbsp;reflects a steep drop, despite difficult comparisons with previous&nbsp;opening&nbsp;ceremonies when&nbsp;viewers&nbsp;had fewer streaming options.

The&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;opener&nbsp;TV&nbsp;audience&nbsp;declined 37% from 2016, when 26.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;people watched the Rio de Janeiro&nbsp;Games&nbsp;opener, and 59% from 2012, when 40.7&nbsp;million&nbsp;people watched the London&nbsp;ceremony.

It was the&nbsp;lowest&nbsp;audience&nbsp;for the&nbsp;opening&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;since the 1988 Seoul&nbsp;Games, which attracted 22.7&nbsp;million&nbsp;TV&nbsp;viewers. It was also&nbsp;lower than the 1992 Barcelona&nbsp;Games, when 21.6&nbsp;million&nbsp;people tuned in,&nbsp;according&nbsp;to Nielsen&nbsp;data.

The Rio, London, Barcelona and Seoul numbers reflect final ratings&nbsp;data&nbsp;not yet available for the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Games&nbsp;opener.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Friday's scaled-down&nbsp;opening&nbsp;event&nbsp;took place with fewer than 1,000 attendees at the&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;Stadium under strict social distancing rules.

Major absences included former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who had wooed the&nbsp;games&nbsp;to&nbsp;Tokyo, and top sponsors, as the&nbsp;event&nbsp;faced strong opposition in COVID-fatigued Japan.

With&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;13 hours&nbsp;ahead of the&nbsp;U.S. East Coast, NBC for the first time&nbsp;broadcast&nbsp;the&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;live in the morning, at 6:55 a.m. ET Friday.&nbsp;NBC's&nbsp;taped, primetime&nbsp;broadcast&nbsp;began at 7:30 p.m. ET.

In its primetime coverage, NBC acknowledged the pandemic and its toll while presenting the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;as a positive&nbsp;event.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder," said host Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC News' "Today" morning show. "There's nothing like an&nbsp;opening&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;to really get you excited for the&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;Games."

NBCUniversal has aggressively pushed its digital platforms this&nbsp;year&nbsp;and views the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;as a vital driver of subscribers for its Peacock streaming service.

The company plans to air an "unprecedented" 7,000 hours&nbsp;of&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;coverage across its multiple&nbsp;television&nbsp;networks and Peacock. These include some of the most anticipated&nbsp;events, such as gymnastics and&nbsp;U.S. Men's basketball, on the streaming platform. It will also stream over 5,500 hours&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;on NBCOlympics.com and its sports app.

Not all athletes were present at the teams' parade during the&nbsp;opening&nbsp;ceremony, due to rules that require many to fly in just before their competitions and leave shortly after to limit social contact.

The&nbsp;TV&nbsp;rating drop is part of a trend among live&nbsp;TV&nbsp;events, including awards shows and sports.

February's Super Bowl&nbsp;broadcast&nbsp;on CBS, a ViacomCBS unit, attracted an average of about 92&nbsp;million&nbsp;viewers,&nbsp;according&nbsp;to Nielsen&nbsp;data, the&nbsp;lowest since 2006. The April Oscars telecast on Walt Disney Co's ABC&nbsp;broadcast&nbsp;network averaged 10.4&nbsp;million, a record&nbsp;low, Nielsen said.&nbsp;Audiences for the most recent Emmys and Grammys also hit new&nbsp;lows.

NBCUniversal, which paid $7.65 billion to extend its&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;broadcast&nbsp;rights for the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;through 2032, is framing the&nbsp;games&nbsp;as a "healing"&nbsp;event, despite scepticism from many Japanese citizens about the wisdom of holding even a scaled-down&nbsp;Games&nbsp;during a pandemic.

In June NBCUniversal said it had signed over 120 advertisers for the&nbsp;games, more than any other&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;broadcast. An NBCUniversal spokesperson said that month the company was on track to exceed the $1.2 billion in ads sold for the 2016 Rio&nbsp;Olympics but declined to say whether it would beat the $1.25 billion sold last&nbsp;year&nbsp;before the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Games&nbsp;were postponed.

Ratings are not an indication of profitability. Despite a drop in overall&nbsp;viewership from the 2012 London&nbsp;Olympics, NBC earned more than $250&nbsp;million&nbsp;from its Rio&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;coverage, with ad sales up more than 20% from London.

In June NBCUniversal Chief Executive Jeff Shell said the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Games&nbsp;could be the most profitable&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;in NBC’s history.

NBC's broadcast of the Tokyo Olympic Games opening ceremony drew 16.7 million viewers, the smallest U.S. television audience for the event in the past 33 years, according to preliminary data from Comcast-owned NBCUniversal on Saturday.

NBC's broadcast of the Tokyo Olympic Games opening ceremony drew 16.7 million viewers, the smallest U.S. television audience for the event in the past 33 years, according to preliminary data from Comcast-owned NBCUniversal on Saturday. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics, Men's Hockey: Australia thrash India 7-1 in Pool A game Across all platforms, including NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app, 17 million people watched the ceremony, NBCUniversal said in an email. The streaming audience on those platforms grew 76% from the 2018 PyeongChang opening ceremony and 72% from the 2016 Rio opener, reflecting a change in viewing habits. Friday's audience reflects a steep drop, despite difficult comparisons with previous opening ceremonies when viewers had fewer streaming options. The Tokyo opener TV audience declined 37% from 2016, when 26.5 million people watched the Rio de Janeiro Games opener, and 59% from 2012, when 40.7 million people watched the London ceremony. It was the lowest audience for the opening ceremony since the 1988 Seoul Games, which attracted 22.7 million TV viewers. It was also lower than the 1992 Barcelona Games, when 21.6 million people tuned in, according to Nielsen data. The Rio, London, Barcelona and Seoul numbers reflect final ratings data not yet available for the Tokyo Games opener. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Friday's scaled-down opening event took place with fewer than 1,000 attendees at the Olympic Stadium under strict social distancing rules. Major absences included former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who had wooed the games to Tokyo, and top sponsors, as the event faced strong opposition in COVID-fatigued Japan. With Tokyo 13 hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast, NBC for the first time broadcast the ceremony live in the morning, at 6:55 a.m. ET Friday. NBC's taped, primetime broadcast began at 7:30 p.m. ET. In its primetime coverage, NBC acknowledged the pandemic and its toll while presenting the Olympics as a positive event. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," said host Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC News' "Today" morning show. "There's nothing like an opening ceremony to really get you excited for the Olympic Games." NBCUniversal has aggressively pushed its digital platforms this year and views the Olympics as a vital driver of subscribers for its Peacock streaming service. The company plans to air an "unprecedented" 7,000 hours of Olympics coverage across its multiple television networks and Peacock. These include some of the most anticipated events, such as gymnastics and U.S. Men's basketball, on the streaming platform. It will also stream over 5,500 hours of the Olympics on NBCOlympics.com and its sports app. Not all athletes were present at the teams' parade during the opening ceremony, due to rules that require many to fly in just before their competitions and leave shortly after to limit social contact. The TV rating drop is part of a trend among live TV events, including awards shows and sports. February's Super Bowl broadcast on CBS, a ViacomCBS unit, attracted an average of about 92 million viewers, according to Nielsen data, the lowest since 2006. The April Oscars telecast on Walt Disney Co's ABC broadcast network averaged 10.4 million, a record low, Nielsen said. Audiences for the most recent Emmys and Grammys also hit new lows. NBCUniversal, which paid $7.65 billion to extend its U.S. broadcast rights for the Olympics through 2032, is framing the games as a "healing" event, despite scepticism from many Japanese citizens about the wisdom of holding even a scaled-down Games during a pandemic. In June NBCUniversal said it had signed over 120 advertisers for the games, more than any other Olympics broadcast. An NBCUniversal spokesperson said that month the company was on track to exceed the $1.2 billion in ads sold for the 2016 Rio Olympics but declined to say whether it would beat the $1.25 billion sold last year before the Tokyo Games were postponed. Ratings are not an indication of profitability. Despite a drop in overall viewership from the 2012 London Olympics, NBC earned more than $250 million from its Rio Olympics coverage, with ad sales up more than 20% from London. In June NBCUniversal Chief Executive Jeff Shell said the Tokyo Games could be the most profitable Olympics in NBC’s history.

