India's Olympic body has slammed as "unfair" strict rules imposed by the Japanese government on athletes from several Covid-hit nations for the Tokyo Games starting next month.

Tokyo 2020 organisers said Monday that additional measures will be used to reduce infection risks from several countries, including India, that have seen "significant impact from variants" of Covid-19.

The protocols will involve daily testing of athletes for a week before they depart for Japan and for them to "refrain from coming into contact with other teams for three days after they arrive" in Japan.

But the&nbsp;Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said the rules would cause athletes to lose three crucial training days.

"Athletes are allowed to arrive in the Games village only five days before their event," IOA president Narinder Batra and secretary Rajeev Mehta said in a joint statement released on Saturday.

"Now three days will be wasted, this is the time the athletes need to be moving towards their mode to peak... highly unfair for Indian athletes, who have worked hard for five years, to be discriminated against just five days before the Olympics."

The sports administrators said 11 countries, including India, Pakistan and the UK, would be affected.

"Where and when will the athletes have their breakfast, lunch, dinner during these three days, as everyone has food in the Games village food hall where all athletes and officials of other NOCs (National&nbsp; Olympic&nbsp;Committees) are present all the time," the statement added.

Where can athletes train? it asked, because "practice/training areas are never empty and athletes and officials of other NOCs are present all the time."

The Tokyo 2020 organisers said in a statement to AFP that they had received a document from India's Olympic body.

"For participants from areas such as India that have seen significant impact from variants, it is necessary that they follow more stringent rules than those outlined in the (athletes) Playbook, and are similar to the existing border control measures," they added.

But the organisers did not clarify whether athletes from the affected countries would be allowed to train in the three days after their arrival.

Batra told AFP last week that Indian athletes will be fully vaccinated before the Games starting July 23.&nbsp;

The country has eased some lockdown restrictions in recent weeks as it emerges from a brutal surge in infections and deaths in April and May.

The International Olympic Committee said in late May that six countries -- Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- had pledged to fully vaccinated their delegations and&nbsp;conduct additional testing.

Some Indian athletes, including javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and wrestler Vinesh Phogat, are training abroad and will travel to Tokyo from their respective locations.

But most of the Olympic team will depart from India.

Despite its huge population, India won just two medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

India's Olympic body has slammed as "unfair" strict rules imposed by the Japanese government on athletes from several Covid-hit nations for the Tokyo Games starting next month.

India's Olympic body has slammed as "unfair" strict rules imposed by the Japanese government on athletes from several Covid-hit nations for the Tokyo Games starting next month. Tokyo 2020 organisers said Monday that additional measures will be used to reduce infection risks from several countries, including India, that have seen "significant impact from variants" of Covid-19. The protocols will involve daily testing of athletes for a week before they depart for Japan and for them to "refrain from coming into contact with other teams for three days after they arrive" in Japan. But the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said the rules would cause athletes to lose three crucial training days. "Athletes are allowed to arrive in the Games village only five days before their event," IOA president Narinder Batra and secretary Rajeev Mehta said in a joint statement released on Saturday. "Now three days will be wasted, this is the time the athletes need to be moving towards their mode to peak... highly unfair for Indian athletes, who have worked hard for five years, to be discriminated against just five days before the Olympics." The sports administrators said 11 countries, including India, Pakistan and the UK, would be affected. "Where and when will the athletes have their breakfast, lunch, dinner during these three days, as everyone has food in the Games village food hall where all athletes and officials of other NOCs (National Olympic Committees) are present all the time," the statement added. Where can athletes train? it asked, because "practice/training areas are never empty and athletes and officials of other NOCs are present all the time." The Tokyo 2020 organisers said in a statement to AFP that they had received a document from India's Olympic body. "For participants from areas such as India that have seen significant impact from variants, it is necessary that they follow more stringent rules than those outlined in the (athletes) Playbook, and are similar to the existing border control measures," they added. But the organisers did not clarify whether athletes from the affected countries would be allowed to train in the three days after their arrival. Batra told AFP last week that Indian athletes will be fully vaccinated before the Games starting July 23. The country has eased some lockdown restrictions in recent weeks as it emerges from a brutal surge in infections and deaths in April and May. The International Olympic Committee said in late May that six countries -- Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- had pledged to fully vaccinated their delegations and conduct additional testing. Some Indian athletes, including javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and wrestler Vinesh Phogat, are training abroad and will travel to Tokyo from their respective locations. But most of the Olympic team will depart from India. Despite its huge population, India won just two medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

India protests 'unfair' Tokyo Olympics rules for Covid-hit nations

43-year-old weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will create history by becoming the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics Games after New Zealand picked her for participating in the women’s team at Tokyo 2021.

New Zealand picks first transgender athlete for Olympics

Up to 10,000 fans will be allowed at Tokyo Olympic events, organisers said Monday, warning competition could move behind closed doors if infections surge.

The decision, just weeks before the opening ceremony, ends months of speculation about whether spectators will be allowed at the pandemic-postponed Games. Overseas fans were banned in March.

"In light of the government's restrictions on public events, the spectator limit for the Olympic Games will be set at 50 percent of venue capacity, up to a maximum of 10,000 people in all venues," organisers said in a statement.

A decision on spectators at the Paralympics will be delayed until July 16, a week before the Olympics open.

And officials left open the possibility of a reversal if the virus rebounds.

"If there should be major dramatic change in the infection situation, we may need to revisit this matter amongst ourselves and we may need to consider the option of having no spectators in the venues," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said.

Senior medical experts, including top advisors to the government, have said that holding the Games behind closed doors would be "ideal" from a health perspective.

They fear crowds of fans could fuel a new surge in infections in a country still racing to vaccinate its residents.

The decision was announced after five-way talks between Tokyo 2020 organisers and officials from Japan's government, the Tokyo government, the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee.

Speaking before the meeting, IOC chief Thomas Bach said he was "absolutely sure that it will be a decision to best protect the Japanese people and all participants".

&nbsp;

<h2>- Opposition softening? -</h2>

&nbsp;

Tokyo 2020 had already reportedly scrapped plans to sell more tickets, and may now face the prospect of organising lotteries among existing holders for the right to attend events.

Before the Games was postponed last year, organisers had sold around 4.45 million Olympic tickets and nearly a million Paralympic tickets in Japan.&nbsp;

In December, organisers said they would be refunding 18 percent of Olympic tickets bought domestically and 21 percent for the Paralympics.

That is still likely to leave many events with more tickets sold than seats available.

Japan has seen a comparatively small virus outbreak, with nearly 14,500 deaths, despite avoiding the harsh lockdowns seen elsewhere.

But the vaccine rollout has been slower than in many developed countries, only picking up speed in recent days. Around 6.5 percent of the population is now fully vaccinated.

Organisers also face a sceptical public. Polls have regularly shown most Japanese would prefer to see the Games delayed further or cancelled altogether.

Recent surveys suggest a softening of opposition, with more in favour of holding the Games than&nbsp;cancelling it -- if postponement is not offered as an option.

A survey published Monday found around a third of respondents want the Games to happen, up from 14 percent last month, though a majority still prefer further delay or cancellation.

Organisers say strict rules will keep both athletes and the public safe, and Bach said Monday that "well over" 80 percent of people staying in the Olympic Village will be vaccinated.

Athletes will be barred from contact with the public and risk being kicked out of the Games if they violate rules including mask-wearing and daily virus tests.

In a taste of the complexities ahead, a member of Uganda's Olympic team tested positive on arrival in Japan on Saturday.

The team was reportedly all vaccinated and would have had to test negative before travel to Japan.

Up to 10,000 fans will be allowed at Tokyo Olympic events, organisers said Monday, warning competition could move behind closed doors if infections surge. The decision, just weeks before the opening ceremony, ends months of speculation about whether spectators will be allowed at the pandemic-postponed Games.

Up to 10,000 fans will be allowed at Tokyo Olympic events, organisers said Monday, warning competition could move behind closed doors if infections surge. The decision, just weeks before the opening ceremony, ends months of speculation about whether spectators will be allowed at the pandemic-postponed Games. Overseas fans were banned in March. "In light of the government's restrictions on public events, the spectator limit for the Olympic Games will be set at 50 percent of venue capacity, up to a maximum of 10,000 people in all venues," organisers said in a statement. A decision on spectators at the Paralympics will be delayed until July 16, a week before the Olympics open. And officials left open the possibility of a reversal if the virus rebounds. "If there should be major dramatic change in the infection situation, we may need to revisit this matter amongst ourselves and we may need to consider the option of having no spectators in the venues," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said. Senior medical experts, including top advisors to the government, have said that holding the Games behind closed doors would be "ideal" from a health perspective. They fear crowds of fans could fuel a new surge in infections in a country still racing to vaccinate its residents. The decision was announced after five-way talks between Tokyo 2020 organisers and officials from Japan's government, the Tokyo government, the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee. Speaking before the meeting, IOC chief Thomas Bach said he was "absolutely sure that it will be a decision to best protect the Japanese people and all participants". - Opposition softening? - Tokyo 2020 had already reportedly scrapped plans to sell more tickets, and may now face the prospect of organising lotteries among existing holders for the right to attend events. Before the Games was postponed last year, organisers had sold around 4.45 million Olympic tickets and nearly a million Paralympic tickets in Japan. In December, organisers said they would be refunding 18 percent of Olympic tickets bought domestically and 21 percent for the Paralympics. That is still likely to leave many events with more tickets sold than seats available. Japan has seen a comparatively small virus outbreak, with nearly 14,500 deaths, despite avoiding the harsh lockdowns seen elsewhere. But the vaccine rollout has been slower than in many developed countries, only picking up speed in recent days. Around 6.5 percent of the population is now fully vaccinated. Organisers also face a sceptical public. Polls have regularly shown most Japanese would prefer to see the Games delayed further or cancelled altogether. Recent surveys suggest a softening of opposition, with more in favour of holding the Games than cancelling it -- if postponement is not offered as an option. A survey published Monday found around a third of respondents want the Games to happen, up from 14 percent last month, though a majority still prefer further delay or cancellation. Organisers say strict rules will keep both athletes and the public safe, and Bach said Monday that "well over" 80 percent of people staying in the Olympic Village will be vaccinated. Athletes will be barred from contact with the public and risk being kicked out of the Games if they violate rules including mask-wearing and daily virus tests. In a taste of the complexities ahead, a member of Uganda's Olympic team tested positive on arrival in Japan on Saturday. The team was reportedly all vaccinated and would have had to test negative before travel to Japan.

Up to 10,000 fans allowed at Tokyo Olympics events: Organisers

A Syrian Olympic boxer who fled to Germany six years ago after competing for his home country at the 2012 London Games plans to fight "for all refugees in the entire world" next month in Tokyo.

Tokyo Games: Syrian boxer to fight for all refugees

Tokyo 2020 organisers threw open the doors of the Olympic Village to the media on Sunday, showcasing virus upgrades including a fever clinic just over a month before the Games begin.

Organisers are in the home stretch of preparations before the July 23 opening ceremony, and are trying to build confidence that the mega-event will be safe for athletes and the Japanese public.

On Sunday, they unveiled the dedicated virus clinic, warned that drinking in groups would be prohibited and said a mixed zone for guests had been scrapped.

Warning posters that caution residents to take anti-virus measures including room ventilation have been placed throughout the mini-city, which can sleep 18,000 athletes and team members during the Olympics and 8,000 during the Paralympics.

The fever clinic, separate from the main medical facility, will be used to test and isolate people suspected of virus infection or considered close contacts of those who test positive.

"If there is suspicion of being infected... we should be able to properly isolate this person," said Takashi Kitajima, general manager for the village.

"This is just another example of how we are stringently managing matters about possible Covid infections," he told reporters.

Other measures include reduced seating for diners, plexiglass shields between gym equipment, and a kit of hand sanitisers and soap to be handed to village residents.&nbsp;

Built on reclaimed land looking out over Tokyo Bay, the village has been empty except for workers since the event was postponed last March.

<h2>- 'Drink alone' -</h2>

Opening in just over a fortnight, the village will be particularly important for athletes this Games because they are barred from going anywhere else except training and competition venues.

Under strict virus rules, athletes will be tested daily and required to wear masks except during competition, eating and sleeping. And there will be no partying, officials warned.

"When you drink alcohol, in principle, you are requested to drink alone," said Kitajima.

Competitors can only enter the village shortly before their event and must leave within 48 hours of being eliminated or their competition ending.

And conditions won't exactly be luxurious, with single rooms of nine square metres (100 square feet) and doubles of 12 square metres (130 sq ft).&nbsp;

Beds are made from recyclable cardboard, but are tough enough to stand up to beefy weightlifters and towering basketball players, organisers say.

Olympic officials expect most of those staying in the village will have been vaccinated, but the rules apply regardless of inoculation status, and athletes could be kicked out of the Games if they fail to comply.

In a taste of the challenges ahead, a member of the Ugandan Olympic delegation that arrived in Japan on Saturday tested positive for the virus, despite reportedly being vaccinated and testing negative before travel.

The safety measures are set to make for a Games like no other, with overseas fans already banned and a decision on domestic spectators expected next week.

Organisers are battling public opposition to the Games, with national polls regularly showing most Japanese would prefer the event be delayed or postponed. But recent surveys have showed sentiment may be shifting as the Games approach.

A handful of protesters stood outside chanting against the Olympics as media toured the village, which will be transformed into thousands of luxury bayside condos after the Games.&nbsp;

Around 900 of the units -- some carrying a price tag of 170 million yen ($1.5 million) -- were sold before Tokyo 2020 was pushed back by a year.

Tokyo 2020 organisers threw open the doors of the Olympic Village to the media on Sunday, showcasing virus upgrades including a fever clinic just over a month before the Games begin.

Tokyo 2020 organisers threw open the doors of the Olympic Village to the media on Sunday, showcasing virus upgrades including a fever clinic just over a month before the Games begin. Organisers are in the home stretch of preparations before the July 23 opening ceremony, and are trying to build confidence that the mega-event will be safe for athletes and the Japanese public. On Sunday, they unveiled the dedicated virus clinic, warned that drinking in groups would be prohibited and said a mixed zone for guests had been scrapped. Warning posters that caution residents to take anti-virus measures including room ventilation have been placed throughout the mini-city, which can sleep 18,000 athletes and team members during the Olympics and 8,000 during the Paralympics. The fever clinic, separate from the main medical facility, will be used to test and isolate people suspected of virus infection or considered close contacts of those who test positive. "If there is suspicion of being infected... we should be able to properly isolate this person," said Takashi Kitajima, general manager for the village. "This is just another example of how we are stringently managing matters about possible Covid infections," he told reporters. Other measures include reduced seating for diners, plexiglass shields between gym equipment, and a kit of hand sanitisers and soap to be handed to village residents. Built on reclaimed land looking out over Tokyo Bay, the village has been empty except for workers since the event was postponed last March. - 'Drink alone' - Opening in just over a fortnight, the village will be particularly important for athletes this Games because they are barred from going anywhere else except training and competition venues. Under strict virus rules, athletes will be tested daily and required to wear masks except during competition, eating and sleeping. And there will be no partying, officials warned. "When you drink alcohol, in principle, you are requested to drink alone," said Kitajima. Competitors can only enter the village shortly before their event and must leave within 48 hours of being eliminated or their competition ending. And conditions won't exactly be luxurious, with single rooms of nine square metres (100 square feet) and doubles of 12 square metres (130 sq ft). Beds are made from recyclable cardboard, but are tough enough to stand up to beefy weightlifters and towering basketball players, organisers say. Olympic officials expect most of those staying in the village will have been vaccinated, but the rules apply regardless of inoculation status, and athletes could be kicked out of the Games if they fail to comply. In a taste of the challenges ahead, a member of the Ugandan Olympic delegation that arrived in Japan on Saturday tested positive for the virus, despite reportedly being vaccinated and testing negative before travel. The safety measures are set to make for a Games like no other, with overseas fans already banned and a decision on domestic spectators expected next week. Organisers are battling public opposition to the Games, with national polls regularly showing most Japanese would prefer the event be delayed or postponed. But recent surveys have showed sentiment may be shifting as the Games approach. A handful of protesters stood outside chanting against the Olympics as media toured the village, which will be transformed into thousands of luxury bayside condos after the Games. Around 900 of the units -- some carrying a price tag of 170 million yen ($1.5 million) -- were sold before Tokyo 2020 was pushed back by a year.

