US President Donald Trump late Thursday praised Tokyo's Olympic preparations and their "magnificent" venue just hours after he suggested delaying the Summer Games for up to a year due to the coronavirus.

Trump's apparent change of heart came after a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

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"Just had a great conversation with Prime Minister Abe of Japan. I told him that the just-completed Olympic venue is magnificent," Trump tweeted late Thursday.

"He has done an incredible job, one that will make him very proud. Good things will happen for Japan and their great Prime Minister. Lots of options!"

Just hours earlier Trump was the first foreign leader to suggest delaying the Tokyo Olympics because of the coronavirus, dropping a bombshell on his "good friend" Abe.

Watch: Paralympic wheelchair dancer aims to perform at Tokyo Olympic games

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/paralympic-wheelchair-dancer-aims-to-perform-at-tokyo-olympic-games-285647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Maybe they postpone it for a year," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, 19 weeks before the opening ceremony in Tokyo's Olympic Stadium.

Trump's comments came the same day as actresses dressed as ancient Greek priestesses held the ceremonial flame lighting at a ruined temple in the original Olympia, Greece.

It was all the more surprising given Trump's repeated declarations of close friendship with Abe and his reluctance previously to give advice on the situation.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2020-olympic-games-can-be-springboard-to-transform-tokyo-198067">2020 Olympic Games can be springboard to transform Tokyo</a>

Japanese organizers have reiterated that the coronavirus pandemic will not derail the Games scheduled to run from July 24 to August 8, even if major sporting events, travel and financial markets are already seeing massive disruption worldwide.

The International Olympic Committee also says there has not been any talk of cancellation or postponement.

"With the lighting of the Olympic flame in Olympia today, the International Olympic Committee confirms its full commitment to the success of the Olympic Games Tokyo&nbsp;2020," the IOC said in a statement.

"We&nbsp;remain absolutely in line with our Japanese hosts in our commitment to&nbsp;delivering safe Olympic Games in July this year."

Despite those assurances, fear of the easily transmitted virus forced the torch lighting ceremony to take place without spectators in Greece's Peloponnese region.

Trump said he admired Japan's preparations for hosting the Olympics for the first time since 1964, although characteristically he also praised his own record as a real estate developer.

"It's a shame," he said. "I used to be in the real estate business as you probably heard.&nbsp;They built some -- and I built beautiful buildings -- and they built some really beautiful buildings."

US President Donald Trump late Thursday praised Tokyo's Olympic preparations and their "magnificent" venue just hours after he suggested delaying the Summer Games for up to a year due to the coronavirus.

US President Donald Trump late Thursday praised Tokyo's Olympic preparations and their "magnificent" venue just hours after he suggested delaying the Summer Games for up to a year due to the coronavirus. Trump's apparent change of heart came after a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Also read: Flame for 2020 Tokyo Olympics lit in Greece amid virus lockdown "Just had a great conversation with Prime Minister Abe of Japan. I told him that the just-completed Olympic venue is magnificent," Trump tweeted late Thursday. "He has done an incredible job, one that will make him very proud. Good things will happen for Japan and their great Prime Minister. Lots of options!" Just hours earlier Trump was the first foreign leader to suggest delaying the Tokyo Olympics because of the coronavirus, dropping a bombshell on his "good friend" Abe. Watch: Paralympic wheelchair dancer aims to perform at Tokyo Olympic games "Maybe they postpone it for a year," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, 19 weeks before the opening ceremony in Tokyo's Olympic Stadium. Trump's comments came the same day as actresses dressed as ancient Greek priestesses held the ceremonial flame lighting at a ruined temple in the original Olympia, Greece. It was all the more surprising given Trump's repeated declarations of close friendship with Abe and his reluctance previously to give advice on the situation. Also read: 2020 Olympic Games can be springboard to transform Tokyo Japanese organizers have reiterated that the coronavirus pandemic will not derail the Games scheduled to run from July 24 to August 8, even if major sporting events, travel and financial markets are already seeing massive disruption worldwide. The International Olympic Committee also says there has not been any talk of cancellation or postponement. "With the lighting of the Olympic flame in Olympia today, the International Olympic Committee confirms its full commitment to the success of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020," the IOC said in a statement. "We remain absolutely in line with our Japanese hosts in our commitment to delivering safe Olympic Games in July this year." Despite those assurances, fear of the easily transmitted virus forced the torch lighting ceremony to take place without spectators in Greece's Peloponnese region. Trump said he admired Japan's preparations for hosting the Olympics for the first time since 1964, although characteristically he also praised his own record as a real estate developer. "It's a shame," he said. "I used to be in the real estate business as you probably heard. They built some -- and I built beautiful buildings -- and they built some really beautiful buildings."

Donald Trump praises Tokyo Olympic preparations after suggesting delay

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Second person declared cured of HIV, with no trace of infection in 30 months

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Turkey urges Russia to address Syria truce violations

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Malaysian PM calls on Mahathir to endorse new government

Malaysia's new prime minister, Muhyiddin Yassin, extended an olive branch on Wednesday to the leader he recently replaced, veteran politician Mahathir Mohamad, calling on him to endorse the new government after weeks of political tension. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-calls-on-mahathir-to-endorse-new-government-285594">Read More</a>

Child sex conviction 'wrong', says lawyers of ex- Vatican treasurer Pell

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's challenger Benny Gantz is to receive state protection following online threats, a domestic security agency announced on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-rival-benny-gantz-set-for-official-protection-after-threats-285589">Read More</a>

PAF's F-16 jet crashes in Islamabad during Pakistan Day parade rehearsals

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Cancelling Tokyo Olympics 'inconceivable': Japan minister Postponing or cancelling the Tokyo Olympics is "inconceivable", Japan's Olympic minister said as the new coronavirus outbreak raises fears the event could be scrapped.

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Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus cloud on Tokyo Olympics, Pakistan Air Force F-16 jet crashes and more!

Postponing or cancelling the Tokyo Olympics is "inconceivable", Japan's Olympic minister said Wednesday, as the new coronavirus outbreak raises fears the event could be scrapped.

"From the viewpoint of athletes who are the main protagonists in the Tokyo Games, as they are making adjustments and preparations for this once-in-four-years event, it is inconceivable to cancel or postpone," Seiko Hashimoto told a parliament committee.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympic-ceo-calls-coronavirus-concern-irresponsible-rumours-280473">Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours'</a>

She conceded that "it is the IOC (International Olympic Committee) who will make a final decision on the Games".

Hashimoto added: "We think it is important that the government gives correct information so that the IOC makes an appropriate decision."

The rapid spread of the virus, which has infected more than 560 people and been linked to 12 deaths in Japan, has cast a shadow over preparations for the Games.

Hashimoto's comments came after the Wall Street Journal quoted a member of the Tokyo's organisers' executive board as saying a delay of two years would be the most realistic option if the Games cannot be held this summer.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-women-hockey-team-qualifies-for-tokyo-olympics-259565">Indian women hockey team qualifies for Tokyo Olympics</a>

"We'll have to start talking about this seriously from April," Haruyuki Takahashi told the Journal, adding the board has not yet discussed the issue.

Asked about the report, Hashimoto said she was told by the 2020 organisers that they are preparing for the Games as scheduled from July 24 to August 9.

Tokyo 2020 organisers said they had "sought clarification" from Takahashi.

"He stated he had inadvertently given his personal opinion in response to a hypothetical question," a statement said.

"As IOC President (Thomas) Bach stated the other day, neither the IOC nor the organising committee are considering postponing or cancelling the Tokyo 2020 Games, and we are proceeding with our preparations for a safe and secure Games opening on 24 July 2020 as planned."

Postponing or cancelling the Tokyo Olympics is "inconceivable", Japan's Olympic minister said Wednesday, as the new coronavirus outbreak raises fears the event could be scrapped.

Postponing or cancelling the Tokyo Olympics is "inconceivable", Japan's Olympic minister said Wednesday, as the new coronavirus outbreak raises fears the event could be scrapped. "From the viewpoint of athletes who are the main protagonists in the Tokyo Games, as they are making adjustments and preparations for this once-in-four-years event, it is inconceivable to cancel or postpone," Seiko Hashimoto told a parliament committee. Also Read: Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours' She conceded that "it is the IOC (International Olympic Committee) who will make a final decision on the Games". Hashimoto added: "We think it is important that the government gives correct information so that the IOC makes an appropriate decision." The rapid spread of the virus, which has infected more than 560 people and been linked to 12 deaths in Japan, has cast a shadow over preparations for the Games. Hashimoto's comments came after the Wall Street Journal quoted a member of the Tokyo's organisers' executive board as saying a delay of two years would be the most realistic option if the Games cannot be held this summer. Also Read: Indian women hockey team qualifies for Tokyo Olympics "We'll have to start talking about this seriously from April," Haruyuki Takahashi told the Journal, adding the board has not yet discussed the issue. Asked about the report, Hashimoto said she was told by the 2020 organisers that they are preparing for the Games as scheduled from July 24 to August 9. Tokyo 2020 organisers said they had "sought clarification" from Takahashi. "He stated he had inadvertently given his personal opinion in response to a hypothetical question," a statement said. "As IOC President (Thomas) Bach stated the other day, neither the IOC nor the organising committee are considering postponing or cancelling the Tokyo 2020 Games, and we are proceeding with our preparations for a safe and secure Games opening on 24 July 2020 as planned."

Cancelling Tokyo Olympics 'inconceivable': Japan minister

Comcast Corp's&nbsp;NBCUniversal said on Tuesday it had sold more than $1.25 billion&nbsp;in national advertising for the Tokyo Olympics, a new record for any broadcaster for the games.

Nearly 90 per cent&nbsp;of its ad inventory for the games has been booked, said NBCUniversal, which holds US&nbsp;broadcast rights for the Summer Olympics on July 24 to August&nbsp;9, in a statement.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/preparing-for-successful-tokyo-olympics-2020-says-ioc-chief-283977">Preparing for 'successful' Tokyo Olympics 2020, says IOC chief</a>

The previous record, of $1.2 billion for the 2016 Rio Olympics, was also held by NBC.

Advertisers flock to major live sports events because they still attract huge audiences at a time when TV viewers are watching content on their own time on streaming services.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-scare-olympic-contract-allows-postponement-within-2020-says-japan-minister-283975">Coronavirus scare: Olympic contract allows postponement within 2020, says Japan minister</a>

The global spread of the coronavirus has prompted fears the Olympics could be cancelled, though the International Olympic Committee said Tuesday it was preparing for successful games and urged athletes to prepare "full steam."

Comcast has insurance for its expenses and should not incur losses if the games do not occur, Chief Executive Brian Roberts said at a Morgan Stanley conference on Tuesday.

The Olympic games occur every two years, alternating between summer and winter games.

Comcast Corp's NBCUniversal said on Tuesday it had sold more than $1.25 billion in national advertising for the Tokyo Olympics, a new record for any broadcaster for the games.

Comcast Corp's NBCUniversal said on Tuesday it had sold more than $1.25 billion in national advertising for the Tokyo Olympics, a new record for any broadcaster for the games. Nearly 90 per cent of its ad inventory for the games has been booked, said NBCUniversal, which holds US broadcast rights for the Summer Olympics on July 24 to August 9, in a statement. Also read: Preparing for 'successful' Tokyo Olympics 2020, says IOC chief The previous record, of $1.2 billion for the 2016 Rio Olympics, was also held by NBC. Advertisers flock to major live sports events because they still attract huge audiences at a time when TV viewers are watching content on their own time on streaming services. Also read: Coronavirus scare: Olympic contract allows postponement within 2020, says Japan minister The global spread of the coronavirus has prompted fears the Olympics could be cancelled, though the International Olympic Committee said Tuesday it was preparing for successful games and urged athletes to prepare "full steam." Comcast has insurance for its expenses and should not incur losses if the games do not occur, Chief Executive Brian Roberts said at a Morgan Stanley conference on Tuesday. The Olympic games occur every two years, alternating between summer and winter games.

NBCUniversal sells record $1.25 billion in Tokyo Olympic advertisements

As the coronavirus continues to spread around the world, Japan's Olympics minister said today that Tokyo's Olympic 2020 contract allows it to postpone the Games until the end of the year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympic-ceo-calls-coronavirus-concern-irresponsible-rumours-280473">Also Read:&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours'</a>

"The contract calls for the Games to be held within 2020. That could be interpreted as allowing a postponement," Seiko Hashimoto said.

The Olympics are due to begin on July 24 in Tokyo. However, the coronavirus has clouded the games which is attended by athletes around the world, a nightmare scenario for authorities with countries reporting spate of virus cases.

Seiko Hashimoto however added that Japan's government and host city Tokyo were still committed to hosting the Games with the International Olympic Committee(IOC) the only body which has the right to cancel the games.

The IOC's Thomas Bach said that preparations were still underway for a "successful" Games in Tokyo.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-olympics-tokyo-prepares-foreigners-for-potential-disasters-277049">Also Read:&nbsp;Ahead of Olympics, Tokyo prepares foreigners for potential disasters</a>

Several sporting events around the world have either been cancelled or postponed in the wake of the spread of the virus.

