Japanese shrine parishioners stepped into an icy cold bath at a Tokyo shrine to purify their souls and wish for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japanese shrine parishioners dip into icy bath for annual Shinto ritual

A heavy snowfall warning has been issued in japan's capital city Tokyo for the first time in four years. The first snowfall of the year for Japan turned into a bit of a scare after the Japan meteorological agency listed Tokyo and three surrounding districts under a heavy snow alert. Nearly two inches of snow had piled up in Tokyo while temperatures dropped to minus 0.4 degrees celsius.

Heavy snowfall warning in Japan's Tokyo, three surrounding areas under list

A blue fin tuna sold for around 16.88 million yen ($145,484) on Wednesday morning at the annual New Year tuna auction held by Tokyo's largest fish market, marking a third consecutive year price drop for the auction's highest bidder.

Tokyo: Giant bluefin tuna sold for around $145,484

Japan's cabinet approved a record defence budget of 5.4 trillion yen ($47.2 billion) for the fiscal year beginning in April on Friday, bolstering the country's capabilities to counter challenges from China.

The figure represents the pacifist country's tenth consecutive increase in yearly defence spending, surpassing a ceiling of 1% of GDP that it has mainly maintained for decades.

The move comes after parliament enacted a supplementary budget this week that included record defence spending.

China summons Japan's envoy and chastises Abe over his threat to invade Taiwan.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Japan's military budget is tiny when compared to that of its partners, the United States, which is expected to spend $778 billion in 2020, and China, which will spend $252 billion. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-with-an-eye-on-china-japans-ruling-party-makes-unprecedented-defence-spending-pledge-420812">Also read | Analysis: With an eye on China, Japan's ruling party makes unprecedented defence spending pledge</a>

Before being officially enacted next year, the total budget must be approved by parliament.

The United States and Japan have reached an agreement on payments for hosting American troops.&nbsp;

After Beijing's clampdown on Hong Kong in 2020, relations between Japan and China became increasingly tense, as ships from both countries continued to chase each other over islands they both claim in the East China Sea.

Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have become more vocal about the need to prepare for a contingency around Taiwan.&nbsp;

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Japan still regards the US military as playing a critical role in ensuring its security—a situation that fits the Pentagon well, as its East Asian posture is mainly reliant on facilities on Japanese soil.

However, the financial and environmental costs of maintaining that alliance occasionally run afoul of domestic politics in both the United States and Japan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan's cabinet approved a record defence budget of 5.4 trillion yen ($47.2 billion) for the fiscal year beginning in April on Friday, bolstering the country's capabilities to counter challenges from China.

Japan's cabinet approved a record defence budget of 5.4 trillion yen ($47.2 billion) for the fiscal year beginning in April on Friday, bolstering the country's capabilities to counter challenges from China. The figure represents the pacifist country's tenth consecutive increase in yearly defence spending, surpassing a ceiling of 1% of GDP that it has mainly maintained for decades. The move comes after parliament enacted a supplementary budget this week that included record defence spending. China summons Japan's envoy and chastises Abe over his threat to invade Taiwan. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Japan's military budget is tiny when compared to that of its partners, the United States, which is expected to spend $778 billion in 2020, and China, which will spend $252 billion. Also read | Analysis: With an eye on China, Japan's ruling party makes unprecedented defence spending pledge Before being officially enacted next year, the total budget must be approved by parliament. The United States and Japan have reached an agreement on payments for hosting American troops. After Beijing's clampdown on Hong Kong in 2020, relations between Japan and China became increasingly tense, as ships from both countries continued to chase each other over islands they both claim in the East China Sea. Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have become more vocal about the need to prepare for a contingency around Taiwan. × Japan still regards the US military as playing a critical role in ensuring its security—a situation that fits the Pentagon well, as its East Asian posture is mainly reliant on facilities on Japanese soil. However, the financial and environmental costs of maintaining that alliance occasionally run afoul of domestic politics in both the United States and Japan. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid escalating Chinese threats, Japan passes a record defence budget 

Visitors were handed umbrellas upon arriving at the indoor Tokyo art exhibition to maintain social distancing while viewing the artworks. The COVID-19 countermeasure at the exhibition was the brainchild of artist Kazuhisa Kusaba after his grandchildren were advised by their elementary teachers to hold umbrellas as a social distancing measure while commuting to school.

Tokyo art exhibition hands out umbrellas as social distancing measure

A man dressed as the Joker went around attacking passengers on a Tokyo-bound train before setting a compartment on fire. This happened on Halloween. The 24-year-old man said he wanted to kill 'lots of people' in order to secure the death sentence. Palki Sharma brings you the twisted story.

Gravitas | Japan: 24-year-old man dressed as joker attacks passengers on Tokyo train

Japan's new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida donated ritual offerings Sunday to a Tokyo shrine viewed by Chinese and Koreans as a symbol of Japanese wartime aggression, though he did not make a visit in person.

Kishida donated masakaki&nbsp;religious ornaments to mark Yasukuni Shrine's autumn festival. It was the first such observance by Kishida since he took office on October 4.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-new-pm-defends-pro-nuclear-stance-in-parliamentary-debut-420290">Japan's new PM defends pro-nuclear stance in parliamentary debut</a>

Victims of Japanese aggression during the first half of the 20th century, especially Chinese and Koreans, see the shrine as a symbol of Japan's militarism because it honours convicted World War II criminals among about 2.5 million war dead.

Such observances are seen by critics as a sign of a lack of remorse over the country's wartime atrocities.

Kishida was visiting the 2011 tsunami-hit areas in northern Japan over the weekend and stayed away from the shrine.

His predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, also only made offerings during his one-year leadership. He stepped down in September and visited the shrine on Sunday, dressed in a formal morning coat.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-with-an-eye-on-china-japans-ruling-party-makes-unprecedented-defence-spending-pledge-420812">Analysis: With an eye on China, Japan's ruling party makes unprecedented defence spending pledge</a>

Suga told reporters that he visited as a former prime minister to offer my respect to the sacred spirits of those who sacrificed their precious lives for the country and to pray that their souls may rest in peace.

After China and the Koreas reacted with outrage to a visit to Yasukuni by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2013, Japanese leaders have avoided visiting the shrine while in office.

Many South Koreans deeply resent Japan for its 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

Relations between Seoul and Tokyo have soured in recent years amid disputes over compensation for Korean wartime labourers and over the systematic abuses of comfort women&nbsp;used for sex by the Japanese military before its World War II defeat in 1945.

Japan's new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida donated ritual offerings Sunday to a Tokyo shrine viewed by Chinese and Koreans as a symbol of Japanese wartime aggression, though he did not make a visit in person.

Japan's new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida donated ritual offerings Sunday to a Tokyo shrine viewed by Chinese and Koreans as a symbol of Japanese wartime aggression, though he did not make a visit in person. Kishida donated masakaki religious ornaments to mark Yasukuni Shrine's autumn festival. It was the first such observance by Kishida since he took office on October 4. Also Read | Japan's new PM defends pro-nuclear stance in parliamentary debut Victims of Japanese aggression during the first half of the 20th century, especially Chinese and Koreans, see the shrine as a symbol of Japan's militarism because it honours convicted World War II criminals among about 2.5 million war dead. Such observances are seen by critics as a sign of a lack of remorse over the country's wartime atrocities. Kishida was visiting the 2011 tsunami-hit areas in northern Japan over the weekend and stayed away from the shrine. His predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, also only made offerings during his one-year leadership. He stepped down in September and visited the shrine on Sunday, dressed in a formal morning coat. Also Read | Analysis: With an eye on China, Japan's ruling party makes unprecedented defence spending pledge Suga told reporters that he visited as a former prime minister to offer my respect to the sacred spirits of those who sacrificed their precious lives for the country and to pray that their souls may rest in peace. After China and the Koreas reacted with outrage to a visit to Yasukuni by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2013, Japanese leaders have avoided visiting the shrine while in office. Many South Koreans deeply resent Japan for its 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. Relations between Seoul and Tokyo have soured in recent years amid disputes over compensation for Korean wartime labourers and over the systematic abuses of comfort women used for sex by the Japanese military before its World War II defeat in 1945.