Fever clinic and Covid kits: Tokyo 2020 shows off Olympic Village

Rafael Nadal took to Twitter to reveal&nbsp;that he is pulling out from the upcoming Wimbledon Championships and Tokyo Olympics. Nadal referred to the need to "pay attention to his body" after a thorough claycourt season as the explanation for his withdrawal.&nbsp;

Nadal said he had talked with his group before making the decision. The 35-year-old added that he was hoping to draw out his profession at the top, which recommends he will be significantly more specific with his timetable over the course of the following, not many years.&nbsp;

"Hi all, I have decided not to participate at this year’s Championships at Wimbledon and the Olympic Games in Tokyo," Nadal wrote. "It’s never an easy decision to take but after listening to my body and discuss it with my team I understand that it is the right decision" - he said

"The goal is to prolong my career and continue to do what makes me happy, that is to compete at the highest level and keep fighting for those professional and personal goals at the maximum level of competition" -&nbsp;he added.

Rafael Nadal is falling off a difficult clay season, where he played every one of the three Masters occasions notwithstanding Roland Garros and Barcelona. The Spaniard won the titles in Rome and Barcelona, however was packaged out of the French Open by inevitable hero Novak Djokovic.&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal brought up how the little hole between Roland Garros and Wimbledon - only fourteen days - assumed a part in his choice. He explicitly featured the way that he expected to recuperate from his works on mud throughout the most recent few months.&nbsp;

"The fact that there have only been two weeks between RG and Wimbledon didn’t make it easier on my body to recuperate after the always demanding claycourt season," Nadal said. "They have been two months of great effort and the decision I take is focused on looking at the mid and long term" -&nbsp;he said.

"Sport prevention of any kind of excess in my body is a very important factor at this stage of my career in order to try to keep fighting for the highest level of competition and titles"&nbsp;- he added.

Rafael Nadal likewise communicated his failure at not having the option to go to the Tokyo Olympics, saving a word for his Japanese fans specifically. The Spaniard, who has won two gold awards at the Games before, guaranteed that the occasion implied a ton to him. He finished strong, offering his thanks for having been deliberated with the honor of conveying the Spanish banner at the 2016 Rio Olympics.&nbsp;

"The Olympic Games always meant a lot and they were always a priority as a sports person, I found the spirit that every sportsperson in the world wants to live," Nadal wrote. "I personally had the chance to live 3 of them and had the honor to be the flag bearer for my country."

Rafael Nadal took to Twitter to reveal that he is pulling out from the upcoming Wimbledon Championships and Tokyo Olympics. Nadal referred to the need to "pay attention to his body" after a thorough claycourt season as the explanation for his withdrawal.

Rafael Nadal took to Twitter to reveal that he is pulling out from the upcoming Wimbledon Championships and Tokyo Olympics. Nadal referred to the need to "pay attention to his body" after a thorough claycourt season as the explanation for his withdrawal. Nadal said he had talked with his group before making the decision. The 35-year-old added that he was hoping to draw out his profession at the top, which recommends he will be significantly more specific with his timetable over the course of the following, not many years. "Hi all, I have decided not to participate at this year’s Championships at Wimbledon and the Olympic Games in Tokyo," Nadal wrote. "It’s never an easy decision to take but after listening to my body and discuss it with my team I understand that it is the right decision" - he said "The goal is to prolong my career and continue to do what makes me happy, that is to compete at the highest level and keep fighting for those professional and personal goals at the maximum level of competition" - he added. Rafael Nadal is falling off a difficult clay season, where he played every one of the three Masters occasions notwithstanding Roland Garros and Barcelona. The Spaniard won the titles in Rome and Barcelona, however was packaged out of the French Open by inevitable hero Novak Djokovic. Rafael Nadal brought up how the little hole between Roland Garros and Wimbledon - only fourteen days - assumed a part in his choice. He explicitly featured the way that he expected to recuperate from his works on mud throughout the most recent few months. "The fact that there have only been two weeks between RG and Wimbledon didn’t make it easier on my body to recuperate after the always demanding claycourt season," Nadal said. "They have been two months of great effort and the decision I take is focused on looking at the mid and long term" - he said. "Sport prevention of any kind of excess in my body is a very important factor at this stage of my career in order to try to keep fighting for the highest level of competition and titles" - he added. Rafael Nadal likewise communicated his failure at not having the option to go to the Tokyo Olympics, saving a word for his Japanese fans specifically. The Spaniard, who has won two gold awards at the Games before, guaranteed that the occasion implied a ton to him. He finished strong, offering his thanks for having been deliberated with the honor of conveying the Spanish banner at the 2016 Rio Olympics. "The Olympic Games always meant a lot and they were always a priority as a sports person, I found the spirit that every sportsperson in the world wants to live," Nadal wrote. "I personally had the chance to live 3 of them and had the honor to be the flag bearer for my country."

'Never An Easy Decision': Rafael Nadal pulls out of Tokyo Olympics and Wimbledon to prolong career

A wild brown bear that took to the streets of the Japanese city of Sapporo has been shot dead by hunters after it injured four people.

The brown bear was seen running on the streets of a residential area, leading to the closure of local schools. It was seen trying to cross a busy road and when it got scared, the bear rampaged through the streets.

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Caught up on Sapporo bear news and this video is completely bonkers… close call for that cyclist <a href="https://t.co/ZYrY1XCjt2">https://t.co/ZYrY1XCjt2</a>
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It also clawed the gates of military barracks, which led to the troops scattering. A soldier was also injured while trying to catch and control the bear. Three civilians were also injured by the bear.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-an-easy-decision-rafael-nadal-pulls-out-of-tokyo-olympics-and-wimbledon-to-prolong-career-392313" hreflang="en">'Never An Easy Decision': Rafael Nadal pulls out of Tokyo Olympics and Wimbledon to prolong career</a>

"A total of four people, including one Self-Defense Forces member, have been attacked and injured by the brown bear. We express our sincere sympathy to them," government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said.

This also led to the temporary cancellation of all incoming and outgoing flights as the city operates a small regional airport.

"Officials from Sapporo City, the Hokkaido police, a local hunting association and other concerned agencies have arrived at the scene. They are coordinating efforts to capture the brown bear, or if deemed necessary, exterminate it,"&nbsp;he added.

The incident happened as the city is gearing up to host the Tokyo Olympics’ marathon and racewalking events in August.

A wild brown bear that took to the streets of the Japanese city of Sapporo has been shot dead by hunters after it injured four people. The brown bear was seen running on the streets of a residential area, leading to the closure of local schools.

A wild brown bear that took to the streets of the Japanese city of Sapporo has been shot dead by hunters after it injured four people. The brown bear was seen running on the streets of a residential area, leading to the closure of local schools. It was seen trying to cross a busy road and when it got scared, the bear rampaged through the streets. Caught up on Sapporo bear news and this video is completely bonkers… close call for that cyclist https://t.co/ZYrY1XCjt2 — Lisa Du (@lisadont) June 18, 2021 × It also clawed the gates of military barracks, which led to the troops scattering. A soldier was also injured while trying to catch and control the bear. Three civilians were also injured by the bear. Also read | 'Never An Easy Decision': Rafael Nadal pulls out of Tokyo Olympics and Wimbledon to prolong career "A total of four people, including one Self-Defense Forces member, have been attacked and injured by the brown bear. We express our sincere sympathy to them," government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said. This also led to the temporary cancellation of all incoming and outgoing flights as the city operates a small regional airport. "Officials from Sapporo City, the Hokkaido police, a local hunting association and other concerned agencies have arrived at the scene. They are coordinating efforts to capture the brown bear, or if deemed necessary, exterminate it," he added. The incident happened as the city is gearing up to host the Tokyo Olympics’ marathon and racewalking events in August.

Watch: Wild bear shot dead by hunters in Japan, ahead of Tokyo Olympics

Japan's central bank on Friday announced its first investment fund for efforts to address climate change, as the government works towards its new target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

The scheme, likely to start this year, will be a successor to an existing programme aimed at promoting economic growth more generally, the Bank of Japan said after a two-day policy meeting.

"Climate change issues could exert an extremely large impact on developments in economic activity and prices as well as financial conditions from a medium- to long-term perspective," its policy statement said.

"The bank considers that supporting the private sector's efforts on the issues from a central bank's standpoint will contribute to stabilising the macroeconomy in the long run."

Financial support measures for pandemic-hit businesses were also extended by six months to the end of March 2022, a day after the government approved lifting a virus state of emergency in nine prefectures including Tokyo.

Slightly looser "quasi-emergency" restrictions will be set in the capital and six other areas until July 11, less than two weeks before the postponed Tokyo Olympics begin.

The extension of business support had been widely expected, said Naoya Oshikubo, senior economist at SuMi TRUST.

"Many companies are continuing to suffer financially from the Covid-19 state of emergency in a number of Japanese prefectures, as well as from the country's low vaccination rates," said Oshikubo ahead of the policy decision.

"The extended financial support package will be very effective in helping hard-pressed small and medium-sized businesses in Japan as demand for business support loans is high," he added.

Japan's vaccine rollout started comparatively slowly, but has picked up pace in recent weeks. Just over six percent of the population is currently fully vaccinated.

The Bank of Japan left its monetary easing policy unchanged, reiterating that it "will closely monitor the impact of Covid-19 and will not hesitate to take additional easing measures if necessary".

But Haruhiko Kuroda, the central bank's governor, sounded a note of optimism as vaccinations speed up.

"Vaccinations are rapidly advancing," he told reporters on Friday afternoon.

"With vaccinations advancing at this rate, I think there is a possibility that face-to-face service consumption will recover faster than we previously expected. As a whole, I think we are heading to a brighter outlook than before."

Earlier Friday, official data showed Japan's consumer prices rose slightly in May for the first time in 14 months, largely because of a rebound in energy prices.

Japan has long struggled to hit a two percent inflation target seen as key to kickstarting the world's third-largest economy, despite a barrage of stimulus and monetary easing packages.

Yoshiki Shinke, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute, said "the BoJ is not in a position to taper its easing policy" as demand in the service sector is still weak owing to the pandemic.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in October set a 2050 deadline for Japan to become carbon neutral, significantly firming up the country's climate-change commitments.

The nation has struggled to cut carbon emissions after shutting down reactors in response to the 2011 meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Japan's central bank on Friday announced its first investment fund for efforts to address climate change, as the government works towards its new target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

Japan's central bank on Friday announced its first investment fund for efforts to address climate change, as the government works towards its new target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. The scheme, likely to start this year, will be a successor to an existing programme aimed at promoting economic growth more generally, the Bank of Japan said after a two-day policy meeting. "Climate change issues could exert an extremely large impact on developments in economic activity and prices as well as financial conditions from a medium- to long-term perspective," its policy statement said. "The bank considers that supporting the private sector's efforts on the issues from a central bank's standpoint will contribute to stabilising the macroeconomy in the long run." Financial support measures for pandemic-hit businesses were also extended by six months to the end of March 2022, a day after the government approved lifting a virus state of emergency in nine prefectures including Tokyo. Slightly looser "quasi-emergency" restrictions will be set in the capital and six other areas until July 11, less than two weeks before the postponed Tokyo Olympics begin. The extension of business support had been widely expected, said Naoya Oshikubo, senior economist at SuMi TRUST. "Many companies are continuing to suffer financially from the Covid-19 state of emergency in a number of Japanese prefectures, as well as from the country's low vaccination rates," said Oshikubo ahead of the policy decision. "The extended financial support package will be very effective in helping hard-pressed small and medium-sized businesses in Japan as demand for business support loans is high," he added. Japan's vaccine rollout started comparatively slowly, but has picked up pace in recent weeks. Just over six percent of the population is currently fully vaccinated. The Bank of Japan left its monetary easing policy unchanged, reiterating that it "will closely monitor the impact of Covid-19 and will not hesitate to take additional easing measures if necessary". But Haruhiko Kuroda, the central bank's governor, sounded a note of optimism as vaccinations speed up. "Vaccinations are rapidly advancing," he told reporters on Friday afternoon. "With vaccinations advancing at this rate, I think there is a possibility that face-to-face service consumption will recover faster than we previously expected. As a whole, I think we are heading to a brighter outlook than before." Earlier Friday, official data showed Japan's consumer prices rose slightly in May for the first time in 14 months, largely because of a rebound in energy prices. Japan has long struggled to hit a two percent inflation target seen as key to kickstarting the world's third-largest economy, despite a barrage of stimulus and monetary easing packages. Yoshiki Shinke, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute, said "the BoJ is not in a position to taper its easing policy" as demand in the service sector is still weak owing to the pandemic. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in October set a 2050 deadline for Japan to become carbon neutral, significantly firming up the country's climate-change commitments. The nation has struggled to cut carbon emissions after shutting down reactors in response to the 2011 meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Bank of Japan announces first green investment fund

Japan's government on Thursday approved lifting Tokyo's virus emergency just over a month before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Tokyo Olympics</a> but set new restrictions that could sharply limit fans at Games events.

The state of emergency in place in Tokyo began in late April and largely limits bar and restaurant opening hours and bans them from selling alcohol.

That measure will now end in the capital and eight other regions on June 20, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced. It will stay in place in Okinawa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-japan-to-ease-state-of-emergency-focus-on-games-spectators-392069">Tokyo 2020: Japan to ease state of emergency, focus on Games spectators</a>

"The number of infections nationwide has been declining since mid-May and the situation in terms of hospital beds is steadily improving," he said.

"On the other hand, in some regions, there are signs that the fall in the number of infections is slowing," Suga added.

In place of the emergency, the government will implement so-called "quasi-emergency" measures in Tokyo and six other areas until July 11.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-agree-to-ease-emergency-curbs-in-tokyo-but-warn-of-risks-govt-392060">Experts agree to ease emergency curbs in Tokyo but warn of risks: Govt</a>

The measures will slightly relax the rules on alcohol, allowing sales until 7 pm, but still asks restaurants and bars to shut at 8 pm.

Crucially, with just five weeks until the pandemic-postponed Games open, strict limits will remain on the number of spectators allowed at large events.

The current state of emergency allows only 5,000 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is smaller. And on Wednesday, the government approved an upper limit of 10,000 spectators, but only for areas not under any restrictions.

Those rules are likely to guide Olympic organisers when they decide in the coming days how many domestic fans, if any, will be allowed to attend.

