<p>China's Wang Shuang scored four goals including a late penalty as the Asian side grabbed a 4-4 draw with Zambia in the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;women's soccer tournament at Rifu's Miyagi Stadium on Saturday after Babra Banda netted her second hat-trick in as many games.</p>

<p>Zambia, thrashed 10-3 by the Netherlands in their Group F opener, found themselves down 3-0 after first-half strikes by Wang and in real danger of another big defeat, but responded through a Banda penalty and Racheal Kundananji's goal.</p>

<p>China, who had conceded five goals in their opening defeat by Brazil, let in a third as the in-form Banda struck again in the 46th minute.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-heres-how-mirabai-chanus-family-friends-react-as-they-watch-her-win-silver-medal-400323" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Here's how Mirabai Chanu's family, friends react as they watch her win silver medal</a></p>

<p>The 21-year-old Banda who plays for China's Shanghai Shengli netted in the 69th minute to take her tally to six goals in two games.</p>

<p>But China had a sting in their tail as Wang stepped up to convert from the spot with seven minutes left to secure a point before they were reduced to 10 women after Li Qingtong was sent off.</p>

<p>Wang became only the third player to score four goals in a match at the Games and second in the tournament after Dutchwoman Vivianne Miedema.</p>

<p>Earlier, Canada forward Janine Beckie scored in either half as they beat Chile 2-1 at the Sapporo Dome.</p>

<p>Manchester City's Beckie thundered in the opener six minutes before the break after latching on to a cross by Nichelle Prince before the pair combined again after the break to double their team's advantage.</p>

<p>A well-timed run allowed Beckie to get on the end of a pass by Prince and the 26-year-old forward made no mistake as she finished past Chile's Christiane Endler.</p>

<p>Chile pulled a goal back through Karen Araya in the 57th minute to ensure a nervy finish but Canada held on for their first win after a 1-1 stalemate in their opening Group E encounter against hosts Japan.</p>

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China's Wang Shuang scored four goals including a late penalty as the Asian side grabbed a 4-4 draw with Zambia in the Olympics women's soccer tournament at Rifu's Miyagi Stadium on Saturday after Babra Banda netted her second hat-trick in as many games.

China's Wang Shuang scored four goals including a late penalty as the Asian side grabbed a 4-4 draw with Zambia in the Olympics women's soccer tournament at Rifu's Miyagi Stadium on Saturday after Babra Banda netted her second hat-trick in as many games. Zambia, thrashed 10-3 by the Netherlands in their Group F opener, found themselves down 3-0 after first-half strikes by Wang and in real danger of another big defeat, but responded through a Banda penalty and Racheal Kundananji's goal. China, who had conceded five goals in their opening defeat by Brazil, let in a third as the in-form Banda struck again in the 46th minute. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Here's how Mirabai Chanu's family, friends react as they watch her win silver medal The 21-year-old Banda who plays for China's Shanghai Shengli netted in the 69th minute to take her tally to six goals in two games. But China had a sting in their tail as Wang stepped up to convert from the spot with seven minutes left to secure a point before they were reduced to 10 women after Li Qingtong was sent off. Wang became only the third player to score four goals in a match at the Games and second in the tournament after Dutchwoman Vivianne Miedema. Earlier, Canada forward Janine Beckie scored in either half as they beat Chile 2-1 at the Sapporo Dome. Manchester City's Beckie thundered in the opener six minutes before the break after latching on to a cross by Nichelle Prince before the pair combined again after the break to double their team's advantage. A well-timed run allowed Beckie to get on the end of a pass by Prince and the 26-year-old forward made no mistake as she finished past Chile's Christiane Endler. Chile pulled a goal back through Karen Araya in the 57th minute to ensure a nervy finish but Canada held on for their first win after a 1-1 stalemate in their opening Group E encounter against hosts Japan.

Tokyo Olympics: China's Shuang Wang scores four to deny Zambia in eight-goal thriller

<p>U.S. archer Mackenzie Brown bemoaned the lack of fans on Saturday after she and Brady Ellison, number two seeds in mixed archery, crashed out, as South Korea won its first Tokyo 2020 gold with a record-breaking run.</p>

<p>"It's supposed to be big and give you goosebumps every time you walk out into a venue," said Brown, after she and world No.1 Ellison lost in the first round of an event making its Olympic debut to Indonesian 15th seeds Diananda Choirunisa and Riau Salsabilla.</p>

<p>"And we're out here by ourselves. You know, we've got our teammates, but there's nobody out here," Brown added.</p>

<p>"To work for five years for an Olympic Games and then not to have any spectators at all is a little bit frustrating."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-sutirtha-mukherjee-fights-back-to-win-the-table-tennis-womens-singles-first-round-400334" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Sutirtha Mukherjee fights back to win the Table tennis women's singles first round</a></p>

<p>In common with all other Games venues in the host city, no fans are being allowed into the Yumenoshima Park Archery Field due to coronavirus protocols, so competitors had only teammates to cheer them on.</p>

<p>"Make some noise for Team USA," a games announcer said at one point through a loudspeaker, to a muted response.</p>

<p>The gold went to number one seeds An San and Kim Je Deok, who extended South Korea's long winning run at Olympic archery.</p>

<p>An, 20, said the lack of an audience had not fazed her.</p>

<p>"We had the audience (of teammates) that is just as big as domestic games, so I was nervous at the right amount," she said, a day after breaking the women's Olympic scoring record, which had stood for 25 years, with 680 points out of 720.</p>

<p>"I told An San, Let's shoot confident, and stick to what we have been doing," added Kim, 17, after they beat Dutch pair 5-3 Gabriela Schloesser and Steve Wijlerin in the final.</p>

<p>When their gold medals were presented on a tray, in accordance with COVID-19 protocols, the pair each hung them around the other's neck.</p>

<p>Although not a popular sport in South Korea, the country's Olympic record in archery is unmatched. It has won gold medals at archery in every Games since 1984, and the women's team is aiming for its ninth straight gold, which would be the longest streak in Olympic history.</p>

<p>Mexico claimed bronze, the country's first medal at Olympic archery, while a rueful Ellison was left to reflect on what might have been.</p>

<p>"Honestly, I'm so shocked ...I completely expected us to win a medal today," he said.</p>


U.S. archer Mackenzie Brown bemoaned the lack of fans on Saturday after she and Brady Ellison, number two seeds in mixed archery, crashed out, as South Korea won its first Tokyo 2020 gold with a record-breaking run.

U.S. archer Mackenzie Brown bemoaned the lack of fans on Saturday after she and Brady Ellison, number two seeds in mixed archery, crashed out, as South Korea won its first Tokyo 2020 gold with a record-breaking run. "It's supposed to be big and give you goosebumps every time you walk out into a venue," said Brown, after she and world No.1 Ellison lost in the first round of an event making its Olympic debut to Indonesian 15th seeds Diananda Choirunisa and Riau Salsabilla. "And we're out here by ourselves. You know, we've got our teammates, but there's nobody out here," Brown added. "To work for five years for an Olympic Games and then not to have any spectators at all is a little bit frustrating." ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Sutirtha Mukherjee fights back to win the Table tennis women's singles first round In common with all other Games venues in the host city, no fans are being allowed into the Yumenoshima Park Archery Field due to coronavirus protocols, so competitors had only teammates to cheer them on. "Make some noise for Team USA," a games announcer said at one point through a loudspeaker, to a muted response. The gold went to number one seeds An San and Kim Je Deok, who extended South Korea's long winning run at Olympic archery. An, 20, said the lack of an audience had not fazed her. "We had the audience (of teammates) that is just as big as domestic games, so I was nervous at the right amount," she said, a day after breaking the women's Olympic scoring record, which had stood for 25 years, with 680 points out of 720. "I told An San, Let's shoot confident, and stick to what we have been doing," added Kim, 17, after they beat Dutch pair 5-3 Gabriela Schloesser and Steve Wijlerin in the final. When their gold medals were presented on a tray, in accordance with COVID-19 protocols, the pair each hung them around the other's neck. Although not a popular sport in South Korea, the country's Olympic record in archery is unmatched. It has won gold medals at archery in every Games since 1984, and the women's team is aiming for its ninth straight gold, which would be the longest streak in Olympic history. Mexico claimed bronze, the country's first medal at Olympic archery, while a rueful Ellison was left to reflect on what might have been. "Honestly, I'm so shocked ...I completely expected us to win a medal today," he said.

Tokyo Olympics: South Korea wins first Tokyo gold as U.S. mixed archer bemoans lack of fans

<p>Novak Djokovic launched his bid to stay on course for a Golden Slam with a clinical 6-2, 6-2 win over 139th-ranked Hugo Dellien of Bolivia on Saturday, as sweltering conditions in Tokyo took a toll on the players on the opening day of tennis at the Games.</p>

<p>Steffi Graf is the only player to have won all four Grand Slams and the Olympic gold in the same year but the 34-year-old Serbian is three-fifths of the way there, needing a Tokyo gold and then the US&nbsp;Open trophy to match the German's 1988 feat.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-remember-the-name-sporting-icons-congratulate-mirabai-chanu-for-silver-medal-win-400320" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics- 'Remember the name': Sporting icons congratulate Mirabai Chanu for silver medal win</a></p>

<p>The world number one would not have wanted to spend too much time on the court in the heat and humidity and wrapped up proceedings on Centre Court on day one in about an hour.</p>

<p>With temperatures hovering around 33 degrees Celsius (91.4°F) with high humidity, players struggled to cope and did not find much comfort from ice bags and a tube blowing cool air.</p>

<p>"Very tough," Djokovic, who will face German Jan-Lennard Struff in the second round, said about the conditions.</p>

<p>"I think today, from also speaking to other players, was the hottest day so far. It's very hot but also humid. The hardcourts absorb the heat, it stays trapped in there. Not much wind, not much breeze. It was challenging definitely.</p>

<p>"But I'm pleased to overcome the first hurdle and I think I was solid on the court. I can always do better but the first match, I'm satisfied."</p>


Novak Djokovic launched his bid to stay on course for a Golden Slam with a clinical 6-2, 6-2 win over 139th-ranked Hugo Dellien of Bolivia on Saturday, as sweltering conditions in Tokyo took a toll on the players on the opening day of tennis at the Games.

Novak Djokovic launched his bid to stay on course for a Golden Slam with a clinical 6-2, 6-2 win over 139th-ranked Hugo Dellien of Bolivia on Saturday, as sweltering conditions in Tokyo took a toll on the players on the opening day of tennis at the Games. Steffi Graf is the only player to have won all four Grand Slams and the Olympic gold in the same year but the 34-year-old Serbian is three-fifths of the way there, needing a Tokyo gold and then the US Open trophy to match the German's 1988 feat. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics- 'Remember the name': Sporting icons congratulate Mirabai Chanu for silver medal win The world number one would not have wanted to spend too much time on the court in the heat and humidity and wrapped up proceedings on Centre Court on day one in about an hour. With temperatures hovering around 33 degrees Celsius (91.4°F) with high humidity, players struggled to cope and did not find much comfort from ice bags and a tube blowing cool air. "Very tough," Djokovic, who will face German Jan-Lennard Struff in the second round, said about the conditions. "I think today, from also speaking to other players, was the hottest day so far. It's very hot but also humid. The hardcourts absorb the heat, it stays trapped in there. Not much wind, not much breeze. It was challenging definitely. "But I'm pleased to overcome the first hurdle and I think I was solid on the court. I can always do better but the first match, I'm satisfied."

Tokyo Olympics: Novak Djokovic beats Hugo Dellien to continue his quest for gold medal

<p>Sutirtha Mukherjee, in her debut Olympic, showed a great exhibition to take out Sweden's high-positioned Linda Bergström in a seven-game spine chiller, winning, 11-5, 9-11, 13-11, 11-9, 3-11, 9-11, 5-11.</p>

<p>Sutirtha Mukherjee discovered motivation and gave a consistent contest to her opposition, particularly from the subsequent game, after which there was no stopping for the 25-year-old.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-pm-modi-wishes-mirabai-chanu-for-winning-silver-medal-says-india-is-elated-400307" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: PM Modi wishes Mirabai Chanu for winning silver medal, says 'India is elated'</a></p>

<p>Linda Bergström looked ruling consistently and finished off the first game with an 11-5 success. Sutirtha never glanced in charge of the game and perhaps that had to do with her disrupted nerves. Sutirtha made an excessive number of blunders on return and unforced errors ensured that Linda won the first game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 25-year-old fought back in her first Olympics and the youngster made a comeback in the subsequent set taking an&nbsp;8-3 lead before Linda made a comeback and the scores perusing 9-8 for the Indian. She clutched her nerves and in the end and took the game 11-9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Linda appeared to dominate and won the first game 11-5. Sutirtha made a surprising return winning four straight points to even the squares at nine-all except at last losing the game to her rival who endured with her slices which were ending up being viable for her, thus shutting the game at 11-9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A 4-1 lead in the 6th game gave Linda a lot of certainties as she hoped to finish off the match with this game. Although, Sutirtha had different plans as she made a solid comeback winning six successive points.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the match from the earliest starting point, it was a teeter-totter fight between the two players who didn't give each other much and looked resolved to secure a victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At long last, after some stunning showcase of abilities, the Sutirtha Mukherjee arose victorious in the sixth game and took the match to the choosing game with the games tied at 3-3.</p>

<p>Soon after Manika Batra turned into the first Indian woman to win a table tennis singles match at the Olympics in 29 years, Sutirtha Mukherjee likewise joined the club, winning after an overwhelming execution.&nbsp;</p>


Sutirtha Mukherjee, in her debut Olympic, showed a great exhibition to take out Sweden's high-positioned Linda Bergström in a seven-game spine chiller, winning, 11-5, 9-11, 13-11, 11-9, 3-11, 9-11, 5-11.

Sutirtha Mukherjee, in her debut Olympic, showed a great exhibition to take out Sweden's high-positioned Linda Bergström in a seven-game spine chiller, winning, 11-5, 9-11, 13-11, 11-9, 3-11, 9-11, 5-11. Sutirtha Mukherjee discovered motivation and gave a consistent contest to her opposition, particularly from the subsequent game, after which there was no stopping for the 25-year-old. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: PM Modi wishes Mirabai Chanu for winning silver medal, says 'India is elated' Linda Bergström looked ruling consistently and finished off the first game with an 11-5 success. Sutirtha never glanced in charge of the game and perhaps that had to do with her disrupted nerves. Sutirtha made an excessive number of blunders on return and unforced errors ensured that Linda won the first game. The 25-year-old fought back in her first Olympics and the youngster made a comeback in the subsequent set taking an 8-3 lead before Linda made a comeback and the scores perusing 9-8 for the Indian. She clutched her nerves and in the end and took the game 11-9. Linda appeared to dominate and won the first game 11-5. Sutirtha made a surprising return winning four straight points to even the squares at nine-all except at last losing the game to her rival who endured with her slices which were ending up being viable for her, thus shutting the game at 11-9. A 4-1 lead in the 6th game gave Linda a lot of certainties as she hoped to finish off the match with this game. Although, Sutirtha had different plans as she made a solid comeback winning six successive points. As the match from the earliest starting point, it was a teeter-totter fight between the two players who didn't give each other much and looked resolved to secure a victory. At long last, after some stunning showcase of abilities, the Sutirtha Mukherjee arose victorious in the sixth game and took the match to the choosing game with the games tied at 3-3. Soon after Manika Batra turned into the first Indian woman to win a table tennis singles match at the Olympics in 29 years, Sutirtha Mukherjee likewise joined the club, winning after an overwhelming execution.