More than 3,100 people have died and over 90,000 have been infected in more than 60 countries worldwide.

In Japan, the virus has infected at least 230 people with five people who have died due to the virus.

As the coronavirus continues to spread around the world, Japan's Olympics minister said today that Tokyo's Olympic 2020 contract allows it to postpone the Games until the end of the year.

As the coronavirus continues to spread around the world, Japan's Olympics minister said today that Tokyo's Olympic 2020 contract allows it to postpone the Games until the end of the year. Also Read: Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours' "The contract calls for the Games to be held within 2020. That could be interpreted as allowing a postponement," Seiko Hashimoto said. The Olympics are due to begin on July 24 in Tokyo. However, the coronavirus has clouded the games which is attended by athletes around the world, a nightmare scenario for authorities with countries reporting spate of virus cases. Seiko Hashimoto however added that Japan's government and host city Tokyo were still committed to hosting the Games with the International Olympic Committee(IOC) the only body which has the right to cancel the games. The IOC's Thomas Bach said that preparations were still underway for a "successful" Games in Tokyo. Also Read: Ahead of Olympics, Tokyo prepares foreigners for potential disasters Several sporting events around the world have either been cancelled or postponed in the wake of the spread of the virus. More than 3,100 people have died and over 90,000 have been infected in more than 60 countries worldwide. In Japan, the virus has infected at least 230 people with five people who have died due to the virus.

Coronavirus scare: Olympic contract allows postponement within 2020, says Japan minister

A plan to use snow collected in Japan's mountains to cool 2020 Olympics venues this summer is being stymied by snowfalls on track to be the lowest on record, according to officials involved.

The Olympics are coming to Japan; So too is climate change

Tokyo's governor Yuriko Koike has hit out at the Shaun Bailey, the mayor who offered London to host this year's Tokyo Olympics due to the novel coronavirus epidemic.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympic-ceo-calls-coronavirus-concern-irresponsible-rumours-280473" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympic-ceo-calls-coronavirus-concern-irresponsible-rumours-280473&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwis4O_FtOLnAhWawTgGHa2TBXYQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0vFBrmqjfau4W6vDMUTj_M" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympic-ceo-calls-coronavirus-concern-irresponsible-rumours-280473" target="_blank">Tokyo Olympics&nbsp;CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours'</a>

On Wednesday, Tokyo's virology department said that holding the games 'now' will not be a wise decision and following this statement, London's mayor Shaun Bailey tweeted: "London can host the Olympics in 2020. We have the infrastructure and experience. And due to the coronavirus outbreak, the world might need us to step up."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
London can host the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> in 2020. 
 
We have the infrastructure and the experience. 
And due to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> outbreak, the world might need us to step up. 
 
As Mayor, I will make sure London is ready to answer the call and host the Olympics again.<a href="https://t.co/1jJesWS1D6">https://t.co/1jJesWS1D6</a>
— Shaun Bailey (@ShaunBaileyUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaunBaileyUK/status/1230111123476746241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He added: "As mayor, I will make sure London is ready to answer the call and host the Olympics again,".&nbsp;

London has hosted the Olympics in &nbsp;2012, 1948 and 1908.&nbsp;

Japanese governor Koike blasted on Shaun Bailey's offer calling it "not appropriate to try to make it an issue in a mayoral election".

"A reason why this issue has attracted global attention is due to the cruise ship," she said, in reference to the Diamond Princess, a vessel in Japan that has seen more than 600 cases of coronavirus.

"But the cruise ship's nationality belongs to Britain," she said referring to the ship's registration.&nbsp;

Earlier, Tokyo 2020 CEO Yoshiro Mori called scrapping of the games an "irresponsible rumour" during the meeting with top IOC (International Olympic Committee) officials.&nbsp;

"With regards to the coronavirus... there are many irresponsible rumours but I would like to make it clear again that we are not considering postponing or cancelling the games," he said.

As the death toll in China's coronavirus rose to 2,233 on Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/like-a-zombie-apocalypse-residents-on-edge-as-coronavirus-cases-surge-in-south-korea-281821">South Korea</a>&nbsp;confirmed 52 more cases of the virus taking the overall figure to 156 in the country.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tokyo's governor Yuriko Koike has hit out at the Shaun Bailey, the mayor who offered London to host this year's Tokyo Olympics due to the novel coronavirus epidemic.

Tokyo's governor Yuriko Koike has hit out at the Shaun Bailey, the mayor who offered London to host this year's Tokyo Olympics due to the novel coronavirus epidemic. Also read: Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours' On Wednesday, Tokyo's virology department said that holding the games 'now' will not be a wise decision and following this statement, London's mayor Shaun Bailey tweeted: "London can host the Olympics in 2020. We have the infrastructure and experience. And due to the coronavirus outbreak, the world might need us to step up." London can host the #Olympics in 2020. We have the infrastructure and the experience. And due to the #coronavirus outbreak, the world might need us to step up. As Mayor, I will make sure London is ready to answer the call and host the Olympics again.https://t.co/1jJesWS1D6 — Shaun Bailey (@ShaunBaileyUK) February 19, 2020 × He added: "As mayor, I will make sure London is ready to answer the call and host the Olympics again,". London has hosted the Olympics in 2012, 1948 and 1908. Japanese governor Koike blasted on Shaun Bailey's offer calling it "not appropriate to try to make it an issue in a mayoral election". "A reason why this issue has attracted global attention is due to the cruise ship," she said, in reference to the Diamond Princess, a vessel in Japan that has seen more than 600 cases of coronavirus. "But the cruise ship's nationality belongs to Britain," she said referring to the ship's registration. Earlier, Tokyo 2020 CEO Yoshiro Mori called scrapping of the games an "irresponsible rumour" during the meeting with top IOC (International Olympic Committee) officials. "With regards to the coronavirus... there are many irresponsible rumours but I would like to make it clear again that we are not considering postponing or cancelling the games," he said. As the death toll in China's coronavirus rose to 2,233 on Friday, South Korea confirmed 52 more cases of the virus taking the overall figure to 156 in the country.

'Not appropriate': Tokyo's governor slams London Olympic hosting offer

Olympic chiefs admitted Friday they face a "very big communications job" to soothe concerns over the coronavirus epidemic in the run-up to this summer's Tokyo Games.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympic-ceo-calls-coronavirus-concern-irresponsible-rumours-280473" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours'</a>

The head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) coordination commission insisted there was no danger of Tokyo 2020 being cancelled or moved, despite <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-over-1480-japan-confirms-first-death-280603">fears over the fast-spreading virus</a> which has killed nearly 1,400 and infected around 64,000 most of them in China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-f1-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-continued-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-280489" hreflang="en">Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus</a>

But he said the IOC will send out information packs to reassure athletes that it's safe to come into contact with competitors from China.

"The advice we have received from the World Health Organization (WHO) is that there is no case for a contingency plan to cancel or move the Games," John Coates told reporters after a project review meeting.

"Certainly it's a very big communications job that needs to be undertaken," he added, noting that China is set to send more than 600 athletes to Tokyo.

"But we hear that most of the Chinese athletes are now out of China. I don't know how many were to be involved in test events here, but I don't see a problem if they're coming from another country."

Coates promised lessons would be learned from Rio four years ago, when concerns over the mosquito-borne Zika virus led to several top athletes pulling out of the Olympics, including golfers Jason Day and Rory McIlroy.

"The WHO pointed out the likelihood of Zika being a problem at the time of the Games was very low," he said.

"But we did lose some athletes Jason Day's wife was pregnant. We didn't communicate the information well enough."

Tokyo organisers have slammed "fake news" and scare-mongering over the coronavirus outbreak for causing panic ahead of the Games, which open on July 24.

More than 25 countries have confirmed cases of the flu-like disease, which the WHO has declared a global health emergency.

Japan, which registered its first fatality on Thursday of someone who had tested positive for the virus, is one of the worst-hit countries outside of mainland China.

There have been 33 cases on land and more than 200 positive tests of people quarantined on a cruise ship floating off Yokohama since last week.

Coates conceded that there could be fear among athletes about facing competitors from China.

"We did talk about that," said the Australian.

"The IOC is going to ensure (information) kits are sent to all national committees to explain what's happening around the world where Chinese athletes are competing," he added.

"But I can confirm Tokyo 2020 remains on track," insisted Coates, who revealed IOC president Thomas Bach will lay a wreath at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on the sidelines of the May 19-20 executive project review.

The virus has already impacted sporting events in Asia, including Olympic qualifiers for boxing and basketball -- both in China.

Formula One's Shanghai Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in April, has been postponed with the inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix also under threat.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government has come under fire for its handling of the infection, especially quarantine measures seen as too lax in the early stages of the epidemic.&nbsp;

"We don't yet know who will be competing at test events so we can't say anything for sure," said Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto, when pressed to specify measures being taken to tackle the epidemic.

"But we will have information from the qualifiers that are underway and take the necessary steps."

Olympic chiefs admitted Friday they face a "very big communications job" to soothe concerns over the coronavirus epidemic in the run-up to this summer's Tokyo Games.

Olympic chiefs admitted Friday they face a "very big communications job" to soothe concerns over the coronavirus epidemic in the run-up to this summer's Tokyo Games. Also read: Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours' The head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) coordination commission insisted there was no danger of Tokyo 2020 being cancelled or moved, despite fears over the fast-spreading virus which has killed nearly 1,400 and infected around 64,000 most of them in China. Also read: Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus But he said the IOC will send out information packs to reassure athletes that it's safe to come into contact with competitors from China. "The advice we have received from the World Health Organization (WHO) is that there is no case for a contingency plan to cancel or move the Games," John Coates told reporters after a project review meeting. "Certainly it's a very big communications job that needs to be undertaken," he added, noting that China is set to send more than 600 athletes to Tokyo. "But we hear that most of the Chinese athletes are now out of China. I don't know how many were to be involved in test events here, but I don't see a problem if they're coming from another country." Coates promised lessons would be learned from Rio four years ago, when concerns over the mosquito-borne Zika virus led to several top athletes pulling out of the Olympics, including golfers Jason Day and Rory McIlroy. "The WHO pointed out the likelihood of Zika being a problem at the time of the Games was very low," he said. "But we did lose some athletes Jason Day's wife was pregnant. We didn't communicate the information well enough." Tokyo organisers have slammed "fake news" and scare-mongering over the coronavirus outbreak for causing panic ahead of the Games, which open on July 24. More than 25 countries have confirmed cases of the flu-like disease, which the WHO has declared a global health emergency. Japan, which registered its first fatality on Thursday of someone who had tested positive for the virus, is one of the worst-hit countries outside of mainland China. There have been 33 cases on land and more than 200 positive tests of people quarantined on a cruise ship floating off Yokohama since last week. Coates conceded that there could be fear among athletes about facing competitors from China. "We did talk about that," said the Australian. "The IOC is going to ensure (information) kits are sent to all national committees to explain what's happening around the world where Chinese athletes are competing," he added. "But I can confirm Tokyo 2020 remains on track," insisted Coates, who revealed IOC president Thomas Bach will lay a wreath at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on the sidelines of the May 19-20 executive project review. The virus has already impacted sporting events in Asia, including Olympic qualifiers for boxing and basketball -- both in China. Formula One's Shanghai Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in April, has been postponed with the inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix also under threat. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government has come under fire for its handling of the infection, especially quarantine measures seen as too lax in the early stages of the epidemic. "We don't yet know who will be competing at test events so we can't say anything for sure," said Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto, when pressed to specify measures being taken to tackle the epidemic. "But we will have information from the qualifiers that are underway and take the necessary steps."

IOC face 'big communications job' as virus jitters hit Tokyo Olympics

When the world's top athletes meet in Tokyo for the Olympics later this year, they'll be spending some of their recreational time in a communal space built entirely out of reusable timber. Organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Wednesday (January 29) unveiled the village plaza, which was made from 40,000 pieces of timber, donated by 63 Japanese municipal governments.

Tokyo 2020 athletes plaza made from sustainable timber

Six months before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-ceo-pledges-to-keep-games-costs-under-budget-270479">Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics</a>&nbsp;open, the&nbsp;Games&nbsp;are already inescapable in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-marks-us-japan-security-pact-with-call-for-stronger-deeper-alliance-275202">Japan</a>,&nbsp;including dominating Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japans-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-arrives-in-abu-dhabi-274173">Shinzo Abe</a>'s&nbsp;policy&nbsp;speech&nbsp;to parliament on Monday.

Normally a staid set-piece laying out a national&nbsp;policy, Abe this time began with an impassioned evocation of the last time Tokyo hosted the Summer&nbsp;Olympics, in 1964,&nbsp;proudly viewed as&nbsp;marking&nbsp;Japan's return to the world stage after its defeat in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-rejects-idea-of-soviet-style-lifelong-leaders-for-russia-while-addressing-war-veterans-275230">World War Two</a>.