Overseas fans have already been banned from the Games for the first time, and organisers said they would wait to rule on domestic spectators until the emergency was lifted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-overseas-reporters-movement-to-be-tracked-by-gps-as-japan-gears-up-for-games-390190">Tokyo Olympics: Overseas reporters' movement to be tracked by GPS as Japan gears up for Games</a>

The issue is controversial. While cases in Japan have fallen from their fourth wave peak, some medical professionals fear that crowds of Olympic spectators could fan a new surge.

A report expected soon from some of the government's top medical advisers will argue holding the Games without fans would be safest, national broadcaster NHK said Thursday.

The experts will urge that additional rules are imposed if spectators are allowed, NHK said.

'Respond flexibly'&nbsp;

Suga noted that professional baseball and football games have continued with limited spectators throughout the emergency "and there have been few clusters".

But he also warned that measures could be tightened if the situation worsens.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/half-of-japanese-predict-olympics-will-happen-this-year-poll-shows-389920">Half of Japanese predict Olympics will happen this year, poll shows</a>

"If there are signs that the medical system is stretched because of another expansion (of infections), we will respond flexibly, including by reinforcing measures," he told a news conference.

Japan has seen a comparatively small virus outbreak, with slightly over 14,000 deaths while avoiding harsh lockdowns.

Just over six per cent of the population is fully vaccinated so far.

Given the likely restrictions, Olympic organisers have given up on selling any more tickets and are weighing a lottery system to determine which ticketholders will be able to attend events, the Kyodo news agency reported.

Millions of tickets were sold in Japan last year before the postponement, and while several hundred thousand applications for refunds were processed after the Games were postponed, the number of ticketholders is still likely to exceed any spectator caps at many events.

With just over a month until the Games open, organisers are attempting to build confidence that the biggest international event since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">pandemic</a> began will be safe for participants and the public.

Newly updated virus rulebooks released this week warn athletes they could be expelled from the Games if they violate requirements like mask-wearing and daily testing.

Organisers say more than 80 per cent of athletes will be vaccinated and they will be barred from interacting with the Japanese public.

Recent polls have suggested a slight shift in public opposition to holding the Games, with more now in favour of it going ahead than cancelling it.

Previous surveys that offered postponement as an option tended to show most Japanese preferred either another delay or cancellation.

Japan's government on Thursday approved lifting Tokyo's virus emergency just over a month before the Tokyo Olympics but set new restrictions that could sharply limit fans at Games events.

Japan's government on Thursday approved lifting Tokyo's virus emergency just over a month before the Tokyo Olympics but set new restrictions that could sharply limit fans at Games events. The state of emergency in place in Tokyo began in late April and largely limits bar and restaurant opening hours and bans them from selling alcohol. That measure will now end in the capital and eight other regions on June 20, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced. It will stay in place in Okinawa. Also read | Tokyo 2020: Japan to ease state of emergency, focus on Games spectators "The number of infections nationwide has been declining since mid-May and the situation in terms of hospital beds is steadily improving," he said. "On the other hand, in some regions, there are signs that the fall in the number of infections is slowing," Suga added. In place of the emergency, the government will implement so-called "quasi-emergency" measures in Tokyo and six other areas until July 11. Also read | Experts agree to ease emergency curbs in Tokyo but warn of risks: Govt The measures will slightly relax the rules on alcohol, allowing sales until 7 pm, but still asks restaurants and bars to shut at 8 pm. Crucially, with just five weeks until the pandemic-postponed Games open, strict limits will remain on the number of spectators allowed at large events. The current state of emergency allows only 5,000 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is smaller. And on Wednesday, the government approved an upper limit of 10,000 spectators, but only for areas not under any restrictions. Those rules are likely to guide Olympic organisers when they decide in the coming days how many domestic fans, if any, will be allowed to attend. Overseas fans have already been banned from the Games for the first time, and organisers said they would wait to rule on domestic spectators until the emergency was lifted. Also read | Tokyo Olympics: Overseas reporters' movement to be tracked by GPS as Japan gears up for Games The issue is controversial. While cases in Japan have fallen from their fourth wave peak, some medical professionals fear that crowds of Olympic spectators could fan a new surge. A report expected soon from some of the government's top medical advisers will argue holding the Games without fans would be safest, national broadcaster NHK said Thursday. The experts will urge that additional rules are imposed if spectators are allowed, NHK said. 'Respond flexibly' Suga noted that professional baseball and football games have continued with limited spectators throughout the emergency "and there have been few clusters". But he also warned that measures could be tightened if the situation worsens. Also read | Half of Japanese predict Olympics will happen this year, poll shows "If there are signs that the medical system is stretched because of another expansion (of infections), we will respond flexibly, including by reinforcing measures," he told a news conference. Japan has seen a comparatively small virus outbreak, with slightly over 14,000 deaths while avoiding harsh lockdowns. Just over six per cent of the population is fully vaccinated so far. Given the likely restrictions, Olympic organisers have given up on selling any more tickets and are weighing a lottery system to determine which ticketholders will be able to attend events, the Kyodo news agency reported. Millions of tickets were sold in Japan last year before the postponement, and while several hundred thousand applications for refunds were processed after the Games were postponed, the number of ticketholders is still likely to exceed any spectator caps at many events. With just over a month until the Games open, organisers are attempting to build confidence that the biggest international event since the pandemic began will be safe for participants and the public. Newly updated virus rulebooks released this week warn athletes they could be expelled from the Games if they violate requirements like mask-wearing and daily testing. Organisers say more than 80 per cent of athletes will be vaccinated and they will be barred from interacting with the Japanese public. Recent polls have suggested a slight shift in public opposition to holding the Games, with more now in favour of it going ahead than cancelling it. Previous surveys that offered postponement as an option tended to show most Japanese preferred either another delay or cancellation.

Japan ending Tokyo virus emergency one month before Olympics

With final preparations underway for the much-awaited Tokyo Olympic Games 2020, Hockey India on Wednesday announced the final list of players selected to represent the Indian Women’s Hockey Team at the summer showdown in Tokyo. The 16-member squad strikes the perfect balance between continuity from the Rio Olympics 2016, and adopting a fresh approach for Tokyo. Eight experienced veterans have been named in the squad, while eight new players have been handed the chance to make their Olympic debut for Team India.&nbsp;

Speaking on the team selection, Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “This team has worked very hard over the last few years and has made progress consistently. There’s a good mix of experienced players and new talent, which is excellent. We look forward to taking on the best in the world in Tokyo. This is a team with a lot of potential and drive which we hope to channelise to our best performance yet.”

Congratulating the selected squad, Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam said, “Over the past few years, leading up to this edition of the Olympics, the women’s team has worked very hard to achieve their current form. I am confident that this team will give a tough competition to any opponent. I wish them all the very best for their preparation and performance at the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games 2020.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-japan-to-ease-state-of-emergency-focus-on-games-spectators-392069" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020: Japan to ease state of emergency, focus on Games spectators</a>

The final squad includes eight stalwarts in Rani, Savita, Deep Grace Ekka, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Nikki Pradhan, Navjot Kaur and Vandana Katariya; who have had the experience of representing India at the historic appearance of the Indian women’s team at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games after a gap of 36 years. These eight players have amassed a mammoth total of 1,492 caps between them for Team India and will be tasked with leading the charge for Team India in their quest for Olympic glory.

This will be the Indian Women's Hockey team's third appearance at the Olympic Games and their second consecutive outing, with previous appearances coming in 1980 and 2016. The Indian Women's Hockey team have seen a steady rise over the past few years, clinching Olympic qualification for a historic second consecutive occasion on the back of their consistent performances in qualifying events. Since Rio 2016, the team has experienced the highs of winning the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, 2017 Asia Cup, the Silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games and making it to the Quarter Finals of the 2018 Women’s World Cup for the first time in history.

The eight Olympic debutants include drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur, Udita, Nisha, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Sharmila Devi, Lalremsiami - who is the first player hailing from Mizoram in the team and Salima Tete - who led the Indian team at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games at Buenos Aires to a silver medal performance, also joins the team destined for Tokyo.

The Women’s Team, which made history in Rio in 2016 after making an Olympic appearance after a 36-year-long wait, will now be looking to make its mark in the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020. This team took the disconcerting news of the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics in its stride and used the additional year to solidify their preparation for the Summer Games, as they bid to become the first Indian Women’s Hockey team to win an Olympic medal. The team has left no stone unturned in their preparation for the year’s showpiece event, with challenging tours to Germany and Argentina in the early part of 2021 proving to be an ideal preparation against world class competition. A high intensity National Camp following the international tours has put the team in good stead ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The team continues preparations at the ongoing camp at SAI Centre Bengaluru with the games taking place from 23rd July to 6th August in Tokyo.

Goalkeepers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Savita&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Defenders

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deep Grace Ekka&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nikki Pradhan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gurjit Kaur

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Udita&nbsp;

Midfielders

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nisha &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Neha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monika&nbsp;

10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Navjot Kaur

11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Salima Tete

Forwards

12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rani&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Navneet Kaur

14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lalremsiami&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vandana Katariya

16.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sharmila Devi

With final preparations underway for the much-awaited Tokyo Olympic Games 2020, Hockey India on Wednesday announced the final list of players selected to represent the Indian Women’s Hockey Team at the summer showdown in Tokyo.

With final preparations underway for the much-awaited Tokyo Olympic Games 2020, Hockey India on Wednesday announced the final list of players selected to represent the Indian Women’s Hockey Team at the summer showdown in Tokyo. The 16-member squad strikes the perfect balance between continuity from the Rio Olympics 2016, and adopting a fresh approach for Tokyo. Eight experienced veterans have been named in the squad, while eight new players have been handed the chance to make their Olympic debut for Team India. Speaking on the team selection, Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “This team has worked very hard over the last few years and has made progress consistently. There’s a good mix of experienced players and new talent, which is excellent. We look forward to taking on the best in the world in Tokyo. This is a team with a lot of potential and drive which we hope to channelise to our best performance yet.” Congratulating the selected squad, Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam said, “Over the past few years, leading up to this edition of the Olympics, the women’s team has worked very hard to achieve their current form. I am confident that this team will give a tough competition to any opponent. I wish them all the very best for their preparation and performance at the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games 2020.” ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020: Japan to ease state of emergency, focus on Games spectators The final squad includes eight stalwarts in Rani, Savita, Deep Grace Ekka, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Nikki Pradhan, Navjot Kaur and Vandana Katariya; who have had the experience of representing India at the historic appearance of the Indian women’s team at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games after a gap of 36 years. These eight players have amassed a mammoth total of 1,492 caps between them for Team India and will be tasked with leading the charge for Team India in their quest for Olympic glory. This will be the Indian Women's Hockey team's third appearance at the Olympic Games and their second consecutive outing, with previous appearances coming in 1980 and 2016. The Indian Women's Hockey team have seen a steady rise over the past few years, clinching Olympic qualification for a historic second consecutive occasion on the back of their consistent performances in qualifying events. Since Rio 2016, the team has experienced the highs of winning the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, 2017 Asia Cup, the Silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games and making it to the Quarter Finals of the 2018 Women’s World Cup for the first time in history. The eight Olympic debutants include drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur, Udita, Nisha, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Sharmila Devi, Lalremsiami - who is the first player hailing from Mizoram in the team and Salima Tete - who led the Indian team at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games at Buenos Aires to a silver medal performance, also joins the team destined for Tokyo. The Women’s Team, which made history in Rio in 2016 after making an Olympic appearance after a 36-year-long wait, will now be looking to make its mark in the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020. This team took the disconcerting news of the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics in its stride and used the additional year to solidify their preparation for the Summer Games, as they bid to become the first Indian Women’s Hockey team to win an Olympic medal. The team has left no stone unturned in their preparation for the year’s showpiece event, with challenging tours to Germany and Argentina in the early part of 2021 proving to be an ideal preparation against world class competition. A high intensity National Camp following the international tours has put the team in good stead ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games. The team continues preparations at the ongoing camp at SAI Centre Bengaluru with the games taking place from 23rd July to 6th August in Tokyo. Goalkeepers 1. Savita Defenders 2. Deep Grace Ekka 3. Nikki Pradhan 4. Gurjit Kaur 5. Udita Midfielders 6. Nisha 7. Neha 8. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam 9. Monika 10. Navjot Kaur 11. Salima Tete Forwards 12. Rani 13. Navneet Kaur 14. Lalremsiami 15. Vandana Katariya 16. Sharmila Devi

Hockey India announces Women's squad for Tokyo Olympic Games 2020

Japan will decide this month on whether to allow domestic spectators at the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics, the government's chief spokesman said on Wednesday, after experts signed off on a plan to allow crowds of up to 10,000 people at events.

The final call on attendance at the Games will be made taking into account coronavirus infection conditions and the prevalence of variants, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters.

Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said health experts agreed with a government plan that would permit up to 10,000 spectators or 50% of a venue's capacity, whichever is smaller, at events. Allowing such crowds depends on there not being special infection controls in effect, however.

Foreign spectators are already prohibited from the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;beginning on July 23 as part of measures planned to deliver what the Japanese government and Olympic officials promise will be "safe and secure" Games.

Tokyo organizers might be forgiven for eyeing soccer's European Championship with envy, as stadiums across the continent are expected to be packed throughout the month-long spectacle.

On Tuesday, a full house of 67,000 supporters watched Hungary take on Portugal in their Euro 2020 opener. Other nations are allowing various sized crowds, with up to 45,000 expected at both semi-finals and the July 11 final to be played at London's Wembley Stadium.

The government's top medical adviser Shigeru Omi was due to hold a news conference on coronavirus countermeasures on Wednesday, the Cabinet Office said.

Omi has been&nbsp;in recent weeks about the risks of holding the Games during a pandemic and has said guidance from him and other experts were not making its way to the International Olympic Committee.

The IOC has tried to quell such concerns by saying that most athletes and media coming to Tokyo will be vaccinated and that so-called playbooks governing hygiene, movements, and testing of participants will further mitigate infection risks.

The&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;have already been postponed by a year amid concerns over how organizers can keep volunteers, athletes, officials, and the Japanese public safe when they begin after the fourth wave of infections.

Tokyo, Osaka, and eight other prefectures remain under a state of emergency that is set to end on June 20.

Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura said Wednesday he was against lifting the emergency declaration "too easily", adding he would request quasi-emergency measures to avoid an infection rebound.

Japan's sluggish vaccination push is starting to gain steam of late, and recent polls have pointed to acceptance that the Games will go forward.

Hofu City, in the southwestern prefecture of Yamaguchi, is vaccinating high school students, far ahead of the rest of the country, before they volunteer to help with pre-Games training thereby Serbia's national volleyball team, NHK reported.

Japan will decide this month on whether to allow domestic spectators at the Tokyo Olympics, the government's chief spokesman said on Wednesday, after experts signed off on a plan to allow crowds of up to 10,000 people at events.