Tokyo Olympics: Sutirtha Mukherjee fights back to win the Table tennis women's singles first round

<p>Indian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu has won the first medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as she bagged silver after lifting 202kg (87kgs in snatch + 115 kgs in clean and jerk) in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category on Saturday (July 24). China's HOU Zhihu, who lifted&nbsp;total of 210kg,&nbsp;clinched the gold medal, on the other hand, Aisah Windy Cantika of Indonesia won the bronze medal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was a historic feat for Chanu as her win came two decades after Indian trailblazer Karnam Malleswari became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal (Bronze) while competing at the 2000 Sydney Games in the women’s 69kg weight category.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chanu lifted 84kg and 87kg successfully. She began with a 84kg lift in her first attempt in the snatch segment and went on to improve with an 87kg lift. However, she failed to lift 89kg as she was placed in the second spot. China's HOU Zhihu created an Olympic record as she lifted 94kg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After winning the medal, she said, "Was determined to give my best, 2016 Olympics proved to be a learning curve: Mirabai Chanu.&nbsp;I tried my best to win gold medal, I wasn't able to win gold, but I really tried. When I did 2nd lift, I understood I'll bring a medal along with me.&nbsp;I'm very happy that I've won the medal. The entire country was watching me &amp; they had their expectations, I was a little nervous but I was determined to give my best...I worked really hard for this."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-10m-air-pistol-saurabh-chaudhary-becomes-first-indian-to-reach-finals-400276"><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics, 10m Air Pistol: Saurabh Chaudhary becomes first Indian to reach finals</strong></a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Mirabai Chanu wins India's first medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as she bags Silver after lifting 202KG in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Weightlifting?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Weightlifting</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TokyoOlympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TokyoOlympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAtTokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAtTokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IND</a> <a href="https://t.co/LCMTfv5T05">pic.twitter.com/LCMTfv5T05</a></p>
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) <a href="https://twitter.com/KhelNow/status/1418821751631351808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>India's President Ram Nath Kovind wished Chanu on her outstanding win. Taking to his Twitter, he wrote, "Heartiest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu for starting the medal tally for India in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by winning silver medal in weightlifting."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-from-pv-sindhu-to-deepika-kumari-top-indian-athletes-to-look-out-for-400283">IN PICS |&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for!</a></p>

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Indian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu has won the first medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as she bagged silver after lifting 202kg (87kgs in snatch + 115 kgs in clean and jerk) in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category on Saturday (July 24).

Indian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu has won the first medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as she bagged silver after lifting 202kg (87kgs in snatch + 115 kgs in clean and jerk) in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category on Saturday (July 24). China's HOU Zhihu, who lifted total of 210kg, clinched the gold medal, on the other hand, Aisah Windy Cantika of Indonesia won the bronze medal. It was a historic feat for Chanu as her win came two decades after Indian trailblazer Karnam Malleswari became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal (Bronze) while competing at the 2000 Sydney Games in the women’s 69kg weight category. Chanu lifted 84kg and 87kg successfully. She began with a 84kg lift in her first attempt in the snatch segment and went on to improve with an 87kg lift. However, she failed to lift 89kg as she was placed in the second spot. China's HOU Zhihu created an Olympic record as she lifted 94kg. After winning the medal, she said, "Was determined to give my best, 2016 Olympics proved to be a learning curve: Mirabai Chanu. I tried my best to win gold medal, I wasn't able to win gold, but I really tried. When I did 2nd lift, I understood I'll bring a medal along with me. I'm very happy that I've won the medal. The entire country was watching me & they had their expectations, I was a little nervous but I was determined to give my best...I worked really hard for this." Also Read: Tokyo Olympics, 10m Air Pistol: Saurabh Chaudhary becomes first Indian to reach finals BREAKING: Mirabai Chanu wins India's first medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as she bags Silver after lifting 202KG in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category.#Weightlifting #Tokyo2020 #TokyoOlympics #Cheer4India #IND #IndiaAtTokyo2020 #Olympics #TeamIndia #IND pic.twitter.com/LCMTfv5T05 — Khel Now (@KhelNow) July 24, 2021 × India's President Ram Nath Kovind wished Chanu on her outstanding win. Taking to his Twitter, he wrote, "Heartiest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu for starting the medal tally for India in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by winning silver medal in weightlifting." IN PICS | Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for!

Tokyo Olympics: Mirabai Chanu wins India's first medal in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category

<p>Indian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu gave India an ideal start to the Tokyo Olympics after clinching a silver medal in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category on Saturday (July 24).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-from-pv-sindhu-to-deepika-kumari-top-indian-athletes-to-look-out-for-400283" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for!</a></p>

<p>She won the silver medal after lifting 202kg (87kgs in snatch + 115 kgs in clean and jerk). It was a historic feat for Chanu as her win came two decades after Indian trailblazer Karnam Malleswari became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal (Bronze) while competing at the 2000 Sydney Games in the women’s 69kg weight category.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several sporting icons took to Twitter and congratulated the 26-year-old.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag took to Twitter and wrote: "Ghazab. Bhartiya Naari Sab par Bhaari. #MirabaiChanu , remember the name. Thank you for making us all proud @mirabai_chanu , and winning us a Silver at the Olympics. Many more to come. #Tokyo2020"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ghazab.<br />
Bhartiya Naari Sab par Bhaari.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MirabaiChanu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MirabaiChanu</a> , remember the name.<br />
Thank you for making us all proud <a href="https://twitter.com/mirabai_chanu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mirabai_chanu</a> , and winning us a Silver at the Olympics. Many more to come. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/2KQwMvNuRz">pic.twitter.com/2KQwMvNuRz</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1418824365353930756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: "𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗜 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗨!Second place medalClapping hands sign Woman lifting weights Absolutely amazing display of weightlifting. The way you have transformed yourself after your injury and clinched a historic silver for #TeamIndia is absolutely stupendous. You have made Flag of India very proud."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗜 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗨!🥈👏🏻 🏋🏻‍♀️<br />
<br />
Absolutely amazing display of weightlifting.<br />
<br />
The way you have transformed yourself after your injury and clinched a historic silver for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> is absolutely stupendous.<br />
<br />
You have made 🇮🇳 very proud. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/pacYIgQ7LK">pic.twitter.com/pacYIgQ7LK</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1418830987320958976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Indian football captain, Sunil Chettri, also reacted to Chanu's Olympics win and wrote: "You didn't just lift weights and pick a medal there, champion. You lifted a nation that needed to find joy and you did it with the widest smile. Take a bow @mirabai_chanu #TeamIndia #Tokyo2020"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You didn't just lift weights and pick a medal there, champion. You lifted a nation that needed to find joy and you did it with the widest smile. Take a bow <a href="https://twitter.com/mirabai_chanu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mirabai_chanu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a></p>
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) <a href="https://twitter.com/chetrisunil11/status/1418830595992559619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chanu lifted 84kg and 87kg successfully. She began with an 84kg lift in her first attempt in the snatch segment and went on to improve with an 87kg lift. However, she failed to lift 89kg as she was placed in the second spot. China's HOU Zhihu created an Olympic record as she lifted 94kg.&nbsp;</p>


Indian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu gave India an ideal start to the Tokyo Olympics after clinching a silver medal in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category on Saturday (July 24).

Indian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu gave India an ideal start to the Tokyo Olympics after clinching a silver medal in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category on Saturday (July 24). ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for! She won the silver medal after lifting 202kg (87kgs in snatch + 115 kgs in clean and jerk). It was a historic feat for Chanu as her win came two decades after Indian trailblazer Karnam Malleswari became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal (Bronze) while competing at the 2000 Sydney Games in the women’s 69kg weight category. Several sporting icons took to Twitter and congratulated the 26-year-old. Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag took to Twitter and wrote: "Ghazab. Bhartiya Naari Sab par Bhaari. #MirabaiChanu , remember the name. Thank you for making us all proud @mirabai_chanu , and winning us a Silver at the Olympics. Many more to come. #Tokyo2020" Ghazab. Bhartiya Naari Sab par Bhaari.#MirabaiChanu , remember the name. Thank you for making us all proud @mirabai_chanu , and winning us a Silver at the Olympics. Many more to come. #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/2KQwMvNuRz — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 24, 2021 × Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: "𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗜 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗨!Second place medalClapping hands sign Woman lifting weights Absolutely amazing display of weightlifting. The way you have transformed yourself after your injury and clinched a historic silver for #TeamIndia is absolutely stupendous. You have made Flag of India very proud." 𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗜 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗨!🥈👏🏻 🏋🏻‍♀️ Absolutely amazing display of weightlifting. The way you have transformed yourself after your injury and clinched a historic silver for #TeamIndia is absolutely stupendous. You have made 🇮🇳 very proud. #Tokyo2020 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/pacYIgQ7LK — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 24, 2021 × Indian football captain, Sunil Chettri, also reacted to Chanu's Olympics win and wrote: "You didn't just lift weights and pick a medal there, champion. You lifted a nation that needed to find joy and you did it with the widest smile. Take a bow @mirabai_chanu #TeamIndia #Tokyo2020" You didn't just lift weights and pick a medal there, champion. You lifted a nation that needed to find joy and you did it with the widest smile. Take a bow @mirabai_chanu #TeamIndia #Tokyo2020 — Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) July 24, 2021 × Chanu lifted 84kg and 87kg successfully. She began with an 84kg lift in her first attempt in the snatch segment and went on to improve with an 87kg lift. However, she failed to lift 89kg as she was placed in the second spot. China's HOU Zhihu created an Olympic record as she lifted 94kg.

Tokyo Olympics- 'Remember the name': Sporting icons congratulate Mirabai Chanu for silver medal win

<p>Poland's Iga Swiatek put in a clinical performance to move past Mona Barthel of Germany with a 6-2 6-2 win on her Olympic debut, as sweltering conditions in Tokyo took a toll on the players on the opening day of tennis at the Games.</p>

<p>Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova lost only one game versus Italy's Sara Errani but this year's Roland Garros runner-up had spent enough time on Court Three under the blazing sun to feel dizzy and took a medical timeout in the second set.</p>

<p>Pavlyuchenkova, competing in Tokyo as a representative of the Russian Olympic Committee because the country was stripped of its flag and anthem for doping offenses, tried to keep herself cool with ice bags and an air tube but it was not enough.</p>

<p>She called for the trainer while leading 4-1 in the second set but was able to return to court to complete a 6-0 6-1 win, with temperatures hovering around 33 degrees Celsius (91.4°F).</p>

<p>"I feel better but I have a massive headache now so that's why I was trying to try to cool down after the match and rest, relax a little bit," she told reporters. "Just happy I got that one through."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-table-tennis-tokyo-games-youngest-competitor-from-syria-exits-in-first-round-400268" hreflang="en">Olympics Table Tennis: Tokyo Games' youngest competitor from Syria exits in first round</a></p>

<p>Her compatriot, Daniil Medvedev, said it was some of the worst heat he has played in after beating Kazakh Alexander Bublik 6-4 7-6(8) in the second match on Centre Court.</p>

<p>"But you have to play, it's the&nbsp;Olympics," world number two Medvedev said. "You go for the medal. You're not here to cry about the heat. It was really tough for both of us."</p>

<p>Swiatek, the 2020 French Open champion, had the chance to kick off proceedings on the main show court after Naomi Osaka's match was moved back by a day due to her involvement in Friday's opening ceremony.</p>

<p>With media, volunteers, and the players' entourage the only ones present at the 20,000-seater stadium to witness her Olympic debut, Swiatek managed to stay calm and composed to beat Barthel, formerly ranked among the world's top 25.</p>

<p>The 20-year-old got off to a fast start with a 5-0 lead and did not look back to set up a second-round meeting against either Spain's Paula Badosa or France's Kristina Mladenovic.</p>

<p>"I'm pretty happy that I'm into the second round and not only the humidity and temperature was hard but also the sun because on one side it was pretty hard to serve," said Swiatek, whose father Tomasz competed for Poland in rowing at the 1988 Seoul&nbsp;Olympics.</p>

<p>"We had to adjust quickly and change our ball toss. That was hard but the players who can adjust are going to be the best ones here."</p>

<p>French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova did not have to spend much time on the court as her Kazakh opponent Zarina Diyas retired with a left leg problem with the Czech leading 5-2. Krejcikova will meet Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez next.</p>

<p>In men's doubles, Britain's Andy Murray and Joe Salisbury stunned second-seeded Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-3 6-2 with the French pair looking to add the Olympic gold to their resume having won all four majors at least once.</p>


Poland's Iga Swiatek put in a clinical performance to move past Mona Barthel of Germany with a 6-2 6-2 win on her Olympic debut, as sweltering conditions in Tokyo took a toll on the players on the opening day of tennis at the Games.

Poland's Iga Swiatek put in a clinical performance to move past Mona Barthel of Germany with a 6-2 6-2 win on her Olympic debut, as sweltering conditions in Tokyo took a toll on the players on the opening day of tennis at the Games. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova lost only one game versus Italy's Sara Errani but this year's Roland Garros runner-up had spent enough time on Court Three under the blazing sun to feel dizzy and took a medical timeout in the second set. Pavlyuchenkova, competing in Tokyo as a representative of the Russian Olympic Committee because the country was stripped of its flag and anthem for doping offenses, tried to keep herself cool with ice bags and an air tube but it was not enough. She called for the trainer while leading 4-1 in the second set but was able to return to court to complete a 6-0 6-1 win, with temperatures hovering around 33 degrees Celsius (91.4°F). "I feel better but I have a massive headache now so that's why I was trying to try to cool down after the match and rest, relax a little bit," she told reporters. "Just happy I got that one through." ALSO READ: Olympics Table Tennis: Tokyo Games' youngest competitor from Syria exits in first round Her compatriot, Daniil Medvedev, said it was some of the worst heat he has played in after beating Kazakh Alexander Bublik 6-4 7-6(8) in the second match on Centre Court. "But you have to play, it's the Olympics," world number two Medvedev said. "You go for the medal. You're not here to cry about the heat. It was really tough for both of us." Swiatek, the 2020 French Open champion, had the chance to kick off proceedings on the main show court after Naomi Osaka's match was moved back by a day due to her involvement in Friday's opening ceremony. With media, volunteers, and the players' entourage the only ones present at the 20,000-seater stadium to witness her Olympic debut, Swiatek managed to stay calm and composed to beat Barthel, formerly ranked among the world's top 25. The 20-year-old got off to a fast start with a 5-0 lead and did not look back to set up a second-round meeting against either Spain's Paula Badosa or France's Kristina Mladenovic. "I'm pretty happy that I'm into the second round and not only the humidity and temperature was hard but also the sun because on one side it was pretty hard to serve," said Swiatek, whose father Tomasz competed for Poland in rowing at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. "We had to adjust quickly and change our ball toss. That was hard but the players who can adjust are going to be the best ones here." French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova did not have to spend much time on the court as her Kazakh opponent Zarina Diyas retired with a left leg problem with the Czech leading 5-2. Krejcikova will meet Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez next. In men's doubles, Britain's Andy Murray and Joe Salisbury stunned second-seeded Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-3 6-2 with the French pair looking to add the Olympic gold to their resume having won all four majors at least once.

Tokyo Olympics: Iga Swiatek makes fast start as players struggle with heat factor

<p>India's Sumit Nagal made India pleased at the Tokyo Olympics 2021 on Saturday, overcoming Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-4 in the first round.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the success, Sumit Nagal has become the first Indian player to dominate a singles game at the Olympics since Leander Paes in 1996.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sitting outside the top 150 of the ATP rankings, Sumit Nagal had a fair 2021 season coming into Tokyo; the Indian had collected an 18-17 win-loss record across all competitive matches in the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sumit Nagal had as great a debut match at the Olympics as he might have envisioned, upstaging the 6'2" Uzbek with his strong forehand.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-from-pv-sindhu-to-deepika-kumari-top-indian-athletes-to-look-out-for-400283" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for!</a></p>

<p>The 23-year-old, who didn't come into the Games in his best form, had a break opportunity in the 6th round of the initial set. The Indian, however, didn't waste the opportunity when Istomin was serving to remain in the set.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An early break pushed Sumit Nagal ahead 2-0 in the second set in which he dashed to a 4-1 lead however maybe nerves improved of him when he was serving for the match, up 5-3, and dropped his serve.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accomplished Istomin constrained a decider by winning the tie-breaker. The final set was on serve till Sumit Nagal got the decisive break.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 34-year-old before long assumed responsibility for procedures to capture the second set in a tie-breaker, winning it 8-6. Sumit Nagal, nevertheless, recovered in the third set.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two players looked solid on serve until Sumit Nagal astounded the Uzbek by breaking him in the ninth game. The Indian then, secured the success after almost three hours, serving out the match easily.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sumit Nagal will next face World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev, who beat Alexander Bublik in his first-round match on Saturday. Despite the fact that Daniil Medvedev will be the firm top pick to come through against Sumit Nagal, the Indian can invest wholeheartedly in the way that he will represent his country in a high-profile match.</p>


India's Sumit Nagal made India pleased at the Tokyo Olympics 2021 on Saturday, overcoming Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-4 in the first round. With the success, Sumit Nagal has become the first Indian player to dominate a singles game at the Olympics since Leander Paes in 1996.