Tokyo Olympics opening draws 16.7 million US TV viewers, a 33-year low

India had a disappointing start in the boxing ring at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 after Vikas Krishan lost in the opening round in the 69kg category.&nbsp;However, Mary Kom booked her spot in the Round of 16 after beating Hernandez Garcia Miguelina in the Women’s Fly Preliminaries Round of 32.

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Mary Kom began dominating the Dominican fighter for the very first round after landing some huge punches. Mary Kom went on to win by split decision and enters in the round of 16.

Mary Kom won 4:1 against Hernandez Garcia Miguelina to get through to the next round.

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Earlier, Indian table tennis star Manika Batra won her second-round clash against Margaryta Pesotska of Ukraine at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday.&nbsp;

Returning from a two-game deficiency, Manika crushed Pesotska 4-11, 4-11, 11-7, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 11-7 in 57 minutes.&nbsp;

India's Manika Batra made a comeback to dominate the third match after losing the initial two against Margaryta Pesotska of Ukraine in the second round of the women's singles table tennis event.

India is on the 19th spot in the medal's tally with a silver medal that was won by Mirabai Chanu on Day 2 of the Tokyo Olympics.

India had a disappointing start in the boxing ring at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 after Vikas Krishan lost in the opening round in the 69kg category. However, Mary Kom booked her spot in the Round of 16 after beating Hernandez Garcia Miguelina in the Women’s Fly Preliminaries Round of 32.

India had a disappointing start in the boxing ring at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 after Vikas Krishan lost in the opening round in the 69kg category. However, Mary Kom booked her spot in the Round of 16 after beating Hernandez Garcia Miguelina in the Women’s Fly Preliminaries Round of 32. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Athletes 'must' wear masks at Games apart from podium moment Mary Kom began dominating the Dominican fighter for the very first round after landing some huge punches. Mary Kom went on to win by split decision and enters in the round of 16. Mary Kom won 4:1 against Hernandez Garcia Miguelina to get through to the next round. IN PICS| Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for! Earlier, Indian table tennis star Manika Batra won her second-round clash against Margaryta Pesotska of Ukraine at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday. Returning from a two-game deficiency, Manika crushed Pesotska 4-11, 4-11, 11-7, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 11-7 in 57 minutes. India's Manika Batra made a comeback to dominate the third match after losing the initial two against Margaryta Pesotska of Ukraine in the second round of the women's singles table tennis event. India is on the 19th spot in the medal's tally with a silver medal that was won by Mirabai Chanu on Day 2 of the Tokyo Olympics.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Mary Kom through to Round of 16 after beating Hernandez Garcia Miguelina

India men`s hockey team was not able to carry their winning momentum as the Manpreet Singh-led side stumbled to a defeat at the hands of Australia in their second Group A game in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.

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Australia defeated India 7-1 here at the Oi Hockey Stadium North Pitch. India will next take on Spain on Tuesday.

In the first quarter, Australia managed to take the lead as Daniel Beale scored. The Manpreet Singh-led India was not able to get the equaliser in the first quarter and hence the scoreline remained 1-0.

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Australia dent another blow as Jeremy Hayward went through India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and as a result, Australia took a 2-0 lead, creating more pressure on India. In the same quarter, Flynn Ogilvie scored as well, giving Australia a 3-0 lead.

India had no answers to whatever was being thrown at them, and they quickly conceded another, to go 0-4 down in the second quarter.

In the third quarter, India finally managed to get on the scoring sheet as 21-year-old Dilpreet Singh rose up to the challenge. However, Australia once again restored their four-goal lead as Blake Govers scored through a penalty stroke, giving Australia a 5-1 lead.

Minutes later, Glovers scored again and Australia gained a 6-1 lead, and India ran the risk of conceding goals in double digits. In the fourth and final quarter, Australia scored one more goal and in the end, they registered a thundering win.&nbsp;

India men`s hockey team was not able to carry their winning momentum as the Manpreet Singh-led side stumbled to a defeat at the hands of Australia in their second Group A game in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.

India men`s hockey team was not able to carry their winning momentum as the Manpreet Singh-led side stumbled to a defeat at the hands of Australia in their second Group A game in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020: India's Mary Kom through to Round of 16 Australia defeated India 7-1 here at the Oi Hockey Stadium North Pitch. India will next take on Spain on Tuesday. In the first quarter, Australia managed to take the lead as Daniel Beale scored. The Manpreet Singh-led India was not able to get the equaliser in the first quarter and hence the scoreline remained 1-0. IN PICS| Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for! Australia dent another blow as Jeremy Hayward went through India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and as a result, Australia took a 2-0 lead, creating more pressure on India. In the same quarter, Flynn Ogilvie scored as well, giving Australia a 3-0 lead. India had no answers to whatever was being thrown at them, and they quickly conceded another, to go 0-4 down in the second quarter. In the third quarter, India finally managed to get on the scoring sheet as 21-year-old Dilpreet Singh rose up to the challenge. However, Australia once again restored their four-goal lead as Blake Govers scored through a penalty stroke, giving Australia a 5-1 lead. Minutes later, Glovers scored again and Australia gained a 6-1 lead, and India ran the risk of conceding goals in double digits. In the fourth and final quarter, Australia scored one more goal and in the end, they registered a thundering win.

Tokyo Olympics, Men's Hockey: Australia thrash India 7-1 in Pool A game

Harmanpreet Singh scored two goals off penalty corners as India survived some anxious moments to scrape through to a 3-2 win against New Zealand to start their Olympic Games men`s hockey campaign on a winning note here on Saturday. 
 
Rupinderpal Singh had equalised for India in the 10th minute after New Zealand had gone ahead off a penalty corner conversion by Kane Russel. 
 
Harmanpreet scored off successive penalty corners in the 26th and 33rd minute to give India a 3-1 lead. 
 
Stephen Jenness reduced the margin for New Zealand. The Black Sticks created a lot of pressure in the fourth quarter but could not find the equaliser.

Harmanpreet Singh scored two goals off penalty corners as India survived some anxious moments to scrape through to a 3-2 win against New Zealand to start their Olympic Games men`s hockey campaign on a winning note here on Saturday.

Harmanpreet Singh scored two goals off penalty corners as India survived some anxious moments to scrape through to a 3-2 win against New Zealand to start their Olympic Games men`s hockey campaign on a winning note here on Saturday. Rupinderpal Singh had equalised for India in the 10th minute after New Zealand had gone ahead off a penalty corner conversion by Kane Russel. Harmanpreet scored off successive penalty corners in the 26th and 33rd minute to give India a 3-1 lead. Stephen Jenness reduced the margin for New Zealand. The Black Sticks created a lot of pressure in the fourth quarter but could not find the equaliser.

Tokyo Olympics men's hockey: India beat New Zealand 3-2 in first match

Indian boxer Vikas Krishan crashed out in the Men's Welter (63-69kg) Round of 32 after suffering a disappointing loss against Japan's Sewonrets Quincy Mensah Okazawa on Day 2 of the Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;

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Okazawa kicked off his bout against Vikas on an aggressive note, while Krishan tried conserving his energy. However, there was no clear winner in the first round.&nbsp;

Vikas suffered a bloody eye by the end of Round 2. But, Sewonrets Quincy Mensah Okazawa completely dominated the Indian boxer in Round 3 and began toying with him. Judges did not take much time and &nbsp;Sewonrets Quincy Mensah Okazawa was named the winner after he beat Krishan 5-0.