Japan will decide this month on whether to allow domestic spectators at the Tokyo Olympics, the government's chief spokesman said on Wednesday, after experts signed off on a plan to allow crowds of up to 10,000 people at events. The final call on attendance at the Games will be made taking into account coronavirus infection conditions and the prevalence of variants, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters. Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said health experts agreed with a government plan that would permit up to 10,000 spectators or 50% of a venue's capacity, whichever is smaller, at events. Allowing such crowds depends on there not being special infection controls in effect, however. Foreign spectators are already prohibited from the Olympics beginning on July 23 as part of measures planned to deliver what the Japanese government and Olympic officials promise will be "safe and secure" Games. Tokyo organizers might be forgiven for eyeing soccer's European Championship with envy, as stadiums across the continent are expected to be packed throughout the month-long spectacle. On Tuesday, a full house of 67,000 supporters watched Hungary take on Portugal in their Euro 2020 opener. Other nations are allowing various sized crowds, with up to 45,000 expected at both semi-finals and the July 11 final to be played at London's Wembley Stadium. The government's top medical adviser Shigeru Omi was due to hold a news conference on coronavirus countermeasures on Wednesday, the Cabinet Office said. Omi has been in recent weeks about the risks of holding the Games during a pandemic and has said guidance from him and other experts were not making its way to the International Olympic Committee. The IOC has tried to quell such concerns by saying that most athletes and media coming to Tokyo will be vaccinated and that so-called playbooks governing hygiene, movements, and testing of participants will further mitigate infection risks. The Olympics have already been postponed by a year amid concerns over how organizers can keep volunteers, athletes, officials, and the Japanese public safe when they begin after the fourth wave of infections. Tokyo, Osaka, and eight other prefectures remain under a state of emergency that is set to end on June 20. Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura said Wednesday he was against lifting the emergency declaration "too easily", adding he would request quasi-emergency measures to avoid an infection rebound. Japan's sluggish vaccination push is starting to gain steam of late, and recent polls have pointed to acceptance that the Games will go forward. Hofu City, in the southwestern prefecture of Yamaguchi, is vaccinating high school students, far ahead of the rest of the country, before they volunteer to help with pre-Games training thereby Serbia's national volleyball team, NHK reported.

Japan to decide soon on domestic spectators at Tokyo Olympics

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates arrived in Japan on Tuesday, as organisers ramp up final preparations with just over five weeks until the pandemic-postponed Games open.

Ahead of his arrival, several dozen people protested against the Games in Tokyo, though recent opinion polls suggest public opposition may be weakening.

Later Tuesday, organisers will release the final version of their virus countermeasures for athletes in a so-called "playbook" that they say will keep the event safe.

They have already announced measures including daily testing for athletes and GPS tracking of journalists coming from abroad, in an attempt to reassure a sceptical public.

National polls have regularly shown most people in Japan oppose holding the Games this summer, preferring either a postponement or cancellation.

But with the first foreign athletes already in the country and Olympic officials arriving, there is some evidence that opposition may be declining.

"I hope they will hold the Games with spectators," 54-year-old Michiyo Saito told AFP in Ota City, north of Tokyo, which is hosting Australia's softball team ahead of the Games.

Several hundred residents turned out Tuesday to watch the team train.

"They came from very far away, so I wanted to support them in any small way I can," Saito said.

"I am scared of the coronavirus. But as they seem to have anti-virus measures in place, I thought it would be OK."

<h2>- Emergency restrictions to end -</h2>

A survey in early June found half of the Japanese public back holding the Games, and a new poll published late Monday showed 64 percent now support it going ahead.

The new survey by national broadcaster NHK found 31 percent of respondents want the Games cancelled, down from 49 percent in May.

In all, 64 percent said they want the Games to go ahead -- including 29 percent who favour a ban on spectators, 32 percent who want limited spectators and three percent who want no restrictions on fans.

The poll did not give the option of postponement, which organisers have ruled out.

Coates will be in quarantine for three days, according to local media, and subject to some restrictions on his movement after that.

Japan's mandatory 14-day quarantine for overseas arrivals is being relaxed for Olympic participants.

But organisers insist that Tokyo 2020 will be safe, with athletes tested daily and prevented from contact with Japan's public.

Around 84 percent of athletes have already been vaccinated, Coates told the Australian Financial Review newspaper before departing for Tokyo.

"We can never get to 100 percent, I don't imagine, but if we can try and identify who hasn't been vaccinated and ensure they're vaccinated," he said.

Athletes from some Asian and African countries are being flown to Qatar for vaccines, while South American athletes are being flown to Miami and Houston for shots organised by the IOC, he said.

Overseas fans have already been barred from the Games, with a decision on how many domestic spectators will be allowed expected in late June.

The ruling will come after a virus state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of the country, mainly requiring bars and restaurants to close early and stop serving alcohol, is lifted on June 20.

Kyodo news agency reported late Monday that the government could keep some restrictions in place in Tokyo during the Games, potentially limiting the number of spectators who could attend.

Japan has seen a smaller outbreak than many countries, with just over 14,000 deaths, but Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government has come under fire for its response.

On Tuesday, opposition parties filed a motion of no confidence, but it is expected to fail given the government's large majority.

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates arrived in Japan on Tuesday, as organisers ramp up final preparations with just over five weeks until the pandemic-postponed Games open.

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates arrived in Japan on Tuesday, as organisers ramp up final preparations with just over five weeks until the pandemic-postponed Games open. Ahead of his arrival, several dozen people protested against the Games in Tokyo, though recent opinion polls suggest public opposition may be weakening. Later Tuesday, organisers will release the final version of their virus countermeasures for athletes in a so-called "playbook" that they say will keep the event safe. They have already announced measures including daily testing for athletes and GPS tracking of journalists coming from abroad, in an attempt to reassure a sceptical public. National polls have regularly shown most people in Japan oppose holding the Games this summer, preferring either a postponement or cancellation. But with the first foreign athletes already in the country and Olympic officials arriving, there is some evidence that opposition may be declining. "I hope they will hold the Games with spectators," 54-year-old Michiyo Saito told AFP in Ota City, north of Tokyo, which is hosting Australia's softball team ahead of the Games. Several hundred residents turned out Tuesday to watch the team train. "They came from very far away, so I wanted to support them in any small way I can," Saito said. "I am scared of the coronavirus. But as they seem to have anti-virus measures in place, I thought it would be OK." - Emergency restrictions to end - A survey in early June found half of the Japanese public back holding the Games, and a new poll published late Monday showed 64 percent now support it going ahead. The new survey by national broadcaster NHK found 31 percent of respondents want the Games cancelled, down from 49 percent in May. In all, 64 percent said they want the Games to go ahead -- including 29 percent who favour a ban on spectators, 32 percent who want limited spectators and three percent who want no restrictions on fans. The poll did not give the option of postponement, which organisers have ruled out. Coates will be in quarantine for three days, according to local media, and subject to some restrictions on his movement after that. Japan's mandatory 14-day quarantine for overseas arrivals is being relaxed for Olympic participants. But organisers insist that Tokyo 2020 will be safe, with athletes tested daily and prevented from contact with Japan's public. Around 84 percent of athletes have already been vaccinated, Coates told the Australian Financial Review newspaper before departing for Tokyo. "We can never get to 100 percent, I don't imagine, but if we can try and identify who hasn't been vaccinated and ensure they're vaccinated," he said. Athletes from some Asian and African countries are being flown to Qatar for vaccines, while South American athletes are being flown to Miami and Houston for shots organised by the IOC, he said. Overseas fans have already been barred from the Games, with a decision on how many domestic spectators will be allowed expected in late June. The ruling will come after a virus state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of the country, mainly requiring bars and restaurants to close early and stop serving alcohol, is lifted on June 20. Kyodo news agency reported late Monday that the government could keep some restrictions in place in Tokyo during the Games, potentially limiting the number of spectators who could attend. Japan has seen a smaller outbreak than many countries, with just over 14,000 deaths, but Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government has come under fire for its response. On Tuesday, opposition parties filed a motion of no confidence, but it is expected to fail given the government's large majority.

IOC vice-president in Japan as Olympic preparations ramp up

The US Olympic swimming trials still get Michael Phelps's synapses firing, even though the Games great has nothing on the line at &nbsp;the pressure packed meeting.

Phelps is at the trials in Omaha as an honored spectator, but after five Olympic campaigns that yielded an astonishing 28 medals -- 23 of them gold -- Phelps said being on the deck in Omaha, Nebraska, gave him chills.

"Walking on the pool deck I had to take deep breaths, I felt chills going up my body."

Phelps said he even felt a few tears rising -- and somehow all those years of preparation for and competing at trials -- this is the first edition of the qualifying meet since 1996 in which he hasn't featured -- kicked in.

"Body-wise, I'm almost ready," Phelps said Monday. "Put me in there, let me do a time trial or something. This is all I know and all I've really understood."

In fact, Phelps said, he's not sorry to be missing the nerves and pressure, the warming up and warming down, the blood tests for lactic acid, massages and difficulty of just scheduling meals.

"But I will say it got a lot of things firing inside me last night," Phelps said. "It really excited me.

"It was probably more emotional than I thought. I haven't been to many of these larger stakes meets live for a long time.

Phelps, 35, has a ringside seat in Omaha to watch a generation of swimmers he inspired.

But right out of the gate on Sunday, Phelps was treated to a 400m individual medley final in which his former training partner and friend Chase Kalisz edged Jay Litherland in a repeat of their finish in the 2016 trials.

"It was overwhelming the first night, but in a very positive way," Phelps said.

Phelps said that even five years after his farewell Games in Rio de Janeiro, he's not sure he has fully assimilated his accomplishments -- which include his record eight-gold haul in 2008 in Beijing.

"I can think back to (being) a little kid and wanting the opportunity to swim on one Olympic team and maybe win one medal.

"Twenty-eight Olympic medals, that's still weird," he said. "That hasn't totally sunk in yet."

The US Olympic swimming trials still get Michael Phelps's synapses firing, even though the Games great has nothing on the line at the pressure packed meeting. Phelps is at the trials in Omaha as an honored spectator, but after five Olympic campaigns that yielded an astonishing 28 medals -- 23 of them gold -- Phelps said being on the deck in Omaha, Nebraska, gave him chills.

The US Olympic swimming trials still get Michael Phelps's synapses firing, even though the Games great has nothing on the line at the pressure packed meeting. Phelps is at the trials in Omaha as an honored spectator, but after five Olympic campaigns that yielded an astonishing 28 medals -- 23 of them gold -- Phelps said being on the deck in Omaha, Nebraska, gave him chills. "Walking on the pool deck I had to take deep breaths, I felt chills going up my body." Phelps said he even felt a few tears rising -- and somehow all those years of preparation for and competing at trials -- this is the first edition of the qualifying meet since 1996 in which he hasn't featured -- kicked in. "Body-wise, I'm almost ready," Phelps said Monday. "Put me in there, let me do a time trial or something. This is all I know and all I've really understood." In fact, Phelps said, he's not sorry to be missing the nerves and pressure, the warming up and warming down, the blood tests for lactic acid, massages and difficulty of just scheduling meals. "But I will say it got a lot of things firing inside me last night," Phelps said. "It really excited me. "It was probably more emotional than I thought. I haven't been to many of these larger stakes meets live for a long time. Phelps, 35, has a ringside seat in Omaha to watch a generation of swimmers he inspired. But right out of the gate on Sunday, Phelps was treated to a 400m individual medley final in which his former training partner and friend Chase Kalisz edged Jay Litherland in a repeat of their finish in the 2016 trials. "It was overwhelming the first night, but in a very positive way," Phelps said. Phelps said that even five years after his farewell Games in Rio de Janeiro, he's not sure he has fully assimilated his accomplishments -- which include his record eight-gold haul in 2008 in Beijing. "I can think back to (being) a little kid and wanting the opportunity to swim on one Olympic team and maybe win one medal. "Twenty-eight Olympic medals, that's still weird," he said. "That hasn't totally sunk in yet."

Olympic icon Phelps fired up by return to US swimming trials

Nearly five years since he was carted off the track at the Rio Games with a torn Achilles, Trayvon Bromell attributes his remarkable comeback to one thing: An act of God.

The devoutly religious sprinter has endured a litany of injuries on and off the track in his 25 years: breaking both his knees and fracturing his arm and hip, before the pivotal injury in 2016 that threatened his career and sent him on a multiyear journey of recovery.

That he is even competing again after a two-year absence is a testament to his odds-defying will to succeed. That he's a favorite to win the 100-meters in Tokyo is enough to make a believer out of anyone.

"People want to make it all, you know, luck - No. Science - No. I'm sorry," he told Reuters ahead of the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials that kick off this week.

"Every doctor that I've seen these past couple of years has told me 'No, you will not be back in top form. You will not be able to run what you ran years prior.' And God said 'No'."

He rolls into Eugene, Oregon, this week with a world-leading time of 9.77 seconds in the men's 100 meters - the only event in which he will contend at the Trials - all but assuring him a spot on Team USA.

It's a tantalizing chance to fill the void left behind by Jamaica's Usain Bolt, who retired in 2017 with eight Olympic golds as the world's most famous and beloved sprinter.

But while the world of athletics eagerly awaits the coronation of a worthy heir to Bolt's legacy, Bromell made clear his focus is elsewhere.

"For me, personally, it's all about purpose. I'm not thinking about no medals. I'm not thinking about no times, I’m not thinking about what people see or none of that," said Bromell, who has adopted a strict "no days off" policy on the road to Tokyo.

It's an approach that has certainly paid off, as he clocked his second sub-10-second performance of the year last month at the Track Meet in Irvine, California.

"People don't understand, you can't stop moving. You can't just stop and get complacent. So for me, every day is a grind," he said.

"For me, every day is another day to be prepared for when God presents you with that opportunity."

The U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials begin Friday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

Nearly five years since he was carted off the track at the Rio Games with a torn Achilles, Trayvon Bromell attributes his remarkable comeback to one thing: An act of God.

Nearly five years since he was carted off the track at the Rio Games with a torn Achilles, Trayvon Bromell attributes his remarkable comeback to one thing: An act of God. The devoutly religious sprinter has endured a litany of injuries on and off the track in his 25 years: breaking both his knees and fracturing his arm and hip, before the pivotal injury in 2016 that threatened his career and sent him on a multiyear journey of recovery. That he is even competing again after a two-year absence is a testament to his odds-defying will to succeed. That he's a favorite to win the 100-meters in Tokyo is enough to make a believer out of anyone. "People want to make it all, you know, luck - No. Science - No. I'm sorry," he told Reuters ahead of the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials that kick off this week. "Every doctor that I've seen these past couple of years has told me 'No, you will not be back in top form. You will not be able to run what you ran years prior.' And God said 'No'." He rolls into Eugene, Oregon, this week with a world-leading time of 9.77 seconds in the men's 100 meters - the only event in which he will contend at the Trials - all but assuring him a spot on Team USA. It's a tantalizing chance to fill the void left behind by Jamaica's Usain Bolt, who retired in 2017 with eight Olympic golds as the world's most famous and beloved sprinter. But while the world of athletics eagerly awaits the coronation of a worthy heir to Bolt's legacy, Bromell made clear his focus is elsewhere. "For me, personally, it's all about purpose. I'm not thinking about no medals. I'm not thinking about no times, I’m not thinking about what people see or none of that," said Bromell, who has adopted a strict "no days off" policy on the road to Tokyo. It's an approach that has certainly paid off, as he clocked his second sub-10-second performance of the year last month at the Track Meet in Irvine, California. "People don't understand, you can't stop moving. You can't just stop and get complacent. So for me, every day is a grind," he said. "For me, every day is another day to be prepared for when God presents you with that opportunity." The U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials begin Friday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

Athletics: After remarkable recovery, Trayvon Bromell keeps the faith at U.S. Olympic trials

India's Olympic contingent will be fully vaccinated by early July ahead of their journey to Tokyo for the Games, the country's top sports official Narinder Batra told AFP.