"The first-ever live broadcast of an&nbsp;Olympics. As the entire world watched, the final runner entered the&nbsp;National Stadium, Olympic torch in hand," Abe said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-displays-2020-olympics-torch-at-g20-summit-venue-231031">Also read: Japan displays 2020 Olympics torch at G20 Summit venue</a>

"It was a 19-year-old youth from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/power-of-non-violence-issues-must-be-resolved-through-dialogue-and-not-violence-272577"> Hiroshima</a>, born on the day the atomic bomb fell, and his dynamic running showed that our&nbsp;nation&nbsp;had fully recovered from being flattened by bombings and, full of confidence and pride, proclaimed to the world&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;was embarking on an&nbsp;era&nbsp;of rapid growth."

In a&nbsp;speech&nbsp;that mentioned the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;and Paralympics by name more than a dozen times, Abe said this year's&nbsp;Games&nbsp;will do the same thing for a&nbsp;nation&nbsp;he said was written off after a long period of economic stagnation.

<h6><img alt="Tokyo olympic tickets" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eb799127-05c5-4f77-9943-cd06ee8db9b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2020-01-15T060839Z_1_LYNXMPEG0E0EK_RTROPTP_3_OLYMPICS-2020-TICKETS.JPG" /> 
Image: Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

"This will bring all the people of&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;together to walk forward together into a&nbsp;new&nbsp;age," he said.

But preparations have been plagued with problems, including delays completing the&nbsp;new&nbsp;National Stadium. High levels of E. coli bacteria at the triathlon swim site last year forced the cancellation of a paratriathlon swimming segment amid concerns for athletes' health.

Though organisers have pledged to keep costs within budgeted estimates, this has not included an estimated 3 billion yen ($27 million) to move marathons and race walk events to the northern city of Sapporo to cope with Tokyo's searing summer heat - an issue soft-pedaled in Tokyo's bid.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2020-olympic-games-can-be-springboard-to-transform-tokyo-198067">2020 Olympic Games can be springboard to transform Tokyo</a>

Also played down when Tokyo won the&nbsp;Games&nbsp;in 2013 as the "Recovery&nbsp;Olympics" for a&nbsp;nation&nbsp;rebuilding after the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster was the situation at the crippled power plant, which Abe said at the time was "under control."

In his Monday&nbsp;speech, Abe touted infrastructure recovery in the area, noting that the torch relay will kick off from the J-Village in Fukushima.

"This place, which was the centre of operations for responding to Fukushima, is now becoming a soccer mecca for our&nbsp;nation, overflowing with childrens' smiling faces," he said.

The buildup of contaminated water at Fukushima has hampered efforts for the decades-long recovery and alarmed neighbouring countries.

Athletes from at least one country, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lotte-group-founder-shin-kyuk-ho-dies-at-97-275268">South Korea</a>, are planning to bring radiation detectors and their own food this summer.

Six months before the Tokyo Olympics open, the Games are already inescapable in Japan, including dominating Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policy speech to parliament on Monday.

Six months before the Tokyo Olympics open, the Games are already inescapable in Japan, including dominating Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policy speech to parliament on Monday. Normally a staid set-piece laying out a national policy, Abe this time began with an impassioned evocation of the last time Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics, in 1964, proudly viewed as marking Japan's return to the world stage after its defeat in World War Two. "The first-ever live broadcast of an Olympics. As the entire world watched, the final runner entered the National Stadium, Olympic torch in hand," Abe said. Also read: Japan displays 2020 Olympics torch at G20 Summit venue "It was a 19-year-old youth from Hiroshima, born on the day the atomic bomb fell, and his dynamic running showed that our nation had fully recovered from being flattened by bombings and, full of confidence and pride, proclaimed to the world Japan was embarking on an era of rapid growth." In a speech that mentioned the Olympics and Paralympics by name more than a dozen times, Abe said this year's Games will do the same thing for a nation he said was written off after a long period of economic stagnation. Image: Reuters "This will bring all the people of Japan together to walk forward together into a new age," he said. But preparations have been plagued with problems, including delays completing the new National Stadium. High levels of E. coli bacteria at the triathlon swim site last year forced the cancellation of a paratriathlon swimming segment amid concerns for athletes' health. Though organisers have pledged to keep costs within budgeted estimates, this has not included an estimated 3 billion yen ($27 million) to move marathons and race walk events to the northern city of Sapporo to cope with Tokyo's searing summer heat - an issue soft-pedaled in Tokyo's bid. Also read: 2020 Olympic Games can be springboard to transform Tokyo Also played down when Tokyo won the Games in 2013 as the "Recovery Olympics" for a nation rebuilding after the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster was the situation at the crippled power plant, which Abe said at the time was "under control." In his Monday speech, Abe touted infrastructure recovery in the area, noting that the torch relay will kick off from the J-Village in Fukushima. "This place, which was the centre of operations for responding to Fukushima, is now becoming a soccer mecca for our nation, overflowing with childrens' smiling faces," he said. The buildup of contaminated water at Fukushima has hampered efforts for the decades-long recovery and alarmed neighbouring countries. Athletes from at least one country, South Korea, are planning to bring radiation detectors and their own food this summer.

In Olympics-heavy policy speech, Japan PM says Games mark new era for nation

Jamaican&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jamaicas-shelly-ann-fraser-pryce-claims-100m-gold-at-athletics-world-championships-252866">Shelly-Ann&nbsp;Fraser-Pryce</a>&nbsp;will run in both the 100 metres and 200 metres events at the Tokyo Olympics next year.

Fraser-Pryce&nbsp;is a two-times Olympic 100 metres champion and she won gold at this year's world championships in Doha.

The 32-year-old, who has four world 100m titles to her name, did not compete in the 200 at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/olympics-2016/rio-olympics-2016-jamaicas-thompson-becomes-new-sprint-queen-4904">2016 Rio Olympics</a> to focus on the shorter event in which she finished third despite a toe injury.

"I will be doubling up definitely,"&nbsp;Fraser-Pryce&nbsp;was quoted by sources.

"Last year I really wanted to attempt the double but coach had other plans so I just worked with that plan. He knows best."

Fraser-Pryce, who won the 200 metres gold medal at the 2013 world championships and silver at the 2012 London Olympics, said her aim was to run under 22 seconds for the first time in what will be her fourth and final Olympics.

"I am definitely looking forward to running the 200 metres, especially because I believe in my heart that I can run 21 seconds," she added. "It's a big passion of mine so I am working really hard towards that."

The Tokyo Olympics runs from July 24 to August 9, 2020.

Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will run in both the 100 metres and 200 metres events at the Tokyo Olympics next year. Fraser-Pryce is a two-times Olympic 100 metres champion and she won gold at this year's world championships in Doha.

Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will run in both the 100 metres and 200 metres events at the Tokyo Olympics next year. Fraser-Pryce is a two-times Olympic 100 metres champion and she won gold at this year's world championships in Doha. The 32-year-old, who has four world 100m titles to her name, did not compete in the 200 at the 2016 Rio Olympics to focus on the shorter event in which she finished third despite a toe injury. "I will be doubling up definitely," Fraser-Pryce was quoted by sources. "Last year I really wanted to attempt the double but coach had other plans so I just worked with that plan. He knows best." Fraser-Pryce, who won the 200 metres gold medal at the 2013 world championships and silver at the 2012 London Olympics, said her aim was to run under 22 seconds for the first time in what will be her fourth and final Olympics. "I am definitely looking forward to running the 200 metres, especially because I believe in my heart that I can run 21 seconds," she added. "It's a big passion of mine so I am working really hard towards that." The Tokyo Olympics runs from July 24 to August 9, 2020.

Fraser-Pryce to go for sprint double at Tokyo Olympics

Nicole Walker was part of the four-member&nbsp;jumping&nbsp;team&nbsp;that finished fourth in the&nbsp;team&nbsp;event at the Pan Am Games in Lima to secure an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-imposes-four-year-ban-on-russia-over-doping-data-manipulation-267195">Olympic</a>&nbsp;berth for Canada in that event.

"My priority right now is to continue to fight for the&nbsp;Canadian&nbsp;Equestrian&nbsp;Team. The&nbsp;team&nbsp;deserves to go to the&nbsp;Olympics," said Walker, who is appealing the decision.

The FEI had provisionally suspended Walker from the sport after a sample taken from her on the day of the&nbsp;team&nbsp;final at the Pan Am Games in August tested positive for Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

After a confirmatory analysis of the 'B' sample, Walker had a hearing two weeks ago with the Panam Sports Disciplinary Commission which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/laura-zeng-top-us-rhythmic-gymnast-handed-6-month-doping-ban-185462">disqualified</a> her results in both the individual and&nbsp;team&nbsp;competitions, according to the FEI.

The resulting calculation, which replaced Walker's score with that of&nbsp;team&nbsp;member Lisa Carlsen, dropped Canada three&nbsp;spots to seventh place and therefore cost the squad its&nbsp;team&nbsp;quota place for Tokyo, the FEI said.

Canada's&nbsp;spot&nbsp;in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-women-hockey-team-qualifies-for-tokyo-olympics-259565">2020&nbsp;Olympics</a> has now been reallocated to Argentina, which originally finished fifth in Lima.

"I am confident that&nbsp;Team&nbsp;Canada and Nicole will receive a fair hearing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport," Walker's lawyer, Tim Danson, said in a statement.

Equestrian Canada (EC) said it will support Walker through the appeals process.

"EC remains firmly committed to clean sport and to standing behind our athletes," the national governing body said in a statement. "We fully support Nicole's decision to bring an appeal forward to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)."

Nicole Walker was part of the four-member jumping team that finished fourth in the team event at the Pan Am Games in Lima to secure an Olympic berth for Canada in that event.

Nicole Walker was part of the four-member jumping team that finished fourth in the team event at the Pan Am Games in Lima to secure an Olympic berth for Canada in that event. "My priority right now is to continue to fight for the Canadian Equestrian Team. The team deserves to go to the Olympics," said Walker, who is appealing the decision. The FEI had provisionally suspended Walker from the sport after a sample taken from her on the day of the team final at the Pan Am Games in August tested positive for Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. After a confirmatory analysis of the 'B' sample, Walker had a hearing two weeks ago with the Panam Sports Disciplinary Commission which disqualified her results in both the individual and team competitions, according to the FEI. The resulting calculation, which replaced Walker's score with that of team member Lisa Carlsen, dropped Canada three spots to seventh place and therefore cost the squad its team quota place for Tokyo, the FEI said. Canada's spot in the 2020 Olympics has now been reallocated to Argentina, which originally finished fifth in Lima. "I am confident that Team Canada and Nicole will receive a fair hearing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport," Walker's lawyer, Tim Danson, said in a statement. Equestrian Canada (EC) said it will support Walker through the appeals process. "EC remains firmly committed to clean sport and to standing behind our athletes," the national governing body said in a statement. "We fully support Nicole's decision to bring an appeal forward to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)."

Canadian equestrian jumping team denied Olympic spot over doping violation

Indian men's hockey team will kickstart their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/with-eight-months-from-tokyo-2020-venue-preparations-enter-final-stretch-263688#preparations-for-tokyo-2020-enter-final-stretch-263676">Tokyo 2020 Olympics</a> campaign against New Zealand while the women's team will play their first match against the Netherlands on July 25.

The draw for the competition was announced on Tuesday in Tokyo.

"A good start will always give the right confidence and momentum to carry on in the tournament so it will be important for us to begin with a win. New Zealand has always posed stiff competition for us and I believe it can be a close game," men's skipper Manpreet Singh said.

"It is important to keep our nerves in check as opening matches can be a bit overwhelming especially at a major event like the Olympics," he added.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-men-hockey-team-defeats-russia-qualifies-for-tokyo-olympics-259563">Indian men's team</a> has been clubbed with defending Olympic Champions Argentina, world number one Australia, Spain, New Zealand and Japan in Pool A.

India will play their second match against Australia on July 26 and then will face Spain on July 28.

The side will then lock horns with Argentina on July 30 and then play hosts Japan on July 31.

The men's quarter-finals will be played on August 2 while semi-finals will be held on August 4. The gold and bronze medal match will be played on August 6.

"Every game will be crucial at the Olympics and we cannot let our guard down against any team even if they are ranked below us. The competition will be so high that each match will need to be played like it's the final," Manpreet said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-women-hockey-team-qualifies-for-tokyo-olympics-259565">Indian women's team</a> is grouped in Pool A along with Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, and South Africa. The side will face Germany in their second Pool A match on July 27 followed by the match against defending Champions Great Britain on July 29.

The quarter-finals for the women's competition will be held on August 3 while the semi-final will be held on August 5. 
The gold and bronze medal match will be held on August 7.

"Draw does not matter because in the Olympics every team is equal and every team will come to the Olympics with an aim win. As a team, we need to focus on ourselves and what we can do better on the given day," women's skipper Rani said.

"We are preparing well to ensure we tick all the boxes in each of our matches and put all the energy into every game we play and give our best to the blue shirt if we want to see ourselves in the quarter-finals and semi-finals," she added.

Indian men's hockey team will kickstart their Tokyo 2020 Olympics campaign against New Zealand while the women's team will play their first match against the Netherlands on July 25.