India's Sumit Nagal made India pleased at the Tokyo Olympics 2021 on Saturday, overcoming Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-4 in the first round. With the success, Sumit Nagal has become the first Indian player to dominate a singles game at the Olympics since Leander Paes in 1996. Sitting outside the top 150 of the ATP rankings, Sumit Nagal had a fair 2021 season coming into Tokyo; the Indian had collected an 18-17 win-loss record across all competitive matches in the year. Sumit Nagal had as great a debut match at the Olympics as he might have envisioned, upstaging the 6'2" Uzbek with his strong forehand. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for! The 23-year-old, who didn't come into the Games in his best form, had a break opportunity in the 6th round of the initial set. The Indian, however, didn't waste the opportunity when Istomin was serving to remain in the set. An early break pushed Sumit Nagal ahead 2-0 in the second set in which he dashed to a 4-1 lead however maybe nerves improved of him when he was serving for the match, up 5-3, and dropped his serve. The accomplished Istomin constrained a decider by winning the tie-breaker. The final set was on serve till Sumit Nagal got the decisive break. The 34-year-old before long assumed responsibility for procedures to capture the second set in a tie-breaker, winning it 8-6. Sumit Nagal, nevertheless, recovered in the third set. The two players looked solid on serve until Sumit Nagal astounded the Uzbek by breaking him in the ninth game. The Indian then, secured the success after almost three hours, serving out the match easily. Sumit Nagal will next face World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev, who beat Alexander Bublik in his first-round match on Saturday. Despite the fact that Daniil Medvedev will be the firm top pick to come through against Sumit Nagal, the Indian can invest wholeheartedly in the way that he will represent his country in a high-profile match.

Tokyo Olympics: Sumit Nagal beats Denis Istomin to win a match in Tennis singles for India after 25 years

<p>&nbsp;Australia powered past hosts Japan 5-3 in a thrilling opening match of the men`s hockey tournament at the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday, while India fought back from a goal down to beat New Zealand.<br />
<br />
Australia`s `Kookaburras` trailed 3-2 at halftime after conceding three goals in quick succession not long before the break but kept fighting to turn the tables in the final two quarters.<br />
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"Japan are a tough opponent. We wanted to get the result today," said midfielder Daniel Beale, who scored the final goal.<br />
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"Luckily, we got the three points and we`re just looking to build each and every game. This is definitely a good place to start with a win."<br />
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The Australians pulled level in the 34th minute after Blake Govers scored a penalty corner and went ahead on the sun-drenched pitch of the main stadium with a backhand shot from captain Aran Zalewski that flew high in the net.<br />
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Beale took an assist from forward Tim Brand to put the game away.<br />
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Australia`s players were taking on plenty of ice water and using fans and cold towels to cool themselves during breaks but Beale said they would adapt to the humid conditions.<br />
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"It`s hot, but we`re just going to deal with it and get on with it," he said.<br />
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"Luckily coming from Australia we`re used to a high heat so I think everyone has to deal with it. The team that copes the best is going to go the furthest in this tournament."<br />
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Japan forward Kenta Tanaka said their weak points had been exposed by Australia.<br />
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"We want to address that and do our best next time," he said, adding that Japan would rely again on counterattacks in their next game against Argentina on Sunday.<br />
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In the second match of Pool A, India, who have won gold medals at eight Olympics, conceded early but equalised quickly through a penalty stroke and roared on to win, with two goals from Harmanpreet Singh and one from Rupinder Pal Singh.</p>


Australia powered past hosts Japan 5-3 in a thrilling opening match of the men`s hockey tournament at the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday, while India fought back from a goal down to beat New Zealand.

Australia powered past hosts Japan 5-3 in a thrilling opening match of the men`s hockey tournament at the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday, while India fought back from a goal down to beat New Zealand. Australia`s `Kookaburras` trailed 3-2 at halftime after conceding three goals in quick succession not long before the break but kept fighting to turn the tables in the final two quarters. "Japan are a tough opponent. We wanted to get the result today," said midfielder Daniel Beale, who scored the final goal. "Luckily, we got the three points and we`re just looking to build each and every game. This is definitely a good place to start with a win." The Australians pulled level in the 34th minute after Blake Govers scored a penalty corner and went ahead on the sun-drenched pitch of the main stadium with a backhand shot from captain Aran Zalewski that flew high in the net. Beale took an assist from forward Tim Brand to put the game away. Australia`s players were taking on plenty of ice water and using fans and cold towels to cool themselves during breaks but Beale said they would adapt to the humid conditions. "It`s hot, but we`re just going to deal with it and get on with it," he said. "Luckily coming from Australia we`re used to a high heat so I think everyone has to deal with it. The team that copes the best is going to go the furthest in this tournament." Japan forward Kenta Tanaka said their weak points had been exposed by Australia. "We want to address that and do our best next time," he said, adding that Japan would rely again on counterattacks in their next game against Argentina on Sunday. In the second match of Pool A, India, who have won gold medals at eight Olympics, conceded early but equalised quickly through a penalty stroke and roared on to win, with two goals from Harmanpreet Singh and one from Rupinder Pal Singh.

Tokyo Olympics, Men's Hockey: Australia beat hosts Japan in thrilling opener

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the 26-year-old Mirabai Chanu for opening India's medal tally at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by winning a silver in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category on Saturday (July 24). While taking to his Twitter, PM Modi wrote, "Congratulations to her for winning the Silver medal in weightlifting. Her success motivates every Indian." He also added that he couldn't have asked for a happier start to the Olympics 2020 and mentioned that India is elated by Chanu's "stupendous performance".</p>

<p>India's President Ram Nath Kovind also wished Chanu on her outstanding win. He wrote, "Heartiest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu for starting the medal tally for India in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by winning silver medal in weightlifting."&nbsp;</p>

<p>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-from-pv-sindhu-to-deepika-kumari-top-indian-athletes-to-look-out-for-400283">Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for!</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Could not have asked for a happier start to <a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tokyo2020</a>! India is elated by <a href="https://twitter.com/mirabai_chanu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mirabai_chanu</a>’s stupendous performance. Congratulations to her for winning the Silver medal in weightlifting. Her success motivates every Indian. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/B6uJtDlaJo">pic.twitter.com/B6uJtDlaJo</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1418823182702694400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heartiest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu for starting the medal tally for India in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by winning silver medal in weightlifting.</p>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1418823059541164032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Saikhom Mirabai Chanu lifted 202kg (87kgs in snatch + 115 kgs in clean and jerk) in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category on Saturday (July 24). China's HOU Zhihu, who lifted total of 210kg, clinched the gold medal, on the other hand, Aisah Windy Cantika of Indonesia won the bronze medal. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It was a historic feat for Chanu as her win came two decades after Indian trailblazer Karnam Malleswari became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal (Bronze) while competing at the 2000 Sydney Games in the women’s 69kg weight category.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and former Sports Minister also congratulated Mirabai Chanu. Here's how some other politicians in India&nbsp;wished Chanu on her historic win.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-10m-air-pistol-saurabh-chaudhary-becomes-first-indian-to-reach-finals-400276"><strong>&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics, 10m Air Pistol: Saurabh Chaudhary becomes first Indian to reach finals</strong></a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India’s 1st medal on day 1 !<a href="https://twitter.com/mirabai_chanu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mirabai_chanu</a> wins SILVER in women's 49kg weightlifting! 🥈🏋️<br />
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India 🇮🇳 is so proud of you Mira !<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/QSqI7XTHbV">pic.twitter.com/QSqI7XTHbV</a></p>
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur/status/1418824101922316292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India strikes first medal at Olympic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a><br />
Mirabai Chanu wins silver Medal in 49 kg Women's Weightlifting and made India proud🇮🇳<br />
Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/mirabai_chanu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mirabai_chanu</a> ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> <a href="https://t.co/NCDqjgdSGe">pic.twitter.com/NCDqjgdSGe</a></p>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1418823547812724740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/mirabai_chanu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mirabai_chanu</a> for winning a hard earned and well deserved Silver Medal in the Women Weightlifting competition at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympicGames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympicGames</a> in Tokyo.<br />
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She has made the nation proud with her amazing achievement.</p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1418828047994736646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A sparkling start for India on the very first day of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a>. My heartiest congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/mirabai_chanu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mirabai_Chanu</a> who has brought the first Olympic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Silver?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Silver</a> medal in weightlifting for India with her impressive performance.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/b8CSZVEEbl">pic.twitter.com/b8CSZVEEbl</a></p>
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/1418828703480565769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/mirabai_chanu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mirabai_chanu</a> on winning the first silver medal for India at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics2020</a>! You have lifted the spirits of us Indians and have made the country proud.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/S7Jg399aZq">pic.twitter.com/S7Jg399aZq</a></p>
— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/BSYBJP/status/1418828683775811586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our first medal! Congratulations to Saikhom Mirabai Chanu for winning Silver at Tokyo Olympics with a combined lift of 202 kg in women's 49kg weightlifting event. India is super proud of your accomplishment. <a href="https://t.co/QkTSzeFcDS">pic.twitter.com/QkTSzeFcDS</a></p>
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder/status/1418828585071153154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So proud of <a href="https://twitter.com/mirabai_chanu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mirabai_chanu</a> for clinching the silver medal in the Women's 49kg Weightlifting category at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympicGames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympicGames</a>.<br />
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Wishing you all the very best for your future endeavours. <a href="https://t.co/C6d4twJLWk">pic.twitter.com/C6d4twJLWk</a></p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1418825970639941637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Click <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">here</a> for all Tokyo Olympics updates!</p>


India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the 26-year-old Mirabai Chanu for opening India's medal tally at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by winning a silver in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category on Saturday (July 24).

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the 26-year-old Mirabai Chanu for opening India's medal tally at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by winning a silver in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category on Saturday (July 24). While taking to his Twitter, PM Modi wrote, "Congratulations to her for winning the Silver medal in weightlifting. Her success motivates every Indian." He also added that he couldn't have asked for a happier start to the Olympics 2020 and mentioned that India is elated by Chanu's "stupendous performance". India's President Ram Nath Kovind also wished Chanu on her outstanding win. He wrote, "Heartiest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu for starting the medal tally for India in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by winning silver medal in weightlifting." IN PICS | Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for! Could not have asked for a happier start to @Tokyo2020! India is elated by @mirabai_chanu’s stupendous performance. Congratulations to her for winning the Silver medal in weightlifting. Her success motivates every Indian. #Cheer4India #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/B6uJtDlaJo — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2021 × Heartiest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu for starting the medal tally for India in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by winning silver medal in weightlifting. — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 24, 2021 × Saikhom Mirabai Chanu lifted 202kg (87kgs in snatch + 115 kgs in clean and jerk) in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category on Saturday (July 24). China's HOU Zhihu, who lifted total of 210kg, clinched the gold medal, on the other hand, Aisah Windy Cantika of Indonesia won the bronze medal. It was a historic feat for Chanu as her win came two decades after Indian trailblazer Karnam Malleswari became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal (Bronze) while competing at the 2000 Sydney Games in the women’s 69kg weight category. Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and former Sports Minister also congratulated Mirabai Chanu. Here's how some other politicians in India wished Chanu on her historic win. Also Read: Tokyo Olympics, 10m Air Pistol: Saurabh Chaudhary becomes first Indian to reach finals India’s 1st medal on day 1 !@mirabai_chanu wins SILVER in women's 49kg weightlifting! 🥈🏋️ India 🇮🇳 is so proud of you Mira !#TeamIndia #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/QSqI7XTHbV — Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 24, 2021 × India strikes first medal at Olympic #Tokyo2020 Mirabai Chanu wins silver Medal in 49 kg Women's Weightlifting and made India proud🇮🇳 Congratulations @mirabai_chanu ! #Cheer4India pic.twitter.com/NCDqjgdSGe — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 24, 2021 × Congratulations to @mirabai_chanu for winning a hard earned and well deserved Silver Medal in the Women Weightlifting competition at the #OlympicGames in Tokyo. She has made the nation proud with her amazing achievement. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 24, 2021 × A sparkling start for India on the very first day of #Olympics. My heartiest congratulations to @Mirabai_Chanu who has brought the first Olympic #Silver medal in weightlifting for India with her impressive performance.#Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/b8CSZVEEbl — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) July 24, 2021 × Congratulations to @mirabai_chanu on winning the first silver medal for India at #Olympics2020! You have lifted the spirits of us Indians and have made the country proud.#Cheer4India #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/S7Jg399aZq — B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) July 24, 2021 × Our first medal! Congratulations to Saikhom Mirabai Chanu for winning Silver at Tokyo Olympics with a combined lift of 202 kg in women's 49kg weightlifting event. India is super proud of your accomplishment. pic.twitter.com/QkTSzeFcDS — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 24, 2021 × So proud of @mirabai_chanu for clinching the silver medal in the Women's 49kg Weightlifting category at the #OlympicGames. Wishing you all the very best for your future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/C6d4twJLWk — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 24, 2021 × Click here for all Tokyo Olympics updates!

Tokyo Olympics: PM Modi wishes Mirabai Chanu for winning silver medal, says 'India is elated'

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Top 7 teenagers from India set to shine in the greatest extravaganza

WION Wideangle takes you to Tokyo2020 70+ people linked to the Games tested positive for COVID Experts: Olympic Village bubble already 'broken' No spectators, but thousands are at risk Why is Japan flirting with disaster? Will Tokyo Olympics become a COVID super-spreader?

Tokyo Olympics: A super-spreader games? | WION Wideangle

<p>India's badminton superstar PV Sindhu admits that the pressure is on at the <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Tokyo Olympics</a></strong> and she will be in the firing line.</p>

<p>The 26-year-old world champion, who won silver at the Rio 2016 Games, begins her tilt at gold on Sunday against Israel's Ksenia Polikarpova.</p>

<p>With Rio champion Carolina Marin out of Tokyo with a serious knee injury, world number seven Sindhu is among the favourites in what looks to be an open field.</p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-indian-men-archers-finish-below-30-places-399834" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics Live: Indian men archers finish below 30 places</a></h2>

<p>"There is definitely a lot of expectation. There are a lot more responsibilities and definitely there will be pressure," said the Indian, reflecting on her status as reigning world champion.</p>

<p>"I'm sure a lot of people are going to look for me because, even the last time in 2016 (Rio), I was not a known person.</p>

<p>"But I think now people are looking at me and knowing my game.</p>

<p>"I think it's comparatively tough and it's not going to be easy."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-with-more-lgbtq-athletes-than-ever-games-put-focus-on-japan-399942" hreflang="en">With more LGBTQ athletes than ever, Games put focus on Japan</a></strong></p>

<p>If Sindhu does win the title in Tokyo she would be just the second individual Olympic gold medallist for India in the history of the Games.</p>

<p>In Marin's absence, other contenders for gold include Taiwan's world number one Tai Tzu-ying, China's Chen Yufei and the Japanese duo of Nozomi Okuhara and Akane Yamaguchi.</p>

<p>The pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, where fans are mostly barred because of the coronavirus, officially launch later Friday with the opening ceremony.</p>


India's badminton superstar PV Sindhu admits that the pressure is on at the Tokyo Olympics and she will be in the firing line. The 26-year-old world champion, who won silver at the Rio 2016 Games, begins her tilt at gold on Sunday against Israel's Ksenia Polikarpova.