Last year, in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vikas-not-winning-the-olympic-gold-will-drive-me-crazy-302690">interview with WION</a>, Vikas had said that he would go crazy if he&nbsp;does not win the Olympic Gold.&nbsp;

He was asked about his obsession with the Olympics to which he replied: "It's not merely a dream, I am going to win the Olympic gold medal and I will settle for nothing less than that, nothing can stop me. If I am not able to achieve the feat, I will live in regret for the rest of my life and keep dwelling on 'what could have been'."&nbsp;

"It will drive me crazy. I will not leave any stone unturned for the Olympics. I realise I made some mistakes for the last games, but now I feel I have matured and am at the perfect stage in my career to win the gold."&nbsp;

"I have even reassured my coaches and told them- don't worry, I will win the Olympic gold. Pro boxing has made me a more confident boxer. There is no substitute for hard work."

Indian boxer Vikas Krishan crashed out in the Men's Welter (63-69kg) Round of 32 after suffering a disappointing loss against Japan's Sewonrets Quincy Mensah Okazawa on Day 2 of the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Indian boxer Vikas Krishan crashed out in the Men's Welter (63-69kg) Round of 32 after suffering a disappointing loss against Japan's Sewonrets Quincy Mensah Okazawa on Day 2 of the Tokyo Olympics 2020. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for! Okazawa kicked off his bout against Vikas on an aggressive note, while Krishan tried conserving his energy. However, there was no clear winner in the first round. Vikas suffered a bloody eye by the end of Round 2. But, Sewonrets Quincy Mensah Okazawa completely dominated the Indian boxer in Round 3 and began toying with him. Judges did not take much time and Sewonrets Quincy Mensah Okazawa was named the winner after he beat Krishan 5-0. Last year, in an interview with WION, Vikas had said that he would go crazy if he does not win the Olympic Gold. He was asked about his obsession with the Olympics to which he replied: "It's not merely a dream, I am going to win the Olympic gold medal and I will settle for nothing less than that, nothing can stop me. If I am not able to achieve the feat, I will live in regret for the rest of my life and keep dwelling on 'what could have been'." "It will drive me crazy. I will not leave any stone unturned for the Olympics. I realise I made some mistakes for the last games, but now I feel I have matured and am at the perfect stage in my career to win the gold." "I have even reassured my coaches and told them- don't worry, I will win the Olympic gold. Pro boxing has made me a more confident boxer. There is no substitute for hard work."

Tokyo 2020: Indian boxer Vikas Krishan crashes out of Olympics, shattering his dream to win gold

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra & other Bollywood celebs cheer for India

After failing to score in their Olympics debut,&nbsp;Mexico's&nbsp;softball&nbsp;players came good on their promise that a different team would show up on the second day of the Games.

With their bench ramping up cheering at each turn,&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;erased deficits against defending gold medallists Japan and nearly won in extra innings.

Now,&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;will need to bring even more fighting energy, as their players described it, to avoid sinking to a third straight loss in the Olympics tournament when they&nbsp;take&nbsp;on United States on Saturday.

Fortunately, it may be easy to muster: nearly all of&nbsp;Mexico's roster hail from the United States, but were effectively passed over for the Olympics run and are qualified to represent&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;through dual heritage.

Several played for United States previously. Danielle O'Toole, who pitched&nbsp;Mexico's entire 3-2 loss to Japan on Thursday, played on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;team in 2017 and 2018 before being cut.

Lead-off hitter Sydney Romero previously competed for the United States, as did starting pitcher Dallas Escobedo, who struggled in a loss to Canada on Wednesday.

The strong links between the two teams are even more personal for some: Shortstops and former pro-league teammates Amanda Chidester of the United States and Anissa Urtez of&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;last November became engaged to marry.

Urtez, like others on&nbsp;Mexico, said she tried out for&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;because she knew "USA wasn't in the cards for me".

Chidester said she and Urtez are "beyond proud of each other for living out our dreams."

U.S. Coach Ken Eriksen told Reuters that his counterparts had excelled at identifying players of Mexican heritage "that were just on the cusp of making it and didn't for whatever reason it was."

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"You can't argue with what they are doing right there," he said.

The assemblage was not by chance.&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;coach Carlos Caro began scouring rosters of&nbsp;U.S. colleges for Latinas in 2013, when Tokyo was named Olympics host. He contacted coaches, cousins, everyone he could think of in a years-long recruiting push.

Catcher Sashel Palacios was among the first on board. She roped in Escobedo and the line continued from there.

Mexico&nbsp;Softball&nbsp;President Rolando Guerrero used personal credit cards and sold off real estate to get the team to tournaments, Caro said. After qualifying for the Olympics, the government upped funding.

Palacios said she and others receive criticism on both sides of the border for being a roster of Mexican Americans. Critics in&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;at least could be silenced by a medal.

After failing to score in their Olympics debut, Mexico's softball players came good on their promise that a different team would show up on the second day of the Games.

After failing to score in their Olympics debut, Mexico's softball players came good on their promise that a different team would show up on the second day of the Games. With their bench ramping up cheering at each turn, Mexico erased deficits against defending gold medallists Japan and nearly won in extra innings. Now, Mexico will need to bring even more fighting energy, as their players described it, to avoid sinking to a third straight loss in the Olympics tournament when they take on United States on Saturday. Fortunately, it may be easy to muster: nearly all of Mexico's roster hail from the United States, but were effectively passed over for the Olympics run and are qualified to represent Mexico through dual heritage. Several played for United States previously. Danielle O'Toole, who pitched Mexico's entire 3-2 loss to Japan on Thursday, played on the US team in 2017 and 2018 before being cut. Lead-off hitter Sydney Romero previously competed for the United States, as did starting pitcher Dallas Escobedo, who struggled in a loss to Canada on Wednesday. The strong links between the two teams are even more personal for some: Shortstops and former pro-league teammates Amanda Chidester of the United States and Anissa Urtez of Mexico last November became engaged to marry. Urtez, like others on Mexico, said she tried out for Mexico because she knew "USA wasn't in the cards for me". Chidester said she and Urtez are "beyond proud of each other for living out our dreams." U.S. Coach Ken Eriksen told Reuters that his counterparts had excelled at identifying players of Mexican heritage "that were just on the cusp of making it and didn't for whatever reason it was." Also read | Tokyo Olympics 2020 Day 1 Live Updates: Indian men archers finish below 30 places "You can't argue with what they are doing right there," he said. The assemblage was not by chance. Mexico coach Carlos Caro began scouring rosters of U.S. colleges for Latinas in 2013, when Tokyo was named Olympics host. He contacted coaches, cousins, everyone he could think of in a years-long recruiting push. Catcher Sashel Palacios was among the first on board. She roped in Escobedo and the line continued from there. Mexico Softball President Rolando Guerrero used personal credit cards and sold off real estate to get the team to tournaments, Caro said. After qualifying for the Olympics, the government upped funding. Palacios said she and others receive criticism on both sides of the border for being a roster of Mexican Americans. Critics in Mexico at least could be silenced by a medal.

Tokyo Olympics softball: Mexico to take on US in clash of familiar foes and fiancees

Novak&nbsp;Djokovic's road to the Golden Slam is not an easy one, with possible matches against Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev in his path at the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics.

Djokovic, representing Serbia, has won the season's first three grand slams and could become the first male player ever to win the Golden Slam if he first captures gold in Tokyo. Then all that's left is winning the US&nbsp;Open in August. Steffi Graf is the only player to ever do it, in 1988.

However,&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;has just one bronze medal to his name in three previous&nbsp;Olympics. He lost to Juan Martin del Potro twice, in 2012 (London) and 2016 (Rio), after capturing bronze at the 2008 Beijing&nbsp;Olympics.

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Djokovic, 34-3 this ATP season, opens against Bolivia's Hugo Dellien, ranked 139th in the world. But then things could get harder.

Djokovic&nbsp;could face Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the third round.&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;trailed Musetti 2-love at the French Open last month before rallying for the victory.

Djokovic&nbsp;could face World No. 7 Rublev of Russia in the quarterfinals; it would be the first match between them. If he wins there, he could face the fifth-ranked Zverev of Germany in the semifinals.

World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev of Russia makes his Olympic debut against Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan.

The tennis event is being held at Ariake Tennis Park, site of the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships. The ATP-500 event is played in October.