Indian men's hockey team will kickstart their Tokyo 2020 Olympics campaign against New Zealand while the women's team will play their first match against the Netherlands on July 25. The draw for the competition was announced on Tuesday in Tokyo. "A good start will always give the right confidence and momentum to carry on in the tournament so it will be important for us to begin with a win. New Zealand has always posed stiff competition for us and I believe it can be a close game," men's skipper Manpreet Singh said. "It is important to keep our nerves in check as opening matches can be a bit overwhelming especially at a major event like the Olympics," he added. The Indian men's team has been clubbed with defending Olympic Champions Argentina, world number one Australia, Spain, New Zealand and Japan in Pool A. India will play their second match against Australia on July 26 and then will face Spain on July 28. The side will then lock horns with Argentina on July 30 and then play hosts Japan on July 31. The men's quarter-finals will be played on August 2 while semi-finals will be held on August 4. The gold and bronze medal match will be played on August 6. "Every game will be crucial at the Olympics and we cannot let our guard down against any team even if they are ranked below us. The competition will be so high that each match will need to be played like it's the final," Manpreet said. Indian women's team is grouped in Pool A along with Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, and South Africa. The side will face Germany in their second Pool A match on July 27 followed by the match against defending Champions Great Britain on July 29. The quarter-finals for the women's competition will be held on August 3 while the semi-final will be held on August 5. The gold and bronze medal match will be held on August 7. "Draw does not matter because in the Olympics every team is equal and every team will come to the Olympics with an aim win. As a team, we need to focus on ourselves and what we can do better on the given day," women's skipper Rani said. "We are preparing well to ensure we tick all the boxes in each of our matches and put all the energy into every game we play and give our best to the blue shirt if we want to see ourselves in the quarter-finals and semi-finals," she added.

Indian men's hockey team to face New Zealand in their opening match of Tokyo Olympics 2020

Russia's sports minister insisted Thursday that data handed to the World Anti-Doping Agency was not doctored, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-was-not-equipped-to-handle-size-of-russian-doping-scandal-reedie-260238">WADA</a> has asked Moscow to explain "inconsistencies."

"Nothing was removed there, our experts insist this didn't happen," sports minister Pavel Kolobkov said, Interfax news agency reported.

The electronic data handed to WADA investigators early this year came from RUSADA's former Moscow anti-doping laboratory. in September, WADA asked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wadas-russian-investigation-enters-new-phase-219322">Russia</a> to respond to "inconsistencies" in the data.

"These are technical questions, they are linked to the system," Kolobkov insisted, according to TASS news agency.&nbsp;

"At a meeting shortly between specialists from Russia and WADA these questions may be cleared up.

"We are doing all we can to fulfil the obligations that we committed to last September and we fulfilled them," Kolobkov added.

He said the current controversy had nothing to do with athletes preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"Such questions only make our athletes, trainers and federations nervous," he said.

The current head of Russia's anti-doping laboratory, Yuri Ganus, has denied that his team had any involvement in falsifying data but has said that he believes there was manipulation.

In an interview with AFP last month, Ganus said he expected Russia to be banned from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-medals-unveiled-a-year-before-games-238165">Tokyo Olympics</a> and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics over the doctored data.

He blamed unnamed Russian officials for manipulating the data handed over to WADA.

Kolobkov denied those claims, saying: "There was not any manipulation as the head of Russia's anti-doping laboratory, Yuri Ganus, has said. That's our position."

He said Russia had already selected more than 100 athletes to take part in the Tokyo Olympics next year and he expected a final total of around 400 to take part.

"We can expect good results from the Olympics," he said.

WADA is currently holding its world conference in the Polish city of Katowice and the scandal over Russian state-backed doping and institutionalised cheating has dominated the proceedings.

Speaking at the conference on Wednesday, Ganus blasted the "irresponsible and destructive actions" of Russian authorities and blamed the falsification of the data from the laboratory on "forces outside RUSADA."

Russia's sports minister insisted Thursday that data handed to the World Anti-Doping Agency was not doctored, while WADA has asked Moscow to explain "inconsistencies.

Russia's sports minister insisted Thursday that data handed to the World Anti-Doping Agency was not doctored, while WADA has asked Moscow to explain "inconsistencies." "Nothing was removed there, our experts insist this didn't happen," sports minister Pavel Kolobkov said, Interfax news agency reported. The electronic data handed to WADA investigators early this year came from RUSADA's former Moscow anti-doping laboratory. in September, WADA asked Russia to respond to "inconsistencies" in the data. "These are technical questions, they are linked to the system," Kolobkov insisted, according to TASS news agency. "At a meeting shortly between specialists from Russia and WADA these questions may be cleared up. "We are doing all we can to fulfil the obligations that we committed to last September and we fulfilled them," Kolobkov added. He said the current controversy had nothing to do with athletes preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. "Such questions only make our athletes, trainers and federations nervous," he said. The current head of Russia's anti-doping laboratory, Yuri Ganus, has denied that his team had any involvement in falsifying data but has said that he believes there was manipulation. In an interview with AFP last month, Ganus said he expected Russia to be banned from the Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics over the doctored data. He blamed unnamed Russian officials for manipulating the data handed over to WADA. Kolobkov denied those claims, saying: "There was not any manipulation as the head of Russia's anti-doping laboratory, Yuri Ganus, has said. That's our position." He said Russia had already selected more than 100 athletes to take part in the Tokyo Olympics next year and he expected a final total of around 400 to take part. "We can expect good results from the Olympics," he said. WADA is currently holding its world conference in the Polish city of Katowice and the scandal over Russian state-backed doping and institutionalised cheating has dominated the proceedings. Speaking at the conference on Wednesday, Ganus blasted the "irresponsible and destructive actions" of Russian authorities and blamed the falsification of the data from the laboratory on "forces outside RUSADA."

Russian sports minister denies doping data was falsified

Deepak Kumar on Tuesday booked his berth in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in men's 10m rifle after he bagged a bronze medal in the Asian Shooting Championships.

Also, Kumar became the 10th Indian shooter to win a Tokyo Olympic 2020 quota.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) took to Twitter and congratulated Kumar on his achievement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Deepak wins Olympic quota! 
On his birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TOPSAthlete?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TOPSAthlete</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeepakKumar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeepakKumar</a> gives himself the best present securing a quota in men’s 10m air rifle after winning bronze at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsianShooting?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsianShooting</a> C’ships. He becomes 10th Indian shooter to win a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> quota. 
Many congratulations. <a href="https://t.co/iwJbe9M4sI">pic.twitter.com/iwJbe9M4sI</a>
— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI/status/1191643487441047552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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&nbsp;

Deepak Kumar on Tuesday booked his berth in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in men's 10m rifle after he bagged a bronze medal in the Asian Shooting Championships. Also, Kumar became the 10th Indian shooter to win a Tokyo Olympic 2020 quota.

Deepak Kumar on Tuesday booked his berth in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in men's 10m rifle after he bagged a bronze medal in the Asian Shooting Championships. Also, Kumar became the 10th Indian shooter to win a Tokyo Olympic 2020 quota. Sports Authority of India (SAI) took to Twitter and congratulated Kumar on his achievement. Deepak wins Olympic quota! On his birthday #TOPSAthlete #DeepakKumar gives himself the best present securing a quota in men’s 10m air rifle after winning bronze at the #AsianShooting C’ships. He becomes 10th Indian shooter to win a #Tokyo2020 quota. Many congratulations. pic.twitter.com/iwJbe9M4sI — SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) November 5, 2019 ×

Deepak Kumar bags bronze medal at Asian Shooting Championships, secure Olympic quota

A promising Australian footballer has put his career on hold, abandoning a chance to play at the Tokyo Olympics in favour of pursuing his dream to make it as a rapper.

Winger Joe Champness is on a three-year deal with the Newcastle Jets in Australia's A-League and has made several appearances for the national under-23 team, putting him in prime position to become an Olympian.

But the 22-year-old missed early pre-season preparations and the club has now given him permission to remain in Los Angeles, essentially on unpaid leave, to try and make it in the music business.

"We allowed Joey to head to the United States to pursue a dream in music at the start of last month," Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna said in a statement this week.

"He's made inroads in the business and the opportunity to remain in LA to chase those dreams is one that's too big for him to pass up."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Club can confirm that Joey Champness is set to remain in the United States to pursue opportunities in music indefinitely, but an agreement is in place which could see him return to the Jets <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadeOfNewcastle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadeOfNewcastle</a> 
 
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— NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewcastleJetsFC/status/1161555069130682369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The club has agreed that should be return to football in the next three years, he will do so with the Jets.

Champness, who goes under the stage name JOWIC, signed a distribution deal with music industry label Creative Music Group in late July.

"I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't convinced that there's something out there," he told the Sydney Morning Herald. "It's not a normal situation, that's for sure.&nbsp;

"I've got a lot of love for the Newcastle Jets and a lot of respect for everyone on that team -– I'm contracted there for the next three years, so it's an honour to be given that sort of opportunity and trust from the club in that sense as well."

Regarded as one of Australia's most promising young players, Champness was part of the Olyroos under-23 team who are due to play a qualifying tournament for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics early next year.

A promising Australian footballer has put his career on hold, abandoning a chance to play at the Tokyo Olympics in favour of pursuing his dream to make it as a rapper.

A promising Australian footballer has put his career on hold, abandoning a chance to play at the Tokyo Olympics in favour of pursuing his dream to make it as a rapper. Winger Joe Champness is on a three-year deal with the Newcastle Jets in Australia's A-League and has made several appearances for the national under-23 team, putting him in prime position to become an Olympian. But the 22-year-old missed early pre-season preparations and the club has now given him permission to remain in Los Angeles, essentially on unpaid leave, to try and make it in the music business. "We allowed Joey to head to the United States to pursue a dream in music at the start of last month," Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna said in a statement this week. "He's made inroads in the business and the opportunity to remain in LA to chase those dreams is one that's too big for him to pass up." The Club can confirm that Joey Champness is set to remain in the United States to pursue opportunities in music indefinitely, but an agreement is in place which could see him return to the Jets #MadeOfNewcastle 📰 https://t.co/VN1obYk6iV pic.twitter.com/CVekkNhMsc — NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) August 14, 2019 × The club has agreed that should be return to football in the next three years, he will do so with the Jets. Champness, who goes under the stage name JOWIC, signed a distribution deal with music industry label Creative Music Group in late July. "I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't convinced that there's something out there," he told the Sydney Morning Herald. "It's not a normal situation, that's for sure. "I've got a lot of love for the Newcastle Jets and a lot of respect for everyone on that team -– I'm contracted there for the next three years, so it's an honour to be given that sort of opportunity and trust from the club in that sense as well." Regarded as one of Australia's most promising young players, Champness was part of the Olyroos under-23 team who are due to play a qualifying tournament for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics early next year.

Football or rap? Australian footballer ditches Olympic dream for hip hop

A worker at a Tokyo 2020 Olympics construction site has collapsed and died, organisers said, reportedly of heatstroke as the Japanese capital swelters through a blistering heatwave.

The 50-year-old man was found lying on the ground under a scorching sun on Thursday afternoon at the site where he had been laying electric cables.

He was rushed to hospital but later confirmed dead, according to Tokyo 2020 organisers on Friday.

Organisers said the cause of death has not been officially established but several local media cited police as saying they suspect heatstroke. Police were unable to confirm the reports immediately.

The death is the third related to Tokyo Olympics construction works after one suicide from overwork stress and another killed in an accident.

Tokyo's hot and humid summer weather is a major concern for Olympic organisers, particularly after a heatwave that engulfed the city last year.

After a long rainy season this year, the Japanese capital has again been hit by a deadly heatwave. Last week more than 18,000 people had been hospitalised nationwide due to the weather with 57 dying.

Organisers have come up with a variety of cooling methods ranging from misting sprays and fans, to potted flower fences that organisers say help "psychologically" cool those around.

They have also moved up the starting times for some sports, including the marathon, over fears for athletes' wellbeing.

A worker at a Tokyo 2020 Olympics construction site has collapsed and died, organisers said, reportedly of heatstroke as the Japanese capital swelters through a blistering heatwave.

A worker at a Tokyo 2020 Olympics construction site has collapsed and died, organisers said, reportedly of heatstroke as the Japanese capital swelters through a blistering heatwave. The 50-year-old man was found lying on the ground under a scorching sun on Thursday afternoon at the site where he had been laying electric cables. He was rushed to hospital but later confirmed dead, according to Tokyo 2020 organisers on Friday. Organisers said the cause of death has not been officially established but several local media cited police as saying they suspect heatstroke. Police were unable to confirm the reports immediately. The death is the third related to Tokyo Olympics construction works after one suicide from overwork stress and another killed in an accident. Tokyo's hot and humid summer weather is a major concern for Olympic organisers, particularly after a heatwave that engulfed the city last year. After a long rainy season this year, the Japanese capital has again been hit by a deadly heatwave. Last week more than 18,000 people had been hospitalised nationwide due to the weather with 57 dying. Organisers have come up with a variety of cooling methods ranging from misting sprays and fans, to potted flower fences that organisers say help "psychologically" cool those around. They have also moved up the starting times for some sports, including the marathon, over fears for athletes' wellbeing.