India will send nearly 200 athletes, coaches and support staff to the Tokyo Games scheduled to run from July 23 to August 8 after last year's event was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We had requested that all the national sports federations get their athletes vaccinated even though the IOC (International Olympic Committee) says it is not mandatory," the Indian Olympic Association president said.

"But we want our athletes to be safe and they should also be safe for others."

Batra said half of the contingent was partially vaccinated and the other half had received both doses.

"So by the first week of July the entire contingent -- athletes plus officials -- should be double vaccinated," he added.

Batra's comments come two days after his association dropped&nbsp;Chinese kit sponsor Li Ning following a public backlash when the uniforms were unveiled last week.

Tensions between India and China worsened after a deadly border encounter in June 2020. The clash sparked calls in India for a boycott of Chinese products and companies.

"We went by the public opinion that was formed on social media after that (kit unveiling)," Batra added.

"If we could find a sponsor before the end of June when things will need to close, then we will have one. Otherwise it remains unbranded."

China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Wednesday called on India to "avoid politicising issues".

<h2>- High hopes for hockey -</h2>

While the pandemic had made it harder for athletes to prepare for Tokyo, Batra said competitors from all nations faced the same challenges, making it a "level-playing field for all".

He stuck to his prediction that India would take home at least 10 medals from the Summer Games.

"Our athletes have been going on in their bio-bubbles or wherever they are training overseas. So there's no effect on our medal prospects and how we feel -- that is, double digits."

Four years ago, the team came home from Rio with just two medals, with badminton champion P.V. Sindhu clinching silver and wrestler Sakshi Malik winning bronze.

Batra, who was re-elected president of the International Hockey Federation last month, did not nominate the sports he thought would win gold, silver or bronze.

But he expressed high hopes for the men's and women's field hockey teams.

The men's team -- the most successful in Olympic history --&nbsp;has won eight Olympic golds, but have not finished in the final four since 1980.

The women's team has not won a medal since the sport became an Olympic event in 1980.

"I expect the men's team to definitely win a medal and I call the women's team a dark horse as they can be world beaters on any day," he said.

India's Olympic contingent will be fully vaccinated by early July ahead of their journey to Tokyo for the Games, the country's top sports official Narinder Batra told AFP.

India's Olympic contingent will be fully vaccinated by early July ahead of their journey to Tokyo for the Games, the country's top sports official Narinder Batra told AFP. India will send nearly 200 athletes, coaches and support staff to the Tokyo Games scheduled to run from July 23 to August 8 after last year's event was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. "We had requested that all the national sports federations get their athletes vaccinated even though the IOC (International Olympic Committee) says it is not mandatory," the Indian Olympic Association president said. "But we want our athletes to be safe and they should also be safe for others." Batra said half of the contingent was partially vaccinated and the other half had received both doses. "So by the first week of July the entire contingent -- athletes plus officials -- should be double vaccinated," he added. Batra's comments come two days after his association dropped Chinese kit sponsor Li Ning following a public backlash when the uniforms were unveiled last week. Tensions between India and China worsened after a deadly border encounter in June 2020. The clash sparked calls in India for a boycott of Chinese products and companies. "We went by the public opinion that was formed on social media after that (kit unveiling)," Batra added. "If we could find a sponsor before the end of June when things will need to close, then we will have one. Otherwise it remains unbranded." China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Wednesday called on India to "avoid politicising issues". - High hopes for hockey - While the pandemic had made it harder for athletes to prepare for Tokyo, Batra said competitors from all nations faced the same challenges, making it a "level-playing field for all". He stuck to his prediction that India would take home at least 10 medals from the Summer Games. "Our athletes have been going on in their bio-bubbles or wherever they are training overseas. So there's no effect on our medal prospects and how we feel -- that is, double digits." Four years ago, the team came home from Rio with just two medals, with badminton champion P.V. Sindhu clinching silver and wrestler Sakshi Malik winning bronze. Batra, who was re-elected president of the International Hockey Federation last month, did not nominate the sports he thought would win gold, silver or bronze. But he expressed high hopes for the men's and women's field hockey teams. The men's team -- the most successful in Olympic history -- has won eight Olympic golds, but have not finished in the final four since 1980. The women's team has not won a medal since the sport became an Olympic event in 1980. "I expect the men's team to definitely win a medal and I call the women's team a dark horse as they can be world beaters on any day," he said.

India's Olympic team to be fully vaccinated: sports chief

Foreign journalists covering the Tokyo Olympics will be tracked by GPS, the Games president Seiko Hashimoto said on Tuesday. The media could have their passes cancelled if they break the COVID-19 protocols in place for the much-awaited Tokyo Games.<o:p></o:p>

Tokyo Olympics organisers are working to reassure the public that the quadrennial even can be safely held under stringent coronavirus rules. Notably, the 2020 Games open in just over six weeks and the local public has been skeptical about the event amid the COVID-19 situation in the city.<o:p></o:p>

Around 6,000 reporters are likely to visit Japan for the 2020 Olympics and must provide a detailed list of areas they are planning to visit in their first two weeks in Japan, such as sports venues and hotels.<o:p></o:p>

Tokyo 2020 chief said that the tracking technology would be used to ensure that the media only visit the places they are supposed to. <o:p></o:p>

"To make sure that people don't go to places other than the places where they are registered to go, we will use GPS to strictly manage their behaviour," Hashimoto said before a Tokyo 2020 executive board meeting.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-merciless-rafael-nadal-marches-into-the-quarter-finals-390087" hreflang="en">French Open: Merciless Rafael Nadal marches into the quarter-finals</a><o:p></o:p>

The overseas media will be urged to stay in designated hotels rather than private lodgings. Interestingly, the number of hotels are set to be reduced from the originally planned 350 to around 150 as the Games organisers continue to keep visitors under close supervision.<o:p></o:p>

Even athletes will also face strict restrictions on their movement besides being tested regularly for the dreaded virus. Overseas fans have already been banned from attending the mega event and a call on domestic spectators will be taken later in June.<o:p></o:p>

While Japan has seen a smaller COVID-19 outbreak than many countries, the vaccine roll-out in the country has been pretty slow with around 3.5 per cent of the population completely vaccinated thus far.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Foreign journalists covering the Tokyo Olympics will be tracked by GPS, the Games president Seiko Hashimoto said on Tuesday. The media could have their passes cancelled if they break the COVID-19 protocols in place for the much-awaited Tokyo Games.

Foreign journalists covering the Tokyo Olympics will be tracked by GPS, the Games president Seiko Hashimoto said on Tuesday. The media could have their passes cancelled if they break the COVID-19 protocols in place for the much-awaited Tokyo Games. Tokyo Olympics organisers are working to reassure the public that the quadrennial even can be safely held under stringent coronavirus rules. Notably, the 2020 Games open in just over six weeks and the local public has been skeptical about the event amid the COVID-19 situation in the city. Around 6,000 reporters are likely to visit Japan for the 2020 Olympics and must provide a detailed list of areas they are planning to visit in their first two weeks in Japan, such as sports venues and hotels. Tokyo 2020 chief said that the tracking technology would be used to ensure that the media only visit the places they are supposed to. "To make sure that people don't go to places other than the places where they are registered to go, we will use GPS to strictly manage their behaviour," Hashimoto said before a Tokyo 2020 executive board meeting. ALSO READ: French Open: Merciless Rafael Nadal marches into the quarter-finals The overseas media will be urged to stay in designated hotels rather than private lodgings. Interestingly, the number of hotels are set to be reduced from the originally planned 350 to around 150 as the Games organisers continue to keep visitors under close supervision. Even athletes will also face strict restrictions on their movement besides being tested regularly for the dreaded virus. Overseas fans have already been banned from attending the mega event and a call on domestic spectators will be taken later in June. While Japan has seen a smaller COVID-19 outbreak than many countries, the vaccine roll-out in the country has been pretty slow with around 3.5 per cent of the population completely vaccinated thus far.

Tokyo Olympics: Overseas reporters' movement to be tracked by GPS as Japan gears up for Games

Half of the Japanese public thinks the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;will take place this summer, a survey by Yomiuri daily newspaper showed on Monday, less than two months before the Games' scheduled opening.

For the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics, already postponed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, public concerns remain over how Tokyo can hold the global event and keep volunteers, athletes, officials, and the Japanese public safe from COVID-19.

At parliament, opposition lawmakers on Monday grilled Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and cabinet ministers over going ahead with the Games despite worries that holding such a big sporting event could further spread coronavirus infections.

Japan has been "cornered" into holding the Games despite public opposition during the pandemic, one of Japan's sporting heroes and a member of the local Olympic committee said earlier.

Top government officials repeatedly said that the government would continue to work on coronavirus measures for a "safe and secure" Games and that a decision on domestic spectators would be made this month.

"Taking infection control measures for athletes and Games officials so athletes from the world can safely participate and to protect our people's lives and health, I think that is the premise of holding (the&nbsp;Olympics)," Suga told lawmakers.

In a Yomiuri survey conducted June 4-6, 50% of respondents said the Games would happen this summer; 26% said they would occur without spectators. That is higher than 48% of those polled saying the event would be canceled.

But most of the respondents in the same poll said virus measures for&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;athletes and participants are not enough, while public support for the Suga administration hit its lowest level, at 37%.

About 3,500 out of over 40,000 "city volunteers" recruited by regional governments for the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;have pulled out, NHK reported. That adds to 10,000 volunteers had already withdrawn, according to the organizers.

On Monday morning, Tokyo police reported a deadly incident on one of the city's subway lines but did not comment further. Private broadcaster Nippon Television identified the person who died as a senior official at the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC).

Half of the Japanese public thinks the Olympics will take place this summer, a survey by Yomiuri daily newspaper showed on Monday, less than two months before the Games' scheduled opening.

Half of the Japanese public thinks the Olympics will take place this summer, a survey by Yomiuri daily newspaper showed on Monday, less than two months before the Games' scheduled opening. For the Tokyo Olympics, already postponed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, public concerns remain over how Tokyo can hold the global event and keep volunteers, athletes, officials, and the Japanese public safe from COVID-19. At parliament, opposition lawmakers on Monday grilled Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and cabinet ministers over going ahead with the Games despite worries that holding such a big sporting event could further spread coronavirus infections. Japan has been "cornered" into holding the Games despite public opposition during the pandemic, one of Japan's sporting heroes and a member of the local Olympic committee said earlier. Top government officials repeatedly said that the government would continue to work on coronavirus measures for a "safe and secure" Games and that a decision on domestic spectators would be made this month. "Taking infection control measures for athletes and Games officials so athletes from the world can safely participate and to protect our people's lives and health, I think that is the premise of holding (the Olympics)," Suga told lawmakers. In a Yomiuri survey conducted June 4-6, 50% of respondents said the Games would happen this summer; 26% said they would occur without spectators. That is higher than 48% of those polled saying the event would be canceled. But most of the respondents in the same poll said virus measures for Olympics athletes and participants are not enough, while public support for the Suga administration hit its lowest level, at 37%. About 3,500 out of over 40,000 "city volunteers" recruited by regional governments for the Olympics have pulled out, NHK reported. That adds to 10,000 volunteers had already withdrawn, according to the organizers. On Monday morning, Tokyo police reported a deadly incident on one of the city's subway lines but did not comment further. Private broadcaster Nippon Television identified the person who died as a senior official at the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC).

Half of Japanese predict Olympics will happen this year, poll shows

One of Japan's sporting heroes and a member of the local Olympic committee said on Friday her nation had been "cornered" into pressing ahead with the 2020 Games despite public opposition during the coronavirus pandemic.

The comments by Japanese&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;Committee board member Kaori Yamaguchi, a judo medallist, added to rancor around Japan where the Games were postponed last year but are now due to start on July 23 despite the fourth wave of infections.

Most Japanese oppose hosting the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;but some foreign athletes have started arriving and organizers insist the $15 billion global sports showpiece remains on track.

Yamaguchi, who won a bronze medal at the 1988 Seoul Games, accused the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Japan's government, and the Tokyo 2020 organizing body of shunning dialogue and riding roughshod over public opinion.

"What will these&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;be for and for whom? The Games have already lost meaning and are being held just for the sake of them. I believe we have already missed the opportunity to cancel," she wrote in an opinion piece for Kyodo news agency.

"It would require too much energy to make and follow through with such a decision. We have been cornered into a situation where we cannot even stop now. We are damned if we do, and damned if we do not."

Foreign spectators are already prohibited from the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;and the Japanese may also be kept away from what organizers promise will be a sanitized "bubble" event to minimize contagion risk while also bringing cheer to a world battered by COVID-19.

There is talk of banning cheering, hugging, and high-fives.

However, many Japanese fear the events could drain medical resources and spread the virus. Host city Tokyo is under a state of emergency this month and thousands of volunteers have quit.

Tokyo 2020 committee president Seiko Hashimoto - herself a seven-times former Olympian as a cyclist and skater - continued to put on a brave face at a news conference on Friday, saying organizers were pushing on with preparations "100 percent".

POLITICAL PRESSURE

Hashimoto stressed the importance of winning over the public by streamlining the Games but again acknowledged the possibility of cancellation. "If it's a question of whether the Games will be hosted even if the athletes can't make it for whatever reason, then, of course, that won't be the case," she said.

"I think that this (cancellation) is a decision that needs to be made based on a coronavirus situation that is constantly changing and shifting," she added, saying the IOC, Japan's government, and Tokyo city were in charge of decisions.

Extra pressure has come this week from the government's top medical adviser, who has been taking questions in parliament and complaining that medical concerns have not been heard.

On Friday, Shigeru Omi told lawmakers the main risk was not from the promised&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;"bubble" but from a potential rise in the movement of the public at large, which could spur infections.

Barely 3% of Japanese have been vaccinated and the nation's fourth wave has seen rising numbers of severe cases. Japan has recorded nearly 750,000 cases and more than 13,000 deaths.

There is political pressure too.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who faces an election and a ruling party leadership race this year, hopes a successful&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;could temper an erosion in support due to dissatisfaction with his government's handling of the pandemic.

Suga says the Games will give the world "hope and courage".

Ruling Liberal Democratic Party senior lawmaker Masahiko Shibayama said public acceptance of the Games would grow as the inoculation campaign gathered pace.

But even if the government hits its target of vaccinating all health workers and elderly by the end of July - after the Games begin - still only 33% of Japanese would be inoculated.

One of Japan's sporting heroes and a member of the local Olympic committee said on Friday her nation had been "cornered" into pressing ahead with the 2020 Games despite public opposition during the coronavirus pandemic.