Japan's Kishida sends offering to controversial Tokyo shrine

On Thursday night, a strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.1 rocked the Tokyo region, but officials claimed there was no threat of a tsunami.

The quake struck at a depth of 80 kilometres in Chiba prefecture, just east of Tokyo, according to the Meteorological Agency (48 miles).

Buildings swayed, but there were no reports of damage or injuries at the time.

A sign swinging wildly from the roof of NHK public television's workplace was shown.

In Tokyo's Suginami neighbourhood, power lines trembled.

According to NHK, "Shinkansen" super fast trains in and out of Tokyo have been momentarily suspended.

Cars were moving and people were walking down the streets as normal in the popular downtown areas of Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Fumio Kishida, the next Prime Minister of Japan, sent a tweet asking people to "examine the latest information and take measures to safeguard your life."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On Thursday night, a strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.1 rocked the Tokyo region, but officials claimed there was no threat of a tsunami. The quake struck at a depth of 80 kilometres in Chiba prefecture, just east of Tokyo, according to the Meteorological Agency (48 miles).

On Thursday night, a strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.1 rocked the Tokyo region, but officials claimed there was no threat of a tsunami. The quake struck at a depth of 80 kilometres in Chiba prefecture, just east of Tokyo, according to the Meteorological Agency (48 miles). Buildings swayed, but there were no reports of damage or injuries at the time. A sign swinging wildly from the roof of NHK public television's workplace was shown. In Tokyo's Suginami neighbourhood, power lines trembled. According to NHK, "Shinkansen" super fast trains in and out of Tokyo have been momentarily suspended. Cars were moving and people were walking down the streets as normal in the popular downtown areas of Shibuya and Shinjuku. Fumio Kishida, the next Prime Minister of Japan, sent a tweet asking people to "examine the latest information and take measures to safeguard your life." (With inputs from agencies)

6.1-magnitude earthquake shakes Tokyo area; no tsunami danger

Japan's parliament votes Monday to approve Fumio Kishida as the country's next prime minister, with the new leader expected to announce a cabinet including both holdovers and fresh faces.

The soft-spoken scion of a Hiroshima political family, Kishida beat popular vaccine chief Taro Kono to win leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party last week.

The victory effectively ensures he will win a vote later Monday in parliament, where the LDP's ruling coalition holds a commanding majority, and become leader of the world's third largest economy.

Speaking before the vote Monday morning, Kishida said he was ready for the top job.

"I think it will be a new start in its true sense," he told reporters.

"I want to take on challenges with a strong will and firm resolve to face the future."

Kishida is widely considered a safe pair of hands, who commands support from his own faction within the LDP and is not expected to veer significantly from the government's existing policies.

His election came after former prime minister Yoshihide Suga, who submitted his resignation on Monday morning, announced he would not stand for the LDP leadership after just one year in office.

Kishida will unveil his new cabinet on Monday afternoon, but details reported in local media suggested he would keep on several ministers in key portfolios.

Both Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi will retain their jobs, local media reported.

Motegi is a Harvard-educated political veteran who has taken the lead in negotiating key trade deals, while Kishi is the brother of former prime minister Shinzo Abe.

The finance portfolio will go to Shunichi Suzuki, who is replacing his own brother-in-law Taro Aso.

Suzuki, 68, is also a veteran politician and the son of a former prime minister. He has served in government before, holding both the Olympic minister and environment minister posts.

- Pandemic recovery, election ahead -

The cabinet will reportedly include three women, among them his one-time rival for the leadership Seiko Noda, who will become minister in charge of addressing Japan's declining birthrate.

The posts of vaccine minister and digital minister will also be held by women, with several members of the cabinet appointed to their first ministerial post.

Kishida faces a raft of challenges, from trying to steer a post-pandemic economic recovery to confronting the military threats posed by North Korea and China.

He will also be leading the LDP in general elections that must happen by November.

Local media reported Monday that Kishida is now expected to hold the vote on October 31, a few weeks earlier than expected.

The ruling party and its coalition party are widely expected to retain power, but could be vulnerable to losing some seats with the public unhappy about the government's response to the coronavirus.

Suga's government saw its approval ratings slump as it struggled to tackle waves of infection, including a record virus spike over the summer while the Olympics were being held.

Kishida's leadership campaign emphasised his plans to correct government missteps on the pandemic, including a pledge to unleash new economic stimulus.

Much of Japan has been under virus emergency measures for a large part of the year, with the restrictions finally lifting last week as new infections decline.

Around 60 per cent of the population is now vaccinated, but there are concerns that the country's healthcare system could easily become overwhelmed again in a new virus wave. 
&nbsp;

Japan's parliament votes Monday to approve Fumio Kishida as the country's next prime minister, with the new leader expected to announce a cabinet including both holdovers and fresh faces.

Japan's parliament votes Monday to approve Fumio Kishida as the country's next prime minister, with the new leader expected to announce a cabinet including both holdovers and fresh faces. The soft-spoken scion of a Hiroshima political family, Kishida beat popular vaccine chief Taro Kono to win leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party last week. The victory effectively ensures he will win a vote later Monday in parliament, where the LDP's ruling coalition holds a commanding majority, and become leader of the world's third largest economy. Speaking before the vote Monday morning, Kishida said he was ready for the top job. "I think it will be a new start in its true sense," he told reporters. "I want to take on challenges with a strong will and firm resolve to face the future." Kishida is widely considered a safe pair of hands, who commands support from his own faction within the LDP and is not expected to veer significantly from the government's existing policies. His election came after former prime minister Yoshihide Suga, who submitted his resignation on Monday morning, announced he would not stand for the LDP leadership after just one year in office. Kishida will unveil his new cabinet on Monday afternoon, but details reported in local media suggested he would keep on several ministers in key portfolios. Both Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi will retain their jobs, local media reported. Motegi is a Harvard-educated political veteran who has taken the lead in negotiating key trade deals, while Kishi is the brother of former prime minister Shinzo Abe. The finance portfolio will go to Shunichi Suzuki, who is replacing his own brother-in-law Taro Aso. Suzuki, 68, is also a veteran politician and the son of a former prime minister. He has served in government before, holding both the Olympic minister and environment minister posts. - Pandemic recovery, election ahead - The cabinet will reportedly include three women, among them his one-time rival for the leadership Seiko Noda, who will become minister in charge of addressing Japan's declining birthrate. The posts of vaccine minister and digital minister will also be held by women, with several members of the cabinet appointed to their first ministerial post. Kishida faces a raft of challenges, from trying to steer a post-pandemic economic recovery to confronting the military threats posed by North Korea and China. He will also be leading the LDP in general elections that must happen by November. Local media reported Monday that Kishida is now expected to hold the vote on October 31, a few weeks earlier than expected. The ruling party and its coalition party are widely expected to retain power, but could be vulnerable to losing some seats with the public unhappy about the government's response to the coronavirus. Suga's government saw its approval ratings slump as it struggled to tackle waves of infection, including a record virus spike over the summer while the Olympics were being held. Kishida's leadership campaign emphasised his plans to correct government missteps on the pandemic, including a pledge to unleash new economic stimulus. Much of Japan has been under virus emergency measures for a large part of the year, with the restrictions finally lifting last week as new infections decline. Around 60 per cent of the population is now vaccinated, but there are concerns that the country's healthcare system could easily become overwhelmed again in a new virus wave.

Fumio Kishida to be approved Japan's next PM

A wandering turtle forced an&nbsp;airport in Tokyo to temporarily suspend its operations after it was spotted on the runway by a pilot who was about to take off.

After the pilot informed the traffic controllers, the runway was shut down for 12 minutes on Friday causing a delay for five flights as the airport staff scrambled to catch the creature.