Tokyo 2020 construction worker dies, heatstroke suspected

The Archery Association of India has been suspended by the sport's world body over violations of governance rules, raising fresh concerns about the participation of Indian archers under the national flag at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The AAI has two elected bodies that both claim control over the sport in the country, and World Archery (WA) had given a July 31 deadline to resolve the matter.

"The last event in which Indian athletes can participate is the youth championships in Madrid," WA secretary general&nbsp;Tom Dielen&nbsp;said in a statement announcing the suspension on Thursday.

"We will now work with the Indian Olympic Association and (the) Indian Government to try to establish a transitory committee, with representatives from all sides,&nbsp;to handle urgent matters," WA added.

The Madrid event runs from August 19-25.

The Delhi high court is expected to decide on the status of the two competing bodies. Until the matter is resolved, Indian archers can compete under the World Archery flag -- where allowed -- instead of India's.

Veteran archer Laishram Bombayla Devi, who won a silver medal at the 2011 World Archery Championships, said she was considering writing to the sports ministry to intervene.

"(The) federation is busy with... infighting and time is running out for the Tokyo Games," Devi told AFP.

India has three men's places secured for Tokyo 2020 Olympics but has yet to win a women's spot.

The Archery Association of India has been suspended by the sport's world body over violations of governance rules, raising fresh concerns about the participation of Indian archers under the national flag at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The Archery Association of India has been suspended by the sport's world body over violations of governance rules, raising fresh concerns about the participation of Indian archers under the national flag at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The AAI has two elected bodies that both claim control over the sport in the country, and World Archery (WA) had given a July 31 deadline to resolve the matter. "The last event in which Indian athletes can participate is the youth championships in Madrid," WA secretary general Tom Dielen said in a statement announcing the suspension on Thursday. "We will now work with the Indian Olympic Association and (the) Indian Government to try to establish a transitory committee, with representatives from all sides, to handle urgent matters," WA added. The Madrid event runs from August 19-25. The Delhi high court is expected to decide on the status of the two competing bodies. Until the matter is resolved, Indian archers can compete under the World Archery flag -- where allowed -- instead of India's. Veteran archer Laishram Bombayla Devi, who won a silver medal at the 2011 World Archery Championships, said she was considering writing to the sports ministry to intervene. "(The) federation is busy with... infighting and time is running out for the Tokyo Games," Devi told AFP. India has three men's places secured for Tokyo 2020 Olympics but has yet to win a women's spot.

India's archery body suspended over governance violations

Soaring temperatures in Japan have killed at least 57 people since late July, authorities said on Tuesday, highlighting the health threat to athletes and fans that Olympics organisers must tackle before next year's Tokyo games.

Temperatures have been stuck above 31 Celsius (88 Fahrenheit) in and around Tokyo since July 24, the date the Summer Games will open next year in Japan's capital and run for 17 days.

The sweltering heat killed 57 people across Japan in the week from July 29 to Aug. 4, the Disaster Management Agency said on Tuesday. More than 1,800 were taken to hospitals in Tokyo.

Last summer temperatures hit a record 41.1 C just north of Tokyo, which first hosted the Olympics in 1964 when the games were held in October to avoid the heat. Four years later, the Mexico City Games were also moved to October.

Since 1976 most summer games have been held in the Northern Hemisphere summer due to international broadcasting and sports schedules - forcing Tokyo organisers to find ways to keep athletes and tens of thousands of fans cool and hydrated.

"Weather conditions were often organisers' challenges in past Olympic and Paralympic Games. We also understand that top-tier competitions can sometimes be observed in cities with even tougher weather patterns than in Tokyo," said Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya.

The 2004 Athens Games and 2008 Beijing Games were also held in cities known for their summer heat.

"In this respect, input and expertise from the IOC and the sports federation from their past experiences are extremely valuable," he said, referring to the International Olympic Committee.

Tokyo organisers are evaluating heat-fighting measures from mist sprays and ice packs to shaded rest areas and tents at security checkpoints.

"We will keep working closely together with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the national government and relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the Games," Takaya said.

Hot and hotter

Japanese summers are hot and getting hotter.

Though there have been scorching hot days in the past - temperatures hit 32.6 C on July 24 in 1964 - Japan is seeing more of them and nights no longer cool down as much, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) data shows.

It coined a new word - "Ferociously Hot Days" - in 2007 because of more days with temperatures above 35 C.

Tomoyuki Kitamura, a JMA scientific officer, said Tokyo suffers from a "heat island effect" where concentrated heat in cities prevents them from cooling off at night.

"But the bigger impact is from global warming. There's no doubt about this at all," he said.

In the past two decades, Tokyo has had an average high of 32 C in the last 10 days of July and first 10 days of August, according to JMA data.

The heat is made worse by a relative lack of shade in the concrete jungle home to 9.2 million people.

Japan is also among a handful of major economies that shun daylight savings time. As a result, the sun is up - and baking the city - before 5 a.m. for most of the summer.

With that in mind, the Olympic marathons will start at 6 a.m. local time, an hour earlier than scheduled. The women's event will be on Aug. 2 and men's on Aug. 9, the last day of competition.

The 26-mile (42 km) marathon course and other major roads will be paved with more than 100 km of a resin-based surface that reflects infrared rays and lowers the pavement temperature by as much as 8 degrees C, organisers said.

Other heat countermeasures are being tested this summer.

Last month's beach volleyball event - where two people needed medical treatment as temperatures hit 35 C - tested shaded or air-conditioned rest areas and water vapour sprays for fans. Organisers also handed out water and ice packs to athletes and spectators.

Given that Japan's heat and humidity can persist through the end of September, the Rugby World Cup - which starts in under 50 days - could also be affected.

After Tokyo 2020, Paris could face similar challenges. The host of the 2024 summer games saw a record 40.6 C on July 25, in a month that was the hottest recorded on earth.

On a recent Tokyo afternoon, residents said the heat would also be a challenge for 2020 volunteers, especially those working at outdoor events.

"The (marathon) athletes can finish in two hours but the volunteer staff will be there longer than that," said 69-year-old Yuki Ooka, who runs every day.

"So they have a lot of ice packs with them - and I hope the government has a better strategy," she added.

Soaring temperatures in Japan have killed at least 57 people since late July, authorities said on Tuesday, highlighting the health threat to athletes and fans that Olympics organisers must tackle before next year's Tokyo games.

Soaring temperatures in Japan have killed at least 57 people since late July, authorities said on Tuesday, highlighting the health threat to athletes and fans that Olympics organisers must tackle before next year's Tokyo games. Temperatures have been stuck above 31 Celsius (88 Fahrenheit) in and around Tokyo since July 24, the date the Summer Games will open next year in Japan's capital and run for 17 days. The sweltering heat killed 57 people across Japan in the week from July 29 to Aug. 4, the Disaster Management Agency said on Tuesday. More than 1,800 were taken to hospitals in Tokyo. Last summer temperatures hit a record 41.1 C just north of Tokyo, which first hosted the Olympics in 1964 when the games were held in October to avoid the heat. Four years later, the Mexico City Games were also moved to October. Since 1976 most summer games have been held in the Northern Hemisphere summer due to international broadcasting and sports schedules - forcing Tokyo organisers to find ways to keep athletes and tens of thousands of fans cool and hydrated. "Weather conditions were often organisers' challenges in past Olympic and Paralympic Games. We also understand that top-tier competitions can sometimes be observed in cities with even tougher weather patterns than in Tokyo," said Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya. The 2004 Athens Games and 2008 Beijing Games were also held in cities known for their summer heat. "In this respect, input and expertise from the IOC and the sports federation from their past experiences are extremely valuable," he said, referring to the International Olympic Committee. Tokyo organisers are evaluating heat-fighting measures from mist sprays and ice packs to shaded rest areas and tents at security checkpoints. "We will keep working closely together with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the national government and relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the Games," Takaya said. Hot and hotter Japanese summers are hot and getting hotter. Though there have been scorching hot days in the past - temperatures hit 32.6 C on July 24 in 1964 - Japan is seeing more of them and nights no longer cool down as much, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) data shows. It coined a new word - "Ferociously Hot Days" - in 2007 because of more days with temperatures above 35 C. Tomoyuki Kitamura, a JMA scientific officer, said Tokyo suffers from a "heat island effect" where concentrated heat in cities prevents them from cooling off at night. "But the bigger impact is from global warming. There's no doubt about this at all," he said. In the past two decades, Tokyo has had an average high of 32 C in the last 10 days of July and first 10 days of August, according to JMA data. The heat is made worse by a relative lack of shade in the concrete jungle home to 9.2 million people. Japan is also among a handful of major economies that shun daylight savings time. As a result, the sun is up - and baking the city - before 5 a.m. for most of the summer. With that in mind, the Olympic marathons will start at 6 a.m. local time, an hour earlier than scheduled. The women's event will be on Aug. 2 and men's on Aug. 9, the last day of competition. The 26-mile (42 km) marathon course and other major roads will be paved with more than 100 km of a resin-based surface that reflects infrared rays and lowers the pavement temperature by as much as 8 degrees C, organisers said. Other heat countermeasures are being tested this summer. Last month's beach volleyball event - where two people needed medical treatment as temperatures hit 35 C - tested shaded or air-conditioned rest areas and water vapour sprays for fans. Organisers also handed out water and ice packs to athletes and spectators. Given that Japan's heat and humidity can persist through the end of September, the Rugby World Cup - which starts in under 50 days - could also be affected. After Tokyo 2020, Paris could face similar challenges. The host of the 2024 summer games saw a record 40.6 C on July 25, in a month that was the hottest recorded on earth. On a recent Tokyo afternoon, residents said the heat would also be a challenge for 2020 volunteers, especially those working at outdoor events. "The (marathon) athletes can finish in two hours but the volunteer staff will be there longer than that," said 69-year-old Yuki Ooka, who runs every day. "So they have a lot of ice packs with them - and I hope the government has a better strategy," she added.

Heat headache for 2020 planners as Tokyo swelters a year before Games

Indian hockey player Mandeep Singh on Tuesday said that if the team wins laurels for the country, the sport will itself resonate with people and will garner more admirers.

He also added that the Indian Hockey Team is confident of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Appreciating the 'Khelo India' initiative of the Sports Ministry, Singh said it has proved to a good platform."Khelo India has proved to be a good platform. It has helped in improving the game at the grassroots levels.&nbsp;

Our Sports Minister has always supported us. The honours lie upon us to win medals for the country," Singh told ANI.

"If we keep on winning medals for the country, the game itself will resonate with the youth and people will get attracted towards the sport. If people say cricket gets the support, I will add that hockey is also getting the support. If we keep on winning medals, the sport will attract people towards it," he went on to add.

As the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are fast approaching, Singh said that the first task for the side will be to qualify for the sporting event. The 24-year-old added that he's confident of qualifying for the Olympics and affirmed that if the team is through, they will strive to win gold.

"We are working very hard, the first thing we need to do is to qualify for the Olympics. For qualifying, we need to put our best foot forward and then we will aim to win the gold medal," Singh said.

"Our first task is to qualify for the Olympics, I am confident we will qualify and after qualification, we will think about the Tokyo Olympics. I hope we will continue to remain consistent, our aim will always be to win a medal for the country," he added.

Hockey India on July 25 had announced an 18-member squad for the Olympic Test event in Japan.

The team management had decided to rest senior players such as captain Manpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh and Surender Kumar.

The Indian team chief coach Graham Reid had said that the break will help the players shake off any niggling injuries and refresh themselves ahead of the Olympic qualifying matches in November.

Singh agreed with the head coach's statement, saying the rest was much needed for senior players. He also showed faith in the youngsters, stating that the new players will put their best foot forward.

"All the new players that have come into our side, they are all good. Some senior players needed rest, and they have been given rest by the federation. Some players were playing at a stretch from a long time so the rest was much needed.&nbsp;

New players are really good, they have been given an opportunity in the Olympic Test Event and I am confident they will perform to the best of their ability," Singh said.

Singh, who made his foray into international hockey in 2013, said that his game is improving day by day. According to him, his main task is to create penalty corners and convert them into goals.

Singh had scored his first goal against Oman in 2013, and the player has established his place in the side, becoming the linchpin in the current hockey team.

"I think my game is improving day by day. My main role is to create penalty corners and convert them into goals. I went into a dull period in the middle, but I was able to come back in to form and right now all things have fallen into place," Singh said.

Former Indian hockey team skipper Dhanraj Pillay had earlier emphasised on the betterment of rural setup to find and nurture players in the sporting circle.

"If more players are to be found and nurtured in the sporting circle, rural setup needs to be improved. No doubt, players from big cities get opportunities faster. But the rural setup has always given us great players. 
Players hailing from small towns make the most out of the given opportunity. I truly believe our hockey team will qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympics," Pillay had told ANI.

Singh agreed with the former Olympian, and hoped to see more players from rural India come under the limelight in future."I agree with Dhanraj sir. Hockey is getting support from all around the corners, the rural setup has improved quite a lot and I hope it continues to get better to give more players to the country," Singh said.