India's badminton superstar PV Sindhu admits that the pressure is on at the Tokyo Olympics and she will be in the firing line. The 26-year-old world champion, who won silver at the Rio 2016 Games, begins her tilt at gold on Sunday against Israel's Ksenia Polikarpova. With Rio champion Carolina Marin out of Tokyo with a serious knee injury, world number seven Sindhu is among the favourites in what looks to be an open field. Tokyo Olympics Live: Indian men archers finish below 30 places "There is definitely a lot of expectation. There are a lot more responsibilities and definitely there will be pressure," said the Indian, reflecting on her status as reigning world champion. "I'm sure a lot of people are going to look for me because, even the last time in 2016 (Rio), I was not a known person. "But I think now people are looking at me and knowing my game. "I think it's comparatively tough and it's not going to be easy." Also read | With more LGBTQ athletes than ever, Games put focus on Japan If Sindhu does win the title in Tokyo she would be just the second individual Olympic gold medallist for India in the history of the Games. In Marin's absence, other contenders for gold include Taiwan's world number one Tai Tzu-ying, China's Chen Yufei and the Japanese duo of Nozomi Okuhara and Akane Yamaguchi. The pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, where fans are mostly barred because of the coronavirus, officially launch later Friday with the opening ceremony.

Tokyo Olympics: Indian badminton star Sindhu feeling the pressure

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">most troubled Olympics </a>in modern history finally get under way in Tokyo on Friday, struggling to emerge from the clutches of COVID-19 after a one-year postponement following a build-up marred by scandal and controversy.</p>

<p>Eight years after gold ticker tape rained down as Tokyo celebrated winning the right to stage the Games, Friday's opening ceremony will take place with the Japanese capital in a state of emergency.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-i-see-myself-as-one-of-the-favourites-for-gold-medal-says-tennis-star-alexander-zverev-399604" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: 'I see myself as one of the favourites for gold medal', says tennis star Alexander Zverev</a></strong></p>

<p>Fears that the global gathering of 11,000 athletes could trigger a colossal super-spreader event have prompted organisers to clamp the Games in a biosecure straitjacket.</p>

<p>Pandemic restrictions mean that for the first time in Olympic history, no domestic or overseas spectators will be allowed to attend the Games.</p>

<p>Athletes, support staff and media are subject to strict COVID-19 protocols, including regular testing and daily health checks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/Tokyo-Olympics-2020-director-of-tokyo-olympics-opening-ceremony-ousted-over-past-comments-on-holocaust-399595" hreflang="en">Director of Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony ousted over past comments on Holocaust</a></strong></p>

<p>Sightseeing trips are forbidden, meaning that for the most part, athletes will be prevented from straying outside their accommodation or competition venues.</p>

<p>Public opinion has consistently found a majority of Japanese are against the games, with opinion ranging from weary indifference to outright hostility.</p>

<p>The most recent poll from the Asahi Shimbun newspaper found 55 percent of respondents were against holding them this summer.</p>

<p>"I'm losing interest altogether. I feel like I can't really whole-heartedly welcome the Olympics and I just don't really feel any joy in it," Tokyo resident Seira Onuma told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-two-athletes-test-positive-for-covid-19-say-organisers-399588" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020: Two athletes test positive for COVID-19, say organisers</a></strong></p>

<p>"I'm even not sure if I will watch the Games on TV."</p>

<p><strong>'Far from easy'</strong></p>

<p>Friday's opening ceremony -- traditionally a highlight of any Summer Games with the parade of nations and lighting of the Olympic flame before several thousand athletes -- will be drastically pared back.</p>

<p>Fewer than 1,000 dignitaries and officials will be present at the 68,000-seat Olympic Stadium for the traditional extravaganza, which gets under way at 8pm local time (1100 GMT).</p>

<p>Japan's Emperor Naruhito will be chief among the VIPs, along with a smattering of world leaders and senior figures including US First Lady Jill Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, who country will host the 2024 Olympics in Paris.</p>

<p>But in a sign of the antipathy towards the Olympics, several top sponsors including Toyota, Panasonic, Fujitsu and NEC will not be sending executives to the ceremony.</p>

<p>"It is turning into an Olympics that cannot get understanding (from the public) in various ways," Toyota's operating officer Jun Nagata said.</p>

<p>Japan's emperor meanwhile acknowledged the difficulties of laying on the Games in a pandemic, describing it as a "far from easy task" in remarks to International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.</p>

<p>Naruhito's remarks came as Tokyo registered a further 1,979 infections on Thursday, the highest figure since a winter surge of the disease.</p>

<p>IOC chief Bach, who for months has batted away calls to postpone or cancel the Games, insists the Olympics can be held safely.</p>

<p>"Over the past 15 months we had to take many decisions on very uncertain grounds," Bach said this week. "We had doubts every day. There were sleepless nights.</p>

<p>"We can finally see at the end of the dark tunnel. Cancellation was never an option for us. The IOC never abandons the athletes... we did it for the athletes."</p>

<p>Financial incentives</p>

<p>There are also hefty financial incentives in play. Insiders estimate the IOC would have been on the hook for around $1.5 billion in lost broadcasting revenues if the Games had been cancelled.</p>

<p>Olympic organisers meanwhile will be forgiven for breathing a sigh of relief as attention finally shifts to sporting action after a turbulent road to the Games.</p>

<p>The build-up has been dogged by scandals ranging from corruption during the bidding process to plagiarism allegations over the design of the Tokyo 2020 logo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The controversies rumbled up to the eve of the Games, when on Thursday the opening ceremony's director was sacked for making a joke referencing the Holocaust in a 1998 video.</p>

<p>Back in the sporting arenas, the Games could see a new generation of Olympic stars emerge after a decade dominated by the likes of Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps.</p>

<p>In the swimming competition, which gets under way on Saturday, Caeleb Dressel could target seven gold medals.</p>

<p>In track and field, the likes of Norway's 400 metres hurdler Karsten Warholm and the USA's Sydney McLaughlin will be among those hoping to emerge as household names.</p>

<p>Both Warholm and McLaughlin have set world records in the 400m hurdles this year.</p>

<p>Gymnastics meanwhile will see Simone Biles attempt to crown her dazzling career by equalling Larisa Latynina's record of nine Olympic gold medals.</p>

<p>The 24-year-old American gymnast is one of the few returning superstars from the Rio Olympics.</p>

<p>New Olympic sports will also be on display in Tokyo, with surfing, skateboarding, sport climbing and karate all making their bow.</p>


The most troubled Olympics in modern history finally get under way in Tokyo on Friday, struggling to emerge from the clutches of COVID-19 after a one-year postponement following a build-up marred by scandal and controversy.

The most troubled Olympics in modern history finally get under way in Tokyo on Friday, struggling to emerge from the clutches of COVID-19 after a one-year postponement following a build-up marred by scandal and controversy. Eight years after gold ticker tape rained down as Tokyo celebrated winning the right to stage the Games, Friday's opening ceremony will take place with the Japanese capital in a state of emergency. Also read | Tokyo Olympics: 'I see myself as one of the favourites for gold medal', says tennis star Alexander Zverev Fears that the global gathering of 11,000 athletes could trigger a colossal super-spreader event have prompted organisers to clamp the Games in a biosecure straitjacket. Pandemic restrictions mean that for the first time in Olympic history, no domestic or overseas spectators will be allowed to attend the Games. Athletes, support staff and media are subject to strict COVID-19 protocols, including regular testing and daily health checks. Also read | Director of Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony ousted over past comments on Holocaust Sightseeing trips are forbidden, meaning that for the most part, athletes will be prevented from straying outside their accommodation or competition venues. Public opinion has consistently found a majority of Japanese are against the games, with opinion ranging from weary indifference to outright hostility. The most recent poll from the Asahi Shimbun newspaper found 55 percent of respondents were against holding them this summer. "I'm losing interest altogether. I feel like I can't really whole-heartedly welcome the Olympics and I just don't really feel any joy in it," Tokyo resident Seira Onuma told AFP. Also read | Tokyo Olympics 2020: Two athletes test positive for COVID-19, say organisers "I'm even not sure if I will watch the Games on TV." 'Far from easy' Friday's opening ceremony -- traditionally a highlight of any Summer Games with the parade of nations and lighting of the Olympic flame before several thousand athletes -- will be drastically pared back. Fewer than 1,000 dignitaries and officials will be present at the 68,000-seat Olympic Stadium for the traditional extravaganza, which gets under way at 8pm local time (1100 GMT). Japan's Emperor Naruhito will be chief among the VIPs, along with a smattering of world leaders and senior figures including US First Lady Jill Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, who country will host the 2024 Olympics in Paris. But in a sign of the antipathy towards the Olympics, several top sponsors including Toyota, Panasonic, Fujitsu and NEC will not be sending executives to the ceremony. "It is turning into an Olympics that cannot get understanding (from the public) in various ways," Toyota's operating officer Jun Nagata said. Japan's emperor meanwhile acknowledged the difficulties of laying on the Games in a pandemic, describing it as a "far from easy task" in remarks to International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach. Naruhito's remarks came as Tokyo registered a further 1,979 infections on Thursday, the highest figure since a winter surge of the disease. IOC chief Bach, who for months has batted away calls to postpone or cancel the Games, insists the Olympics can be held safely. "Over the past 15 months we had to take many decisions on very uncertain grounds," Bach said this week. "We had doubts every day. There were sleepless nights. "We can finally see at the end of the dark tunnel. Cancellation was never an option for us. The IOC never abandons the athletes... we did it for the athletes." Financial incentives There are also hefty financial incentives in play. Insiders estimate the IOC would have been on the hook for around $1.5 billion in lost broadcasting revenues if the Games had been cancelled. Olympic organisers meanwhile will be forgiven for breathing a sigh of relief as attention finally shifts to sporting action after a turbulent road to the Games. The build-up has been dogged by scandals ranging from corruption during the bidding process to plagiarism allegations over the design of the Tokyo 2020 logo. The controversies rumbled up to the eve of the Games, when on Thursday the opening ceremony's director was sacked for making a joke referencing the Holocaust in a 1998 video. Back in the sporting arenas, the Games could see a new generation of Olympic stars emerge after a decade dominated by the likes of Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps. In the swimming competition, which gets under way on Saturday, Caeleb Dressel could target seven gold medals. In track and field, the likes of Norway's 400 metres hurdler Karsten Warholm and the USA's Sydney McLaughlin will be among those hoping to emerge as household names. Both Warholm and McLaughlin have set world records in the 400m hurdles this year. Gymnastics meanwhile will see Simone Biles attempt to crown her dazzling career by equalling Larisa Latynina's record of nine Olympic gold medals. The 24-year-old American gymnast is one of the few returning superstars from the Rio Olympics. New Olympic sports will also be on display in Tokyo, with surfing, skateboarding, sport climbing and karate all making their bow.

Troubled Tokyo Olympics set to open under Covid cloud

<p>After six athletes and officials of the Czech Olympic team tested positive for coronavirus at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics?page=1">Olympic village</a>, the Prime Minister has expressed dissatisfaction on the news and has called it a "scandal".</p>

<p>On Thursday, Prime Minister Andrej Babis, burst out at the officials for not taking proper precautions and not following the set protocols and regulations against coronavirus.</p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-archery-world-no-1-indias-deepika-finishes-9th-korean-san-shatters-olympic-record-399834" hreflang="en">Live: ARCHERY | India's Deepika finishes 9th, San breaks Olympic record</a></h2>

<p>"I don't like this one bit. I don't understand how it could happen," Babis told reporters.</p>

<p>The situation became worse as Czech&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;team doctor Vlastimil Voracek tested positive on arrival in Tokyo. In addition to this, beach volleyball player Marketa Nausch Slukova and road cyclist Michal Schlegel tested positive in the&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;Village.</p>

<p>All Czech players and officials had arrived in Tokyo on the same plane.</p>

<p>Now, due to her positive Covid result, volleyball player Marketa Nausch Slukova and her teammate Barbora Hermannova have been disqualified out of Olympics 2020. "I don't know what to say, I'm terribly disappointed,"&nbsp;Slukova said in a statement.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister has raised the question of authorities and the Olympic team doctor not being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. "We keep persuading people to get vaccinated, and the doctor was not vaccinated. It's unfair to the athletes above all," Babis said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-rising-covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-rising-covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Meanwhile, a probe has been launched into the Covid cluster of the Czech Olympic team. "The situation is serious but since the problem emerged, we have done our best to stop the spread," said Olympic&nbsp;team head Martin Doktor. "Unfortunately, we could not avoid sporting tragedies. I'm terribly sorry."</p>

<p>The head of the Sport Invest agency, who is representing Slukova, has lashed out at the authorities of the flight. "The incredibly underestimated logistics are pure amateurism in our eyes," David Travnicek said. "It is a failure of the person in charge of the charter flight, not of the people on board."</p>


After six athletes and officials of the Czech Olympic team tested positive for coronavirus at the Olympic village, the Prime Minister has expressed dissatisfaction on the news and has called it a "scandal".

After six athletes and officials of the Czech Olympic team tested positive for coronavirus at the Olympic village, the Prime Minister has expressed dissatisfaction on the news and has called it a "scandal". On Thursday, Prime Minister Andrej Babis, burst out at the officials for not taking proper precautions and not following the set protocols and regulations against coronavirus. Live: ARCHERY | India's Deepika finishes 9th, San breaks Olympic record "I don't like this one bit. I don't understand how it could happen," Babis told reporters. The situation became worse as Czech Olympic team doctor Vlastimil Voracek tested positive on arrival in Tokyo. In addition to this, beach volleyball player Marketa Nausch Slukova and road cyclist Michal Schlegel tested positive in the Olympic Village. All Czech players and officials had arrived in Tokyo on the same plane. Now, due to her positive Covid result, volleyball player Marketa Nausch Slukova and her teammate Barbora Hermannova have been disqualified out of Olympics 2020. "I don't know what to say, I'm terribly disappointed," Slukova said in a statement. The Prime Minister has raised the question of authorities and the Olympic team doctor not being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. "We keep persuading people to get vaccinated, and the doctor was not vaccinated. It's unfair to the athletes above all," Babis said. WATCH | Meanwhile, a probe has been launched into the Covid cluster of the Czech Olympic team. "The situation is serious but since the problem emerged, we have done our best to stop the spread," said Olympic team head Martin Doktor. "Unfortunately, we could not avoid sporting tragedies. I'm terribly sorry." The head of the Sport Invest agency, who is representing Slukova, has lashed out at the authorities of the flight. "The incredibly underestimated logistics are pure amateurism in our eyes," David Travnicek said. "It is a failure of the person in charge of the charter flight, not of the people on board."