One of Japan's sporting heroes and a member of the local Olympic committee said on Friday her nation had been "cornered" into pressing ahead with the 2020 Games despite public opposition during the coronavirus pandemic. The comments by Japanese Olympics Committee board member Kaori Yamaguchi, a judo medallist, added to rancor around Japan where the Games were postponed last year but are now due to start on July 23 despite the fourth wave of infections. Most Japanese oppose hosting the Olympics but some foreign athletes have started arriving and organizers insist the $15 billion global sports showpiece remains on track. Yamaguchi, who won a bronze medal at the 1988 Seoul Games, accused the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Japan's government, and the Tokyo 2020 organizing body of shunning dialogue and riding roughshod over public opinion. "What will these Olympics be for and for whom? The Games have already lost meaning and are being held just for the sake of them. I believe we have already missed the opportunity to cancel," she wrote in an opinion piece for Kyodo news agency. "It would require too much energy to make and follow through with such a decision. We have been cornered into a situation where we cannot even stop now. We are damned if we do, and damned if we do not." Foreign spectators are already prohibited from the Olympics and the Japanese may also be kept away from what organizers promise will be a sanitized "bubble" event to minimize contagion risk while also bringing cheer to a world battered by COVID-19. There is talk of banning cheering, hugging, and high-fives. However, many Japanese fear the events could drain medical resources and spread the virus. Host city Tokyo is under a state of emergency this month and thousands of volunteers have quit. Tokyo 2020 committee president Seiko Hashimoto - herself a seven-times former Olympian as a cyclist and skater - continued to put on a brave face at a news conference on Friday, saying organizers were pushing on with preparations "100 percent". POLITICAL PRESSURE Hashimoto stressed the importance of winning over the public by streamlining the Games but again acknowledged the possibility of cancellation. "If it's a question of whether the Games will be hosted even if the athletes can't make it for whatever reason, then, of course, that won't be the case," she said. "I think that this (cancellation) is a decision that needs to be made based on a coronavirus situation that is constantly changing and shifting," she added, saying the IOC, Japan's government, and Tokyo city were in charge of decisions. Extra pressure has come this week from the government's top medical adviser, who has been taking questions in parliament and complaining that medical concerns have not been heard. On Friday, Shigeru Omi told lawmakers the main risk was not from the promised Olympics "bubble" but from a potential rise in the movement of the public at large, which could spur infections. Barely 3% of Japanese have been vaccinated and the nation's fourth wave has seen rising numbers of severe cases. Japan has recorded nearly 750,000 cases and more than 13,000 deaths. There is political pressure too. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who faces an election and a ruling party leadership race this year, hopes a successful Olympics could temper an erosion in support due to dissatisfaction with his government's handling of the pandemic. Suga says the Games will give the world "hope and courage". Ruling Liberal Democratic Party senior lawmaker Masahiko Shibayama said public acceptance of the Games would grow as the inoculation campaign gathered pace. But even if the government hits its target of vaccinating all health workers and elderly by the end of July - after the Games begin - still only 33% of Japanese would be inoculated.

Olympics: Japan 'cornered' into holding Games, says local Olympian

Around 10,000 of 80,000 planned Tokyo 2020 Olympic volunteers have quit, organisers have revealed as they battle persistent doubts over the Games with just 50 days until the opening ceremony.

Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto ruled out a further postponement of the Games, speaking to a Japan sports paper, and said the cancellation would only happen in catastrophic circumstance such as most delegations not being able to come to Japan.

Organisers will later Thursday mark 50 days to go when they unveil details about the medal ceremonies, in the latest attempt to build public enthusiasm despite polls showing most people in Japan want the Games delayed or cancelled.

Japan is battling the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, with Tokyo and several other parts of the country under a state of emergency due to last until a month before the Games.

On Wednesday night, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told local media that around 10,000 volunteers -- who are vital to the smooth running of the massive event -- have quit, largely over coronavirus concerns.

Others dropped out after the Games were postponed by a year, or in protest over sexist remarks made by Hashimoto's predecessor who was forced to resign.

Some of the volunteers are likely also to be among the approximately 80 per cent of people in Japan who oppose hosting the Games this year, according to opinion polls.

But surveys among the population of Tokyo have found a more even split between those in favour and opposed to holding the Games.

Muto said the reduction in volunteers would not affect the running of the Games because the event has been scaled back, so fewer people are needed.

Participants cut

Overseas fans have already been barred from attending, and a decision on whether to allow domestic spectators is expected later this month after the state of emergency in Tokyo ends on June 20.

The number of overseas officials and participants coming for the Games has been cut by about half, to around 78,000, with calls for further reductions.

Hashimoto reiterated that the Games are on and will be safe for participants and the Japanese public in an interview published Thursday, saying the cancellation was virtually inconceivable.

"If various countries around the world experience very serious situations and delegations from most countries can't come, then we wouldn't be able to hold it," she told the Nikkan Sports daily.

"But conversely, unless such a situation emerges, the Games will not be cancelled."

Australia's softball team earlier this week became the first Olympic athletes to arrive in Japan for the Olympics, a major step forward.

Hashimoto said she believed the tide of public opinion could be turning as Japan's initially slow vaccine campaign begins to speed up.

"We are hearing more and more voices from people saying 'if this is the case, the Olympics may be able to take place," she said.

Japan has seen a smaller Covid-19 outbreak than many countries, with just over 13,000 deaths. Around 2.9 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

Around 10,000 of 80,000 planned Tokyo 2020 Olympic volunteers have quit, organisers have revealed as they battle persistent doubts over the Games with just 50 days until the opening ceremony.

Around 10,000 of 80,000 planned Tokyo 2020 Olympic volunteers have quit, organisers have revealed as they battle persistent doubts over the Games with just 50 days until the opening ceremony. Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto ruled out a further postponement of the Games, speaking to a Japan sports paper, and said the cancellation would only happen in catastrophic circumstance such as most delegations not being able to come to Japan. Organisers will later Thursday mark 50 days to go when they unveil details about the medal ceremonies, in the latest attempt to build public enthusiasm despite polls showing most people in Japan want the Games delayed or cancelled. Japan is battling the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, with Tokyo and several other parts of the country under a state of emergency due to last until a month before the Games. On Wednesday night, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told local media that around 10,000 volunteers -- who are vital to the smooth running of the massive event -- have quit, largely over coronavirus concerns. Others dropped out after the Games were postponed by a year, or in protest over sexist remarks made by Hashimoto's predecessor who was forced to resign. Some of the volunteers are likely also to be among the approximately 80 per cent of people in Japan who oppose hosting the Games this year, according to opinion polls. But surveys among the population of Tokyo have found a more even split between those in favour and opposed to holding the Games. Muto said the reduction in volunteers would not affect the running of the Games because the event has been scaled back, so fewer people are needed. Participants cut Overseas fans have already been barred from attending, and a decision on whether to allow domestic spectators is expected later this month after the state of emergency in Tokyo ends on June 20. The number of overseas officials and participants coming for the Games has been cut by about half, to around 78,000, with calls for further reductions. Hashimoto reiterated that the Games are on and will be safe for participants and the Japanese public in an interview published Thursday, saying the cancellation was virtually inconceivable. "If various countries around the world experience very serious situations and delegations from most countries can't come, then we wouldn't be able to hold it," she told the Nikkan Sports daily. "But conversely, unless such a situation emerges, the Games will not be cancelled." Australia's softball team earlier this week became the first Olympic athletes to arrive in Japan for the Olympics, a major step forward. Hashimoto said she believed the tide of public opinion could be turning as Japan's initially slow vaccine campaign begins to speed up. "We are hearing more and more voices from people saying 'if this is the case, the Olympics may be able to take place," she said. Japan has seen a smaller Covid-19 outbreak than many countries, with just over 13,000 deaths. Around 2.9 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

10,000 Olympic volunteers quit ahead of Games: Organisers

With the Tokyo Olympic game set to begin in just a few weeks' time, all eyes are on the refugee athletes who will be competing at the highest level this year. These Refugee athletes are putting everything they have into reaching the goal.

Refugees continue to flee from Africa & Middle East to take part in Olympics

In Tokyo, Karate practitioners, or karatekas, will compete at Nippon Budokan, an indoor legacy venue built to host judo events at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics

German karateka sets sights on Olympics

Tokyo 2020: Olympic Stadium holds track and field test event without fans

Japan's Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto became Tokyo 2020's new president on Thursday, capping an embarrassing sexism row with just over five months until the virus-postponed Games.

Hashimoto, a seven-time Olympian who competed in speed skating and as a sprint cyclist, was one of just two women in Japan's cabinet before stepping down to take the key post.

She replaces 83-year-old Yoshiro Mori, who resigned after claiming that women speak too much in meetings, sparking outcry in Japan and abroad.

"I will spare no effort for the success of the Tokyo Games," Hashimoto said after being formally appointed, calling virus countermeasures "the top priority."

She pledged to work to "ensure that the public both domestically and abroad feel this is going to be a safe and secure Olympic Games."

Hashimoto submitted her resignation earlier Thursday to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who she said had offered "kind words", and asked her to "give all my strength to create a Tokyo Games that will be embraced by the Japanese people."

A committee with a 50-50 gender split was formed to find a successor to Mori last week, with Hashimoto immediately among the leading candidates.

Tokyo 2020's executive board met earlier Thursday to hear the results of the committee's deliberations with 2020 vice-president Toshiaki Endo saying a quick decision was needed.

Mori's departure was "enormously damaging from the viewpoint of preparation five months before the Games," Endo said.

"We need to make a decision on the new president as soon as possible, though it is necessary that it goes through appropriate procedures, given the issue has attracted attention at home and abroad," he added.

<h2>- Uphill struggle for public support -</h2>

Hashimoto, 56, appeared at both winter and summer Games and was also serving as minister for gender equality and women's empowerment.

But she has been involved in controversy, facing a sexual harassment scandal in 2014 after photos emerged of her hugging and kissing a male figure skater over 20 years her junior.

The skater said he did not think he had been harassed by the married Hashimoto, who apologised for any "misunderstanding" caused by the photos.

Keiko Kojima, an essayist and commentator on gender issues in Japan, said Hashimoto would need to address that controversy head-on.

"If she properly addresses that and her thoughts on gender equality as she takes up the post, then I think it will be fine," Kojima told AFP.

Hashimoto's nomination comes after Mori's attempt to handpick his successor -- he proposed an 84-year-old ex-footballer -- was nixed following public criticism.

Kojima said the process that resulted in Hashimoto's selection had been transparent and "worthy of praise".

The former minister had reportedly been reluctant to take on the job, and she will face an uphill struggle to win over the public on the Games, which are due to open on July 23.

Polls show around 80 percent of people in Japan back either cancellation or further postponement.

Organisers have tried to quell the disquiet by releasing virus rulebooks -- but doubts persist, with Tokyo and other regions currently under a Covid-19 state of emergency.

The first Olympic test event of 2021 has already been postponed because of tightened border restrictions under the measures.

"There are only five months to go, and putting on a safe and secure Games is going to be of utmost importance, with the understanding of the people of Japan," Endo said earlier Thursday.

Ex-Tokyo 2020 chief Mori, a former prime minister, resigned after domestic and international outcry over remarks he made in early February to members of the Japanese Olympic Committee.

He apologised for the sexist remarks, while insisting he was repeating complaints made by others, but then dug a deeper hole when he explained that he "doesn't speak to women much".

Japan's Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto became Tokyo 2020's new president on Thursday, capping an embarrassing sexism row with just over five months until the virus-postponed Games.

Japan's Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto became Tokyo 2020's new president on Thursday, capping an embarrassing sexism row with just over five months until the virus-postponed Games. Hashimoto, a seven-time Olympian who competed in speed skating and as a sprint cyclist, was one of just two women in Japan's cabinet before stepping down to take the key post. She replaces 83-year-old Yoshiro Mori, who resigned after claiming that women speak too much in meetings, sparking outcry in Japan and abroad. "I will spare no effort for the success of the Tokyo Games," Hashimoto said after being formally appointed, calling virus countermeasures "the top priority." She pledged to work to "ensure that the public both domestically and abroad feel this is going to be a safe and secure Olympic Games." Hashimoto submitted her resignation earlier Thursday to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who she said had offered "kind words", and asked her to "give all my strength to create a Tokyo Games that will be embraced by the Japanese people." A committee with a 50-50 gender split was formed to find a successor to Mori last week, with Hashimoto immediately among the leading candidates. Tokyo 2020's executive board met earlier Thursday to hear the results of the committee's deliberations with 2020 vice-president Toshiaki Endo saying a quick decision was needed. Mori's departure was "enormously damaging from the viewpoint of preparation five months before the Games," Endo said. "We need to make a decision on the new president as soon as possible, though it is necessary that it goes through appropriate procedures, given the issue has attracted attention at home and abroad," he added. - Uphill struggle for public support - Hashimoto, 56, appeared at both winter and summer Games and was also serving as minister for gender equality and women's empowerment. But she has been involved in controversy, facing a sexual harassment scandal in 2014 after photos emerged of her hugging and kissing a male figure skater over 20 years her junior. The skater said he did not think he had been harassed by the married Hashimoto, who apologised for any "misunderstanding" caused by the photos. Keiko Kojima, an essayist and commentator on gender issues in Japan, said Hashimoto would need to address that controversy head-on. "If she properly addresses that and her thoughts on gender equality as she takes up the post, then I think it will be fine," Kojima told AFP. Hashimoto's nomination comes after Mori's attempt to handpick his successor -- he proposed an 84-year-old ex-footballer -- was nixed following public criticism. Kojima said the process that resulted in Hashimoto's selection had been transparent and "worthy of praise". The former minister had reportedly been reluctant to take on the job, and she will face an uphill struggle to win over the public on the Games, which are due to open on July 23. Polls show around 80 percent of people in Japan back either cancellation or further postponement. Organisers have tried to quell the disquiet by releasing virus rulebooks -- but doubts persist, with Tokyo and other regions currently under a Covid-19 state of emergency. The first Olympic test event of 2021 has already been postponed because of tightened border restrictions under the measures. "There are only five months to go, and putting on a safe and secure Games is going to be of utmost importance, with the understanding of the people of Japan," Endo said earlier Thursday. Ex-Tokyo 2020 chief Mori, a former prime minister, resigned after domestic and international outcry over remarks he made in early February to members of the Japanese Olympic Committee. He apologised for the sexist remarks, while insisting he was repeating complaints made by others, but then dug a deeper hole when he explained that he "doesn't speak to women much".

Seiko Hashimoto named Tokyo 2020 chief after sexism row

Japan stands to lose 1.8 trillion yen ($16 billion) if the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;were canceled, but that would pale in comparison to the economic hit from emergency curbs if the Summer Games turned into a super-spreader event, a top economist estimated.

Takahide Kiuchi, the executive economist at Nomura Research Institute and a former Bank of Japan board member, said that the first nationwide state of emergency last spring had caused an estimated 6.4 trillion yen loss. Further losses have resulted from the second and presently third running state of emergency.

"If the Olympic Games&nbsp;trigger the spread of infections and necessitates another emergency declaration, then the economic loss would be much greater," Kiuchi said in a report published on Tuesday. The direct loss from a cancellation would be equivalent to a third of a percent of nominal gross domestic product GDP in fiscal 2020, he noted.

"These calculations suggest that the decision of whether to hold or cancel the Games should be made from the perspective of infection risk rather than economic loss," he concluded.

Olympic organizers have said the Games, postponed from last year, will go ahead by adopting strict safety measures, including ensuring that athletes don't mix with the Japanese public. The Games start on July 23.

Opinion polls have repeatedly shown the majority of the public is opposed to holding the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;during a pandemic.

Kiuchi's estimate supports the view expressed by Japanese tycoon and SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son, who argued in a series of tweets&nbsp;at the weekend that Japan could have a "lot to lose" if the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;led to a spike in infections.

Japan has recorded about 719,000 novel coronavirus cases. The numbers are low compared with other countries but much of Japan remains under emergency curbs due to a strained medical system, while its vaccination drive has been slow, with just 5% inoculated so far.