The turtle, said to be measuring about 30 centimetres in length and weighing over 2 kilograms, was walking across the runway, Narita International Airport Corporation said.

Sometimes, runways are forced to close because of aircraft parts or birds, but it’s rare to find small animals, the company reportedly said.

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Narita officials believe the creature may have come from the airport’s retention pond, located about 100 metres from the runway.

“The turtle might have crawled out of the reservoir near the runway to sunbathe since the weather has been warm the past few days,” an airport official was quoted as saying.

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The airport authorities said they will find out what type of turtle it is to decide whether it can be placed in a natural habitat.

Soon after the turtle’s safe capture, ANA’s A380 superjumbo jet “Flying Honu,” popularly known as a flying sea turtle, took off.

“In Hawaii, sea turtles are believed to bring good luck. It might be a sign of a bright future,” an ANA official said in a statement. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A wandering turtle forced an airport in Tokyo to temporarily suspend its operations after it was spotted on the runway by a pilot who was about to take off. After the pilot informed the traffic controllers, the runway was shut down for 12 minutes on Friday causing a delay for five flights as the airport staff scrambled to catch the creature.

A wandering turtle forced an airport in Tokyo to temporarily suspend its operations after it was spotted on the runway by a pilot who was about to take off. After the pilot informed the traffic controllers, the runway was shut down for 12 minutes on Friday causing a delay for five flights as the airport staff scrambled to catch the creature. The turtle, said to be measuring about 30 centimetres in length and weighing over 2 kilograms, was walking across the runway, Narita International Airport Corporation said. Sometimes, runways are forced to close because of aircraft parts or birds, but it’s rare to find small animals, the company reportedly said. Also read | UK Royal Mint launches gold bar featuring Lakshmi, Hindu Goddess of wealth Narita officials believe the creature may have come from the airport’s retention pond, located about 100 metres from the runway. “The turtle might have crawled out of the reservoir near the runway to sunbathe since the weather has been warm the past few days,” an airport official was quoted as saying. Also read | Smoking weed? Your phone can detect if you’re high on marijuana The airport authorities said they will find out what type of turtle it is to decide whether it can be placed in a natural habitat. Soon after the turtle’s safe capture, ANA’s A380 superjumbo jet “Flying Honu,” popularly known as a flying sea turtle, took off. “In Hawaii, sea turtles are believed to bring good luck. It might be a sign of a bright future,” an ANA official said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Wandering turtle on runway causes delay at Tokyo airport

The Tokyo Marathon has been postponed until March and the 2022 edition cancelled due to the COVID-19 state of emergency in the capital, event organisers said.

The race was to have been held on October&nbsp;17 but has now been moved to March 6, the Tokyo Marathon&nbsp;Foundation said on its website on Friday.

"I would like to sincerely apologise not only to our runners and volunteers, but to everyone who has been looking forward to our event," said race director Tadaaki Hayano, according to Kyodo news service.

This is the second year in a row the event has been affected by the pandemic, with last year's marathon limited to elite runners.

The Tokyo Marathon has been postponed until March and the 2022 edition cancelled due to the COVID-19 state of emergency in the capital, event organisers said. The race was to have been held on October 17 but has now been moved to March 6, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation said on its website on Friday.

The Tokyo Marathon has been postponed until March and the 2022 edition cancelled due to the COVID-19 state of emergency in the capital, event organisers said. The race was to have been held on October 17 but has now been moved to March 6, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation said on its website on Friday. "I would like to sincerely apologise not only to our runners and volunteers, but to everyone who has been looking forward to our event," said race director Tadaaki Hayano, according to Kyodo news service. This is the second year in a row the event has been affected by the pandemic, with last year's marathon limited to elite runners.

Tokyo Marathon postponed, 2022 edition cancelled due to COVID-19

Japan has put on hold a batch of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after a pharmacist saw what he claims to be black particles in one vial of the vaccine.

According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture.

It comes less than a week after Japan suspended the use of about 1.63 million Moderna doses due to contamination.

More than 3,000 people had already received shots from the batch. The rest of the batch has now been put on hold.

Local media reports say there has been no evidence so far of any health hazards caused by the potentially contaminated vaccine.

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Takeda Pharmaceutical, which sells and distributes the vaccine in Japan, had just last week put three batches of the vaccine on hold after "foreign materials" were found in some doses of a batch of roughly 560,000 vials.

Spanish pharmaceutical firm Rovi, which bottles the vaccine, said in a statement that a manufacturing line in Spain could be the cause of the issue.

It added that it was conducting an investigation.

Japan is battling a surge in Covid cases while it hosts the Paralympic Games.

Local media reports say that Japan’s vaccination roll-out has been relatively slow, with just over 40% of Japanese people fully vaccinated and around 50% having received one dose.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan has put on hold a batch of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after a pharmacist saw what he claims to be black particles in one vial of the vaccine. According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Japan has put on hold a batch of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after a pharmacist saw what he claims to be black particles in one vial of the vaccine. According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture. It comes less than a week after Japan suspended the use of about 1.63 million Moderna doses due to contamination. More than 3,000 people had already received shots from the batch. The rest of the batch has now been put on hold. Local media reports say there has been no evidence so far of any health hazards caused by the potentially contaminated vaccine. Also read | California pauses use of Moderna vaccine batch over allergic reactions Takeda Pharmaceutical, which sells and distributes the vaccine in Japan, had just last week put three batches of the vaccine on hold after "foreign materials" were found in some doses of a batch of roughly 560,000 vials. Spanish pharmaceutical firm Rovi, which bottles the vaccine, said in a statement that a manufacturing line in Spain could be the cause of the issue. It added that it was conducting an investigation. Japan is battling a surge in Covid cases while it hosts the Paralympic Games. Local media reports say that Japan’s vaccination roll-out has been relatively slow, with just over 40% of Japanese people fully vaccinated and around 50% having received one dose. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan finds "black substance" in Moderna vaccine, put holds on shots

The Indian contingent had a memorable run in the Tokyo 2020 Games, which concluded on August 8. Team India returned with their best-ever showing at an Olympics, with a total of seven medals and finished at the 48th spot.

While the memories of the Tokyo Games remains afresh for the whole country, the countrymen have now shifted focus to backing the Indian team at the Tokyo Paralympics, which kicked off in Tokyo, Japan on August 24 (Tuesday). A lot is expected of the stars featuring for Team India in the Paralympics, which comprises at least four Indians ranked top of the world whereas six are at number two and around 10 are at number three in global standings.&nbsp;

For the unversed, India ended at the 43rd spot in 2016 Paralympics, in Rio, -- with 4 medals (2 gold, 1 silver and bronze each). Overall, it has won 12 medals in Paralympics and aims to feature in the top 25 this time around.

Here's a look at the Indian events in Tokyo Paralympics for August 27 (Friday):

Archery

Men's Recurve Individual Open, Ranking round: Harvinder Singh, Vivek Chikara at 10:30 am IST 
Men's Compound Individual Open, ranking round: Rakesh Kumar, Shyam Sundar Swami at 10:30 am IST 
Women's Compound Individual Open, open ranking round: Jyoti Baliyan at 5:30 am IST

Swimming

200 Individual Medley SM7 Heat 2: Suyash Jadhav at 6:38 am IST

Powerlifting

Men's 65kg: Jaideep Deswal 
Women's 50 kg: Sakina Khatun

All you need to know about the telecast and live streaming details for Indian events on August 27:

Paralympics 2021 live telecast and streaming in India

Eurosport channel will live telecast the Tokyo Paralympics in India. The Eurosport channel can now be streamed on the discovery+ app.

On the other hand, Doordarshan will also broadcast TOKYO Paralympics LIVE and will only live telecast the Indian events at the Tokyo Paralympics.