Tokyo Olympics: 'I don't like this one bit': Czech PM angered at athletes and officials testing positive for Covid

<p>A Russian archer fainted in the Tokyo heat during a qualifying Olympic round on Friday as a heatwave pushed coaches and staff to huddle under trees for shade.</p>

<p>Svetlana Gomboeva collapsed as she checked her final scores and required assistance from staff and teammates who put bags of ice on her head to cool her down.</p>

<p>"We hope that she will be okay. It turns out that she couldn’t stand a whole day out in the heat," coach Stanislav Popov told reporters.</p>

<p>"This is the first time I remember this happening. In Vladivostok, where we were training before this, the weather was similar. But humidity played a role here."</p>

<p>Gomboeva quickly regained consciousness after collapsing but needed to be taken out of the arena on a stretcher by medical officers.</p>

<p>Team mate Ksenia Perova said later that Gomboeva was recovering well and would be able to resume competition.</p>

<p>"Everything is fine with Sveta now," she said.</p>

<p>With temperatures expected to peak around 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in the archery dome on the first day of competition, athletes had challenges with hydration and staying cool as well as those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>Spectator stands at the Olympic archery venue were empty, with fans mostly banned from the pandemic-hit Games. But, soaked in sweat, volunteers and venue staff were moving around to remind participants to wear masks and maintain physical distances.</p>

<p>South Korea's Kang Chaeyoung, who came third in the individual ranking rounds, said she had not experienced anything like Tokyo's heatwave conditions in other recent events.</p>

<p>Australia's Alice Ingley had some simple advice for her fellow competitors on how to beat the heat.</p>

<p>"Cooling vest, slushies, fans, umbrellas, just all that, just try to keep out of the heat as much as possible," Ingley told Reuters after her competition.</p>

<p>"And drink water as much as possible."</p>


A Russian archer fainted in the Tokyo heat during a qualifying Olympic round on Friday as a heatwave pushed coaches and staff to huddle under trees for shade. Svetlana Gomboeva collapsed as she checked her final scores and required assistance from staff and teammates who put bags of ice on her head to cool her down.

A Russian archer fainted in the Tokyo heat during a qualifying Olympic round on Friday as a heatwave pushed coaches and staff to huddle under trees for shade. Svetlana Gomboeva collapsed as she checked her final scores and required assistance from staff and teammates who put bags of ice on her head to cool her down. "We hope that she will be okay. It turns out that she couldn’t stand a whole day out in the heat," coach Stanislav Popov told reporters. "This is the first time I remember this happening. In Vladivostok, where we were training before this, the weather was similar. But humidity played a role here." Gomboeva quickly regained consciousness after collapsing but needed to be taken out of the arena on a stretcher by medical officers. Team mate Ksenia Perova said later that Gomboeva was recovering well and would be able to resume competition. "Everything is fine with Sveta now," she said. With temperatures expected to peak around 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in the archery dome on the first day of competition, athletes had challenges with hydration and staying cool as well as those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Spectator stands at the Olympic archery venue were empty, with fans mostly banned from the pandemic-hit Games. But, soaked in sweat, volunteers and venue staff were moving around to remind participants to wear masks and maintain physical distances. South Korea's Kang Chaeyoung, who came third in the individual ranking rounds, said she had not experienced anything like Tokyo's heatwave conditions in other recent events. Australia's Alice Ingley had some simple advice for her fellow competitors on how to beat the heat. "Cooling vest, slushies, fans, umbrellas, just all that, just try to keep out of the heat as much as possible," Ingley told Reuters after her competition. "And drink water as much as possible."

Olympics 2020: Russian archer passes out under Tokyo's scorching heat

<p>American gymnastic goddess Simone Biles and Japan's national sporting deity Kohei Uchimura begin their quests for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics"><strong>Olympic</strong></a> immortality in Tokyo this weekend.</p>

<p>Both have already achieved enough to be considered the greatest gymnasts of all time, but they approach the delayed 2020 Games as hungry as ever to enhance reputations that already stand as tall as nearby Mount Fuji.</p>

<p>Sunday's women's qualification sees Biles set out on the road she hopes will be paved with five gold medals.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-  live-updates-archery-world-no-1-indias-deepika-finishes-  9th-korean-san-shatters-olympic-record-399834"><strong>Tokyo Olympics 2020 Day 1 Live Updates: ARCHERY — World No 1 India's Deepika finishes 9th, Korean San shatters Olympic record</strong></a></p>

<p>She went close to pulling off the unparalleled feat at the last Olympics in Rio.</p>

<p>Her four golds in 2016 matched the record for a woman gymnast, a bronze in the beam the one that got away.</p>

<p>The 24-year-old Ohio-born superstar will be hot favourite with Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum to win the US a third consecutive team title next Tuesday.</p>

<p>Two days later Biles will seek to become the first back-to-back winner of the all-around title in over half a century.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-dont-like-this-one-bit-czech-pm-angered-at-athletes-and-officials-testing-positive-for-covid-399860" hreflang="en">'I don't like this one bit': Czech PM angered at athletes and officials testing positive for Covid</a></strong></p>

<p>Few will bet against that outcome in a discipline where she is undefeated since 2013 — an era of domination that has delivered 19 world championship golds to go with her Brazilian quartet.</p>

<p>The vault is next, and if the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, empty due to Tokyo's coronavirus restrictions, was full with fans they would all have their hearts in their mouths as she started her run-up.</p>

<p>That's because the millions watching on their televisions and tablets around the world could be treated to a Yurchenko double pike — a move so devilishly complex and gravity-defying it had never been attempted by a woman in competition until Biles pulled it off this year.</p>

<p><strong>'Finish the job'</strong></p>

<p>Then she will again be out to rule the floor and conclude unfinished business on the beam.</p>

<p>Asked after an impressive team training run-out on Wednesday when she'd be heading home she replied: "After we finish the job."</p>

<p>The Biles that is set to dazzle and amaze again at these pandemic-postponed Games is a more confident version of her 2016 self.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-rising-  covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-

rising-covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Since Rio she has often led criticism of USA Gymnastics (USAG) and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee over their handling of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal. In 2018 she revealed she was among the hundreds of gymnasts who was sexually abused by Nassar.</p>

<p>She also took a long sabbatical, but initial thoughts of retirement after Tokyo may have to be put on ice as her two French coaches are trying to cajole her into one last dance on the Olympic stage in Paris in 2024.</p>

<p>Retirement is very much on the post Tokyo-horizon for Uchimura, the all-around champion in 2012 and 2016 who only scraped into his fourth Games in qualifying.</p>

<p>At 32 and beset by shoulder problems, the man known by his massive fan base as 'King' Kohei is foregoing a tilt at a third all-around crown to focus on the horizontal bar.</p>

<p>After scraping through qualifying to earn his place in the Japan team he was thrilled to be competing on home soil.</p>

<p>"I love it, especially because it's in Japan!" he said after training in midweek.</p>

<p>"This is my fourth Olympics, and this is probably the best one yet."</p>

<p>The 2019 and 2020 world champion Nikita Nagornyy, competing under a neutral banner with Russia serving a doping suspension, heads the list of pretenders to King Kohei's all-around crown.</p>

<p>Uchimura helped Japan to the men's team gold in 2016, with the Russian Olympic Committee team featuring Artur Dalaloyan, recovering from an Achilles tendon tear in April, and China out to stop them following up.</p>

<p>Greece's Eleftherios Petrounias hopes to be a repeat master of the rings in which a medal of any hue would be hugely emotional for France's Samir Ait Said who has battled back from a gut-churning leg break in Brazil.</p>

<p>In Rio, Britain's Max Whitlock swept all before him on the floor and pommel horse, where Ireland's Rhys McClenaghan, will be one of his main challengers.</p>

<p>Biles meanwhile may have a patent out on most of the records in her sport but there's one milestone that is even out of her prodigious reach.</p>

<p>At 46, the remarkable Uzbek gymnast Oksana Chusovitina is taking part in her eighth, and she says with certitude, last, Olympics.</p>


American gymnastic goddess Simone Biles and Japan's national sporting deity Kohei Uchimura begin their quests for Olympic immortality in Tokyo this weekend. Both have already achieved enough to be considered the greatest gymnasts of all time, but they approach the delayed 2020 Games as hungry as ever to enhance reputations that already stand as tall as nearby Mount Fuji.

American gymnastic goddess Simone Biles and Japan's national sporting deity Kohei Uchimura begin their quests for Olympic immortality in Tokyo this weekend. Both have already achieved enough to be considered the greatest gymnasts of all time, but they approach the delayed 2020 Games as hungry as ever to enhance reputations that already stand as tall as nearby Mount Fuji. Sunday's women's qualification sees Biles set out on the road she hopes will be paved with five gold medals. Tokyo Olympics 2020 Day 1 Live Updates: ARCHERY — World No 1 India's Deepika finishes 9th, Korean San shatters Olympic record She went close to pulling off the unparalleled feat at the last Olympics in Rio. Her four golds in 2016 matched the record for a woman gymnast, a bronze in the beam the one that got away. The 24-year-old Ohio-born superstar will be hot favourite with Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum to win the US a third consecutive team title next Tuesday. Two days later Biles will seek to become the first back-to-back winner of the all-around title in over half a century. Also read | 'I don't like this one bit': Czech PM angered at athletes and officials testing positive for Covid Few will bet against that outcome in a discipline where she is undefeated since 2013 — an era of domination that has delivered 19 world championship golds to go with her Brazilian quartet. The vault is next, and if the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, empty due to Tokyo's coronavirus restrictions, was full with fans they would all have their hearts in their mouths as she started her run-up. That's because the millions watching on their televisions and tablets around the world could be treated to a Yurchenko double pike — a move so devilishly complex and gravity-defying it had never been attempted by a woman in competition until Biles pulled it off this year. 'Finish the job' Then she will again be out to rule the floor and conclude unfinished business on the beam. Asked after an impressive team training run-out on Wednesday when she'd be heading home she replied: "After we finish the job." The Biles that is set to dazzle and amaze again at these pandemic-postponed Games is a more confident version of her 2016 self. WATCH | Since Rio she has often led criticism of USA Gymnastics (USAG) and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee over their handling of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal. In 2018 she revealed she was among the hundreds of gymnasts who was sexually abused by Nassar. She also took a long sabbatical, but initial thoughts of retirement after Tokyo may have to be put on ice as her two French coaches are trying to cajole her into one last dance on the Olympic stage in Paris in 2024. Retirement is very much on the post Tokyo-horizon for Uchimura, the all-around champion in 2012 and 2016 who only scraped into his fourth Games in qualifying. At 32 and beset by shoulder problems, the man known by his massive fan base as 'King' Kohei is foregoing a tilt at a third all-around crown to focus on the horizontal bar. After scraping through qualifying to earn his place in the Japan team he was thrilled to be competing on home soil. "I love it, especially because it's in Japan!" he said after training in midweek. "This is my fourth Olympics, and this is probably the best one yet." The 2019 and 2020 world champion Nikita Nagornyy, competing under a neutral banner with Russia serving a doping suspension, heads the list of pretenders to King Kohei's all-around crown. Uchimura helped Japan to the men's team gold in 2016, with the Russian Olympic Committee team featuring Artur Dalaloyan, recovering from an Achilles tendon tear in April, and China out to stop them following up. Greece's Eleftherios Petrounias hopes to be a repeat master of the rings in which a medal of any hue would be hugely emotional for France's Samir Ait Said who has battled back from a gut-churning leg break in Brazil. In Rio, Britain's Max Whitlock swept all before him on the floor and pommel horse, where Ireland's Rhys McClenaghan, will be one of his main challengers. Biles meanwhile may have a patent out on most of the records in her sport but there's one milestone that is even out of her prodigious reach. At 46, the remarkable Uzbek gymnast Oksana Chusovitina is taking part in her eighth, and she says with certitude, last, Olympics.

Tokyo Olympics: Biles on five-gold gymnastics mission as 'King' Kohei plots triumphant farewell

<p>More than 160 openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer athletes are due to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, making this year`s Games the most inclusive ever.</p>

<p>That has put a focus on host nation Japan, which activists say is out of step with much of the rest of the world, having not seen the same sweeping social change that made same-sex marriage and greater inclusion a reality in many countries.</p>

<p>Fumino Sugiyama, a 39-year-old former fencer for the Japan national team and a transgender activist, said he was delighted to see the progress in diversity at the Games. Sports were very different when he was younger, he said, and discriminatory language was common.</p>

<p>Sugiyama began fencing at the age of 10, rising through the ranks and eventually competing internationally for the Japanese women`s team. He felt conflicted identifying as a woman in competitions and retired at 25.</p>

<p>"I loved the sport of fencing, I didn`t feel I could find a place for myself," he said.</p>

<p>While Japan is known for its strong civil society and democracy, rights activists say it has a long way to go on addressing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) issues.</p>

<p>The Olympic charter bans discrimination and while Tokyo passed an anti-discrimination law three years ago, there are not the same legal protections for much of the rest of the country.</p>

<p>Rights activists hope to use the Games as an opportunity to raise awareness and public support for LGBTQ issues.</p>

<p>"I think lots of people in the world think that Japan is the human rights defender, but it`s opposite, because we don`t have any marriage equality, we don`t have any law to ban discrimination on sexual orientation or gender identity," said Gon Matsunaka, founder of Japan`s first LGBTQ centre, Pride House.</p>

<p>Foreign teams are also bringing the message to Japan.</p>

<p>The captain of the German women`s hockey team, Nike Lorenz, will wear a captain`s armband in rainbow colours to show solidarity with LGBTQ communities at all of her matches, the German Olympic Sports Confederation said.</p>

<p>It said the International Olympic Committee had approved its request to allow Lorenz to don the armband, just like Germany`s Manuel Neuer, the captain of the national soccer team, did at Euro 2020 last month.</p>

<p>"We are happy that we have found a common path that makes it possible for the hockey team to make a socio-political statement," Alfons Hoermann, the president of the confederation, said.</p>

<p>Sugiyama, who also organises the city`s annual pride march, became the first transgender person to be appointed to the Japanese Olympic Committee.</p>

<p>"Being excluded from the sports world is the same as being excluded from society, so I think it is important to take this opportunity to firmly lead to having positive discussions," he said.</p>


More than 160 openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer athletes are due to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, making this year`s Games the most inclusive ever.

More than 160 openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer athletes are due to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, making this year`s Games the most inclusive ever. That has put a focus on host nation Japan, which activists say is out of step with much of the rest of the world, having not seen the same sweeping social change that made same-sex marriage and greater inclusion a reality in many countries. Fumino Sugiyama, a 39-year-old former fencer for the Japan national team and a transgender activist, said he was delighted to see the progress in diversity at the Games. Sports were very different when he was younger, he said, and discriminatory language was common. Sugiyama began fencing at the age of 10, rising through the ranks and eventually competing internationally for the Japanese women`s team. He felt conflicted identifying as a woman in competitions and retired at 25. "I loved the sport of fencing, I didn`t feel I could find a place for myself," he said. While Japan is known for its strong civil society and democracy, rights activists say it has a long way to go on addressing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) issues. The Olympic charter bans discrimination and while Tokyo passed an anti-discrimination law three years ago, there are not the same legal protections for much of the rest of the country. Rights activists hope to use the Games as an opportunity to raise awareness and public support for LGBTQ issues. "I think lots of people in the world think that Japan is the human rights defender, but it`s opposite, because we don`t have any marriage equality, we don`t have any law to ban discrimination on sexual orientation or gender identity," said Gon Matsunaka, founder of Japan`s first LGBTQ centre, Pride House. Foreign teams are also bringing the message to Japan. The captain of the German women`s hockey team, Nike Lorenz, will wear a captain`s armband in rainbow colours to show solidarity with LGBTQ communities at all of her matches, the German Olympic Sports Confederation said. It said the International Olympic Committee had approved its request to allow Lorenz to don the armband, just like Germany`s Manuel Neuer, the captain of the national soccer team, did at Euro 2020 last month. "We are happy that we have found a common path that makes it possible for the hockey team to make a socio-political statement," Alfons Hoermann, the president of the confederation, said. Sugiyama, who also organises the city`s annual pride march, became the first transgender person to be appointed to the Japanese Olympic Committee. "Being excluded from the sports world is the same as being excluded from society, so I think it is important to take this opportunity to firmly lead to having positive discussions," he said.