Pillay had also urged the team to not to concede goals in the dying minutes of the match. Singh said that the team has been practicing quite hard to get better in this aspect.

"We are practicing quite hard to eradicate this problem. Conceding last-minute goals has been a problem, but our support staff is working closely with us and our coach has always told us to give 100% in the last five minutes of the match," Singh said.

"We scored goals in the dying minutes in our last tournament, we are working really hard at this aspect and our coaching staff is helping us improve," he added.

The Indian team would next be participating in the Olympic Test event which is slated to begin from August 17 in Japan.

Indian hockey player Mandeep Singh on Tuesday said that if the team wins laurels for the country, the sport will itself resonate with people and will garner more admirers.

Indian hockey player Mandeep Singh on Tuesday said that if the team wins laurels for the country, the sport will itself resonate with people and will garner more admirers. He also added that the Indian Hockey Team is confident of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Appreciating the 'Khelo India' initiative of the Sports Ministry, Singh said it has proved to a good platform."Khelo India has proved to be a good platform. It has helped in improving the game at the grassroots levels. Our Sports Minister has always supported us. The honours lie upon us to win medals for the country," Singh told ANI. "If we keep on winning medals for the country, the game itself will resonate with the youth and people will get attracted towards the sport. If people say cricket gets the support, I will add that hockey is also getting the support. If we keep on winning medals, the sport will attract people towards it," he went on to add. As the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are fast approaching, Singh said that the first task for the side will be to qualify for the sporting event. The 24-year-old added that he's confident of qualifying for the Olympics and affirmed that if the team is through, they will strive to win gold. "We are working very hard, the first thing we need to do is to qualify for the Olympics. For qualifying, we need to put our best foot forward and then we will aim to win the gold medal," Singh said. "Our first task is to qualify for the Olympics, I am confident we will qualify and after qualification, we will think about the Tokyo Olympics. I hope we will continue to remain consistent, our aim will always be to win a medal for the country," he added. Hockey India on July 25 had announced an 18-member squad for the Olympic Test event in Japan. The team management had decided to rest senior players such as captain Manpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh and Surender Kumar. The Indian team chief coach Graham Reid had said that the break will help the players shake off any niggling injuries and refresh themselves ahead of the Olympic qualifying matches in November. Singh agreed with the head coach's statement, saying the rest was much needed for senior players. He also showed faith in the youngsters, stating that the new players will put their best foot forward. "All the new players that have come into our side, they are all good. Some senior players needed rest, and they have been given rest by the federation. Some players were playing at a stretch from a long time so the rest was much needed. New players are really good, they have been given an opportunity in the Olympic Test Event and I am confident they will perform to the best of their ability," Singh said. Singh, who made his foray into international hockey in 2013, said that his game is improving day by day. According to him, his main task is to create penalty corners and convert them into goals. Singh had scored his first goal against Oman in 2013, and the player has established his place in the side, becoming the linchpin in the current hockey team. "I think my game is improving day by day. My main role is to create penalty corners and convert them into goals. I went into a dull period in the middle, but I was able to come back in to form and right now all things have fallen into place," Singh said. Former Indian hockey team skipper Dhanraj Pillay had earlier emphasised on the betterment of rural setup to find and nurture players in the sporting circle. "If more players are to be found and nurtured in the sporting circle, rural setup needs to be improved. No doubt, players from big cities get opportunities faster. But the rural setup has always given us great players. Players hailing from small towns make the most out of the given opportunity. I truly believe our hockey team will qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympics," Pillay had told ANI. Singh agreed with the former Olympian, and hoped to see more players from rural India come under the limelight in future."I agree with Dhanraj sir. Hockey is getting support from all around the corners, the rural setup has improved quite a lot and I hope it continues to get better to give more players to the country," Singh said. Pillay had also urged the team to not to concede goals in the dying minutes of the match. Singh said that the team has been practicing quite hard to get better in this aspect. "We are practicing quite hard to eradicate this problem. Conceding last-minute goals has been a problem, but our support staff is working closely with us and our coach has always told us to give 100% in the last five minutes of the match," Singh said. "We scored goals in the dying minutes in our last tournament, we are working really hard at this aspect and our coaching staff is helping us improve," he added. The Indian team would next be participating in the Olympic Test event which is slated to begin from August 17 in Japan.

If we keep winning medals, Hockey will garner admirers in India: Mandeep Singh

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games.

Tokyo 2020 medals unveiled

As <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-medals-unveiled-a-year-before-games-238165&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwit3Ibe9c_jAhVr6XMBHbRXALsQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw32CPD1RrfrmBTHqwYdqa2V">Tokyo 2020 Olympics</a> preparations enter their final stage, officials are touting the city's readiness, but activists and workers groups say speedy venue construction has had dangerous consequences.

The Olympic opening ceremony is now less than a year away and more than half the new venues being built for the Games are already complete.

"We are where we want to be," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike confidently told reporters earlier this month.

But some argue the city has kept on schedule at the cost of the health and safety of the thousands of workers building the sites.

An official tally shows there have been at least two deaths linked to Olympics construction in Tokyo.

In 2017, a 23-year-old Olympic stadium worker killed himself after clocking nearly 200 hours of overtime the month before, with the local labour office recognising his suicide as a case of death from overwork, a phenomenon known as "karoshi".

The following year, a man was crushed to death between a crane and scaffolding.

Fourteen people have also been injured during construction, according to official records through the end of 2018.

But while London had a near-perfect construction safety record for the 2012 Games, Tokyo is still doing significantly better than other Olympic hosts.

In Rio, at least 11 people were killed during construction for the Games, and in Beijing, authorities acknowledged at least six deaths but media reports said more than 10 people were killed.

Too busy

 
Still, workers in Tokyo say they are being squeezed by the twin pressures of labour shortages and a tight schedule.

"The work is hard," said one veteran contractor in his sixties, who works as a sub-subcontractor on a project to build the Olympic Village.

He said manpower was about 40 percent short, and the pressure to stay on schedule has led to safety shortcuts.

He described days when he and his colleagues continued to work as a crane arm clutching a huge block of concrete moved overhead. They didn't move even after safety whistles were blown.

"We were too busy," he told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"It's like an assembly line for cars. You have to install the hoods no matter what because those putting in the windshields are waiting next."

They would only move when labour office inspectors came over.

"The breaks resulted in us being forced to hurry even more for the rest of the day, only increasing the risks," he said.

Labour unions say the problems with Olympic construction reflect issues in the industry in Japan more broadly, including the widespread use of multiple subcontractors who have little power to protest poor conditions.

Six-day workweeks are common, and the ageing country's labour shortage means workers are stretched thin.

One in four workers in Japan's construction industry is 60 or older, far outstripping the number of workers aged 30 or younger.

Overwork is also a problem for workers in other industries, despite government efforts to address excessive hours.

Conditions are really good

 
The conditions have raised concern among labour activists.

In May, the Building and Wood Worker's International union reported "alarming" testimony from 40 workers building the new national stadium and Olympic village.

The report warned of "dangerous patterns of overwork" and alleged some workers had been forced to buy their protective equipment.

It said workers described unsafe conditions and that half of those interviewed did not have formal contracts -- a situation not illegal in Japan but uncommon in industrialised countries.

It also accused employers of creating a "culture of fear" with workers afraid of losing their jobs if they complained or reported problems.

Olympic organisers, along with the Tokyo local government and the Japan Sport Council (JSC) in charge of building the new stadium, said they are discussing the report with BWI.

JSC vice president Jugo Imaizumi said he thought there had been a "misunderstanding".

"Many people who came back here after working elsewhere say they realised conditions here are really good," Imaizumi told AFP.

Olympics worksites close at night to prevent overwork and employees have Sundays off, he added.

Officials also say only a handful of complaints have been submitted to the Tokyo local government and Olympic organising committee.

But labour officials said that is merely evidence of workers' reluctance to speak up because although they can request anonymity they are required to submit their name and phone number when filing a complaint.

"Their logic is that since there is no filing of complaints, there is no problem," a labour union official near Tokyo told AFP.&nbsp;

"The system is just to establish an 'alibi' for them."

As Tokyo 2020 Olympics preparations enter their final stage, officials are touting the city's readiness, but activists and workers groups say speedy venue construction has had dangerous consequences.

As Tokyo 2020 Olympics preparations enter their final stage, officials are touting the city's readiness, but activists and workers groups say speedy venue construction has had dangerous consequences. The Olympic opening ceremony is now less than a year away and more than half the new venues being built for the Games are already complete. "We are where we want to be," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike confidently told reporters earlier this month. But some argue the city has kept on schedule at the cost of the health and safety of the thousands of workers building the sites. An official tally shows there have been at least two deaths linked to Olympics construction in Tokyo. In 2017, a 23-year-old Olympic stadium worker killed himself after clocking nearly 200 hours of overtime the month before, with the local labour office recognising his suicide as a case of death from overwork, a phenomenon known as "karoshi". The following year, a man was crushed to death between a crane and scaffolding. Fourteen people have also been injured during construction, according to official records through the end of 2018. But while London had a near-perfect construction safety record for the 2012 Games, Tokyo is still doing significantly better than other Olympic hosts. In Rio, at least 11 people were killed during construction for the Games, and in Beijing, authorities acknowledged at least six deaths but media reports said more than 10 people were killed. Too busy Still, workers in Tokyo say they are being squeezed by the twin pressures of labour shortages and a tight schedule. "The work is hard," said one veteran contractor in his sixties, who works as a sub-subcontractor on a project to build the Olympic Village. He said manpower was about 40 percent short, and the pressure to stay on schedule has led to safety shortcuts. He described days when he and his colleagues continued to work as a crane arm clutching a huge block of concrete moved overhead. They didn't move even after safety whistles were blown. "We were too busy," he told AFP on condition of anonymity. "It's like an assembly line for cars. You have to install the hoods no matter what because those putting in the windshields are waiting next." They would only move when labour office inspectors came over. "The breaks resulted in us being forced to hurry even more for the rest of the day, only increasing the risks," he said. Labour unions say the problems with Olympic construction reflect issues in the industry in Japan more broadly, including the widespread use of multiple subcontractors who have little power to protest poor conditions. Six-day workweeks are common, and the ageing country's labour shortage means workers are stretched thin. One in four workers in Japan's construction industry is 60 or older, far outstripping the number of workers aged 30 or younger. Overwork is also a problem for workers in other industries, despite government efforts to address excessive hours. Conditions are really good The conditions have raised concern among labour activists. In May, the Building and Wood Worker's International union reported "alarming" testimony from 40 workers building the new national stadium and Olympic village. The report warned of "dangerous patterns of overwork" and alleged some workers had been forced to buy their protective equipment. It said workers described unsafe conditions and that half of those interviewed did not have formal contracts -- a situation not illegal in Japan but uncommon in industrialised countries. It also accused employers of creating a "culture of fear" with workers afraid of losing their jobs if they complained or reported problems. Olympic organisers, along with the Tokyo local government and the Japan Sport Council (JSC) in charge of building the new stadium, said they are discussing the report with BWI. JSC vice president Jugo Imaizumi said he thought there had been a "misunderstanding". "Many people who came back here after working elsewhere say they realised conditions here are really good," Imaizumi told AFP. Olympics worksites close at night to prevent overwork and employees have Sundays off, he added. Officials also say only a handful of complaints have been submitted to the Tokyo local government and Olympic organising committee. But labour officials said that is merely evidence of workers' reluctance to speak up because although they can request anonymity they are required to submit their name and phone number when filing a complaint. "Their logic is that since there is no filing of complaints, there is no problem," a labour union official near Tokyo told AFP. "The system is just to establish an 'alibi' for them."

Tokyo Olympic construction race raises worker safety questions

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games.

The unveiling of the medals, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, was the main attraction of an extravagant ceremony in the Japanese capital to commemorate the landmark.

The event was attended by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The medals, which are 85 millimetres in diameter, feature Greek goddess of victory Nike in their design along with the Olympic symbol and are made from recycled metals, collected from 6.21 million electronic devices donated across Japan.

Abe said he hoped next year's Games would have a similar impact as the 1964 Summer Games held in Tokyo.

"Sports brings the world together and it affords equal opportunities to all. That is what sports are about," said Abe. "Fifty-five years ago we learned that when we hosted it in Tokyo before.

"Next year we want to demonstrate that again and we want this to be an opportunity where we can do that."

Bach reiterated that Tokyo is the best-prepared city he has ever seen ahead of an Olympic Games.

"It will be a wonderful and unique moment for our gracious Japanese hosts. For you to show the world the best of Japan," added Bach.

Organisers believe they are on track to deliver a world-class sporting event next year and with 3.22 million tickets already sold and over 200,000 people applying to be volunteers, engagement in Japan is unprecedented.

The only reminder of the issues in the build-up to the Games on Wednesday was the presence of new Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) President Yasuhiro Yamashita on stage with Bach and Abe.

Yamashita took over at the JOC last month, following the resignation of Tsunekazu Takeda, who is being investigated for suspected corruption related to the Tokyo 2020 bid.