So far, India's performance in Tokyo Paralympics has been as follows:

RESULTS

Table Tennis

Individual C3- LI Qian (China) defeated Sonalben Madhubhai Patel (India) 3-2 
Individual C4 - Zhou Ying (China) beat Bhavina Hasmukhbhai Patel (India) 3-0

Table Tennis Women's Singles C4

Hasmukhbhai Bhavinaben Patel (India) thrashed Megan Shackleton (Great Britain), qualified&nbsp;for knockouts

The Indian contingent had a memorable run in the Tokyo 2020 Games, which concluded on August 8. Team India returned with their best-ever showing at an Olympics, with a total of seven medals and finished at the 48th spot.

The Indian contingent had a memorable run in the Tokyo 2020 Games, which concluded on August 8. Team India returned with their best-ever showing at an Olympics, with a total of seven medals and finished at the 48th spot. While the memories of the Tokyo Games remains afresh for the whole country, the countrymen have now shifted focus to backing the Indian team at the Tokyo Paralympics, which kicked off in Tokyo, Japan on August 24 (Tuesday). A lot is expected of the stars featuring for Team India in the Paralympics, which comprises at least four Indians ranked top of the world whereas six are at number two and around 10 are at number three in global standings. For the unversed, India ended at the 43rd spot in 2016 Paralympics, in Rio, -- with 4 medals (2 gold, 1 silver and bronze each). Overall, it has won 12 medals in Paralympics and aims to feature in the top 25 this time around. Here's a look at the Indian events in Tokyo Paralympics for August 27 (Friday): Archery Men's Recurve Individual Open, Ranking round: Harvinder Singh, Vivek Chikara at 10:30 am IST Men's Compound Individual Open, ranking round: Rakesh Kumar, Shyam Sundar Swami at 10:30 am IST Women's Compound Individual Open, open ranking round: Jyoti Baliyan at 5:30 am IST Swimming 200 Individual Medley SM7 Heat 2: Suyash Jadhav at 6:38 am IST Powerlifting Men's 65kg: Jaideep Deswal Women's 50 kg: Sakina Khatun All you need to know about the telecast and live streaming details for Indian events on August 27: Paralympics 2021 live telecast and streaming in India Eurosport channel will live telecast the Tokyo Paralympics in India. The Eurosport channel can now be streamed on the discovery+ app. On the other hand, Doordarshan will also broadcast TOKYO Paralympics LIVE and will only live telecast the Indian events at the Tokyo Paralympics. So far, India's performance in Tokyo Paralympics has been as follows: RESULTS Table Tennis Individual C3- LI Qian (China) defeated Sonalben Madhubhai Patel (India) 3-2 Individual C4 - Zhou Ying (China) beat Bhavina Hasmukhbhai Patel (India) 3-0 Table Tennis Women's Singles C4 Hasmukhbhai Bhavinaben Patel (India) thrashed Megan Shackleton (Great Britain), qualified for knockouts

India at Tokyo Paralympics 2020: Full schedule, telecast and live streaming of Indian events for August 27

After Tokyo Olympics, Japan is once again in the headlines but this time it is for losing one of its famous works of modern art to a storm.

A giant black and yellow polka-dotted pumpkin sculpture, created by Yayoi Kusama, has been the pride of the country's 'art of island' of Naoshima in the Seto inland sea.

The installation has been in place since 1994 and has weathered several storms with the help of locals, who usually move the sculpture to safety before any incoming storm. However, this time, for some unknown reason, the locals missed moving it.

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This time when a downgraded typhoon hit the area on Monday, the sculpture couldn’t stand its ground against the extreme weather and ended up getting tossed in the sea.

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The stellar creation was loosened from its metal fastenings due to the high tides and was then repeatedly slammed into the pier before getting swept into the water. The authorities of Benesse Art Site, who own the piece, looked at the sight helplessly.

Kusama's Pumpkin now has been slammed into three pieces and the staff members of the Benesse Art Site are hoping to be able to repair the sculpture and reinstall it in its original spot.

"Some smaller pieces were lost in the sea but we have three large main sections that are being stored at the art site while we work with Kusama’s studio to decide what to do next," a company spokesperson said.

The artist is now in her early 90s and is residing in a mental health institution in Tokyo since the 1970s. The authorities might have to take her inputs to rebuild her creation.

After Tokyo Olympics, Japan is once again in the headlines but this time it is for losing one of its famous works of modern art to a storm. A giant black and yellow polka-dotted pumpkin sculpture, created by Yayoi Kusama, has been the pride of the country's 'art of island' of Naoshima in the Seto inland sea.

After Tokyo Olympics, Japan is once again in the headlines but this time it is for losing one of its famous works of modern art to a storm. A giant black and yellow polka-dotted pumpkin sculpture, created by Yayoi Kusama, has been the pride of the country's 'art of island' of Naoshima in the Seto inland sea. The installation has been in place since 1994 and has weathered several storms with the help of locals, who usually move the sculpture to safety before any incoming storm. However, this time, for some unknown reason, the locals missed moving it. 直島のシンボルが…..#台風9号 pic.twitter.com/7l9b65ivSe — 歪みっぱなしの帝国. (@ppdisundia) August 9, 2021 × This time when a downgraded typhoon hit the area on Monday, the sculpture couldn’t stand its ground against the extreme weather and ended up getting tossed in the sea. Also read | Australia: Teen to face 5 years in jail for forcing quokka to vape The stellar creation was loosened from its metal fastenings due to the high tides and was then repeatedly slammed into the pier before getting swept into the water. The authorities of Benesse Art Site, who own the piece, looked at the sight helplessly. Kusama's Pumpkin now has been slammed into three pieces and the staff members of the Benesse Art Site are hoping to be able to repair the sculpture and reinstall it in its original spot. "Some smaller pieces were lost in the sea but we have three large main sections that are being stored at the art site while we work with Kusama’s studio to decide what to do next," a company spokesperson said. The artist is now in her early 90s and is residing in a mental health institution in Tokyo since the 1970s. The authorities might have to take her inputs to rebuild her creation.

Tokyo: Large pumpkin sculpture gets tossed by Japan sea storm

Tokyo awoke to a huge bill and soaring coronavirus cases on Monday after pulling off a mid-pandemic Olympics that at times looked impossible and had a mixed reception to the end.

Olympic officials have been predictably bullish, saying the Games offered hope and uplifting moments, and went off without any major coronavirus outbreaks.

"These Olympic Games have been a powerful demonstration of the unifying power of sport," International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said at his closing press conference.

But it will take longer for&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;to reckon with a Games that were highly controversial and unfolded as virus cases exploded in Tokyo and elsewhere.

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The Asahi Shimbun daily, which had called for cancellation despite being a sponsor of the Games, said the nearly $15 billion event was a "gamble" with people's lives.

"This gamble went ahead, making the situation worse," it said on Monday.

A poll conducted by the paper over the last two days of the Games found 56 percent of Japanese supported holding the event, with 32 percent opposed. Just 32 percent said they felt the Games were "safe and secure", with 54 percent unconvinced.

Tokyo's 2020 Olympics were unlike any other, starting with last year's historic postponement that upturned years of planning for athletes.

Restrictions at the Games themselves meant masks for all, cheering for none, and fans banned from almost all venues for the first time.

'High praise'

Despite everything, as the Games opened there were signs that&nbsp;Japan's public might be having a change of heart.

Thousands flocked to the Olympic Stadium for a glimpse of the opening ceremony fireworks and a chance to take their photo in front of the Olympic rings.

When the sport got under way, people defied requests to stay away from events held on public roads, and snapped up Olympic merchandise in stores across&nbsp;Japan.

"If you see these athletes running in front of you, you can't help but cheer for them," Hirochika Tadeda told AFP along the route of the triathlon, which passed in front of his home.

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Tributes to the athletes were a key theme of editorials in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;on Monday, with the Yomiuri Shimbun offering "high praise for competitions into which they poured all their efforts."

There had been concerns about what the pandemic and the postponement would mean for sport at the Games.

But despite some high-profile disappointments, performances remained impressive, with world records broken and the successful introduction of several new sports including skateboarding and surfing.