Novak Djokovic's road to the Golden Slam is not an easy one, with possible matches against Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev in his path at the Tokyo Olympics. Djokovic, representing Serbia, has won the season's first three grand slams and could become the first male player ever to win the Golden Slam if he first captures gold in Tokyo.

Novak Djokovic's road to the Golden Slam is not an easy one, with possible matches against Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev in his path at the Tokyo Olympics. Djokovic, representing Serbia, has won the season's first three grand slams and could become the first male player ever to win the Golden Slam if he first captures gold in Tokyo. Then all that's left is winning the US Open in August. Steffi Graf is the only player to ever do it, in 1988. However, Djokovic has just one bronze medal to his name in three previous Olympics. He lost to Juan Martin del Potro twice, in 2012 (London) and 2016 (Rio), after capturing bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Also read | Tokyo Olympics 2020 Day 1 Live Updates: Indian men archers finish below 30 places Djokovic, 34-3 this ATP season, opens against Bolivia's Hugo Dellien, ranked 139th in the world. But then things could get harder. Djokovic could face Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the third round. Djokovic trailed Musetti 2-love at the French Open last month before rallying for the victory. Djokovic could face World No. 7 Rublev of Russia in the quarterfinals; it would be the first match between them. If he wins there, he could face the fifth-ranked Zverev of Germany in the semifinals. World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev of Russia makes his Olympic debut against Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan. The tennis event is being held at Ariake Tennis Park, site of the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships. The ATP-500 event is played in October.

Novak Djokovic faces tough draw at Olympics

At an Olympics opening ceremony overshadowed by the coronavirus, Tokyo 2020 organisers on Friday paid tribute to medical workers as athletes from across the world paraded into an almost empty stadium, their smiles hidden behind masks for the first time.

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Normally a star-studded display teeming with celebrities, the ceremony was shorn of its glitz, with fewer than 1,000 people in attendance, strict social distancing rules and signs calling on spectators to "be quiet around the venue." 
 
The organisers also sent the traditional message of peace as global pop stars sang John Lennon and Yoko Ono`s "Imagine," while drones formed the shape of the Olympic emblem in the sky above the stadium and transformed into the shape of the globe. 
 
"With the world in a tough situation because of the coronavirus pandemic, I would like to pay my respect and express my gratitude to medical workers and all those who are working hard every day to overcome the difficulties," said the President of the organising committee, Seiko Hashimoto. 
 
The ceremony approached its climax with a fusion of traditional kabuki theatre - with its elaborate makeup and costumes - and a jazz piano improvisation, on a stage in the shape of Mount Fuji topped with the cauldron for the Olympic flame. 
 
Most countries were represented by both male and female flagbearers in an Olympic first, but not everybody took pandemic measures. Teams from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and the Pakistan flagbearers paraded maskless in an awkward contrast to protocol and the vast majority of other athletes at the ceremony. 
 
Regardless, it marked a coming together of the world, with an audience of hundreds of millions around the globe and at various stages of the pandemic tuning in to watch the start of the greatest show in sport. 
 
Members of the Canada delegation wore patches in the colour of the rainbow, the symbol of the LGBT community, on their jackets. U.S. first lady Jill Biden clapped the Americans as did France President Emmanuel Macron for the French team. 
 
The Olympic oath, recited by the athletes at the end of the parade, has been updated for the Tokyo Games, with athletes swearing their commitment to inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination for the first time at the Olympics. 
 
OLYMPIC RINGS 
 
The opening also featured fireworks in indigo and white, the colours of the Tokyo 2020 emblem, and gave a nod to Japanese tradition represented by giant wooden Olympic rings linked to the 1964 Games also hosted by Tokyo. 
 
A vastly smaller number of athletes marched in the teams` parade, with many flying in just before their competitions and due to leave shortly after to avoid infections. 
 
Delegations tried their best to liven the mood. Uganda, wearing bright traditional costumes, did a few measures of a dance, while the Argentine delegation jumped up and down on entering. 
 
WITHOUT FANS 
 
Postponed for a year, organisers were forced to take the unprecedented step of holding the Olympics without fans as the novel coronavirus is on the rise again, taking lives around the world. 
 
The opening recapped Japan`s path to the Games and the challenges the world has faced since the selection of the Japanese capital as host in 2013. 
 
The opening video showed how the coronavirus struck in 2020, with lockdowns forcing the unprecedented postponement only four months before the Games were due to open, setting off a roller-coaster period of preparations in isolation for the athletes. 
 
A moment of silence was held "for all those family and friends we have lost," especially to the coronavirus, and mention was made of the Israeli athletes slain at the 1972 Munich Games. 
 
PANDEMIC IMPACT 
 
Japanese Emperor Naruhito and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, both masked, cheered on the athletes after bowing to each other before sitting down socially distanced. 
 
"Today is a moment of hope. Yes it is very different from what all of us imagined. But finally we are all here together," said Bach in the opening speech. 
 
"You struggled. You persevered. You never gave up. Today you are making your Olympic dreams come true," he said. 
 
Unlike his grandfather who opened the 1964 Games with a Japanese word that means "congratulations," Naruhito opted for a more neutral word in Japanese which is closer to "commemorate". 
 
The ceremony was marked by major absences, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who wooed the Games to Tokyo. Top sponsors also stayed away, highlighting strong opposition to the event in COVID-fatigued Japan. 
 
Hundreds of people protested around the venue yelling “Stop the Olympics”. 
 
Only a third of the host nation have had even one dose of vaccines, prompting worries the Games could become a super-spreader event.

At an Olympics opening ceremony overshadowed by the coronavirus, Tokyo 2020 organisers on Friday paid tribute to medical workers as athletes from across the world paraded into an almost empty stadium, their smiles hidden behind masks for the first time.

At an Olympics opening ceremony overshadowed by the coronavirus, Tokyo 2020 organisers on Friday paid tribute to medical workers as athletes from across the world paraded into an almost empty stadium, their smiles hidden behind masks for the first time. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020 Highlights: Top moments of the opening ceremony Normally a star-studded display teeming with celebrities, the ceremony was shorn of its glitz, with fewer than 1,000 people in attendance, strict social distancing rules and signs calling on spectators to "be quiet around the venue." The organisers also sent the traditional message of peace as global pop stars sang John Lennon and Yoko Ono`s "Imagine," while drones formed the shape of the Olympic emblem in the sky above the stadium and transformed into the shape of the globe. "With the world in a tough situation because of the coronavirus pandemic, I would like to pay my respect and express my gratitude to medical workers and all those who are working hard every day to overcome the difficulties," said the President of the organising committee, Seiko Hashimoto. The ceremony approached its climax with a fusion of traditional kabuki theatre - with its elaborate makeup and costumes - and a jazz piano improvisation, on a stage in the shape of Mount Fuji topped with the cauldron for the Olympic flame. Most countries were represented by both male and female flagbearers in an Olympic first, but not everybody took pandemic measures. Teams from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and the Pakistan flagbearers paraded maskless in an awkward contrast to protocol and the vast majority of other athletes at the ceremony. Regardless, it marked a coming together of the world, with an audience of hundreds of millions around the globe and at various stages of the pandemic tuning in to watch the start of the greatest show in sport. Members of the Canada delegation wore patches in the colour of the rainbow, the symbol of the LGBT community, on their jackets. U.S. first lady Jill Biden clapped the Americans as did France President Emmanuel Macron for the French team. The Olympic oath, recited by the athletes at the end of the parade, has been updated for the Tokyo Games, with athletes swearing their commitment to inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination for the first time at the Olympics. OLYMPIC RINGS The opening also featured fireworks in indigo and white, the colours of the Tokyo 2020 emblem, and gave a nod to Japanese tradition represented by giant wooden Olympic rings linked to the 1964 Games also hosted by Tokyo. A vastly smaller number of athletes marched in the teams` parade, with many flying in just before their competitions and due to leave shortly after to avoid infections. Delegations tried their best to liven the mood. Uganda, wearing bright traditional costumes, did a few measures of a dance, while the Argentine delegation jumped up and down on entering. WITHOUT FANS Postponed for a year, organisers were forced to take the unprecedented step of holding the Olympics without fans as the novel coronavirus is on the rise again, taking lives around the world. The opening recapped Japan`s path to the Games and the challenges the world has faced since the selection of the Japanese capital as host in 2013. The opening video showed how the coronavirus struck in 2020, with lockdowns forcing the unprecedented postponement only four months before the Games were due to open, setting off a roller-coaster period of preparations in isolation for the athletes. A moment of silence was held "for all those family and friends we have lost," especially to the coronavirus, and mention was made of the Israeli athletes slain at the 1972 Munich Games. PANDEMIC IMPACT Japanese Emperor Naruhito and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, both masked, cheered on the athletes after bowing to each other before sitting down socially distanced. "Today is a moment of hope. Yes it is very different from what all of us imagined. But finally we are all here together," said Bach in the opening speech. "You struggled. You persevered. You never gave up. Today you are making your Olympic dreams come true," he said. Unlike his grandfather who opened the 1964 Games with a Japanese word that means "congratulations," Naruhito opted for a more neutral word in Japanese which is closer to "commemorate". The ceremony was marked by major absences, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who wooed the Games to Tokyo. Top sponsors also stayed away, highlighting strong opposition to the event in COVID-fatigued Japan. Hundreds of people protested around the venue yelling “Stop the Olympics”. Only a third of the host nation have had even one dose of vaccines, prompting worries the Games could become a super-spreader event.