Tokyo Olympics: With more LGBTQ athletes than ever, Games put focus on Japan

<p>Banned from the Rio Games for gambling and almost forced to retire last year after a car crash,&nbsp;Japanese badminton star Kento Momota is finally ready for his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Olympic</a> debut.</p>

<p>The world number one is among the host country's brightest medal hopes at the Tokyo Games, but he will just be glad to compete after fracturing his eye socket in a January 2020 accident.</p>

<p>Momota said his "spirit was almost broken" as he tried to recover from the crash — hours after he won the Malaysia Masters — which killed the driver of the vehicle taking him to Kuala Lumpur airport.</p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-  live-updates-archery-world-no-1-indias-deepika-finishes-  9th-korean-san-shatters-olympic-record-399834"><strong>Tokyo Olympics 2020 Day 1 Live Updates: ARCHERY — World No 1 India's Deepika finishes 9th, Korean San shatters Olympic record</strong></a></h2>

<p>He suffered double vision and needed surgery on a bone near his eye that delayed his comeback, leaving him fearing his career was over.</p>

<p>"I thought about it. How long will it take?" he said in March last year, when asked if he was worried he might never play again.</p>

<p>"There were times when my spirit was almost broken."</p>

<p>But the 26-year-old has since made a full recovery, and he heads into his first-ever Olympics as the favourite to win the gold medal.</p>

<p><strong>Fall from grace</strong></p>

<p>Momota was on fire before his accident, winning a record-breaking 11 titles in 2019, including the World Championships, Asia Championships and All England Open.</p>

<p>The left-hander lost just six of the 73 matches he played that year, and admitted he had surprised even himself with his blistering form.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-rising-  covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-

rising-covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"I feel like I am not yet a legendary player but I will work hard in order to play well in future tournaments," he said.</p>

<p>But Momota's rise to the top followed a dramatic fall from grace just months before the 2016 Rio Olympics.</p>

<p>He admitted gambling in an illegal casino with fellow player Kenichi Tago in April 2016, and was kicked off Japan's Olympic team and banned from competition indefinitely.</p>

<p>He returned a year later and set about making up for lost time, stunning Olympic champion Chen Long for the Asian title in April 2018 before working his way back up the rankings.</p>

<p>"I still feel remorse and cannot be sorry enough for what happened" before the Rio Games, he told the Olympic Channel in late 2019.</p>

<p>"For those who supported me when I wasn't playing, I want to repay them somehow at Tokyo."</p>

<p><strong>Going for gold</strong></p>

<p>But then came the accident, and a pandemic that forced the cancellation of badminton tournaments all over the world.</p>

<p>Momota played his first match in almost a year at Japan's national championships in Tokyo last December, starting tentatively before beating Kanta Tsuneyama in the final.</p>

<p>His hopes of returning to international competition were then dashed when he tested positive for coronavirus at the airport in January, as the Japan team was about to depart for the Thailand Open.</p>

<p>He eventually resumed international play at the All England Open in March, losing to Malaysian Lee Zii Jia in the quarter-finals.</p>

<p>Momota's efforts to get back on the court were rewarded with a nomination for Comeback of the Year in this year's Laureus sports awards.</p>

<p>He told Laureus in an interview that the pressure to win at the Tokyo Games was "huge".</p>

<p>"I'd like to turn that into a positive, and go into the Olympics with a productive degree of pressure and tension," he said.</p>

<p>On Friday, Momota thanked the people of Fukushima, the region where he grew up that is still recovering from the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear catastrophe.</p>

<p>"I couldn’t get (to) this point without all my supporters including my family and friends. I also have much appreciation for the people in Fukushima who give me a place to play badminton while they have been coping with the disaster," he tweeted.</p>

<p>Named after Superman's alter ego Clark Kent, Momota believes he can be the 'Man of Steel' who delivers on the Olympic stage this summer.</p>

<p>"If I'm competing in it, I might as well go for gold," he told Laureus.</p>

<p>"How confident am I? Well, someone who holds back would not win, so I say 100 percent. I can win gold, 100 percent."</p>


Banned from the Rio Games for gambling and almost forced to retire last year after a car crash, Japanese badminton star Kento Momota is finally ready for his Olympic debut.

Banned from the Rio Games for gambling and almost forced to retire last year after a car crash, Japanese badminton star Kento Momota is finally ready for his Olympic debut. The world number one is among the host country's brightest medal hopes at the Tokyo Games, but he will just be glad to compete after fracturing his eye socket in a January 2020 accident. Momota said his "spirit was almost broken" as he tried to recover from the crash — hours after he won the Malaysia Masters — which killed the driver of the vehicle taking him to Kuala Lumpur airport. Tokyo Olympics 2020 Day 1 Live Updates: ARCHERY — World No 1 India's Deepika finishes 9th, Korean San shatters Olympic record He suffered double vision and needed surgery on a bone near his eye that delayed his comeback, leaving him fearing his career was over. "I thought about it. How long will it take?" he said in March last year, when asked if he was worried he might never play again. "There were times when my spirit was almost broken." But the 26-year-old has since made a full recovery, and he heads into his first-ever Olympics as the favourite to win the gold medal. Fall from grace Momota was on fire before his accident, winning a record-breaking 11 titles in 2019, including the World Championships, Asia Championships and All England Open. The left-hander lost just six of the 73 matches he played that year, and admitted he had surprised even himself with his blistering form. WATCH | "I feel like I am not yet a legendary player but I will work hard in order to play well in future tournaments," he said. But Momota's rise to the top followed a dramatic fall from grace just months before the 2016 Rio Olympics. He admitted gambling in an illegal casino with fellow player Kenichi Tago in April 2016, and was kicked off Japan's Olympic team and banned from competition indefinitely. He returned a year later and set about making up for lost time, stunning Olympic champion Chen Long for the Asian title in April 2018 before working his way back up the rankings. "I still feel remorse and cannot be sorry enough for what happened" before the Rio Games, he told the Olympic Channel in late 2019. "For those who supported me when I wasn't playing, I want to repay them somehow at Tokyo." Going for gold But then came the accident, and a pandemic that forced the cancellation of badminton tournaments all over the world. Momota played his first match in almost a year at Japan's national championships in Tokyo last December, starting tentatively before beating Kanta Tsuneyama in the final. His hopes of returning to international competition were then dashed when he tested positive for coronavirus at the airport in January, as the Japan team was about to depart for the Thailand Open. He eventually resumed international play at the All England Open in March, losing to Malaysian Lee Zii Jia in the quarter-finals. Momota's efforts to get back on the court were rewarded with a nomination for Comeback of the Year in this year's Laureus sports awards. He told Laureus in an interview that the pressure to win at the Tokyo Games was "huge". "I'd like to turn that into a positive, and go into the Olympics with a productive degree of pressure and tension," he said. On Friday, Momota thanked the people of Fukushima, the region where he grew up that is still recovering from the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear catastrophe. "I couldn’t get (to) this point without all my supporters including my family and friends. I also have much appreciation for the people in Fukushima who give me a place to play badminton while they have been coping with the disaster," he tweeted. Named after Superman's alter ego Clark Kent, Momota believes he can be the 'Man of Steel' who delivers on the Olympic stage this summer. "If I'm competing in it, I might as well go for gold," he told Laureus. "How confident am I? Well, someone who holds back would not win, so I say 100 percent. I can win gold, 100 percent."

Tokyo 2020: Badminton's comeback king Momota ready for Olympic debut

<p>Ons Jabeur intends to fly the flag for Tunisia and beyond at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics"><strong>Tokyo Olympics</strong></a>, hoping to inspire more young Arab women to take up tennis, especially in North Africa.</p>

<p>The two-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist is preparing for her third appearance at the Games, and will arrive in Japan a much improved player from the one who suffered first-round exits in 2012 and 2016.</p>

<p>"I've been preparing for the Olympic Games since Roland Garros (in June)," Jabeur, ranked a career-high 23rd, told AFP from her training base in Tunis.</p>

<p>"I have to stay focused, especially since I know lots of Tunisians expect the best from me at the Games against the best players, in matches that will be very difficult."</p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-archery-world-no-1-indias-deepika-finishes-9th-korean-san-shatters-olympic-record-399834" hreflang="en">Olympics Live: ARCHERY | Deepika ends up 9th, An San breaks Olympic record</a></h2>

<p>Jabeur, 26, will meet cancer survivor Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain in her opening match at Ariake Tennis Park, with Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Pliskova a potential second-round opponent.</p>

<p>"I'm ready for this challenge. The gold medal in Tokyo is my dream. What I am most proud of is representing Tunisia," said Jabeur.</p>

<p>"The Grand Slams are important, but the Olympics are something special, and I say to Tunisians that I'm going to give everything on the court for you.</p>

<p>"My position in the tennis world is not the same as other players because I'm representing Tunisia, Arabs and Africa at the same time, and it's something of which I'm very proud," she added.</p>

<p>"There are lots of players who come from France, Australia, the United States, and I'm proud to represent an entire nation on my own."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-rising-  covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-

rising-covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Jabeur broke into the top 50 last year following her run to the last eight of the Australian Open, where she became the first Arab woman to reach the quarter-finals of a major in the Open era.</p>

<p><strong>Winding road after junior success</strong></p>

<p>She was hailed as "an example for women and young people" by Tunisian president Kais Saied following that breakout performance, which came almost a decade after she won the French Open junior championship in 2011.</p>

<p>"I've learned from my mistakes. In 2019, I told my team I'd had enough of being ranked 60th and that I wanted to be among the best players in the world," said Jabeur.</p>

<p>"When I got to the Australian Open quarter-finals, I gained more experience and confidence and that allowed me to better prepare for tournaments. The other players have started to fear playing me."</p>

<p>Jabeur made history as the first Arab woman to win a WTA tournament on the eve of Wimbledon, defeating Daria Kasatkina on grass in the Birmingham Classic final.</p>

<p>Her success has helped in part lift the gloom of Tunisia's political and health crisis. The country has been overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases, including nearly 18,000 people who have died in a nation of 11.7 million.</p>

<p>Jabeur recently auctioned a racquet to raise funds for local hospitals, which have faced acute shortages of oxygen, staff and intensive care beds.</p>

<p>"It was my duty to help my country when it needs it. We were able to collect 75,000 dinars, around $27,000, to buy equipment for the hospitals that lack it," she said.</p>

<p>While Jabeur aims to drive up participation rates in the sport back home, she still has plenty goals of her own to achieve.</p>

<p>"My dream since childhood is to win titles in the big competitions, and I know very well that I'm not far off," said Jabeur, whose husband Karim Kamoun is also her fitness trainer.</p>

<p>"I always say nothing is impossible, you have to work, rely on yourself and have confidence in your abilities.</p>

<p>"During my career, plenty have doubted my ability to ever reach this level, but my belief in myself and my work have allowed me to move forward."</p>


Ons Jabeur intends to fly the flag for Tunisia and beyond at the Tokyo Olympics, hoping to inspire more young Arab women to take up tennis, especially in North Africa.

Ons Jabeur intends to fly the flag for Tunisia and beyond at the Tokyo Olympics, hoping to inspire more young Arab women to take up tennis, especially in North Africa. The two-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist is preparing for her third appearance at the Games, and will arrive in Japan a much improved player from the one who suffered first-round exits in 2012 and 2016. "I've been preparing for the Olympic Games since Roland Garros (in June)," Jabeur, ranked a career-high 23rd, told AFP from her training base in Tunis. "I have to stay focused, especially since I know lots of Tunisians expect the best from me at the Games against the best players, in matches that will be very difficult." Olympics Live: ARCHERY | Deepika ends up 9th, An San breaks Olympic record Jabeur, 26, will meet cancer survivor Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain in her opening match at Ariake Tennis Park, with Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Pliskova a potential second-round opponent. "I'm ready for this challenge. The gold medal in Tokyo is my dream. What I am most proud of is representing Tunisia," said Jabeur. "The Grand Slams are important, but the Olympics are something special, and I say to Tunisians that I'm going to give everything on the court for you. "My position in the tennis world is not the same as other players because I'm representing Tunisia, Arabs and Africa at the same time, and it's something of which I'm very proud," she added. "There are lots of players who come from France, Australia, the United States, and I'm proud to represent an entire nation on my own." WATCH | Jabeur broke into the top 50 last year following her run to the last eight of the Australian Open, where she became the first Arab woman to reach the quarter-finals of a major in the Open era. Winding road after junior success She was hailed as "an example for women and young people" by Tunisian president Kais Saied following that breakout performance, which came almost a decade after she won the French Open junior championship in 2011. "I've learned from my mistakes. In 2019, I told my team I'd had enough of being ranked 60th and that I wanted to be among the best players in the world," said Jabeur. "When I got to the Australian Open quarter-finals, I gained more experience and confidence and that allowed me to better prepare for tournaments. The other players have started to fear playing me." Jabeur made history as the first Arab woman to win a WTA tournament on the eve of Wimbledon, defeating Daria Kasatkina on grass in the Birmingham Classic final. Her success has helped in part lift the gloom of Tunisia's political and health crisis. The country has been overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases, including nearly 18,000 people who have died in a nation of 11.7 million. Jabeur recently auctioned a racquet to raise funds for local hospitals, which have faced acute shortages of oxygen, staff and intensive care beds. "It was my duty to help my country when it needs it. We were able to collect 75,000 dinars, around $27,000, to buy equipment for the hospitals that lack it," she said. While Jabeur aims to drive up participation rates in the sport back home, she still has plenty goals of her own to achieve. "My dream since childhood is to win titles in the big competitions, and I know very well that I'm not far off," said Jabeur, whose husband Karim Kamoun is also her fitness trainer. "I always say nothing is impossible, you have to work, rely on yourself and have confidence in your abilities. "During my career, plenty have doubted my ability to ever reach this level, but my belief in myself and my work have allowed me to move forward."

Tokyo Olympics: Tunisian trailblazer Ons Jabeur dreams of tennis gold

<p>India’s Olympic medalist, Sushil Kumar, will be able to watch the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games</a> from behind the bars as he is currently in Tihar Jail.</p>

<p>Kumar is in jail after he was accused of the murder of wrestler Sagar Dhankad at Chhatrasal Stadium.</p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-olympic-flame-has-been-lit-as-games-kick-off-in-japan-399834" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics Live: Olympic flame has been lit as games kick off in Japan</a></h2>

<p>The two-time Olympic medalist will be able to watch Olympic Games as the authorities have installed a TV set in the ward’s common area.</p>

<p>Along with Kumar, other inmates have also been allowed to watch the Olympic Games but only in presence of security personnel.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-rising-  covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-

rising-covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"We have installed a television and allowed Kumar and other inmates to watch it during the period when they are allowed outside the cell — from 6 am to 12 pm and then 3 pm to 7 pm," Director General (Delhi Prisons) Sandeep Goel said.</p>

<p>The TV set has been installed after Sushil Kumar's advocate has requested the Tihar Jail authorities, on July 02, to provide him with a television set, so that he can stay updated about the wrestling matches in Tokyo 2020.</p>

<p>This will also help him stay updated with other wrestling events taking place around the world.</p>


India’s Olympic medalist, Sushil Kumar, will be able to watch the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games from behind the bars as he is currently in Tihar Jail. Kumar is in jail after he was accused of the murder of wrestler Sagar Dhankad at Chhatrasal Stadium.

India’s Olympic medalist, Sushil Kumar, will be able to watch the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games from behind the bars as he is currently in Tihar Jail. Kumar is in jail after he was accused of the murder of wrestler Sagar Dhankad at Chhatrasal Stadium. Tokyo Olympics Live: Olympic flame has been lit as games kick off in Japan The two-time Olympic medalist will be able to watch Olympic Games as the authorities have installed a TV set in the ward’s common area. Along with Kumar, other inmates have also been allowed to watch the Olympic Games but only in presence of security personnel. WATCH | "We have installed a television and allowed Kumar and other inmates to watch it during the period when they are allowed outside the cell — from 6 am to 12 pm and then 3 pm to 7 pm," Director General (Delhi Prisons) Sandeep Goel said. The TV set has been installed after Sushil Kumar's advocate has requested the Tihar Jail authorities, on July 02, to provide him with a television set, so that he can stay updated about the wrestling matches in Tokyo 2020. This will also help him stay updated with other wrestling events taking place around the world.