The coronavirus cast a long shadow over the Games from the start, and several athletes' Olympic dreams were shattered by the results of a PCR test.

Most though were just happy the Games went ahead at all.

"Mid-pandemic they successfully held an amazing Olympics. Always greeting us with a smile and so much kindness. Thank you," wrote Australian footballer Alanna Kennedy on Twitter.

'Brightened the world'

"The Games have been held in the most challenging circumstances imaginable and the organisers have excelled," added Hugh Robertson, chairman of the British Olympic Association.

The Olympics were also a triumph for Japanese sport, with a record 27 gold medals in everything from baseball to skateboarding.

Japanese Olympic officials said they felt the gold rush drove public support for the Games, pointing to the families who brought children to venues to cheer outside or hung flags in their windows.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-bhavani-devis-efforts-to-neeraj-chopras-gold-historic-firsts-and-some-shining-moments-of-india-at-tokyo-olympics-404251">Historic firsts and some shining moments of India at Tokyo Olympics</a>

But behind the cheering, there is a looming sense of crisis over the sharp rise in virus cases during the Games.

Tokyo and many other parts of the country are under virus state of emergency, and only around a third of the country is fully vaccinated as the Delta variant fuels surging infections.

The issue could weigh on Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's political future, as he faces a leadership race and then a general election by October.

For some though, the sporting highlights swept away concerns about the pandemic.

"It's true that I was a little worried," 21-year-old university student Reita Goto told AFP.

"But in the end the Olympics has brightened up not only&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;but also the world."

Tokyo awoke to a huge bill and soaring coronavirus cases on Monday after pulling off a mid-pandemic Olympics that at times looked impossible and had a mixed reception to the end.

Tokyo awoke to a huge bill and soaring coronavirus cases on Monday after pulling off a mid-pandemic Olympics that at times looked impossible and had a mixed reception to the end. Olympic officials have been predictably bullish, saying the Games offered hope and uplifting moments, and went off without any major coronavirus outbreaks. "These Olympic Games have been a powerful demonstration of the unifying power of sport," International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said at his closing press conference. But it will take longer for Japan to reckon with a Games that were highly controversial and unfolded as virus cases exploded in Tokyo and elsewhere. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list The Asahi Shimbun daily, which had called for cancellation despite being a sponsor of the Games, said the nearly $15 billion event was a "gamble" with people's lives. "This gamble went ahead, making the situation worse," it said on Monday. A poll conducted by the paper over the last two days of the Games found 56 percent of Japanese supported holding the event, with 32 percent opposed. Just 32 percent said they felt the Games were "safe and secure", with 54 percent unconvinced. Tokyo's 2020 Olympics were unlike any other, starting with last year's historic postponement that upturned years of planning for athletes. Restrictions at the Games themselves meant masks for all, cheering for none, and fans banned from almost all venues for the first time. 'High praise' Despite everything, as the Games opened there were signs that Japan's public might be having a change of heart. Thousands flocked to the Olympic Stadium for a glimpse of the opening ceremony fireworks and a chance to take their photo in front of the Olympic rings. When the sport got under way, people defied requests to stay away from events held on public roads, and snapped up Olympic merchandise in stores across Japan. "If you see these athletes running in front of you, you can't help but cheer for them," Hirochika Tadeda told AFP along the route of the triathlon, which passed in front of his home. ALSO READ | Sustainable development report ranks Australia last on climate action Tributes to the athletes were a key theme of editorials in Japan on Monday, with the Yomiuri Shimbun offering "high praise for competitions into which they poured all their efforts." There had been concerns about what the pandemic and the postponement would mean for sport at the Games. But despite some high-profile disappointments, performances remained impressive, with world records broken and the successful introduction of several new sports including skateboarding and surfing. The coronavirus cast a long shadow over the Games from the start, and several athletes' Olympic dreams were shattered by the results of a PCR test. Most though were just happy the Games went ahead at all. "Mid-pandemic they successfully held an amazing Olympics. Always greeting us with a smile and so much kindness. Thank you," wrote Australian footballer Alanna Kennedy on Twitter. 'Brightened the world' "The Games have been held in the most challenging circumstances imaginable and the organisers have excelled," added Hugh Robertson, chairman of the British Olympic Association. The Olympics were also a triumph for Japanese sport, with a record 27 gold medals in everything from baseball to skateboarding. Japanese Olympic officials said they felt the gold rush drove public support for the Games, pointing to the families who brought children to venues to cheer outside or hung flags in their windows. IN PICS | Historic firsts and some shining moments of India at Tokyo Olympics But behind the cheering, there is a looming sense of crisis over the sharp rise in virus cases during the Games. Tokyo and many other parts of the country are under virus state of emergency, and only around a third of the country is fully vaccinated as the Delta variant fuels surging infections. The issue could weigh on Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's political future, as he faces a leadership race and then a general election by October. For some though, the sporting highlights swept away concerns about the pandemic. "It's true that I was a little worried," 21-year-old university student Reita Goto told AFP. "But in the end the Olympics has brightened up not only Japan but also the world."

Tokyo counts cost of $15 billion pandemic Olympics 'gamble'

The man alleged to have wounded 10 people in a knife attack on a Tokyo commuter train late on Friday told police he became incensed when he saw women who "looked happy" and wanted to kill them, Japanese media reported on Saturday. 
 
Police arrested the 36-year-old man in another part of Tokyo after he slashed and stabbed people in the attack at about 8:40 pm (1140 GMT) on Friday on a train on the Odakyu Line in the western part of the city, media reported. 
 
One victim, a female university student, was seriously wounded, while the rest suffered less severe injuries. 
 
The Sankei newspaper reported that suspect told police: "I began feeling like I wanted to kill women who looked happy about six years ago. Anyone was fine, I just wanted to kill a lot of people." 
 
Other media, including broadcaster NHK, reported similar quotes from suspect. 
 
A police spokesman said they had nothing further to share on the details of case when asked about the media reports on Saturday. 
 
Violent crime is rare in Japan but there have been a spate of knife attacks by assailants unknown to the victims. 
 
In June 2008, a man in a light truck drove into a crowd in the popular Akihabara district and then jumped out of the vehicle and started stabbing pedestrians, leaving seven dead.

The man alleged to have wounded 10 people in a knife attack on a Tokyo commuter train late on Friday told police he became incensed when he saw women who "looked happy" and wanted to kill them, Japanese media reported on Saturday.

The man alleged to have wounded 10 people in a knife attack on a Tokyo commuter train late on Friday told police he became incensed when he saw women who "looked happy" and wanted to kill them, Japanese media reported on Saturday. Police arrested the 36-year-old man in another part of Tokyo after he slashed and stabbed people in the attack at about 8:40 pm (1140 GMT) on Friday on a train on the Odakyu Line in the western part of the city, media reported. One victim, a female university student, was seriously wounded, while the rest suffered less severe injuries. The Sankei newspaper reported that suspect told police: "I began feeling like I wanted to kill women who looked happy about six years ago. Anyone was fine, I just wanted to kill a lot of people." Other media, including broadcaster NHK, reported similar quotes from suspect. A police spokesman said they had nothing further to share on the details of case when asked about the media reports on Saturday. Violent crime is rare in Japan but there have been a spate of knife attacks by assailants unknown to the victims. In June 2008, a man in a light truck drove into a crowd in the popular Akihabara district and then jumped out of the vehicle and started stabbing pedestrians, leaving seven dead.

Knife attacker on Tokyo commuter train wanted to kill 'happy women': Report

Nine people were wounded, one of them seriously, on Friday in a stabbing attack on a commuter train in Tokyo, with the suspect later handing himself in after fleeing the scene, local media said.

Violent crime is rare in Japan, and the attack comes with the capital on heightened security alert as it hosts the Olympic Games.

The stabbings took place on an evening train in Setagaya ward, in the west of the city.

One woman in her 20s sustained serious back injuries, public broadcaster NHK said, citing emergency response officials.