Tokyo Olympics: Organisers thank medics at opening ceremony overshadowed by pandemic

Tokyo Olympics: The Parade of Nations at opening ceremony

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic arrived at the Tokyo Olympics confident of his successes this season.

The Serbian ace&nbsp;underlined that it will not be easy, but sounded certain of his shots at winning the gold medal.&nbsp;

Djokovic, who won his 6th title at Wimbledon and a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title, in general, is the top pick to win the men's singles in Tokyo.&nbsp;

Addressing reporters, Djokovic said it is an "honour" for him to represent his country at the Olympics. He accepted that the numerous successes added to his repertoire this year should place him in an advantageous position in the Japanese capital.&nbsp;

“The schedule is really rough, but I feel that my preparations were good. Also, I won a lot of matches recently, which always gives you extra confidence and energy boost. Playing for my country, it is the highest honour and privilege for me," he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/amid-coronavirus-crisis-tokyo-2020-chief-does-not-rule-out-cancellation-of-olympics-399237" hreflang="en">Amid coronavirus crisis, Tokyo 2020 chief does not rule out cancellation of Olympics</a>

Djokovic has won the ATP Cup and the Davis Cup in earlier years and has now focused on getting a gold medal for Serbia at the Olympics.&nbsp;

"I am an individual athlete, rarely we have the occasion to be a team. I am grateful because we were able to win the ATP Cup and Davis Cup, and I am missing Olympic gold now. I have the highest ambitions in Tokyo, it is not a secret that I am aiming for the gold medal,” he added.

Djokovic&nbsp;highlighted that he never made it to the men's singles final in three editions of the Olympic Games.&nbsp;

He noted that the Olympics is a long competition where 'anything' can happen.&nbsp;

“Although some players from the top are not coming, there are also a lot of elite players fighting for medals: Medvedev, Tsitsipas, and Zverev are among the favorites. They are the best, but it is a long tournament, and anything can happen," he said.

Djokovic said that although the Olympics is unique in relation to different competitions, he would approach the opposition as he would some other competition.&nbsp;

“Furthermore, Olympics are specific in terms of pressure, expectations and emotions &nbsp;everything is different compared to other tournaments and I know that very well, I felt it on my own skin in the past. Therefore, I will try to approach the Olympics in the same way that I approach other tournaments, so that I can stay focused on my goal,” he concluded.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic arrived at the Tokyo Olympics confident of his successes this season. The Serbian ace underlined that it will not be easy, but sounded certain of his shots at winning the gold medal.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic arrived at the Tokyo Olympics confident of his successes this season. The Serbian ace underlined that it will not be easy, but sounded certain of his shots at winning the gold medal. Djokovic, who won his 6th title at Wimbledon and a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title, in general, is the top pick to win the men's singles in Tokyo. Addressing reporters, Djokovic said it is an "honour" for him to represent his country at the Olympics. He accepted that the numerous successes added to his repertoire this year should place him in an advantageous position in the Japanese capital. “The schedule is really rough, but I feel that my preparations were good. Also, I won a lot of matches recently, which always gives you extra confidence and energy boost. Playing for my country, it is the highest honour and privilege for me," he said. ALSO READ: Amid coronavirus crisis, Tokyo 2020 chief does not rule out cancellation of Olympics Djokovic has won the ATP Cup and the Davis Cup in earlier years and has now focused on getting a gold medal for Serbia at the Olympics. "I am an individual athlete, rarely we have the occasion to be a team. I am grateful because we were able to win the ATP Cup and Davis Cup, and I am missing Olympic gold now. I have the highest ambitions in Tokyo, it is not a secret that I am aiming for the gold medal,” he added. Djokovic highlighted that he never made it to the men's singles final in three editions of the Olympic Games. He noted that the Olympics is a long competition where 'anything' can happen. “Although some players from the top are not coming, there are also a lot of elite players fighting for medals: Medvedev, Tsitsipas, and Zverev are among the favorites. They are the best, but it is a long tournament, and anything can happen," he said. Djokovic said that although the Olympics is unique in relation to different competitions, he would approach the opposition as he would some other competition. “Furthermore, Olympics are specific in terms of pressure, expectations and emotions everything is different compared to other tournaments and I know that very well, I felt it on my own skin in the past. Therefore, I will try to approach the Olympics in the same way that I approach other tournaments, so that I can stay focused on my goal,” he concluded.

Tokyo Olympics: It is not secret that I'm aiming for gold at Tokyo Olympics, says Novak Djokovic

The road to Tokyo 2020 has not been smooth. Postponed by nearly 12 months, the Olympic Games&nbsp;are now set into motion.

The Indian contingent expects to get their best medal haul. India bagged the&nbsp;most medals in the 2012 London Olympics: two silvers and four bronzes.&nbsp;

Throughout the Olympic Games, India has won 28 medals which include nine gold, seven silver&nbsp;and 12 bronze medals. The hockey team has been the most successful winning 11 medals, followed by wrestling&nbsp;with five medals.&nbsp;

But there's a twist when it comes to two silver medals won by Norman Pritchard for athletics in 1900.&nbsp; In 2005, World Athletics listed Pritchard, a British Indian, as having competed for Great Britain. Olympic historians also concur that he represented Britain after competing in the British athletics championship in June 1900. However, the International Olympic Committee&nbsp;continued to regard Pritchard as having competed for India, and his two medals are credited to India.

In any case, India's population is enormous and we have just 28 Olympic medals, or 26 if you remove Pritchard's silvers, in our kitty up until now.&nbsp;

India won a gold in field hockey in 1980 and the next time we won a medal was in 1996.&nbsp;Abhinav Bindra's gold in 2008 changed attitude towards sports in India.&nbsp;

Sports in India has&nbsp;faced high and low points. In a&nbsp;country largely obsessed with cricket,&nbsp;sportsmen and women are now exploring different games and this is an accomplishment in itself.&nbsp;

India has commendable competitors, but our medal tally never takes off and sports infrastructure continues to leave much to be desired.

India&nbsp;needs an appropriate framework for preparation and practice sessions of competitors that could make them more skillful and exceptional to manage A-list contenders.

With plans like Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Khelo India and Fit India, we are seeing the government putting stress on allowing opportunities to competitors to exhibit their ability. Our competitors have endeavoured to get the due acknowledgement they deserve.

Every Olympics is challenging, Tokyo 2020 will be especially overwhelming and will test each competitor. It's difficult to get ready for an event of this magnitude when the world is going through such difficulties.&nbsp;

Adjusting to the changing circumstances will be the key.&nbsp;In spite of the challenges, Tokyo will be India's best chance at the Olympics. Arriving at double-digits in the medal count isn't completely incomprehensible.