Jailed Olympian medallist, Sushil Kumar, gets access to TV in Tihar Jail to watch Tokyo 2020

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron will also be present in the stands of Olympics Stadium to witness the opening ceremony of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics"><strong>Olympic Games 2020.</strong></a></p>

<p>Macron arrived in Tokyo on Friday for his two-day trip to Japan. Along with the opening ceremony, he will also attend the judo and women’s 3x3 basketball competitions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-simone-biles-becomes-the-first-woman-athlete-to-get-a-goat-emoticon-399701" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles becomes the first woman athlete to get a G.O.A.T emoticon</a></strong></p>

<p>The French President will be joined by the First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jill-biden-leads-us-delegation-to-tokyo-games-amid-pandemic-fears-399719"><strong>Jill Biden</strong></a>,&nbsp;in the stands at the opening ceremony of Tokyo 2020.</p>

<p>This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the attendance in the stands is very limited and therefore the usual star-studded opening ceremony has been cut down to a limited guest list.</p>

<p><strong>Other affairs</strong></p>

<p>He will be having a reception with Emperor Naruhito a little before the opening ceremony, and will later meet Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday. Suga and Macron will be, reportedly, discussing the situation in the Indo-Pacific region as the military and maritime pressure from China continues to grow in the area.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-rising-covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-rising-covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The French President may also raise the controversial topic of parental abduction in Japan. The Asian country does not allow joint custody for children after divorce or separation, which leads to parental abduction of children.</p>

<p>Macron will be discussing this topic in relation t the case of a French man, Vincent Fichot, who claims to not have met his three children for the past three years. He alleged that his ex-wife, a Japanese lady, took his children away from him. On July 10, Fichot started a hunger strike outside the Olympic Stadium to raise awareness for his problem.</p>


French President Emmanuel Macron will also be present in the stands of Olympics Stadium to witness the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games 2020. Macron arrived in Tokyo on Friday for his two-day trip to Japan.

French President Emmanuel Macron will also be present in the stands of Olympics Stadium to witness the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games 2020. Macron arrived in Tokyo on Friday for his two-day trip to Japan. Along with the opening ceremony, he will also attend the judo and women’s 3x3 basketball competitions. Also read | Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles becomes the first woman athlete to get a G.O.A.T emoticon The French President will be joined by the First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS), Jill Biden, in the stands at the opening ceremony of Tokyo 2020. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the attendance in the stands is very limited and therefore the usual star-studded opening ceremony has been cut down to a limited guest list. Other affairs He will be having a reception with Emperor Naruhito a little before the opening ceremony, and will later meet Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday. Suga and Macron will be, reportedly, discussing the situation in the Indo-Pacific region as the military and maritime pressure from China continues to grow in the area. WATCH | The French President may also raise the controversial topic of parental abduction in Japan. The Asian country does not allow joint custody for children after divorce or separation, which leads to parental abduction of children. Macron will be discussing this topic in relation t the case of a French man, Vincent Fichot, who claims to not have met his three children for the past three years. He alleged that his ex-wife, a Japanese lady, took his children away from him. On July 10, Fichot started a hunger strike outside the Olympic Stadium to raise awareness for his problem.

Tokyo Olympics: After Jill Biden, Emmanuel Macron arrives in Japan for opening ceremony

<p>Boxing's credibility is on the line at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics"><strong>Tokyo Olympics</strong></a> after a series of scandals saw its governing body given the boot and judging controversies marred the Rio 2016 Games.</p>

<p>Boxing first featured at the ancient Olympics and later launched the careers of legends such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and Floyd Mayweather, and modern-day champions including Anthony Joshua and Gennady Golovkin.</p>

<p>But in recent years it has been in turmoil and International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach warned in 2018 that boxing could be kicked out of Tokyo.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-mens-archery-qualifying-is-underway-at-yumenoshima-399834" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics Live: Men’s Archery qualifying is underway at Yumenoshima</a></h2>

<p>The IOC subsequently stripped the AIBA of the right to run the event in the Japanese capital after an investigation into alleged serious mismanagement at boxing's badly tainted governing body. A special task force has taken charge instead.</p>

<p>Judging decisions will be closely watched when the action begins on Saturday in the Japanese capital after the chaos of Rio, which saw 36 officials and referees suspended over allegations of fixing bouts.</p>

<p>"The task force has done as much as possible to protect the integrity of the sport and to ensure the athletes have a fair field of play to compete in," Morinari Watanabe, its chairman, said on Friday.</p>

<p>He hopes that these Games "will be a turning point for the sport".</p>

<p>Boxing scoring has always aroused controversy at the Olympics, and in Rio it burst to the fore once more when judges surprisingly condemned Irish amateur world champion Michael Conlan to defeat to Russia's badly bloodied Vladimir Nikitin.</p>

<p>It was not the only questionable decision in Rio, where the old punch-counting method of scoring bouts was replaced with judges.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-rising-  covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-

rising-covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In Tokyo, to ensure more transparency, judges' scoring will be shown after each round instead of just at the end of the fight.</p>

<p>David Nyika, a New Zealand heavyweight, said that he now has more confidence in the judging.</p>

<p>"It's one of those things that we should not have to worry about as athletes," he said.</p>

<p><strong>'Toughest tournament in world'</strong></p>

<p>As part of moves to make Olympic boxing more similar to the professional fight game, at Rio pros were allowed to compete for the first time. Only three actually did and they failed to shine.</p>

<p>Perennial powerhouses Uzbekistan and Cuba topped the medals table in the sport, followed by France.</p>

<p>Britain were also up there with three medals, one of them gold, and the country has big expectations to do even better this time.</p>

<p>But Rob McCracken, GB Boxing's performance director, cautioned that the Olympics are the "toughest tournament in the world" and boxing "the toughest sport in the world".</p>

<p>"The whole world's good at boxing now," McCracken, who also trains world heavyweight champion Joshua, told BBC podcast "5 Live Boxing with Costello &amp; Bunce".</p>

<p>"You can go to the world championships (and Olympics) and draw India, and they're phenomenal. You can draw China, and they're phenomenal," added McCracken.</p>

<p>"Now everybody's good, everyone's full time now, everyone takes it deadly serious and the world's really competitive at boxing."</p>

<p>Among the best-known names fighting in Tokyo will be Mary Kom, India's 38-year-old boxing queen who is making a last tilt at Games gold.</p>

<p>Kom is a six-time world champion and won bronze at London 2012, but is desperate to sign off with gold.</p>

<p>In line with most sport at the Tokyo Games, the boxing will be closed to spectators because of measures against the coronavirus, which had already played havoc with Olympic qualifying.</p>

<p>Bouts take place in the heart of the Japanese capital at the Kokugikan Arena, known as the home of sumo wrestling.</p>


Boxing's credibility is on the line at the Tokyo Olympics after a series of scandals saw its governing body given the boot and judging controversies marred the Rio 2016 Games.

Boxing's credibility is on the line at the Tokyo Olympics after a series of scandals saw its governing body given the boot and judging controversies marred the Rio 2016 Games. Boxing first featured at the ancient Olympics and later launched the careers of legends such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and Floyd Mayweather, and modern-day champions including Anthony Joshua and Gennady Golovkin. But in recent years it has been in turmoil and International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach warned in 2018 that boxing could be kicked out of Tokyo. Tokyo Olympics Live: Men’s Archery qualifying is underway at Yumenoshima The IOC subsequently stripped the AIBA of the right to run the event in the Japanese capital after an investigation into alleged serious mismanagement at boxing's badly tainted governing body. A special task force has taken charge instead. Judging decisions will be closely watched when the action begins on Saturday in the Japanese capital after the chaos of Rio, which saw 36 officials and referees suspended over allegations of fixing bouts. "The task force has done as much as possible to protect the integrity of the sport and to ensure the athletes have a fair field of play to compete in," Morinari Watanabe, its chairman, said on Friday. He hopes that these Games "will be a turning point for the sport". Boxing scoring has always aroused controversy at the Olympics, and in Rio it burst to the fore once more when judges surprisingly condemned Irish amateur world champion Michael Conlan to defeat to Russia's badly bloodied Vladimir Nikitin. It was not the only questionable decision in Rio, where the old punch-counting method of scoring bouts was replaced with judges. WATCH | In Tokyo, to ensure more transparency, judges' scoring will be shown after each round instead of just at the end of the fight. David Nyika, a New Zealand heavyweight, said that he now has more confidence in the judging. "It's one of those things that we should not have to worry about as athletes," he said. 'Toughest tournament in world' As part of moves to make Olympic boxing more similar to the professional fight game, at Rio pros were allowed to compete for the first time. Only three actually did and they failed to shine. Perennial powerhouses Uzbekistan and Cuba topped the medals table in the sport, followed by France. Britain were also up there with three medals, one of them gold, and the country has big expectations to do even better this time. But Rob McCracken, GB Boxing's performance director, cautioned that the Olympics are the "toughest tournament in the world" and boxing "the toughest sport in the world". "The whole world's good at boxing now," McCracken, who also trains world heavyweight champion Joshua, told BBC podcast "5 Live Boxing with Costello & Bunce". "You can go to the world championships (and Olympics) and draw India, and they're phenomenal. You can draw China, and they're phenomenal," added McCracken. "Now everybody's good, everyone's full time now, everyone takes it deadly serious and the world's really competitive at boxing." Among the best-known names fighting in Tokyo will be Mary Kom, India's 38-year-old boxing queen who is making a last tilt at Games gold. Kom is a six-time world champion and won bronze at London 2012, but is desperate to sign off with gold. In line with most sport at the Tokyo Games, the boxing will be closed to spectators because of measures against the coronavirus, which had already played havoc with Olympic qualifying. Bouts take place in the heart of the Japanese capital at the Kokugikan Arena, known as the home of sumo wrestling.

Tokyo Olympics: Boxing fights for reputation after Rio controversies

<p>Spain’s artistic swimmer Ona Carbonell says she is ‘disappointed and disillusioned’ that she has been unable to bring her breastfeeding son with her to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics"><strong>Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games</strong></a>.</p>

<p>Carbonell’s family will be subjected to drastic Covid restrictions upon their arrival in Japan before the Olympic games.</p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-mens-archery-qualifying-is-underway-at-yumenoshima-399834" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics Live: Men’s Archery qualifying is underway at Yumenoshima</a></h2>

<p>Her husband and son, who is almost one year old, will have to stay in quarantine in a separate hotel. They will compulsorily have to stay in their room for at least 20 days.</p>

<p>"For me to go and breastfeed Kai whenever he needs it during the day I would have to leave the Olympic villa, the team's bubble, and go to the hotel, risking my team's health,"&nbsp;Carbonell said in an Instagram post. "I had to make a really tough decision ... because the Japanese government's impositions are not compatible with my athletic performance and being with my family at the same time."</p>

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<p>"I hope other athletes can get along with these conditions and still take their kids with them. Personally, I can't accept these conditions. I won't be ok, I would have to use the breast pump for 20 days hoping that Kai still wants to be breastfed, something which is very important for me,"&nbsp;she added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-rising-  covid-cases-mounting-controversies-399811"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tokyo-2020-

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<p>Earlier, the authorities had reportedly not allowed athletes to travel to Tokyo with their families. However, when several athletes complained about not being able to bring their infants and having to choose between the Olympic games and their infants, the IOC changed their rules.</p>

<p>While the IOC allowed athletes to bring their infants with them, they were strictly told that they could do this only if they adhere to the regulations.</p>

<p>"After receiving countless expressions of support and encouragement to go to Tokyo with Kai, I wanted to express my disappointment and disillusionment that I will finally have to travel without him," she said.</p>


Spain’s artistic swimmer Ona Carbonell says she is ‘disappointed and disillusioned’ that she has been unable to bring her breastfeeding son with her to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games.

Spain’s artistic swimmer Ona Carbonell says she is ‘disappointed and disillusioned’ that she has been unable to bring her breastfeeding son with her to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games. Carbonell’s family will be subjected to drastic Covid restrictions upon their arrival in Japan before the Olympic games. Tokyo Olympics Live: Men’s Archery qualifying is underway at Yumenoshima Her husband and son, who is almost one year old, will have to stay in quarantine in a separate hotel. They will compulsorily have to stay in their room for at least 20 days. "For me to go and breastfeed Kai whenever he needs it during the day I would have to leave the Olympic villa, the team's bubble, and go to the hotel, risking my team's health," Carbonell said in an Instagram post. "I had to make a really tough decision ... because the Japanese government's impositions are not compatible with my athletic performance and being with my family at the same time." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ona Carbonell (@ona_carbonell) × "I hope other athletes can get along with these conditions and still take their kids with them. Personally, I can't accept these conditions. I won't be ok, I would have to use the breast pump for 20 days hoping that Kai still wants to be breastfed, something which is very important for me," she added. WATCH | Earlier, the authorities had reportedly not allowed athletes to travel to Tokyo with their families. However, when several athletes complained about not being able to bring their infants and having to choose between the Olympic games and their infants, the IOC changed their rules. While the IOC allowed athletes to bring their infants with them, they were strictly told that they could do this only if they adhere to the regulations. "After receiving countless expressions of support and encouragement to go to Tokyo with Kai, I wanted to express my disappointment and disillusionment that I will finally have to travel without him," she said.

Tokyo Olympics: Spanish artistic swimmer Ona Carbonell disappointed to leave breastfeeding son at home

<h2>KENTO MOMOTA (JAPAN)</h2>

<p>All eyes will be on the men's singles world number one, who has overcome personal and professional problems on the way to the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics, including contracting COVID-19.</p>

<p>Months before Rio in 2016, Momota was embroiled in an illegal gambling scandal and banned by the Nippon&nbsp;Badminton&nbsp;Association. The then-world No. 2 was removed from the league tables and by the time Momota got back on the court in 2017 he was ranked 282th and had to claw his way back with a 39-match unbeaten streak.</p>

<p>His Olympic dreams were again threatened in early 2020 when he was involved in a road accident which killed the driver and left Momota with damaged eyesight and other injuries.</p>

<p>The pandemic gave him time to recover and he made his comeback at the All-England Open in March, raising Japanese hopes that he can challenge for Olympic gold.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-three-players-to-watch-out-for-in-india-mens-hockey-team-399989" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Three players to watch out for in India men's Hockey team</a></p>

<h2>TAI TZU YING (TAIWAN)</h2>

<p>Women's singles world No. 1 Tai Tzu Ying has never won an Olympic medal and this could be her last chance, because even though she is only 27-years-old Tai has hinted that she will retire after the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Games.</p>

<p>The three-times All England Open champion has been neck-and-neck for years with world No. 2 Chen Yufei of China and Rio gold medalist Carolina Marin of Spain. Marin has been ruled out of the Games by injury, increasing Tai's chances of winning a medal with her unpredictable style of play.</p>

<h2>CHEN YUFEI (CHINA)</h2>

<p>Making her Olympic debut, the world No. 2 women's singles player has beaten top-ranked Tai twice but lost to her on several occasions.</p>

<p>Chen has not played internationally since the 2020 All England Open, however, and there are concerns that nerves may get the better of her.</p>

<p>"I have this question mark when it comes to Chen Yufei," said Denmark's Morten Frost, a former coach. "She's going to be extremely interesting, but I say months of no tournament practice for her can be a tricky one."</p>

<h2>DECHAPOL PUAVARANUKROH and SAPSIREE TAERATTANACHAI (THAILAND)</h2>

<p>The mixed doubles gold medal has been hard to hold onto in recent years, with a different country winning each time since South Korea dethroned China at the 2008 Beijing&nbsp;Olympics.</p>

<p>Dechapol and Sapsiree are ranked second in the world and have won their last three tournaments, all this year.</p>

<h2>ANDERS ANTONSEN (DENMARK)</h2>

<p>Antonsen, the world number three in men's singles, will be competing in the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;for the first time but has beaten world numbers one and two Kento Momota and Viktor Axelsen.</p>

<p>"I think he's a solid player - he's come in very well in the last couple tournaments," Steve Kearney, director of USA Para-Badminton, said. "I wouldn't say a favorite but he's a solid player that's going to definitely get to the quarters and compete in the finals."</p>


KENTO MOMOTA (JAPAN) All eyes will be on the men's singles world number one, who has overcome personal and professional problems on the way to the Tokyo Olympics, including contracting COVID-19.