Japan stands to lose 1.8 trillion yen ($16 billion) if the Olympics were canceled, but that would pale in comparison to the economic hit from emergency curbs if the Summer Games turned into a super-spreader event, a top economist estimated.

Japan stands to lose 1.8 trillion yen ($16 billion) if the Olympics were canceled, but that would pale in comparison to the economic hit from emergency curbs if the Summer Games turned into a super-spreader event, a top economist estimated. Takahide Kiuchi, the executive economist at Nomura Research Institute and a former Bank of Japan board member, said that the first nationwide state of emergency last spring had caused an estimated 6.4 trillion yen loss. Further losses have resulted from the second and presently third running state of emergency. "If the Olympic Games trigger the spread of infections and necessitates another emergency declaration, then the economic loss would be much greater," Kiuchi said in a report published on Tuesday. The direct loss from a cancellation would be equivalent to a third of a percent of nominal gross domestic product GDP in fiscal 2020, he noted. "These calculations suggest that the decision of whether to hold or cancel the Games should be made from the perspective of infection risk rather than economic loss," he concluded. Olympic organizers have said the Games, postponed from last year, will go ahead by adopting strict safety measures, including ensuring that athletes don't mix with the Japanese public. The Games start on July 23. Opinion polls have repeatedly shown the majority of the public is opposed to holding the Olympics during a pandemic. Kiuchi's estimate supports the view expressed by Japanese tycoon and SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son, who argued in a series of tweets at the weekend that Japan could have a "lot to lose" if the Olympics led to a spike in infections. Japan has recorded about 719,000 novel coronavirus cases. The numbers are low compared with other countries but much of Japan remains under emergency curbs due to a strained medical system, while its vaccination drive has been slow, with just 5% inoculated so far.

Olympics: Japan's losses from COVID-19 curbs to dwarf Olympics no-go fallout, says economist

Tokyo Olympics fans may have to be vaccinated or test negative for the coronavirus before being allowed into venues, a Japanese newspaper report said Monday.

Cheering, eating, high-fives and drinking alcohol would also be banned under controls now being considered, the Yomiuri Shimbun daily said, citing unnamed government officials.

Organisers are set to decide in June how many spectators -- if any -- will be allowed to attend the pandemic-postponed Games.

Overseas fans are already barred, and the report warned domestic spectators may be denied entrance or kicked out for breaking the rules.

"The plan is to stop the spread of infections during Games time with strict countermeasures," the paper said.

Under the plan, spectators must be able to show a vaccination certificate or a negative test taken at their own expense less than a week before entering the venue.

They must wear masks and fill in health-check sheets, and once inside must not cheer loudly or high-five each other.

Security guards would be stationed around venues monitoring behaviour, the report said, with public viewing venues cancelled or scaled down.

Japan's vaccine rollout has been moving slowly, with less than 2.5 percent of the population fully vaccinated so far.

Tokyo and other parts of the country are under a virus state of emergency which was extended on Friday until June 20, just over a month before the opening ceremony on July 23.

The Yomiuri also published a new poll on Monday that shows 49 percent of people living in Tokyo want the Games to go ahead, while 48 percent want them cancelled.

A total of 25 percent said they wanted the Games to go ahead with a limited number of spectators, while 24 percent said they wanted them to be held with no fans.

A new country-wide poll by the Nikkei newspaper found that 62 percent of respondents wanted the Games to be cancelled or postponed again, while 34 percent were in favour of them being held this summer.

Organisers have repeatedly ruled out the Games being postponed again.

Tokyo Olympics fans may have to be vaccinated or test negative for the coronavirus before being allowed into venues, a Japanese newspaper report said Monday. Cheering, eating, high-fives and drinking alcohol would also be banned under controls now being considered, the Yomiuri Shimbun daily said, citing unnamed government officials.

Tokyo Olympics fans may have to be vaccinated or test negative for the coronavirus before being allowed into venues, a Japanese newspaper report said Monday. Cheering, eating, high-fives and drinking alcohol would also be banned under controls now being considered, the Yomiuri Shimbun daily said, citing unnamed government officials. Organisers are set to decide in June how many spectators -- if any -- will be allowed to attend the pandemic-postponed Games. Overseas fans are already barred, and the report warned domestic spectators may be denied entrance or kicked out for breaking the rules. "The plan is to stop the spread of infections during Games time with strict countermeasures," the paper said. Under the plan, spectators must be able to show a vaccination certificate or a negative test taken at their own expense less than a week before entering the venue. They must wear masks and fill in health-check sheets, and once inside must not cheer loudly or high-five each other. Security guards would be stationed around venues monitoring behaviour, the report said, with public viewing venues cancelled or scaled down. Japan's vaccine rollout has been moving slowly, with less than 2.5 percent of the population fully vaccinated so far. Tokyo and other parts of the country are under a virus state of emergency which was extended on Friday until June 20, just over a month before the opening ceremony on July 23. The Yomiuri also published a new poll on Monday that shows 49 percent of people living in Tokyo want the Games to go ahead, while 48 percent want them cancelled. A total of 25 percent said they wanted the Games to go ahead with a limited number of spectators, while 24 percent said they wanted them to be held with no fans. A new country-wide poll by the Nikkei newspaper found that 62 percent of respondents wanted the Games to be cancelled or postponed again, while 34 percent were in favour of them being held this summer. Organisers have repeatedly ruled out the Games being postponed again.

Tokyo Olympics fans to need vaccination or virus test: report

The organizers of the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;have secured about 80% of the medical staff needed to stage the Games, a top Olympic official told Reuters on Monday, amid worries over infections and the slow rollout of vaccinations in the Japanese capital.

Toshiaki Endo, vice president of the Games organizing committee, said some domestic spectators could be allowed into venues for the benefit of athletes, although he personally preferred a total ban on attendance in order to reassure the public amid widespread opposition to the event.

The number of medical staff necessary to service the Games, including doctors, nurses, and physical therapists, had been lowered by about a third from the original target of 10,000 and 80% of that new number had been secured.

"We've received double the number of expected applications from sports doctors when we asked for cooperation," said Endo, one of seven vice presidents on the board of the organizing committee and a former&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;minister.

Organizers were working with 10 hospitals in Tokyo and 20 outside the city to respond to emergencies.

Doctors have warned the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;would pressure the healthcare system which is already under strain as Japan sees record numbers of COVID-19 patients in critical condition, although the pace of new infections has slowed. Only 2.4% of the public have completed their inoculations, a Reuters tracker shows.

Endo said the organizers were working with the association of nurses to mobilize staff, including people who had the qualifications but did not work as nurses on a regular basis.

Polls show most people in Japan are opposed to holding the Games, concerned about tens of thousands of athletes, officials and media descending on the country, where last week a state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas was extended to June 20.

SPECTATORS, MEDIA

Endo said countries with much higher infection rates had successfully hosted sports events without outbreaks and that was why there was "no reason to think about cancellation" in Tokyo.

Asked what the organizers would do if there was an explosive spread of infections, Endo was non-committal.

"Hypothetically, can we hold the Games if there is a sudden 10- or 100-fold increase? We'll need to make a decision at the time," he said.

Successful vaccination rollouts across Europe and a growing number of those inoculated in Japan would allow organizers to safely host the global sport's showpiece, he said.

One of the key decisions still to be decided was whether to allow domestic spectators to attend.

"I personally had thought we should quickly decide to hold the Games without spectators to reassure everyone," Endo said.

"But of course if you think about this from the point of view of the athletes, they want to compete while being cheered on by the spectators.

"That's why, if possible, we'd like to allow the spectators in ... but depending on the situation we also need to consider the no-spectators option."

A decision would be reached toward the end of the state of emergency around June 20, he said.

Out of about 80,000 people who would come to Japan for the Games, Endo said he was most worried about the news media.

"Of course media members will be subjected to thorough movement controls, and we would feel safe if they observed these rules," he said.

"But we won't be able to follow one person after another so we'll have to trust them."

The organizers of the Tokyo Olympics have secured about 80% of the medical staff needed to stage the Games, a top Olympic official told Reuters on Monday, amid worries over infections and the slow rollout of vaccinations in the Japanese capital.

The organizers of the Tokyo Olympics have secured about 80% of the medical staff needed to stage the Games, a top Olympic official told Reuters on Monday, amid worries over infections and the slow rollout of vaccinations in the Japanese capital. Toshiaki Endo, vice president of the Games organizing committee, said some domestic spectators could be allowed into venues for the benefit of athletes, although he personally preferred a total ban on attendance in order to reassure the public amid widespread opposition to the event. The number of medical staff necessary to service the Games, including doctors, nurses, and physical therapists, had been lowered by about a third from the original target of 10,000 and 80% of that new number had been secured. "We've received double the number of expected applications from sports doctors when we asked for cooperation," said Endo, one of seven vice presidents on the board of the organizing committee and a former Olympics minister. Organizers were working with 10 hospitals in Tokyo and 20 outside the city to respond to emergencies. Doctors have warned the Olympics would pressure the healthcare system which is already under strain as Japan sees record numbers of COVID-19 patients in critical condition, although the pace of new infections has slowed. Only 2.4% of the public have completed their inoculations, a Reuters tracker shows. Endo said the organizers were working with the association of nurses to mobilize staff, including people who had the qualifications but did not work as nurses on a regular basis. Polls show most people in Japan are opposed to holding the Games, concerned about tens of thousands of athletes, officials and media descending on the country, where last week a state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas was extended to June 20. SPECTATORS, MEDIA Endo said countries with much higher infection rates had successfully hosted sports events without outbreaks and that was why there was "no reason to think about cancellation" in Tokyo. Asked what the organizers would do if there was an explosive spread of infections, Endo was non-committal. "Hypothetically, can we hold the Games if there is a sudden 10- or 100-fold increase? We'll need to make a decision at the time," he said. Successful vaccination rollouts across Europe and a growing number of those inoculated in Japan would allow organizers to safely host the global sport's showpiece, he said. One of the key decisions still to be decided was whether to allow domestic spectators to attend. "I personally had thought we should quickly decide to hold the Games without spectators to reassure everyone," Endo said. "But of course if you think about this from the point of view of the athletes, they want to compete while being cheered on by the spectators. "That's why, if possible, we'd like to allow the spectators in ... but depending on the situation we also need to consider the no-spectators option." A decision would be reached toward the end of the state of emergency around June 20, he said. Out of about 80,000 people who would come to Japan for the Games, Endo said he was most worried about the news media. "Of course media members will be subjected to thorough movement controls, and we would feel safe if they observed these rules," he said. "But we won't be able to follow one person after another so we'll have to trust them."

Most medical staff needed for Olympics secured: Games official

Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori on Tuesday said that the postponed Olympics will happen "however coronavirus evolves", reported AFP. Mori's comments come after Paralympics chief Andrew Parsons as the latter said that he is confident that the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games will go ahead as scheduled and will be&nbsp;"a platform to change to world" -- with or without spectators.

"We'll certainly go ahead however the coronavirus (pandemic) evolves," he told a meeting of Olympic organisers and members of Japan's ruling party in Tokyo.&nbsp;

"We must go beyond discussion about whether we will hold it or not. It's about how we will do it. Let's think about a new kind of Olympics on this occasion," he added.

There have been dark clouds hovering over the postponed Games but the organisers are optimistic that the quadrennial event will go ahead without a hitch. The organisers have repeatedly said that Tokyo Olympics 2020 will go ahead as scheduled but question marks remain over whether crowds will be allowed or not amid the pandemic.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday told the steering committee of the lower house of parliament the government intends to extend the state of emergency in 10 prefectures, including Tokyo, by one month through March 7.

Stringent border restrictions imposed after COVID-19 infections spike have already forced the postponement of some sporting fixtures including 2021's first Olympic test event, which was scheduled for March.

The nationwide Olympic torch relay is still due to begin on March 25.

The Tokyo 2020 organisers are expected to chalk out further details of their extensive COVID-19 countermeasures that they have devised for the Games. However, the majority of the public have opposed to holding the Games this year. A total of 80 per cent of Japanese people&nbsp;asked in a January survey backing either further postponement or a cancellation.

Organisers have said neither of those options are on the table, and have received strong support from both the International Olympic Committee and athletes around the world.

(From AFP inputs)

Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori on Tuesday said that the postponed Olympics will happen "however coronavirus evolves", reported AFP. Mori's comments come after Paralympics chief Andrew Parsons as the latter said that he is confident that the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games will go ahead as scheduled and will be "a platform to change to world" -- with or without spectators.

Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori on Tuesday said that the postponed Olympics will happen "however coronavirus evolves", reported AFP. Mori's comments come after Paralympics chief Andrew Parsons as the latter said that he is confident that the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games will go ahead as scheduled and will be "a platform to change to world" -- with or without spectators. "We'll certainly go ahead however the coronavirus (pandemic) evolves," he told a meeting of Olympic organisers and members of Japan's ruling party in Tokyo. "We must go beyond discussion about whether we will hold it or not. It's about how we will do it. Let's think about a new kind of Olympics on this occasion," he added. There have been dark clouds hovering over the postponed Games but the organisers are optimistic that the quadrennial event will go ahead without a hitch. The organisers have repeatedly said that Tokyo Olympics 2020 will go ahead as scheduled but question marks remain over whether crowds will be allowed or not amid the pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday told the steering committee of the lower house of parliament the government intends to extend the state of emergency in 10 prefectures, including Tokyo, by one month through March 7. Stringent border restrictions imposed after COVID-19 infections spike have already forced the postponement of some sporting fixtures including 2021's first Olympic test event, which was scheduled for March. The nationwide Olympic torch relay is still due to begin on March 25. The Tokyo 2020 organisers are expected to chalk out further details of their extensive COVID-19 countermeasures that they have devised for the Games. However, the majority of the public have opposed to holding the Games this year. A total of 80 per cent of Japanese people asked in a January survey backing either further postponement or a cancellation. Organisers have said neither of those options are on the table, and have received strong support from both the International Olympic Committee and athletes around the world. (From AFP inputs)

Olympics will happen 'however coronavirus evolves': Tokyo 2020 chief

Tokyo Olympics organisers have defended their request for 500 nurses at the pandemic-delayed mega-event, after accusations of diverting crucial medical resources.&nbsp;

Reports about their request to the Japanese Nursing Association sparked a furious response among social media users on Monday, the day after a coronavirus state of emergency was imposed in the capital.

Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto confirmed the reports but said discussions were still ongoing, and that organisers would strive to "come up with a feasible way of securing that many nurse resources".

"One of the key assumptions is you should not deteriorate the service level in the local community by pulling out these nurses, and I have made this point very clear," Muto told reporters.

Parts of Japan have seen a recent resurgence in Covid-19 cases, driven by more infectious new variants.

A virus state of emergency came into force in Tokyo and three other regions on Sunday, less than three months before the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23.

The hashtag "request for 500 nurses" was trending on Twitter in Japan on Monday, with many users scathing.

"This isn't a joke, people will die because of the Olympics," wrote one user.

"Are you looking to kill frontline medical workers?" wrote another.

Muto denied that the request was made "behind the scenes", and said "careful and meticulous discussions" would be needed to fine-tune the details.

"We need to come up with a way to coexist," he said. "That's what I mean with being flexible with working hours and shifts and so on. We are consulting about that."