India's medal haul in Olympics so far can't be called spectacular.&nbsp;But there has been a fast ascent in interest in Olympic games in India.&nbsp;

Sports infrastructure has improved and with the developing spotlight on sports and fitness, there is no reason why India can't improve.&nbsp;Like clockwork, basically for a short period, the focus shifts to the Olympics and everyone applauds the Olympic medalists.&nbsp;

Whether India penetrates the double-digit hindrance or not, we trust new stars to rise up out of Tokyo who then proceed to motivate the country in sports.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The road to Tokyo 2020 has not been smooth. Postponed by nearly 12 months, the Olympic Games are now set into motion. The Indian contingent expects to get their best medal haul.

The road to Tokyo 2020 has not been smooth. Postponed by nearly 12 months, the Olympic Games are now set into motion. The Indian contingent expects to get their best medal haul. India bagged the most medals in the 2012 London Olympics: two silvers and four bronzes. Throughout the Olympic Games, India has won 28 medals which include nine gold, seven silver and 12 bronze medals. The hockey team has been the most successful winning 11 medals, followed by wrestling with five medals. But there's a twist when it comes to two silver medals won by Norman Pritchard for athletics in 1900. In 2005, World Athletics listed Pritchard, a British Indian, as having competed for Great Britain. Olympic historians also concur that he represented Britain after competing in the British athletics championship in June 1900. However, the International Olympic Committee continued to regard Pritchard as having competed for India, and his two medals are credited to India. In any case, India's population is enormous and we have just 28 Olympic medals, or 26 if you remove Pritchard's silvers, in our kitty up until now. India won a gold in field hockey in 1980 and the next time we won a medal was in 1996. Abhinav Bindra's gold in 2008 changed attitude towards sports in India. Sports in India has faced high and low points. In a country largely obsessed with cricket, sportsmen and women are now exploring different games and this is an accomplishment in itself. India has commendable competitors, but our medal tally never takes off and sports infrastructure continues to leave much to be desired. India needs an appropriate framework for preparation and practice sessions of competitors that could make them more skillful and exceptional to manage A-list contenders. With plans like Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Khelo India and Fit India, we are seeing the government putting stress on allowing opportunities to competitors to exhibit their ability. Our competitors have endeavoured to get the due acknowledgement they deserve. Every Olympics is challenging, Tokyo 2020 will be especially overwhelming and will test each competitor. It's difficult to get ready for an event of this magnitude when the world is going through such difficulties. Adjusting to the changing circumstances will be the key. In spite of the challenges, Tokyo will be India's best chance at the Olympics. Arriving at double-digits in the medal count isn't completely incomprehensible. India's medal haul in Olympics so far can't be called spectacular. But there has been a fast ascent in interest in Olympic games in India. Sports infrastructure has improved and with the developing spotlight on sports and fitness, there is no reason why India can't improve. Like clockwork, basically for a short period, the focus shifts to the Olympics and everyone applauds the Olympic medalists. Whether India penetrates the double-digit hindrance or not, we trust new stars to rise up out of Tokyo who then proceed to motivate the country in sports. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Will India improve its medal tally at Olympics?

The Tour de France's Saitama Criterium has been cancelled for the second straight year over rising Covid-19 cases, organizers said, days before the Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony.

"We have reached the conclusion that our priority is ensuring the safety and security of the people of Saitama, athletes and other participants, and fans," organisers said in a statement late Tuesday.

"Various anti-infection measures are being taken... but the expanding spread of infections in Japan remains unpredictable," the statement said.

The annual autumn race features winners and stars from the Tour de France and attracts some 100,000 fans to the Saitama region, north of Tokyo.

But the pandemic forced the event's cancellation last year for the first time since it started in 2013.

The greater Tokyo region has seen a rapid rise of new infections in recent weeks, prompting the central government to place the area under a state of emergency.

The measure is much looser than a lockdown, however, and Japan's pandemic outbreak remains much smaller than in many other countries.

The Tokyo Olympics started competition Wednesday with a softball game between Japan and Australia.

The Games, which will officially open Friday, will be held mostly behind closed doors with athletes and officials placed under strict anti-virus protocols.

The Tour de France's Saitama Criterium has been cancelled for the second straight year over rising Covid-19 cases, organizers said, days before the Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony.

The Tour de France's Saitama Criterium has been cancelled for the second straight year over rising Covid-19 cases, organizers said, days before the Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony. "We have reached the conclusion that our priority is ensuring the safety and security of the people of Saitama, athletes and other participants, and fans," organisers said in a statement late Tuesday. "Various anti-infection measures are being taken... but the expanding spread of infections in Japan remains unpredictable," the statement said. The annual autumn race features winners and stars from the Tour de France and attracts some 100,000 fans to the Saitama region, north of Tokyo. But the pandemic forced the event's cancellation last year for the first time since it started in 2013. The greater Tokyo region has seen a rapid rise of new infections in recent weeks, prompting the central government to place the area under a state of emergency. The measure is much looser than a lockdown, however, and Japan's pandemic outbreak remains much smaller than in many other countries. The Tokyo Olympics started competition Wednesday with a softball game between Japan and Australia. The Games, which will officially open Friday, will be held mostly behind closed doors with athletes and officials placed under strict anti-virus protocols.

Japan's cycling Saitama Criterium cancelled over pandemic

Mexican baseball authorities announced Monday that two players had tested positive for Covid-19 just days before they were due to leave for the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/para-athlete-olivia-breen-left-fuming-as-official-says-her-shorts-are-too-revealing-399103" hreflang="en">Para-athlete Olivia Breen left fuming as official says her shorts are 'too revealing'</a>

"At the beginning of the gathering of the Mexican baseball selection two asymptomatic positive cases of Covid-19 were detected," the Mexican Baseball Federation and the Mexican Baseball League said, adding that the players were Hector Velazquez and Sammy Solis.

The two pitchers, who play for the Acereros de Monclova, were placed in solitary confinement "immediately in their hotel rooms where the national team gathers."

All members of the national team were tested again Monday morning with PCR tests. The training scheduled for the evening in the Alfredo Harp Helu stadium in Mexico City was cancelled.

The Mexican baseball team, which qualified for the first time to participate in the Olympics, has kept its scheduled departure on Wednesday for&nbsp;Tokyo.

The team is in Group A, where they are slated to face the Dominican Republic on July 30 and Japan the following day.

Mexican baseball authorities announced Monday that two players had tested positive for Covid-19 just days before they were due to leave for the Tokyo Olympics. ALSO READ: Para-athlete Olivia Breen left fuming as official says her shorts are 'too revealing' "At the beginning of the gathering of the Mexican baseball selection two asymptomatic positive cases of Covid-19 were detected," the Mexican Baseball Federation and the Mexican Baseball League said, adding that the players were Hector Velazquez and Sammy Solis.

Mexican baseball authorities announced Monday that two players had tested positive for Covid-19 just days before they were due to leave for the Tokyo Olympics. ALSO READ: Para-athlete Olivia Breen left fuming as official says her shorts are 'too revealing' "At the beginning of the gathering of the Mexican baseball selection two asymptomatic positive cases of Covid-19 were detected," the Mexican Baseball Federation and the Mexican Baseball League said, adding that the players were Hector Velazquez and Sammy Solis. The two pitchers, who play for the Acereros de Monclova, were placed in solitary confinement "immediately in their hotel rooms where the national team gathers." All members of the national team were tested again Monday morning with PCR tests. The training scheduled for the evening in the Alfredo Harp Helu stadium in Mexico City was cancelled. The Mexican baseball team, which qualified for the first time to participate in the Olympics, has kept its scheduled departure on Wednesday for Tokyo. The team is in Group A, where they are slated to face the Dominican Republic on July 30 and Japan the following day.

Tokyo 2020: Two Mexico Olympic baseball players test positive for Covid-19

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

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

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

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

According to reports, South Korea will start its exclusive food service for athletes and delegates during the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-olympic-cluster-scare-as-athletes-test-positive-in-games-village-398826"> Olympics</a> near the games village and will reportedly screen food content for possible nuclear radiation citing safety concern over the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Reports say&nbsp;nearly 420 meals will be delivered&nbsp;from a hotel near the games village to South Korean athletes and others associated with the team.