The site is several kilometres (miles) from the venue of Olympic equestrian events.

The train was brought to an emergency stop after the rail operator was alerted, and a knife and mobile phone believed to belong to the suspect were found onboard.

The male suspect, also in his 20s, was reportedly taken in by police after he turned himself in at a nearby convenience store, telling the manager he was the perpetrator of the attack.

Japan has strict gun laws, but there are occasional violent crimes involving other weapons.

In 2019, a man killed two people including a schoolgirl and wounded more than a dozen in a rampage that targeted children as they waited for a bus.

And in 2018, a man was arrested in central Japan after stabbing one person to death and injuring two others aboard a bullet train.

Nine people were wounded, one of them seriously, on Friday in a stabbing attack on a commuter train in Tokyo, with the suspect later handing himself in after fleeing the scene, local media said.

Nine people were wounded, one of them seriously, on Friday in a stabbing attack on a commuter train in Tokyo, with the suspect later handing himself in after fleeing the scene, local media said. Violent crime is rare in Japan, and the attack comes with the capital on heightened security alert as it hosts the Olympic Games. The stabbings took place on an evening train in Setagaya ward, in the west of the city. One woman in her 20s sustained serious back injuries, public broadcaster NHK said, citing emergency response officials. The site is several kilometres (miles) from the venue of Olympic equestrian events. The train was brought to an emergency stop after the rail operator was alerted, and a knife and mobile phone believed to belong to the suspect were found onboard. The male suspect, also in his 20s, was reportedly taken in by police after he turned himself in at a nearby convenience store, telling the manager he was the perpetrator of the attack. Japan has strict gun laws, but there are occasional violent crimes involving other weapons. In 2019, a man killed two people including a schoolgirl and wounded more than a dozen in a rampage that targeted children as they waited for a bus. And in 2018, a man was arrested in central Japan after stabbing one person to death and injuring two others aboard a bullet train.

Nine hurt in Tokyo commuter train stabbing

Indian men's hockey team staged a stunning comeback against Germany to win a medal for India for the first time since 1980. The Men in Blue were quick to concede the first goal after Germany's Timur Oruz scored in the opening 2 minutes.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-ravi-kumar-dahiya-vs-zavur-uguev-finals-bout-402981" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Ravi Kumar Dahiya&nbsp;vs&nbsp;Zavur Uguev finals bout?</a>

But, India's Simranjeet scored a stunning equaliser in the second quarter. However, defensive errors helped Germany to score two more goals and taking the scoreline to 3-1. But, the goals triggered the Indian team to change their game from defence to offence, and with help of penalty corners, Hardik Singh and Harmanpreet Singh found the back of the net.&nbsp;

In the third quarter, India was too good for the Germans as Rupinder Pal Singh scored from a penalty stroke and Gurjant's perfect assist helped Simranjeet score the fifth goal for India in the match. India were up by 5-3 by the end of the third quarter.&nbsp;

Germans looked in control in the first half of the fourth quarter as they scored their fourth goal. But the Indian men held their nerves to win a medal and end a 41-year wait.&nbsp;

Indian men's hockey team staged a stunning comeback against Germany to win a medal for India for the first time since 1980. The Men in Blue were quick to concede the first goal after Germany's Timur Oruz scored in the opening 2 minutes.

Indian men's hockey team staged a stunning comeback against Germany to win a medal for India for the first time since 1980. The Men in Blue were quick to concede the first goal after Germany's Timur Oruz scored in the opening 2 minutes. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Ravi Kumar Dahiya vs Zavur Uguev finals bout? But, India's Simranjeet scored a stunning equaliser in the second quarter. However, defensive errors helped Germany to score two more goals and taking the scoreline to 3-1. But, the goals triggered the Indian team to change their game from defence to offence, and with help of penalty corners, Hardik Singh and Harmanpreet Singh found the back of the net. In the third quarter, India was too good for the Germans as Rupinder Pal Singh scored from a penalty stroke and Gurjant's perfect assist helped Simranjeet score the fifth goal for India in the match. India were up by 5-3 by the end of the third quarter. Germans looked in control in the first half of the fourth quarter as they scored their fourth goal. But the Indian men held their nerves to win a medal and end a 41-year wait.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: India end 41-year medal wait in men's hockey as they win bronze

Tokyo on Thursday reported another massive jump in COVID-19 cases as the government expanded restrictions to eight more regions just days before the Olympics ends.

Tokyo is already under a virus state of emergency. However, it is seeing exponential growth in cases, driven by the more contagious Delta variant.

On Thursday, the city reported a record 5,042 cases, up from 3,865 a week earlier, and 1,979 the week before that.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in a meeting said, "Infections are spreading with a speed we have never experienced before".

He added, "With the rapid increase of cases, the number of patients in serious condition, which had been contained, is growing".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-set-to-expand-coroanvirus-emergency-restrictions-amid-surge-in-hospitalisations-403056">Also read |&nbsp;Japan set to expand coroanvirus emergency restrictions amid surge in hospitalisations</a>

Six parts of Japan are under a virus emergency.

Other parts of Japan are under quasi-emergency measures, with the government expanding those restrictions to another eight areas on Thursday.

"At this point in time we really need to introduce some other kind of measures in order to tackle this situation," warned health expert Koji Wada, a professor at Japan's International University of Health and Welfare.

The spike comes with the Olympic Games in full swing in Tokyo, taking place largely without spectators. The organisers have reported 353 cases among Games staff, officials, teams and media since July 1.

Tokyo on Thursday reported another massive jump in COVID-19 cases as the government expanded restrictions to eight more regions just days before the Olympics ends.

Tokyo on Thursday reported another massive jump in COVID-19 cases as the government expanded restrictions to eight more regions just days before the Olympics ends. Tokyo is already under a virus state of emergency. However, it is seeing exponential growth in cases, driven by the more contagious Delta variant. On Thursday, the city reported a record 5,042 cases, up from 3,865 a week earlier, and 1,979 the week before that. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in a meeting said, "Infections are spreading with a speed we have never experienced before". He added, "With the rapid increase of cases, the number of patients in serious condition, which had been contained, is growing". Also read | Japan set to expand coroanvirus emergency restrictions amid surge in hospitalisations Six parts of Japan are under a virus emergency. Other parts of Japan are under quasi-emergency measures, with the government expanding those restrictions to another eight areas on Thursday. "At this point in time we really need to introduce some other kind of measures in order to tackle this situation," warned health expert Koji Wada, a professor at Japan's International University of Health and Welfare. The spike comes with the Olympic Games in full swing in Tokyo, taking place largely without spectators. The organisers have reported 353 cases among Games staff, officials, teams and media since July 1.

Covid cases in Tokyo at record high as government expands restrictions

The equestrian rider from Egypt set up a heavenly execution at the Tokyo Olympics and got a spot in the final. With a run of 17 obstacles, Nayel Nassar is currently one step nearer to win at the tournament.

Nayel Nassar is engaged to Jennifer Gates, the daughter of Bill Gates and Melinda. Hence, it shocked no one that both supported Nassar on social media.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="Tokyo Olympics: Ravi Kumar one bout away from assuring India of another medal">Tokyo Olympics: Ravi Kumar one bout away from assuring India of another medal</a>

Hours after a Washington judge reported that Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates are formally separated, the couple has something to cheer about on account of their future son-in-law Nayel Nasser.&nbsp;

Nayel Nassar and Jennifer Gates had announced their engagement in January 2020.&nbsp;

Sharing a photograph of Nayel Nassar, Melinda Gates said that this time around the Olympics was special because of the rider's essence.

“I always love watching the Olympics. The Tokyo Olympics are particularly special because I get to cheer on my future son-in-law, Nayel Nassar. We are so proud of you, Nayel,” she said.