KENTO MOMOTA (JAPAN) All eyes will be on the men's singles world number one, who has overcome personal and professional problems on the way to the Tokyo Olympics, including contracting COVID-19. Months before Rio in 2016, Momota was embroiled in an illegal gambling scandal and banned by the Nippon Badminton Association. The then-world No. 2 was removed from the league tables and by the time Momota got back on the court in 2017 he was ranked 282th and had to claw his way back with a 39-match unbeaten streak. His Olympic dreams were again threatened in early 2020 when he was involved in a road accident which killed the driver and left Momota with damaged eyesight and other injuries. The pandemic gave him time to recover and he made his comeback at the All-England Open in March, raising Japanese hopes that he can challenge for Olympic gold. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Three players to watch out for in India men's Hockey team TAI TZU YING (TAIWAN) Women's singles world No. 1 Tai Tzu Ying has never won an Olympic medal and this could be her last chance, because even though she is only 27-years-old Tai has hinted that she will retire after the Tokyo Games. The three-times All England Open champion has been neck-and-neck for years with world No. 2 Chen Yufei of China and Rio gold medalist Carolina Marin of Spain. Marin has been ruled out of the Games by injury, increasing Tai's chances of winning a medal with her unpredictable style of play. CHEN YUFEI (CHINA) Making her Olympic debut, the world No. 2 women's singles player has beaten top-ranked Tai twice but lost to her on several occasions. Chen has not played internationally since the 2020 All England Open, however, and there are concerns that nerves may get the better of her. "I have this question mark when it comes to Chen Yufei," said Denmark's Morten Frost, a former coach. "She's going to be extremely interesting, but I say months of no tournament practice for her can be a tricky one." DECHAPOL PUAVARANUKROH and SAPSIREE TAERATTANACHAI (THAILAND) The mixed doubles gold medal has been hard to hold onto in recent years, with a different country winning each time since South Korea dethroned China at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Dechapol and Sapsiree are ranked second in the world and have won their last three tournaments, all this year. ANDERS ANTONSEN (DENMARK) Antonsen, the world number three in men's singles, will be competing in the Olympics for the first time but has beaten world numbers one and two Kento Momota and Viktor Axelsen. "I think he's a solid player - he's come in very well in the last couple tournaments," Steve Kearney, director of USA Para-Badminton, said. "I wouldn't say a favorite but he's a solid player that's going to definitely get to the quarters and compete in the finals."

Tokyo 2020 - Badminton: Five players to watch out for!

<p>The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will be forced to watch as Russian athletes don uniforms in their country's colours of red, white and blue and compete at the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics, having received softened sanctions over the nation's doping scandals.</p>

<p>WADA&nbsp;had originally banned Russia from the world's top sporting events for four years in December 2019, but the sanctions were halved late last year by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), in a clear victory for the Russian side.</p>

<p>While the&nbsp;Russians&nbsp;are still not allowed to compete under their own flag, they can now wear their tri-colour uniforms instead of the neutral ones initially imposed by&nbsp;WADA.</p>

<p>With the logo of the Russian Olympic Committee and the letters 'ROC' on them, the uniforms are almost indistinguishable from Russian team uniforms of past&nbsp;Games.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-indias-highest-ever-female-participants-399983" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020: India's highest-ever female participants</a></p>

<p>"CAS closed some cases from the past and in our statements we underlined that on the one side it was a very positive decision from a legal perspective that CAS confirmed the documents and all our rules and standards,"&nbsp;WADA&nbsp;President Witold Banka told a news conference on Friday.</p>

<p>"But of course we as&nbsp;WADA&nbsp;remain&nbsp;disappointed&nbsp;that CAS decreased the level of the sanctions from four to two years. I think all my opinions ... must rely on facts and scientific evidence."</p>

<p>"That CAS allows Russian athletes to compete with the colours of the flag and the uniforms ... we wanted neutral."</p>

<p>Russian athletes had competed under the Olympic flag and with neutral uniforms at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter&nbsp;Games&nbsp;when they were also suspended from taking part as Russia.</p>

<p>The country's doping woes have snowballed since a 2015 report commissioned by&nbsp;WADA&nbsp;found evidence of mass doping among its track and field athletes.</p>

<p>Many Russian athletes were sidelined from the past two Olympics and the country was deprived of its flag in 2018 as punishment for what was revealed to be state-supported doping at the 2014 Sochi&nbsp;Games&nbsp;in southern Russia.</p>

<p>Russia, which has in the past acknowledged some shortcomings in its implementation of anti-doping policies, denies running a state-sponsored doping programme.</p>

<p>"You will see clearly what we asked for and what we got,"&nbsp;WADA&nbsp;Director General Olivier Niggli said. "If you look at what we ask for, it is not what we got, especially when talking about the uniform."</p>

<p>"But what you have here is in line with the CAS decision. It is not what we wanted but it is it what we got and it is in line with what is acceptable."</p>


The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will be forced to watch as Russian athletes don uniforms in their country's colours of red, white and blue and compete at the Tokyo Olympics, having received softened sanctions over the nation's doping scandals.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will be forced to watch as Russian athletes don uniforms in their country's colours of red, white and blue and compete at the Tokyo Olympics, having received softened sanctions over the nation's doping scandals. WADA had originally banned Russia from the world's top sporting events for four years in December 2019, but the sanctions were halved late last year by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), in a clear victory for the Russian side. While the Russians are still not allowed to compete under their own flag, they can now wear their tri-colour uniforms instead of the neutral ones initially imposed by WADA. With the logo of the Russian Olympic Committee and the letters 'ROC' on them, the uniforms are almost indistinguishable from Russian team uniforms of past Games. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020: India's highest-ever female participants "CAS closed some cases from the past and in our statements we underlined that on the one side it was a very positive decision from a legal perspective that CAS confirmed the documents and all our rules and standards," WADA President Witold Banka told a news conference on Friday. "But of course we as WADA remain disappointed that CAS decreased the level of the sanctions from four to two years. I think all my opinions ... must rely on facts and scientific evidence." "That CAS allows Russian athletes to compete with the colours of the flag and the uniforms ... we wanted neutral." Russian athletes had competed under the Olympic flag and with neutral uniforms at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Games when they were also suspended from taking part as Russia. The country's doping woes have snowballed since a 2015 report commissioned by WADA found evidence of mass doping among its track and field athletes. Many Russian athletes were sidelined from the past two Olympics and the country was deprived of its flag in 2018 as punishment for what was revealed to be state-supported doping at the 2014 Sochi Games in southern Russia. Russia, which has in the past acknowledged some shortcomings in its implementation of anti-doping policies, denies running a state-sponsored doping programme. "You will see clearly what we asked for and what we got," WADA Director General Olivier Niggli said. "If you look at what we ask for, it is not what we got, especially when talking about the uniform." "But what you have here is in line with the CAS decision. It is not what we wanted but it is it what we got and it is in line with what is acceptable."

Tokyo 2020: Disappointed World Anti-Doping Agency watches as Russians prepare for Olympic Games

The director of the opening ceremony of Tokyo Olympics 2020 has been fired on the eve of the event after reports emerged of a past joke he had made about the Holocaust. Video of Kentaro Kobayashi from the 1990s recently emerged in which he appears to make jokes about the Holocaust.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Opening ceremony Director fired over Holocaust joke

<p>At an Olympics opening ceremony overshadowed by the coronavirus, Tokyo 2020 organisers on Friday paid tribute to medical workers as athletes from across the world paraded into an almost empty stadium, their smiles hidden behind masks for the first time.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-highlights-top-moments-of-the-opening-ceremony-399834" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020 Highlights: Top moments of the opening ceremony</a><br />
<br />
Normally a star-studded display teeming with celebrities, the ceremony was shorn of its glitz, with fewer than 1,000 people in attendance, strict social distancing rules and signs calling on spectators to "be quiet around the venue."<br />
<br />
The organisers also sent the traditional message of peace as global pop stars sang John Lennon and Yoko Ono`s "Imagine," while drones formed the shape of the Olympic emblem in the sky above the stadium and transformed into the shape of the globe.<br />
<br />
"With the world in a tough situation because of the coronavirus pandemic, I would like to pay my respect and express my gratitude to medical workers and all those who are working hard every day to overcome the difficulties," said the President of the organising committee, Seiko Hashimoto.<br />
<br />
The ceremony approached its climax with a fusion of traditional kabuki theatre - with its elaborate makeup and costumes - and a jazz piano improvisation, on a stage in the shape of Mount Fuji topped with the cauldron for the Olympic flame.<br />
<br />
Most countries were represented by both male and female flagbearers in an Olympic first, but not everybody took pandemic measures. Teams from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and the Pakistan flagbearers paraded maskless in an awkward contrast to protocol and the vast majority of other athletes at the ceremony.<br />
<br />
Regardless, it marked a coming together of the world, with an audience of hundreds of millions around the globe and at various stages of the pandemic tuning in to watch the start of the greatest show in sport.<br />
<br />
Members of the Canada delegation wore patches in the colour of the rainbow, the symbol of the LGBT community, on their jackets. U.S. first lady Jill Biden clapped the Americans as did France President Emmanuel Macron for the French team.<br />
<br />
The Olympic oath, recited by the athletes at the end of the parade, has been updated for the Tokyo Games, with athletes swearing their commitment to inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination for the first time at the Olympics.<br />
<br />
<strong>OLYMPIC RINGS</strong><br />
<br />
The opening also featured fireworks in indigo and white, the colours of the Tokyo 2020 emblem, and gave a nod to Japanese tradition represented by giant wooden Olympic rings linked to the 1964 Games also hosted by Tokyo.<br />
<br />
A vastly smaller number of athletes marched in the teams` parade, with many flying in just before their competitions and due to leave shortly after to avoid infections.<br />
<br />
Delegations tried their best to liven the mood. Uganda, wearing bright traditional costumes, did a few measures of a dance, while the Argentine delegation jumped up and down on entering.<br />
<br />
<strong>WITHOUT FANS</strong><br />
<br />
Postponed for a year, organisers were forced to take the unprecedented step of holding the Olympics without fans as the novel coronavirus is on the rise again, taking lives around the world.<br />
<br />
The opening recapped Japan`s path to the Games and the challenges the world has faced since the selection of the Japanese capital as host in 2013.<br />
<br />
The opening video showed how the coronavirus struck in 2020, with lockdowns forcing the unprecedented postponement only four months before the Games were due to open, setting off a roller-coaster period of preparations in isolation for the athletes.<br />
<br />
A moment of silence was held "for all those family and friends we have lost," especially to the coronavirus, and mention was made of the Israeli athletes slain at the 1972 Munich Games.<br />
<br />
<strong>PANDEMIC IMPACT</strong><br />
<br />
Japanese Emperor Naruhito and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, both masked, cheered on the athletes after bowing to each other before sitting down socially distanced.<br />
<br />
"Today is a moment of hope. Yes it is very different from what all of us imagined. But finally we are all here together," said Bach in the opening speech.<br />
<br />
"You struggled. You persevered. You never gave up. Today you are making your Olympic dreams come true," he said.<br />
<br />
Unlike his grandfather who opened the 1964 Games with a Japanese word that means "congratulations," Naruhito opted for a more neutral word in Japanese which is closer to "commemorate".<br />
<br />
The ceremony was marked by major absences, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who wooed the Games to Tokyo. Top sponsors also stayed away, highlighting strong opposition to the event in COVID-fatigued Japan.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of people protested around the venue yelling “Stop the Olympics”.<br />
<br />
Only a third of the host nation have had even one dose of vaccines, prompting worries the Games could become a super-spreader event.</p>


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

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

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

<p>Israeli Olympic team members killed by Palestinian gunmen at the 1972 Munich&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;were remembered during the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;opening ceremony on Friday with a moment of silence, the first time this has happened.</p>

<p>The families of the 11 victims had long asked the International Olympic Committee to hold a minute's silence at a Games opening ceremony, but had until Friday been turned down.</p>

<p>"We, the Olympic community, also remember all the Olympians and members of our community who have so sadly left us, in particular we remember those who lost their lives during the Olympic Games," said an announcer during the opening ceremony.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/crowds-gather-outside-tokyo-stadium-for-olympics-opening-ceremony-400032" hreflang="en">Crowds gather outside Tokyo stadium for Olympics opening ceremony</a></p>

<p>"One group still holds a strong place in all our memories and stand for all those we have lost at the games - the members of the Israeli delegation at the Olympic Games Munich 1972," the announcer added as the stadium darkened and soft blue light illuminated parts of the arena.</p>

<p>On Sept. 5, 1972, members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage at the poorly secured athletes’ village by Palestinian gunmen from the Black September group.</p>

<p>Within 24 hours, 11 Israelis, five Palestinians, and a German policeman were dead after a standoff and subsequent rescue effort erupted into gunfire.</p>

<p>Relatives of those killed had sought for them to be remembered at opening ceremonies but the IOC had previously ignored those requests.</p>

<p>Instead of a ceremonies commemoration, the IOC in 2016 inaugurated the Place of Mourning in a leafy part of the Olympic village at the Rio de Janeiro&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;to remember those who had died during the Olympic Games, with two of the Israeli victims' widows present.</p>

<p>The Place of Mourning featured two stones from ancient Olympia encased in glass and had been described as "closure" at the time by Ankie Spitzer, widow of her Israeli fencing coach husband Andre.</p>


Israeli Olympic team members killed by Palestinian gunmen at the 1972 Munich Olympics were remembered during the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony on Friday with a moment of silence, the first time this has happened.

Israeli Olympic team members killed by Palestinian gunmen at the 1972 Munich Olympics were remembered during the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony on Friday with a moment of silence, the first time this has happened. The families of the 11 victims had long asked the International Olympic Committee to hold a minute's silence at a Games opening ceremony, but had until Friday been turned down. "We, the Olympic community, also remember all the Olympians and members of our community who have so sadly left us, in particular we remember those who lost their lives during the Olympic Games," said an announcer during the opening ceremony. ALSO READ: Crowds gather outside Tokyo stadium for Olympics opening ceremony "One group still holds a strong place in all our memories and stand for all those we have lost at the games - the members of the Israeli delegation at the Olympic Games Munich 1972," the announcer added as the stadium darkened and soft blue light illuminated parts of the arena. On Sept. 5, 1972, members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage at the poorly secured athletes’ village by Palestinian gunmen from the Black September group. Within 24 hours, 11 Israelis, five Palestinians, and a German policeman were dead after a standoff and subsequent rescue effort erupted into gunfire. Relatives of those killed had sought for them to be remembered at opening ceremonies but the IOC had previously ignored those requests. Instead of a ceremonies commemoration, the IOC in 2016 inaugurated the Place of Mourning in a leafy part of the Olympic village at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics to remember those who had died during the Olympic Games, with two of the Israeli victims' widows present. The Place of Mourning featured two stones from ancient Olympia encased in glass and had been described as "closure" at the time by Ankie Spitzer, widow of her Israeli fencing coach husband Andre.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Israelis killed at 1972 Munich Games remembered in opening ceremony

One among them is the highly-skilled Saurabh Chaudhary, who will have a few Olympic and world champions standing in his way to glory at sport''s biggest showpiece.

WION Sports: Strong Indian medal contenders in action on day 1

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics finally kicks off on Friday. The Games will begin still in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time ever, no fans will be permitted to witness the opening ceremony just like they have been banned from other sporting competitions.

Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony to kick off on Friday

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