A team of cooks and nutritionists have already arrived in Japan. They will also reportedly conduct radiation checks on ingredients procured in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-organisers-assure-that-cardboard-beds-are-sturdy-after-anti-sex-reports-399022"> Japan</a>.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tokyo-olympics-first-case-of-coronavirus-in-olympic-village-398641/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The South Korean Olympic Committee said it has organised its own food programme in other Olympic events&nbsp;well. The move has reportedly irked<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/two-thirds-of-japanese-doubt-pandemic-olympics-can-be-safe-says-poll-398944"> Japanese</a> officials.

Japanese authorities had earlier assured countries that food sourced from various parts of the country served at the Olympics will be safe for consumption, however, the South Korean Olympic Committee had already decided to import food for its athletes.

Japan had said earlier that the US and Australia had lifted restrictions related to Fukushima with the region's food being exported to Thailand.

Meanwhile, South Korean President Moon Jae-in will not be visiting the country during the &nbsp;Olympics over what the South Korean president described as extremely "inappropriate" and "regrettable" remarks by a Japanese diplomat.

South Korea will be sending its culture minister to the Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony to be held on Friday.&nbsp;

Japan and South Korean relations have been on a low ebb&nbsp;over territorial claims and World War II&nbsp;history in the Korean Peninsula.&nbsp;

Amid the simmering relations between the two countries, the South Korean delegation was involved in a row in Japan as it displayed a banner related to a historical figure who fought against the&nbsp;Japanese invasion, however, it was asked to be removed after the International Olympic Committee(IOC) was informed it violated Olympic guidelines.

(With inputs from Agencies)

 
&nbsp;

According to reports, South Korea will start its exclusive food service for athletes and delegates during the Olympics near the games village and will reportedly screen food content for possible nuclear radiation citing safety concern over the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

According to reports, South Korea will start its exclusive food service for athletes and delegates during the Olympics near the games village and will reportedly screen food content for possible nuclear radiation citing safety concern over the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Reports say nearly 420 meals will be delivered from a hotel near the games village to South Korean athletes and others associated with the team. A team of cooks and nutritionists have already arrived in Japan. They will also reportedly conduct radiation checks on ingredients procured in Japan. Watch: The South Korean Olympic Committee said it has organised its own food programme in other Olympic events well. The move has reportedly irked Japanese officials. Japanese authorities had earlier assured countries that food sourced from various parts of the country served at the Olympics will be safe for consumption, however, the South Korean Olympic Committee had already decided to import food for its athletes. Japan had said earlier that the US and Australia had lifted restrictions related to Fukushima with the region's food being exported to Thailand. Meanwhile, South Korean President Moon Jae-in will not be visiting the country during the Olympics over what the South Korean president described as extremely "inappropriate" and "regrettable" remarks by a Japanese diplomat. South Korea will be sending its culture minister to the Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony to be held on Friday. Japan and South Korean relations have been on a low ebb over territorial claims and World War II history in the Korean Peninsula. Amid the simmering relations between the two countries, the South Korean delegation was involved in a row in Japan as it displayed a banner related to a historical figure who fought against the Japanese invasion, however, it was asked to be removed after the International Olympic Committee(IOC) was informed it violated Olympic guidelines. (With inputs from Agencies)

Fukushima effect: Now, South Korea to check food at Olympics for nuclear radiation

A replacement in the US women's gymnastics team has tested positive for dreaded coronavirus. The news comes just days before the highly-anticipated Tokyo Olympics will kick off. As per the American Olympic officials, the gymnast tested positive while training for the games in Narita.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-all-you-need-to-know-about-indias-schedule-in-olympics-399009" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020: All you need to know about India's schedule in Olympics</a>

"One of the replacement athletes for the women's artistic gymnastics team received a positive COVID test on Sunday, July 18," USA Gymnastics said on Twitter.

"In alignment with local rules and protocols, the athlete has been transferred to a hotel to quarantine. Out of respect for the individual’s privacy, we cannot provide more information at this time," the organization said in a statement.

"The entire delegation continues to be vigilant and will maintain strict protocols while they are in Tokyo," it added.

Earlier, two athletes tested positive for the coronavirus in the Tokyo Olympic Village after a team colleague was also infected on Sunday.

The Tokyo Games, which will be held largely behind closed doors to prevent infections, are unpopular in Japan where opinion polls have consistently demonstrated a lack of support.

Olympic officials have been at pains to play down the health risks of the Games, which are taking place in stringent anti-coronavirus conditions with athletes tested daily.

"Mingling and crossing of populations is very limited. We keep the risk to an absolute minimum level," Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said on Sunday.

"We can ensure that transmission between the various groups is almost impossible."

Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya said the three cases "were from the same country and sport". They are "isolated in their rooms and Tokyo 2020 is delivering meals to them", he said, adding that the rest of the team have also been tested. The team was not identified.

(Inputs from Agency)

A replacement in the US women's gymnastics team has tested positive for dreaded coronavirus. The news comes just days before the highly-anticipated Tokyo Olympics will kick off.

A replacement in the US women's gymnastics team has tested positive for dreaded coronavirus. The news comes just days before the highly-anticipated Tokyo Olympics will kick off. As per the American Olympic officials, the gymnast tested positive while training for the games in Narita. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020: All you need to know about India's schedule in Olympics "One of the replacement athletes for the women's artistic gymnastics team received a positive COVID test on Sunday, July 18," USA Gymnastics said on Twitter. "In alignment with local rules and protocols, the athlete has been transferred to a hotel to quarantine. Out of respect for the individual’s privacy, we cannot provide more information at this time," the organization said in a statement. "The entire delegation continues to be vigilant and will maintain strict protocols while they are in Tokyo," it added. Earlier, two athletes tested positive for the coronavirus in the Tokyo Olympic Village after a team colleague was also infected on Sunday. The Tokyo Games, which will be held largely behind closed doors to prevent infections, are unpopular in Japan where opinion polls have consistently demonstrated a lack of support. Olympic officials have been at pains to play down the health risks of the Games, which are taking place in stringent anti-coronavirus conditions with athletes tested daily. "Mingling and crossing of populations is very limited. We keep the risk to an absolute minimum level," Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said on Sunday. "We can ensure that transmission between the various groups is almost impossible." Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya said the three cases "were from the same country and sport". They are "isolated in their rooms and Tokyo 2020 is delivering meals to them", he said, adding that the rest of the team have also been tested. The team was not identified. (Inputs from Agency)

Tokyo Olympics: Replacement in US women's gymnastics team tests positive for COVID-19

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

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

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

Olympics: First batch of Indian contingent arrives in Tokyo

New Zealand's team said on Saturday they were helping weightlifter Laurel Hubbard cope with the "huge focus" as she prepares to become the first transgender&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;athlete.

Hubbard, who was born male but transitioned to female in her 30s, has sparked debate with her selection, which came after she met the qualification criteria for transgender competitors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-weightlifter-selected-as-first-transgender-olympian-393005">New Zealand weightlifter selected as first transgender Olympian</a>

"We are working really closely with Laurel, as we do with any athlete, but particularly because of the huge focus on her," New Zealand&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;Committee communications director Ashley Abbott said.

"To look at what is going to be best for her in terms of interaction with the media. So, of course, there's limits and things like that."

Hubbard became eligible to lift as a woman after proving her testosterone levels were below the threshold required by the International&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;Committee. She will contest the women's +87kg category in Tokyo.

IOC rules state a trans woman can compete provided her testosterone levels are below 10 nanomoles per litre.

But critics say Hubbard has numerous physical advantages from growing up male that makes her presence in the competition unfair for female-born athletes.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-picks-first-transgender-athlete-for-olympics-392958/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hubbard, an intensely private person who avoids the media, also competed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia's Gold Coast, where she suffered a career-threatening injury.