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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-american-sydney-mclaughlin-shatters-world-record-to-win-womens-400-hurdles-402723" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: American Sydney McLaughlin shatters world record to win women's 400 hurdles</a>

Bill Gates, as well, said on the photograph sharing application that he was rooting for Nayel Nassar.&nbsp;

“I'm rooting for lots of the athletes in Tokyo right now—but none more than my soon-to-be son-in-law, Nayel Nassar. Good luck, Nayel,” he said ahead of the qualifiers.

Nayel Nassar shared his fervor at having hustled to the final. In an extended post, he said, &nbsp;“Igor is clear in our Olympic debut and sneaks into the individual final. Thank you, Igor and everyone rooting for us near and far. Only part of the job done, but so excited to be among the last ones standing after a very unforgiving qualifier.”

The equestrian rider from Egypt set up a heavenly execution at the Tokyo Olympics and got a spot in the final. With a run of 17 obstacles, Nayel Nassar is currently one step nearer to win at the tournament.

The equestrian rider from Egypt set up a heavenly execution at the Tokyo Olympics and got a spot in the final. With a run of 17 obstacles, Nayel Nassar is currently one step nearer to win at the tournament. Nayel Nassar is engaged to Jennifer Gates, the daughter of Bill Gates and Melinda. Hence, it shocked no one that both supported Nassar on social media. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Ravi Kumar one bout away from assuring India of another medal Hours after a Washington judge reported that Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates are formally separated, the couple has something to cheer about on account of their future son-in-law Nayel Nasser. Nayel Nassar and Jennifer Gates had announced their engagement in January 2020. Sharing a photograph of Nayel Nassar, Melinda Gates said that this time around the Olympics was special because of the rider's essence. “I always love watching the Olympics. The Tokyo Olympics are particularly special because I get to cheer on my future son-in-law, Nayel Nassar. We are so proud of you, Nayel,” she said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melinda French Gates (@melindafrenchgates) × ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: American Sydney McLaughlin shatters world record to win women's 400 hurdles Bill Gates, as well, said on the photograph sharing application that he was rooting for Nayel Nassar. “I'm rooting for lots of the athletes in Tokyo right now—but none more than my soon-to-be son-in-law, Nayel Nassar. Good luck, Nayel,” he said ahead of the qualifiers. Nayel Nassar shared his fervor at having hustled to the final. In an extended post, he said, “Igor is clear in our Olympic debut and sneaks into the individual final. Thank you, Igor and everyone rooting for us near and far. Only part of the job done, but so excited to be among the last ones standing after a very unforgiving qualifier.”

Tokyo Olympics: 'Particularly special': Melinda and Bill Gates cheer for their 'future' son-in-law in Equestrian final

Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya left Tokyo for Austria on Wednesday, adding another dramatic twist to a diplomatic saga in which she had sought refuge at the Polish embassy. 
 
Tsimanouskaya had been scheduled to board a flight for Warsaw, where the government has offered her a humanitarian visa after she had refused to board Games a flight home against her wishes on Sunday and sought diplomatic protection. 
 
Instead, she departed on an Austrian Airlines flight scheduled to land in Vienna at 4:05 p.m. (1405 GMT) A member of the Belarusian community in touch with Tsimanouskaya said diplomats had changed her flight due to security concerns. 
 
Masked and wearing blue jeans, a blue blouse and sunglasses with "I RUN CLEAN" written on them, Tsimanouskaya had arrived in a police-escorted van at Narita airport east of the Japanese capital. She did not speak to several dozen waiting reporters as she went to a VIP area, escorted by several officials rolling her suitcases, and later to her gate. 
 
The International Olympic Committee said on Tuesday it had launched a formal investigation into the case and was expecting a report from the Belarusian team. 
 
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko`s regime of intolerable "transnational repression" in the matter. 
 
Tsimanouskaya, 24, had been due to compete in the women`s 200-metre heats on Monday but said the Belarusian head coach had turned up at her room on Sunday at the athletes` village and told her she had to leave after she had criticised team officials. 
 
"I will not return to Belarus," she told Reuters at the time. 
 
The incident has focussed attention on Belarus, where police have cracked down on dissent following a wave of protests triggered by an election last year which the opposition says was rigged to keep Lukashenko in power. 
 
Belarusian authorities have characterised anti-government protesters as criminals or violent revolutionaries backed by the West, and described the actions of their own law enforcement agencies as appropriate and necessary. 
 
Vitaly Shishov, a Belarusian activist living in exile in Ukraine, was found hanged in a park near his home in Kyiv early on Tuesday, and Ukrainian police launched a murder investigation. He led an organisation that helps Belarusians fleeing persecution.

Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya left Tokyo for Austria on Wednesday, adding another dramatic twist to a diplomatic saga in which she had sought refuge at the Polish embassy.

Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya left Tokyo for Austria on Wednesday, adding another dramatic twist to a diplomatic saga in which she had sought refuge at the Polish embassy. Tsimanouskaya had been scheduled to board a flight for Warsaw, where the government has offered her a humanitarian visa after she had refused to board Games a flight home against her wishes on Sunday and sought diplomatic protection. Instead, she departed on an Austrian Airlines flight scheduled to land in Vienna at 4:05 p.m. (1405 GMT) A member of the Belarusian community in touch with Tsimanouskaya said diplomats had changed her flight due to security concerns. Masked and wearing blue jeans, a blue blouse and sunglasses with "I RUN CLEAN" written on them, Tsimanouskaya had arrived in a police-escorted van at Narita airport east of the Japanese capital. She did not speak to several dozen waiting reporters as she went to a VIP area, escorted by several officials rolling her suitcases, and later to her gate. The International Olympic Committee said on Tuesday it had launched a formal investigation into the case and was expecting a report from the Belarusian team. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko`s regime of intolerable "transnational repression" in the matter. Tsimanouskaya, 24, had been due to compete in the women`s 200-metre heats on Monday but said the Belarusian head coach had turned up at her room on Sunday at the athletes` village and told her she had to leave after she had criticised team officials. "I will not return to Belarus," she told Reuters at the time. The incident has focussed attention on Belarus, where police have cracked down on dissent following a wave of protests triggered by an election last year which the opposition says was rigged to keep Lukashenko in power. Belarusian authorities have characterised anti-government protesters as criminals or violent revolutionaries backed by the West, and described the actions of their own law enforcement agencies as appropriate and necessary. Vitaly Shishov, a Belarusian activist living in exile in Ukraine, was found hanged in a park near his home in Kyiv early on Tuesday, and Ukrainian police launched a murder investigation. He led an organisation that helps Belarusians fleeing persecution.

Olympics: Belarus sprinter heads for Austria in fresh twist to Tokyo diplomatic drama

Tokyo Olympic organizers have launched an investigation after several athletes were caught drinking alcohol in groups in games village on Friday. Organizers said that athletes were allowed to drink alcohol only at their homes or alone and not in groups as a precaution to curb the growing spread of COVID-19.

Olympic organizers launch investigation after athletes drink in groups

The American star won his fifth gold medal of the Tokyo Games, finishing off one of the great performances in Olympic history. He joins an elite club of just four other swimmers ever with at least five gold medals at one games.

Caeleb&nbsp;Dressel swam the butterfly leg as the Americans set a world record in the 4x100-meter medley relay with a time of 3 minutes, 26.78 seconds—eclipsing the mark of 3:27.28 they set at the 2009 Rome world championships in rubberized suits.

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Ryan Murphy, Michael Andrew, and Zach Apple joined Dressel on the winning team, ensuring the Americans closed out the swimming competition with another gold in a race they’ve never lost at the Olympics.

Earlier in the session, Dressel won the 50 freestyle for his third individual title of the games. He also won two golds on the relays.

Dressel starred at the pool with Australia’s Emma McKeon, who won two more golds Sunday to push her overall total to seven — four gold and three bronze.

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Mirroring Dressel’s final day, McKeon won the 50 free and took the butterfly leg on the Aussies’ winning 4x100 medley relay team on the women’s side.

McKeon became the first female swimmer to win seven medals at a single games. The only men to do it are Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi.