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games. The unveiling of the medals, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, was the main attraction of an extravagant ceremony in the Japanese capital to commemorate the landmark.

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games. The unveiling of the medals, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, was the main attraction of an extravagant ceremony in the Japanese capital to commemorate the landmark. The event was attended by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The medals, which are 85 millimetres in diameter, feature Greek goddess of victory Nike in their design along with the Olympic symbol and are made from recycled metals, collected from 6.21 million electronic devices donated across Japan. Abe said he hoped next year's Games would have a similar impact as the 1964 Summer Games held in Tokyo. "Sports brings the world together and it affords equal opportunities to all. That is what sports are about," said Abe. "Fifty-five years ago we learned that when we hosted it in Tokyo before. "Next year we want to demonstrate that again and we want this to be an opportunity where we can do that." Bach reiterated that Tokyo is the best-prepared city he has ever seen ahead of an Olympic Games. "It will be a wonderful and unique moment for our gracious Japanese hosts. For you to show the world the best of Japan," added Bach. Organisers believe they are on track to deliver a world-class sporting event next year and with 3.22 million tickets already sold and over 200,000 people applying to be volunteers, engagement in Japan is unprecedented. The only reminder of the issues in the build-up to the Games on Wednesday was the presence of new Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) President Yasuhiro Yamashita on stage with Bach and Abe. Yamashita took over at the JOC last month, following the resignation of Tsunekazu Takeda, who is being investigated for suspected corruption related to the Tokyo 2020 bid.

Tokyo Olympics 2020 medals unveiled a year before Games

Medallists at next year's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/mission-is-to-get-gold-for-india-mary-kom-wants-to-retire-after-tokyo-olympics-224998&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwib5Ia7jOHiAhVTjeYKHa5XCRIQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EJo17Wocb7nG2kCO8MDfQ">Summer Olympics</a> will stand on podiums made from recycled plastic waste collected from local households or the ocean, Tokyo 2020 organisers said on Tuesday.

From June 13, collection boxes will be set up at more than 2,000 outlets of local supermarket chain AEON for residents to deposit any unwanted plastic items for the podiums project, organisers said.

They are looking to collect as much as 45 tonnes of plastic to make the approximately 100 podiums needed for next summer’s showpiece, they said.

It would be the first time <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/kt-irfan-becomes-first-indian-athlete-to-qualify-for-tokyo-olympics-203859&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwib5Ia7jOHiAhVTjeYKHa5XCRIQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2OhNdCBJG1dcJfrLMTI0KW">Olympic </a>podiums were made from recycled material.

Organisers have sought to frame the Games as environmentally friendly and a mechanism to bring about sustainable change in Japan, which, along with the United States, did not sign on to the G7's ocean plastics charter in 2018.

The medals for the Games are being forged from recycled metal collected from old mobile phones and other electronic devices, while the uniforms to be worn by runners in the torch relay will be partially made from recycled plastic bottles.

Medallists at next year's Summer Olympics will stand on podiums made from recycled plastic waste collected from local households or the ocean, Tokyo 2020 organisers said on Tuesday.

Medallists at next year's Summer Olympics will stand on podiums made from recycled plastic waste collected from local households or the ocean, Tokyo 2020 organisers said on Tuesday. From June 13, collection boxes will be set up at more than 2,000 outlets of local supermarket chain AEON for residents to deposit any unwanted plastic items for the podiums project, organisers said. They are looking to collect as much as 45 tonnes of plastic to make the approximately 100 podiums needed for next summer’s showpiece, they said. It would be the first time Olympic podiums were made from recycled material. Organisers have sought to frame the Games as environmentally friendly and a mechanism to bring about sustainable change in Japan, which, along with the United States, did not sign on to the G7's ocean plastics charter in 2018. The medals for the Games are being forged from recycled metal collected from old mobile phones and other electronic devices, while the uniforms to be worn by runners in the torch relay will be partially made from recycled plastic bottles.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Winner podiums to be made of recycled plastic

After years of speculation over her retirement, six-time world champion MC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Mary+Kom">Mary Kom</a> on Thursday said she plans to hang her gloves after winning the elusive gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;

The 36-year-old has been the inspiring force in Indian boxing. In her 18-year long illustrious career, she has won six World Championships, an Olympic bronze medal, and five Asian Championships.

Besides being an active and top-level boxer, she is also a sitting Rajya Sabha MP.

"After 2020 I want to retire. So my main mission is to get a gold for India. I really really want to win ( gold)," Mary Kom said on the sidelines of an event organised by Colgate.

Mary Kom won the bronze medal in the flyweight category at the 2012 London Olympics. She now aims to change the shade of her medal to gold.

"I always try my best to give a medal to the country and if possible a gold. I will be starting my preparation for the Olympic qualifiers and the World Championship. I want to win a gold medal this time."

The boxing fraternity is facing tumultuous conditions in the run up to the Olympics next year. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stripped the International Boxing Association (AIBA) from hosting events at the Tokyo Olympics.

The IOC has announced that it will prepare a new calendar for Olympic qualifiers between January and May next year and it may even have a re-look at the weight categories. Indian pugilists are stuck in a limbo but Mary Kom feels it is beneficial for her if the qualifiers are held next year.

"It is actually better for me I will get more time to prepare," she said.

"We are training regularly for all competitions not just the Olympics. In the World Championship, I will get to know the opponents, what their strengths and weaknesses are. Accordingly, I can prepare. I will also get extra time for preparing if the qualifiers are held later."

After failing to qualify for the Rio Games, Mary Kom had changed her weight category to 48kg in December 2016 but now the pugilist from Manipur is back to competing in the 51kg.&nbsp;

Asked about the transition, Mary Kom said,&nbsp;"51kg category is not new for me. I was fighting in this category 4-5 years back. It was not continuous because I kept changing my weight."&nbsp;

After years of speculation over her retirement, six-time world champion MC Mary Kom on Thursday said she plans to hang her gloves after winning the elusive gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

After years of speculation over her retirement, six-time world champion MC Mary Kom on Thursday said she plans to hang her gloves after winning the elusive gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The 36-year-old has been the inspiring force in Indian boxing. In her 18-year long illustrious career, she has won six World Championships, an Olympic bronze medal, and five Asian Championships. Besides being an active and top-level boxer, she is also a sitting Rajya Sabha MP. "After 2020 I want to retire. So my main mission is to get a gold for India. I really really want to win ( gold)," Mary Kom said on the sidelines of an event organised by Colgate. Mary Kom won the bronze medal in the flyweight category at the 2012 London Olympics. She now aims to change the shade of her medal to gold. "I always try my best to give a medal to the country and if possible a gold. I will be starting my preparation for the Olympic qualifiers and the World Championship. I want to win a gold medal this time." The boxing fraternity is facing tumultuous conditions in the run up to the Olympics next year. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stripped the International Boxing Association (AIBA) from hosting events at the Tokyo Olympics. The IOC has announced that it will prepare a new calendar for Olympic qualifiers between January and May next year and it may even have a re-look at the weight categories. Indian pugilists are stuck in a limbo but Mary Kom feels it is beneficial for her if the qualifiers are held next year. "It is actually better for me I will get more time to prepare," she said. "We are training regularly for all competitions not just the Olympics. In the World Championship, I will get to know the opponents, what their strengths and weaknesses are. Accordingly, I can prepare. I will also get extra time for preparing if the qualifiers are held later." After failing to qualify for the Rio Games, Mary Kom had changed her weight category to 48kg in December 2016 but now the pugilist from Manipur is back to competing in the 51kg. Asked about the transition, Mary Kom said, "51kg category is not new for me. I was fighting in this category 4-5 years back. It was not continuous because I kept changing my weight."

'Mission is to get gold for India': Mary Kom wants to retire after Tokyo Olympics

The archery venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games was officially unveiled on Sunday (April 28), becoming the first of the Games' new venues to be completed. Yumenoshima Park Archery Field, located on a former landfill site, was set for completion in May.

Tokyo 2020 archery venue unveiled

National record holder KT Irfan Sunday became the first Indian from athletics to qualify for the next year's Olympics while finishing fourth in the 20 km event of the Asian Race Walking Championships in Nomi, Japan.&nbsp;

The 29-year-old Irfan clocked 1 hour 20 minutes and 57 seconds to better the Tokyo Olympics qualification standard of 1 hour 21 minutes.

The Olympics qualification period for race walk events and marathon race has begun from January 1 this year and will run till May 31, 2020.

The Olympics qualification period for all other athletics events will start from May 1 this year and will run till June 29, 2020.

No other Indian from athletics has so far qualified for Tokyo Olympics.

Irfan, who has a personal best as well as a national record of 1:20:21 which he did during his 10th place finish in 2012 Olympics, also qualified for this year's

World Championships (September 27-October 6) in Doha, Qatar as he bettered the qualifying mark of 1:22:30.

The Kerala race walker had won the 20 km event in the National Open Race Walk Championships in Chennai last month with a time of 1:26:18.

He was one of the two Indian athletes who were expelled from the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games for not adhering to the 'no needle policy' of the Games. He was disqualified in the 20 km race walk event of the 2018 Asian Games after receiving his third warning for "loss of contact".

Japan's Toshikazu Yamanishi won the 20 km race walk event with an impressive time of 1:17:15 while Kazakhstan's Georgiy Sheiko and Korea's Byeongkwang Choe were second and third in 1:20:21 and 1:20:40 respectively.&nbsp;

The Asian and World record in men's 20 km race walk stands in the name of Japanese Yusuke Suzuki who clocked 1:16:36 in the 2015 edition of the same championships in Nomi.&nbsp;

Two other Indians, Devinder Singh and Ganapathi Krishnan also qualified for the World Championships as they clocked 1:21:22 and 1:22:12 respectively.

They had finished second and fifth in the Chennai National Race Walk Championships with timings of 1:26:19 and 1:26:43.

In the women's 20 km race walk event, Soumya Baby finished fourth with a timing of 1:36:08, well outside Olympics qualifying standard of 1:31:00 and World Championships qualifying standard of 1:33:30.&nbsp;

National record holder KT Irfan Sunday became the first Indian from athletics to qualify for the next year's Olympics while finishing fourth in the 20 km event of the Asian Race Walking Championships in Nomi, Japan.

National record holder KT Irfan Sunday became the first Indian from athletics to qualify for the next year's Olympics while finishing fourth in the 20 km event of the Asian Race Walking Championships in Nomi, Japan. The 29-year-old Irfan clocked 1 hour 20 minutes and 57 seconds to better the Tokyo Olympics qualification standard of 1 hour 21 minutes. The Olympics qualification period for race walk events and marathon race has begun from January 1 this year and will run till May 31, 2020. The Olympics qualification period for all other athletics events will start from May 1 this year and will run till June 29, 2020. No other Indian from athletics has so far qualified for Tokyo Olympics. Irfan, who has a personal best as well as a national record of 1:20:21 which he did during his 10th place finish in 2012 Olympics, also qualified for this year's World Championships (September 27-October 6) in Doha, Qatar as he bettered the qualifying mark of 1:22:30. The Kerala race walker had won the 20 km event in the National Open Race Walk Championships in Chennai last month with a time of 1:26:18. He was one of the two Indian athletes who were expelled from the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games for not adhering to the 'no needle policy' of the Games. He was disqualified in the 20 km race walk event of the 2018 Asian Games after receiving his third warning for "loss of contact". Japan's Toshikazu Yamanishi won the 20 km race walk event with an impressive time of 1:17:15 while Kazakhstan's Georgiy Sheiko and Korea's Byeongkwang Choe were second and third in 1:20:21 and 1:20:40 respectively. The Asian and World record in men's 20 km race walk stands in the name of Japanese Yusuke Suzuki who clocked 1:16:36 in the 2015 edition of the same championships in Nomi. Two other Indians, Devinder Singh and Ganapathi Krishnan also qualified for the World Championships as they clocked 1:21:22 and 1:22:12 respectively. They had finished second and fifth in the Chennai National Race Walk Championships with timings of 1:26:19 and 1:26:43. In the women's 20 km race walk event, Soumya Baby finished fourth with a timing of 1:36:08, well outside Olympics qualifying standard of 1:31:00 and World Championships qualifying standard of 1:33:30.

KT Irfan becomes first Indian athlete to qualify for Tokyo Olympics

Tokyo unveils robots for 2020 Olympics

India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Neeraj+Chopra">Neeraj Chopra</a> is reluctant to discuss specific targets for the next couple of years but his coach Uwe Hohn has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the former javelin world junior champion to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;

Chopra shot to prominence last year when he won javelin gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games, bringing rare track-and-field success for India.&nbsp;

His winning throw on the Gold Coast measured 86.47 metres and he followed that up with a 87.43m throw at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May.&nbsp;

At the Asian Games in Jakarta, Chopra took the title with a season's best throw of 88.06m, placing him sixth in the IAAF's rankings for 2018.