"We will continue to work with her and make sure she is supported at all times and has got an understanding about what the environment might be like," Abbott said.

"It's certainly something we have considered."

New Zealand's team said on Saturday they were helping weightlifter Laurel Hubbard cope with the "huge focus" as she prepares to become the first transgender Olympic athlete.

New Zealand's team said on Saturday they were helping weightlifter Laurel Hubbard cope with the "huge focus" as she prepares to become the first transgender Olympic athlete. Hubbard, who was born male but transitioned to female in her 30s, has sparked debate with her selection, which came after she met the qualification criteria for transgender competitors. Also read | New Zealand weightlifter selected as first transgender Olympian "We are working really closely with Laurel, as we do with any athlete, but particularly because of the huge focus on her," New Zealand Olympic Committee communications director Ashley Abbott said. "To look at what is going to be best for her in terms of interaction with the media. So, of course, there's limits and things like that." Hubbard became eligible to lift as a woman after proving her testosterone levels were below the threshold required by the International Olympic Committee. She will contest the women's +87kg category in Tokyo. IOC rules state a trans woman can compete provided her testosterone levels are below 10 nanomoles per litre. But critics say Hubbard has numerous physical advantages from growing up male that makes her presence in the competition unfair for female-born athletes. Hubbard, an intensely private person who avoids the media, also competed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia's Gold Coast, where she suffered a career-threatening injury. "We will continue to work with her and make sure she is supported at all times and has got an understanding about what the environment might be like," Abbott said. "It's certainly something we have considered."

New Zealand say 'huge focus' on trans trailblazer at Tokyo Olympics

MOCCO, Olympic puppet, arrives in Tokyo from Tohoku

A little after the International Olympic Committee reported the first coronavirus case in the Olympic village, the Chief, Thomas Bach, has urged Japan locals to support the games.

"I appeal to the Japanese people to welcome these athletes here for the competition of their life," Bach said. In a bid to prove how secure the games are, he called the Tokyo Olympics to be the "most restrictive sports event... in the entire world."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tokyo-olympics-first-case-of-coronavirus-in-olympic-village-398641">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tokyo-olympics-first-case-of-coronavirus-in-olympic-village-398641/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His statement came after the Olympic village reported its first coronavirus case. "I would like once more to ask and to invite the Japanese people, humbly, to welcome and support the athletes from around the world," Bach urged Japanese people.

While the nation is worried about the first reported Covid case, Bach claims that it is just 15 people who have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, out of 15,000. He used this data to support his argument that the IOC is following strict anti-coronavirus measures and are conducting daily tests for athletes.

To make the locals tad happy and hopeful, Bach also teased the idea of inviting fans back to the stadiums as spectators. "We will keep monitoring the anti-Covid developments. And if the circumstances should change, then we do have another immediate five parties meeting to address this with the relevant anti COVID-19 measures," he said.

A little after the International Olympic Committee reported the first coronavirus case in the Olympic village, the Chief, Thomas Bach, has urged Japan locals to support the games.

A little after the International Olympic Committee reported the first coronavirus case in the Olympic village, the Chief, Thomas Bach, has urged Japan locals to support the games. "I appeal to the Japanese people to welcome these athletes here for the competition of their life," Bach said. In a bid to prove how secure the games are, he called the Tokyo Olympics to be the "most restrictive sports event... in the entire world." WATCH | His statement came after the Olympic village reported its first coronavirus case. "I would like once more to ask and to invite the Japanese people, humbly, to welcome and support the athletes from around the world," Bach urged Japanese people. While the nation is worried about the first reported Covid case, Bach claims that it is just 15 people who have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, out of 15,000. He used this data to support his argument that the IOC is following strict anti-coronavirus measures and are conducting daily tests for athletes. To make the locals tad happy and hopeful, Bach also teased the idea of inviting fans back to the stadiums as spectators. "We will keep monitoring the anti-Covid developments. And if the circumstances should change, then we do have another immediate five parties meeting to address this with the relevant anti COVID-19 measures," he said.

Tokyo Olympic 'most restrictive sports event': IOC chief urges Japanese locals' support

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tennis star Roger Federer announced&nbsp;that he will not be participating in&nbsp;the Tokyo Olympics after suffering a knee injury during the grasscourt season.

The former world no-1 was knocked by Poland's Hubert Hurkacz&nbsp;in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon in straight sets.&nbsp;

Federer is not the first tennis star to back out from the mega event.&nbsp;Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Serena Williams, Stan Wawrinka,&nbsp;Simona Halep&nbsp;and Nick Kyrgios&nbsp;have also&nbsp;withdrawn from the Olympics which starts on July 23.

Roger Federer said: “During the grass court season, I unfortunately experienced a setback with my knee&nbsp;and have accepted that I must withdraw from the Tokyo Olympic Games.”

“I am greatly disappointed, as it has been an honour and highlight of my career each time I have represented Switzerland.”

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“I have already begun rehabilitation in the hopes of returning to the tour later this summer. I wish the entire Swiss team the best of luck and I will be rooting hard from afar. As always, Hopp Schwiz,” he added.&nbsp;

Tennis star Roger Federer announced that he will not be participating in the Tokyo Olympics after suffering a knee injury during the grasscourt season. The former world no-1 was knocked by Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon in straight sets.

Tennis star Roger Federer announced that he will not be participating in the Tokyo Olympics after suffering a knee injury during the grasscourt season. The former world no-1 was knocked by Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon in straight sets. Federer is not the first tennis star to back out from the mega event. Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Serena Williams, Stan Wawrinka, Simona Halep and Nick Kyrgios have also withdrawn from the Olympics which starts on July 23. Roger Federer said: “During the grass court season, I unfortunately experienced a setback with my knee and have accepted that I must withdraw from the Tokyo Olympic Games.” “I am greatly disappointed, as it has been an honour and highlight of my career each time I have represented Switzerland.” pic.twitter.com/ngIlD6MYew — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) July 13, 2021 × “I have already begun rehabilitation in the hopes of returning to the tour later this summer. I wish the entire Swiss team the best of luck and I will be rooting hard from afar. As always, Hopp Schwiz,” he added.

Tennis: Roger Federer withdraws from Tokyo Olympics

Japan's government on Thursday imposed a state of emergency in capital Tokyo&nbsp;throughout the duration of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-without-fans-japan-to-declare-covid-19-emergency-for-tokyo-396637">Olympics </a>amid surging coronavirus cases in the country.

"We will impose the state of emergency in Tokyo," Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said, adding, "The period will be until August 22."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-to-declare-virus-emergency-lasting-through-tokyo-olympics-396699/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Tokyo Olympics starts on July 23 and is set to end on August 8 with at least 11,000 athletes from around 200 countries set to take part in the sporting extravaganza.

The Japanese capital recorded 896 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday even as authorities begin the final lap to host the mega sporting event.

"In areas under the state of emergency, we will continue with the measures we have been undertaking and will uniformly suspend the serving of alcoholic beverages at restaurants," Suga added.

The emergency measures come as local media reports said Olympic organizers are set to ban spectators for the event. Reports say people have been asked to avoid the route when the marathon even takes place in northern Hokkaido.

The Olympic torch relay event has already been scrapped by organizers amid the pandemic in Tokyo.

The Japanese prime minister assured citizens that the emergency measures could be lifted if the effect of the vaccine is visible and demand for hospital beds go down.

Authorities say the Delta variant now accounts for 30 per cent of cases in Tokyo and may rise further.

Under the new restrictions, alcohol will be banned at bars and restaurants and it will be ordered to close by 8pm.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics has already been delayed by year with the sporting event due to take place last year but was postponed last year as the pandemic took hold worldwide.

In polls conducted across the country, most Japanese wanted the event to be postponed further, however, the mood has changed somewhat in recent weeks.

Japan has recorded &nbsp;810,000 COVID-19 cases with 14,900 fatalities so far with health authorities fearful that cases could rise during the Olympics as thousands of athletes, organizers and fans gather for the event.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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

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

Japan declares virus emergency in Tokyo ahead of Olympics 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'We urge caution,' WHO says on Tokyo Olympics

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