Organisers are already struggling to drum up public support for the Games, with polls showing a majority of Japanese support cancellation or further postponement.

Overseas spectators have already been banned from the event over fears of the virus spreading, and a decision on how many domestic fans will be allowed into venues is expected soon.

Japan has had some success containing Covid-19, with just over 10,000 deaths despite never imposing strict lockdown measures.

But cases surged over the winter and have rebounded since the previous state of emergency was lifted in March.

Tokyo Olympics organisers have defended their request for 500 nurses at the pandemic-delayed mega-event, after accusations of diverting crucial medical resources.

Tokyo Olympics organisers have defended their request for 500 nurses at the pandemic-delayed mega-event, after accusations of diverting crucial medical resources. Reports about their request to the Japanese Nursing Association sparked a furious response among social media users on Monday, the day after a coronavirus state of emergency was imposed in the capital. Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto confirmed the reports but said discussions were still ongoing, and that organisers would strive to "come up with a feasible way of securing that many nurse resources". "One of the key assumptions is you should not deteriorate the service level in the local community by pulling out these nurses, and I have made this point very clear," Muto told reporters. Parts of Japan have seen a recent resurgence in Covid-19 cases, driven by more infectious new variants. A virus state of emergency came into force in Tokyo and three other regions on Sunday, less than three months before the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23. The hashtag "request for 500 nurses" was trending on Twitter in Japan on Monday, with many users scathing. "This isn't a joke, people will die because of the Olympics," wrote one user. "Are you looking to kill frontline medical workers?" wrote another. Muto denied that the request was made "behind the scenes", and said "careful and meticulous discussions" would be needed to fine-tune the details. "We need to come up with a way to coexist," he said. "That's what I mean with being flexible with working hours and shifts and so on. We are consulting about that." Organisers are already struggling to drum up public support for the Games, with polls showing a majority of Japanese support cancellation or further postponement. Overseas spectators have already been banned from the event over fears of the virus spreading, and a decision on how many domestic fans will be allowed into venues is expected soon. Japan has had some success containing Covid-19, with just over 10,000 deaths despite never imposing strict lockdown measures. But cases surged over the winter and have rebounded since the previous state of emergency was lifted in March.

Tokyo 2020 defends request for Olympic nurses as virus spikes

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically.

So, there's a market, there's demand, there's a push from the government and India has the technological know-how, then why hasn't Make in India made a difference?

Last year, Former Army Chief General VP Malik - the man who led the Indian Army during the Kargil war spoke about it. And he made a strong case for making defence equipment in India. &nbsp;

He said that unless India becomes adequately self-reliant in defence, our national security remains vulnerable. 
 
So, why has India's domestic arms industry not flourished?&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the longest time, defence manufacturing in India was in the hands of state-owned companies. Private players were allowed only in 2001. A report from 2019 says that even today, bulk of the business goes to the public sector units.&nbsp;

Last year, the annual turnover of private sector companies was close to Rs 15 thousand crores. Public sector units earned more than four times this figure. Their turnover was well over Rs 60 thousand crores.

But, the Armed Forces have not had good experiences working with India's Defence PSUs. They give three reasons:

First, professionalism, or the lack of it. Second, delays in deliveries, and third, overshooting the budget.&nbsp;

Let's take the case of HAL, it had the exclusive rights to manufacture foreign jets in India. Last year, the Indian Air Force told the government that production delays are impacting its combat strength, particularly, when it comes to the Mirage 2000 and Jaguar Fighter fleets that were undergoing upgrades.&nbsp;

The IAF pointed out delays, ranging from two to six years. As a result, costs have also gone up. Furthermore, India lacks the talent to develop futuristic weapons.

Research and Development is still restricted to government agencies like DRDO. So, the Defence Forces have little choice and they have to resort to off the shelf purchases.

All the major contracts the Narendra Modi government has signed have been off the shelf. There has been no transfer of technology, this includes 36 Rafale jets from France, the S400 Missile Defence system from Russia, and the Apache and Chinook from the US.

Although, the government should be given credit where it's due. Some major bottlenecks for the entry of the private sector have been removed under the Modi government, like - increasing the FDI cap, easing licensing conditions and reduced time frame for obtaining defence exports approvals.

Several private players have entered the market - Adani Defence and Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge and Mahindra and Mahindra. They have all tied up with foreign Defence manufacturing firms.

But as of last year, some deals were yet to be finalised, a few have even hit dead ends or have been cancelled.

The private sector hasn't really been able to graduate from making small components to creating full-blown systems.

First of all, finalise the pending deals. Second, invest more in defence research and development. Third, encourage private players and startups to build indigenous offerings. And fourth, push for weapons imports that come with a technology transfer.

This will boost India's know-how in defence manufacturing.&nbsp;

Another major concern is the budget. India might not have enough money to clear big-ticket purchases. This is where the Defence Forces must consider deeper integration of resources and talent and open up some room in the budget.

The appointment of the Chief of Defence staff is a step in that direction. The more immediate concern is the pending defence procurement. Public-private partnerships must be encouraged to complete priority purchases.

Delaying the development of India's defence manufacturing not just makes our imports bills bigger, it even forces the Armed Forces, bureaucrats and the government to make compromises with national security.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically.

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically. So, there's a market, there's demand, there's a push from the government and India has the technological know-how, then why hasn't Make in India made a difference? Last year, Former Army Chief General VP Malik - the man who led the Indian Army during the Kargil war spoke about it. And he made a strong case for making defence equipment in India. He said that unless India becomes adequately self-reliant in defence, our national security remains vulnerable. So, why has India's domestic arms industry not flourished? For the longest time, defence manufacturing in India was in the hands of state-owned companies. Private players were allowed only in 2001. A report from 2019 says that even today, bulk of the business goes to the public sector units. Last year, the annual turnover of private sector companies was close to Rs 15 thousand crores. Public sector units earned more than four times this figure. Their turnover was well over Rs 60 thousand crores. But, the Armed Forces have not had good experiences working with India's Defence PSUs. They give three reasons: First, professionalism, or the lack of it. Second, delays in deliveries, and third, overshooting the budget. Let's take the case of HAL, it had the exclusive rights to manufacture foreign jets in India. Last year, the Indian Air Force told the government that production delays are impacting its combat strength, particularly, when it comes to the Mirage 2000 and Jaguar Fighter fleets that were undergoing upgrades. The IAF pointed out delays, ranging from two to six years. As a result, costs have also gone up. Furthermore, India lacks the talent to develop futuristic weapons. Research and Development is still restricted to government agencies like DRDO. So, the Defence Forces have little choice and they have to resort to off the shelf purchases. All the major contracts the Narendra Modi government has signed have been off the shelf. There has been no transfer of technology, this includes 36 Rafale jets from France, the S400 Missile Defence system from Russia, and the Apache and Chinook from the US. Although, the government should be given credit where it's due. Some major bottlenecks for the entry of the private sector have been removed under the Modi government, like - increasing the FDI cap, easing licensing conditions and reduced time frame for obtaining defence exports approvals. Several private players have entered the market - Adani Defence and Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge and Mahindra and Mahindra. They have all tied up with foreign Defence manufacturing firms. But as of last year, some deals were yet to be finalised, a few have even hit dead ends or have been cancelled. The private sector hasn't really been able to graduate from making small components to creating full-blown systems. First of all, finalise the pending deals. Second, invest more in defence research and development. Third, encourage private players and startups to build indigenous offerings. And fourth, push for weapons imports that come with a technology transfer. This will boost India's know-how in defence manufacturing. Another major concern is the budget. India might not have enough money to clear big-ticket purchases. This is where the Defence Forces must consider deeper integration of resources and talent and open up some room in the budget. The appointment of the Chief of Defence staff is a step in that direction. The more immediate concern is the pending defence procurement. Public-private partnerships must be encouraged to complete priority purchases. Delaying the development of India's defence manufacturing not just makes our imports bills bigger, it even forces the Armed Forces, bureaucrats and the government to make compromises with national security. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

Olympic anxiety leaves Japanese sponsors counting the cost

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer and world number two Daniil Medvedev all said they were keen to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but added their decision could change in the coming weeks.

Speaking ahead of his opening round Roland Garros match on Monday (May 31), Djokovic revealed that he might consider skipping the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;if the competitions are played without spectators.

Foreign spectators have already been banned and organizers are expected to make a decision next month on whether Japanese fans will be able to attend the Games, set to run between July 23 and Aug. 8, and under what conditions.

"I'm planning to play the Olympic Games for now. As I heard, there's going to be some crowd, local crowd from Japan only. As I understand, 20%, 30% of the capacity,"

"If they change something, if there's not going to be any crowd, then I'll consider if I want to go or not. Right now I am planning to go and I'm very excited about that," said Djokovic

Federer, who claimed a comfortable 6-2 6-4 6-3 first-round win over qualifier Denis Istomin, admitted his dream is to attend the Games but is still undecided.

"I feel two ways. I would love to play. I wish things were better around the world. My wish and hope and dream is that I can play it,"

"But it needs to make sense for me, my team, my family, and my country. So, I'm still waiting to see how things are going to develop in the next couple of weeks and months," added the Swiss veteran.

Meanwhile, Medvedev, off the back of a first-ever match win at the Paris slam, said he was excited to compete in Tokyo, but would be wary if there was a 14-day quarantine period rule.

"If you have to quarantine for 14 days in the room, I want to tell you nobody from tennis will go there,"

"So far from what I know, you can come there five days before the tournament, get used to the jet lag, get used to conditions and if these conditions stay, I think many people will go."

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer and world number two Daniil Medvedev all said they were keen to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but added their decision could change in the coming weeks.

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer and world number two Daniil Medvedev all said they were keen to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but added their decision could change in the coming weeks. Speaking ahead of his opening round Roland Garros match on Monday (May 31), Djokovic revealed that he might consider skipping the Olympics if the competitions are played without spectators. Foreign spectators have already been banned and organizers are expected to make a decision next month on whether Japanese fans will be able to attend the Games, set to run between July 23 and Aug. 8, and under what conditions. "I'm planning to play the Olympic Games for now. As I heard, there's going to be some crowd, local crowd from Japan only. As I understand, 20%, 30% of the capacity," "If they change something, if there's not going to be any crowd, then I'll consider if I want to go or not. Right now I am planning to go and I'm very excited about that," said Djokovic Federer, who claimed a comfortable 6-2 6-4 6-3 first-round win over qualifier Denis Istomin, admitted his dream is to attend the Games but is still undecided. "I feel two ways. I would love to play. I wish things were better around the world. My wish and hope and dream is that I can play it," "But it needs to make sense for me, my team, my family, and my country. So, I'm still waiting to see how things are going to develop in the next couple of weeks and months," added the Swiss veteran. Meanwhile, Medvedev, off the back of a first-ever match win at the Paris slam, said he was excited to compete in Tokyo, but would be wary if there was a 14-day quarantine period rule. "If you have to quarantine for 14 days in the room, I want to tell you nobody from tennis will go there," "So far from what I know, you can come there five days before the tournament, get used to the jet lag, get used to conditions and if these conditions stay, I think many people will go."

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Daniil Medvedev give their Olympic verdict

Ace Spanish badminton player Carolina Marin on Tuesday pulled out from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2020 after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and both menisci of the left knee. The reigning Olympic Champion, Marin has been hailed as one of the finest badminton players of all time and was one of the biggest hopes for an Olympic gold during the Games in Tokyo for the Spain contingent. <o:p></o:p>

Marin took to social media platform Twitter to announce the development as she said that they were excited for the Olympics but added that she will be back after recovering from the injury blow. <o:p></o:p>

“I want to thank everyone for your support and messages during these days. This is another blow that I have to deal with, but I will certainly be back. The preparation during the last two months had become very difficult for reasons beyond the team's control, but we were excited and knew that I would be on the best shape for the Olympics. It won't be possible. I know that I am in safe hands and that I have a lot of people by my side. #ICanBecauseIBelieveICan,” Marin said in a statement on Tuesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-osaka-reveals-bouts-of-depression-after-shock-french-open-withdrawal-388742" hreflang="en">Tennis: Osaka reveals 'bouts of depression' after shock French Open withdrawal</a>

<o:p></o:p>

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🐺💙<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PuedoPorquePiensoQuePuedo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PuedoPorquePiensoQuePuedo</a> <a href="https://t.co/jxq21hhXgR">pic.twitter.com/jxq21hhXgR</a>
— Carolina Marín (@CarolinaMarin) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarolinaMarin/status/1399652812603154434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Marin, reigning Olympic Champion, three-time World Champions and five-time European Champion, was one of the favourites in the women’s singles badminton event to win the coveted gold medal. The former world number one is regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in singles badminton.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympic-anxiety-leaves-japanese-sponsors-counting-the-cost-388740" hreflang="en">Olympic anxiety leaves Japanese sponsors counting the cost</a><o:p></o:p>

Having won a medal in almost every BWF tournament, Marin was eyeing another gold at the quadrennial event. <o:p></o:p>

At Rio Olympics, Marin defeated India’s PV Sindhu to win the women’s singles final with a score of 19-21 as she scripted history by becoming the first non-Asian to win the Olympic badminton singles’ event.<o:p></o:p>

However, this is not the first time that Marin has suffered an ACL tear. In 2019, Marin had raptured her ACL during the Indonesia Masters final against Saina Nehwal. She underwent reconstruction surgery and had a recovery for four months.<o:p></o:p>

Ace Spanish badminton player Carolina Marin on Tuesday pulled out from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2020 after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and both menisci of the left knee.

Ace Spanish badminton player Carolina Marin on Tuesday pulled out from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2020 after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and both menisci of the left knee. The reigning Olympic Champion, Marin has been hailed as one of the finest badminton players of all time and was one of the biggest hopes for an Olympic gold during the Games in Tokyo for the Spain contingent. Marin took to social media platform Twitter to announce the development as she said that they were excited for the Olympics but added that she will be back after recovering from the injury blow. “I want to thank everyone for your support and messages during these days. This is another blow that I have to deal with, but I will certainly be back. The preparation during the last two months had become very difficult for reasons beyond the team's control, but we were excited and knew that I would be on the best shape for the Olympics. It won't be possible. I know that I am in safe hands and that I have a lot of people by my side. #ICanBecauseIBelieveICan,” Marin said in a statement on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Tennis: Osaka reveals 'bouts of depression' after shock French Open withdrawal 🐺💙#PuedoPorquePiensoQuePuedo pic.twitter.com/jxq21hhXgR — Carolina Marín (@CarolinaMarin) June 1, 2021 × Marin, reigning Olympic Champion, three-time World Champions and five-time European Champion, was one of the favourites in the women’s singles badminton event to win the coveted gold medal. The former world number one is regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in singles badminton. ALSO READ: Olympic anxiety leaves Japanese sponsors counting the cost Having won a medal in almost every BWF tournament, Marin was eyeing another gold at the quadrennial event. At Rio Olympics, Marin defeated India’s PV Sindhu to win the women’s singles final with a score of 19-21 as she scripted history by becoming the first non-Asian to win the Olympic badminton singles’ event. However, this is not the first time that Marin has suffered an ACL tear. In 2019, Marin had raptured her ACL during the Indonesia Masters final against Saina Nehwal. She underwent reconstruction surgery and had a recovery for four months.

Badminton: Reigning Olympic champion, Carolina Marin pulls out of Tokyo 2020 due to knee injuries

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