"Our targets for this year are, besides staying healthy and getting better, to throw 92 metres and finish in the top six at the World Championships in Doha," Hohn told Reuters in an interview. "Then 94 metres in 2020 and a medal in Tokyo."&nbsp;

Hohn is the only athlete to throw a javelin over 100m, with his world record of 104.8m for East Germany in 1984. Two years later the men's javelin was redesigned and its centre of gravity was moved forward by four centimetres.&nbsp;

Czech thrower Jan Zelezny, who won three successive Olympic gold medals from 1992, has the five best throws ever with his 1996 world record of 98.48m still standing.&nbsp;

While India is credited with Norman Pritchard's hurdles silver medals from 1900 before it gained independence from Britain, the world's second-most populous nation considers itself never to have won an athletics medal at an Olympics.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old Chopra is currently ranked fourth in the IAAF world rankings and is by far the best chance India has of ending that drought in Tokyo next year.&nbsp;

The athlete told Reuters in a recent interview that 2019 will be an even more important year than 2018.&nbsp;

Hohn said Chopra had to be as consistent as he was last year but raise his game further.&nbsp;

"We are also aware that there are a few others in the world, not only from Germany but also in Asia, who are also working to get still better," he said from an altitude training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

"We are concentrating on taking little steps forward without getting injured and we will see where we get with this."&nbsp;

Chopra suffered a setback with an elbow injury late last year and also needs to work on his technique, Hohn said.&nbsp;

"We are working to improve in many ways and adjust the training to his needs and ability at all times and we will continue this in cooperation with his physio," he added.&nbsp;

India's Neeraj Chopra is reluctant to discuss specific targets for the next couple of years but his coach Uwe Hohn has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the former javelin world junior champion to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

India's Neeraj Chopra is reluctant to discuss specific targets for the next couple of years but his coach Uwe Hohn has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the former javelin world junior champion to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Chopra shot to prominence last year when he won javelin gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games, bringing rare track-and-field success for India. His winning throw on the Gold Coast measured 86.47 metres and he followed that up with a 87.43m throw at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May. At the Asian Games in Jakarta, Chopra took the title with a season's best throw of 88.06m, placing him sixth in the IAAF's rankings for 2018. "Our targets for this year are, besides staying healthy and getting better, to throw 92 metres and finish in the top six at the World Championships in Doha," Hohn told Reuters in an interview. "Then 94 metres in 2020 and a medal in Tokyo." Hohn is the only athlete to throw a javelin over 100m, with his world record of 104.8m for East Germany in 1984. Two years later the men's javelin was redesigned and its centre of gravity was moved forward by four centimetres. Czech thrower Jan Zelezny, who won three successive Olympic gold medals from 1992, has the five best throws ever with his 1996 world record of 98.48m still standing. While India is credited with Norman Pritchard's hurdles silver medals from 1900 before it gained independence from Britain, the world's second-most populous nation considers itself never to have won an athletics medal at an Olympics. The 21-year-old Chopra is currently ranked fourth in the IAAF world rankings and is by far the best chance India has of ending that drought in Tokyo next year. The athlete told Reuters in a recent interview that 2019 will be an even more important year than 2018. Hohn said Chopra had to be as consistent as he was last year but raise his game further. "We are also aware that there are a few others in the world, not only from Germany but also in Asia, who are also working to get still better," he said from an altitude training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa. "We are concentrating on taking little steps forward without getting injured and we will see where we get with this." Chopra suffered a setback with an elbow injury late last year and also needs to work on his technique, Hohn said. "We are working to improve in many ways and adjust the training to his needs and ability at all times and we will continue this in cooperation with his physio," he added.

Coach Uwe Hohn lays out pathway for Neeraj Chopra's Tokyo success

Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, who won six titles at last year's Asian Games and was considered a strong medal contender for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, said on Tuesday she had been diagnosed with leukaemia.

The 18-year-old was named Japanese Swimmer of the Year last month after her record-breaking exploits in the Jakarta pool.

"I was feeling ill and urgently came home from Australia, underwent testing and the diagnosis was leukaemia," Ikee wrote on Twitter.

"I can't believe it, it's a confusing situation. But with treatment this is a disease that can be cured."

The diagnosis will deprive the world junior 50 metres freestyle, 50m butterfly and 100m butterfly champion of the chance to race at the senior world championships in Gwangju, South Korea later this year.

Ikee, who swam the fastest time in the world in the 100m butterfly and second fastest in the 50m butterfly last year, said she would miss Japan's swimming trials to focus on treatment.

"I am going to take some time off and focus on treatment and as soon as possible I want to show an even stronger Rikako Ikee," she added.

Ikee's coach Jiro Miki held out hope she could compete in Tokyo, saying the "possibility was not zero", Kyodo News Agency reported.

"I'm told we wouldn't have been able to discover the disease in ordinary circumstances," Kyodo quoted Japan Swimming Federation Vice Chairman Koji Ueno as saying at a news conference.

"We were able to find her irregularities because she was swimming. In that sense, we were able to find the disease early."

Only North Korean shooter So Gin Man, who won seven golds and a silver at New Delhi in 1982, has won more titles at one Asian Games than Ikee.

Ikee, whose gold medal haul was the most for a female athlete at a single Asian Games, also picked up two relay silvers to match So's record tally of eight medals.

Winning all six of her gold medals in record times in Jakarta propelled her onto the world stage and made her a major name in Japan.

Coming home sixth in the 100m butterfly at the Rio Games as a 16-year-old, Ikee had been expected to compete for medals at Tokyo 2020 but must now focus on getting healthy before thoughts turn to the summer showpiece in 528 days' time.

After news of Ikee's illness broke, Japanese rugby player Ayumu Goromaru offered words of support on Twitter, telling her to "Strive on," while former Olympic swimmer Hanae Ito said: "Everyone is praying".

Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, who won six titles at last year's Asian Games and was considered a strong medal contender for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, said on Tuesday she had been diagnosed with leukaemia.

Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, who won six titles at last year's Asian Games and was considered a strong medal contender for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, said on Tuesday she had been diagnosed with leukaemia. The 18-year-old was named Japanese Swimmer of the Year last month after her record-breaking exploits in the Jakarta pool. "I was feeling ill and urgently came home from Australia, underwent testing and the diagnosis was leukaemia," Ikee wrote on Twitter. "I can't believe it, it's a confusing situation. But with treatment this is a disease that can be cured." The diagnosis will deprive the world junior 50 metres freestyle, 50m butterfly and 100m butterfly champion of the chance to race at the senior world championships in Gwangju, South Korea later this year. Ikee, who swam the fastest time in the world in the 100m butterfly and second fastest in the 50m butterfly last year, said she would miss Japan's swimming trials to focus on treatment. "I am going to take some time off and focus on treatment and as soon as possible I want to show an even stronger Rikako Ikee," she added. Ikee's coach Jiro Miki held out hope she could compete in Tokyo, saying the "possibility was not zero", Kyodo News Agency reported. "I'm told we wouldn't have been able to discover the disease in ordinary circumstances," Kyodo quoted Japan Swimming Federation Vice Chairman Koji Ueno as saying at a news conference. "We were able to find her irregularities because she was swimming. In that sense, we were able to find the disease early." Only North Korean shooter So Gin Man, who won seven golds and a silver at New Delhi in 1982, has won more titles at one Asian Games than Ikee. Ikee, whose gold medal haul was the most for a female athlete at a single Asian Games, also picked up two relay silvers to match So's record tally of eight medals. Winning all six of her gold medals in record times in Jakarta propelled her onto the world stage and made her a major name in Japan. Coming home sixth in the 100m butterfly at the Rio Games as a 16-year-old, Ikee had been expected to compete for medals at Tokyo 2020 but must now focus on getting healthy before thoughts turn to the summer showpiece in 528 days' time. After news of Ikee's illness broke, Japanese rugby player Ayumu Goromaru offered words of support on Twitter, telling her to "Strive on," while former Olympic swimmer Hanae Ito said: "Everyone is praying".

Tokyo Olympics medal hopeful Rikako Ikee diagnosed with leukaemia

The head of Japan's Olympic Committee has been indicted in Paris for "active corruption" in connection with the awarding of the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo, a French judicial source said Friday.

Tsunekazu Takeda, 71, was indicted on December 10 by investigating magistrates looking into a suspect payment of nearly two million euros ($2.3 million) made before the Japanese capital was chosen to host the Olympics.

Tokyo beat Madrid and Istanbul in the 2013 vote.

Takeda, a former Olympic showjumper who led the country's campaign for the Games, is also an influential member of the International Olympic Committee.

The French investigation, launched in 2016, relates to two payments made to Singapore-based Black Tidings, a firm linked to Papa Massa Diack, son of the Senegalese former head of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Lamine Diack.

The younger Diack is himself a powerful marketing advisor to the IAAF.

The payments were made in two stages, before and after the IOC vote that decided the host city.

Papa Massa Diack, known as PMD, is suspected of having received several million euros in bribes, either for sponsorship contracts or to favour the Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo bids for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics.

Massa Diack has been on Interpol's most-wanted list since December 2015 but the Senegalese government refuses to extradite him to France.

Last month, IOC President Thomas Bach formally requested that Senegal cooperate with French authorities investigating the corruption claims.

In a letter sent to Senegalese President Macky Sall on November 16, which AFP has seen, Bach said investigating magistrate Renaud van Ruymbeke "told us of the difficulties he has come up against in the execution of the two investigation letters addressed to the Minister of Justice of Senegal".

Takeda, who is currently the vice-chairman of the 2020 Olympics organising committee, was questioned in 2017 by Japanese magistrates acting on behalf of the French judiciary.

French judges have taken on the case because they argue that the funds involved might have been laundered in France.

Senegal connection

The French investigation was launched in the wake of allegations of wide-scale corruption involving the IAAF, which was initially accused of helping Russian athletes evade sanctions imposed for failing doping tests.

A spokeswoman for the office of the Japanese minister in charge of the Olympics, Yoshitaka Sakurada, on Friday declined to comment about the case.

"We can't comment as we have not been informed about the case," the spokeswoman said.

When Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike was asked to comment on the indictment, she told reporters: "I don't have enough information. I want to collect information. I'm quite surprised."

Asked about any potential impact on the 2020 Olympics, she said: "I want to confirm what has been happening and how. I want to start with that."

Lamine Diack, PMD's father, was head of the governing body of the IAAF from 1999 until he was arrested in France in 2015.

He was charged with accepting millions of dollars to cover up failed Russian doping tests along with two other IAAF officials.&nbsp;

In June, he was also charged with favouring his son in negotiations over sponsorship and TV rights.

The head of Japan's Olympic Committee has been indicted in Paris for "active corruption" in connection with the awarding of the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo, a French judicial source said Friday.

The head of Japan's Olympic Committee has been indicted in Paris for "active corruption" in connection with the awarding of the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo, a French judicial source said Friday. Tsunekazu Takeda, 71, was indicted on December 10 by investigating magistrates looking into a suspect payment of nearly two million euros ($2.3 million) made before the Japanese capital was chosen to host the Olympics. Tokyo beat Madrid and Istanbul in the 2013 vote. Takeda, a former Olympic showjumper who led the country's campaign for the Games, is also an influential member of the International Olympic Committee. The French investigation, launched in 2016, relates to two payments made to Singapore-based Black Tidings, a firm linked to Papa Massa Diack, son of the Senegalese former head of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Lamine Diack. The younger Diack is himself a powerful marketing advisor to the IAAF. The payments were made in two stages, before and after the IOC vote that decided the host city. Papa Massa Diack, known as PMD, is suspected of having received several million euros in bribes, either for sponsorship contracts or to favour the Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo bids for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. Massa Diack has been on Interpol's most-wanted list since December 2015 but the Senegalese government refuses to extradite him to France. Last month, IOC President Thomas Bach formally requested that Senegal cooperate with French authorities investigating the corruption claims. In a letter sent to Senegalese President Macky Sall on November 16, which AFP has seen, Bach said investigating magistrate Renaud van Ruymbeke "told us of the difficulties he has come up against in the execution of the two investigation letters addressed to the Minister of Justice of Senegal". Takeda, who is currently the vice-chairman of the 2020 Olympics organising committee, was questioned in 2017 by Japanese magistrates acting on behalf of the French judiciary. French judges have taken on the case because they argue that the funds involved might have been laundered in France. Senegal connection The French investigation was launched in the wake of allegations of wide-scale corruption involving the IAAF, which was initially accused of helping Russian athletes evade sanctions imposed for failing doping tests. A spokeswoman for the office of the Japanese minister in charge of the Olympics, Yoshitaka Sakurada, on Friday declined to comment about the case. "We can't comment as we have not been informed about the case," the spokeswoman said. When Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike was asked to comment on the indictment, she told reporters: "I don't have enough information. I want to collect information. I'm quite surprised." Asked about any potential impact on the 2020 Olympics, she said: "I want to confirm what has been happening and how. I want to start with that." Lamine Diack, PMD's father, was head of the governing body of the IAAF from 1999 until he was arrested in France in 2015. He was charged with accepting millions of dollars to cover up failed Russian doping tests along with two other IAAF officials. In June, he was also charged with favouring his son in negotiations over sponsorship and TV rights.

Japanese Olympic chief indicted in France for corruption

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