The American star won his fifth gold medal of the Tokyo Games, finishing off one of the great performances in Olympic history. He joins an elite club of just four other swimmers ever with at least five gold medals at one games.

The American star won his fifth gold medal of the Tokyo Games, finishing off one of the great performances in Olympic history. He joins an elite club of just four other swimmers ever with at least five gold medals at one games. Caeleb Dressel swam the butterfly leg as the Americans set a world record in the 4x100-meter medley relay with a time of 3 minutes, 26.78 seconds—eclipsing the mark of 3:27.28 they set at the 2009 Rome world championships in rubberized suits. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: India to face Australia in the women's hockey quarter-finals Ryan Murphy, Michael Andrew, and Zach Apple joined Dressel on the winning team, ensuring the Americans closed out the swimming competition with another gold in a race they’ve never lost at the Olympics. Earlier in the session, Dressel won the 50 freestyle for his third individual title of the games. He also won two golds on the relays. Dressel starred at the pool with Australia’s Emma McKeon, who won two more golds Sunday to push her overall total to seven — four gold and three bronze. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Australia deserved mixed doubles bronze, says Ashleigh Barty Mirroring Dressel’s final day, McKeon won the 50 free and took the butterfly leg on the Aussies’ winning 4x100 medley relay team on the women’s side. McKeon became the first female swimmer to win seven medals at a single games. The only men to do it are Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi.

Olympics 2020: US swimmer Caeleb Dressel joins Olympic pantheon with five golds in Tokyo

After a forgettable start, the Indian women's hockey team has bounced back in the competition after securing a win against Ireland and South Africa. Rani Rampal &amp; Co. defeated South Africa in a 4-3 thriller in a must-win match.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-badminton-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-pv-sindhu-vs-tai-tzu-ying-womens-singles-semi-finals-401896" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics, Badminton, Live Streaming: When and where to watch PV Sindhu vs Tai Tzu-Ying women’s singles semi-finals?</a>

The credit for this thrilling win goes to Vandana Katariya, an Indian field hockey player who became the country's first female to score a hat-trick at Olympics.

Vandana Katariya played a crucial role since the start of the match. She scored the first two goals in the first quarter itself. However, South Africa gave a good fight to the Indians as they equalised 3-3.&nbsp;

But, with few minutes left into the match, Vandana Katariya scored her third goal and a most important one for India, keeping them in contention.&nbsp;

Kataria has been a crucial member of the women's team. She had won the player of the tournament award in the Asian Champion Trophy, 2018 wherein India won the silver medal. She was also the part of 2016 Rio Olympics.&nbsp;

India's fate now hangs on the result of the match between Great Britain and Ireland.&nbsp;

In their five Group Stage matches, India won two and lost three.

(Inputs from Agency)

After a forgettable start, the Indian women's hockey team has bounced back in the competition after securing a win against Ireland and South Africa. Rani Rampal & Co.

After a forgettable start, the Indian women's hockey team has bounced back in the competition after securing a win against Ireland and South Africa. Rani Rampal & Co. defeated South Africa in a 4-3 thriller in a must-win match. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics, Badminton, Live Streaming: When and where to watch PV Sindhu vs Tai Tzu-Ying women’s singles semi-finals? The credit for this thrilling win goes to Vandana Katariya, an Indian field hockey player who became the country's first female to score a hat-trick at Olympics. Vandana Katariya played a crucial role since the start of the match. She scored the first two goals in the first quarter itself. However, South Africa gave a good fight to the Indians as they equalised 3-3. But, with few minutes left into the match, Vandana Katariya scored her third goal and a most important one for India, keeping them in contention. Kataria has been a crucial member of the women's team. She had won the player of the tournament award in the Asian Champion Trophy, 2018 wherein India won the silver medal. She was also the part of 2016 Rio Olympics. India's fate now hangs on the result of the match between Great Britain and Ireland. In their five Group Stage matches, India won two and lost three. (Inputs from Agency)

Tokyo 2020: Vandana Kataria becomes first female from India to score hat-trick at Olympics

Gymnast Simone Biles was flooded with messages of support from fellow athletes after she pulled out of two events at the Tokyo Games citing mental health, a sign of how awareness of emotional well-being has dramatically shifted in recent years. 
 
The 24-year-old American superstar shocked the sporting world by pulling out of the team all-around competition on Tuesday citing the need to protect her mental health. A day later, she withdrew from the individual all-around event. 
 
"We also have to focus on ourselves because at the end of the day, we`re human too," she told reporters after her team mates surrendered gold and their title to Russian gymnasts. 
 
"We have to protect our mind and our body rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do." 
 
She drew wide support from team mates, fellow Olympians and retired athletes, in a clear sign of how public discussion of issues such as stress and depression have become accepted on social media and more frequent in recent years, particularly since the pandemic. 
 
"It broke my heart," U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps told broadcaster NBC. "But also, if you look at it, mental health over the last 18 months, is something that people are talking about." 
 
Phelps, the greatest swimmer in history and the winner of 23 Olympic gold medals, has publicly discussed his own battle with depression, including contemplating suicide. 
 
U.S. swimmer Erica Sullivan, who won the silver medal for the 1500m freestyle, also opened up about her own struggles in a news conference. 
 
"I`m not facing a fraction of the pressure that Simone is, but there was a time in 2018 when I started getting psychological help for my issues, and there was a time when it was so bad that my coach told me I can`t keep racing like this and I will not be racing until I get better," she said. 
 
CHANGING ATTITUDES 
 
Biles`s team mates also lauded her, with Sunisa Lee posting on Instagram: "Proud of you &amp; everything you`ve accomplished! Thank you for being a role model and someone I look up to every single day." 
 
The empathy was in sharp contrast to what Australian rower Sally Robbins faced in Athens in 2004 when she was overcome by anxiety and quit in the Olympic final. Robbins, dubbed "Lay-Down Sally" by one newspaper, was vilified by her crew mates, one of whom slapped her at an Olympic function. 
 
Robbins later said that she had pushed herself beyond her physical capabilities to please others. 
 
Gold medallist U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky said she too felt immense pressure. "I would never want to speak for Simone or say that I know what she`s feeling because none of us do, but I understand that we`re at the highest level, we have the most eyes on us, on anyone in the world right now," she told a news conference following her gold for the 1500m freestyle. 
 
"I`ve gotten to know Simone over the years and we`re in touch every now and then, and you know I hope she knows that I really support her and hope she does really well but this week." 
 
Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics and a double Olympic champion, said he recognised the "profound challenges facing athletes" in trying to find the balance between the intensity of training and competition and maintaining their mental equilibrium. 
 
Those difficulties were heightened by the pandemic for athletes, given the difficulties in training under lockdown, he told reporters, especially as athletes weren`t able to have their families or personal coaches on site for support. 
 
"The advice I would give is to reach out, to colleagues and friends," Coe said. "Don`t be afraid to show vulnerability, it`s a badge of honour in a way to want that help."

Gymnast Simone Biles was flooded with messages of support from fellow athletes after she pulled out of two events at the Tokyo Games citing mental health, a sign of how awareness of emotional well-being has dramatically shifted in recent years.

Gymnast Simone Biles was flooded with messages of support from fellow athletes after she pulled out of two events at the Tokyo Games citing mental health, a sign of how awareness of emotional well-being has dramatically shifted in recent years. The 24-year-old American superstar shocked the sporting world by pulling out of the team all-around competition on Tuesday citing the need to protect her mental health. A day later, she withdrew from the individual all-around event. "We also have to focus on ourselves because at the end of the day, we`re human too," she told reporters after her team mates surrendered gold and their title to Russian gymnasts. "We have to protect our mind and our body rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do." She drew wide support from team mates, fellow Olympians and retired athletes, in a clear sign of how public discussion of issues such as stress and depression have become accepted on social media and more frequent in recent years, particularly since the pandemic. "It broke my heart," U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps told broadcaster NBC. "But also, if you look at it, mental health over the last 18 months, is something that people are talking about." Phelps, the greatest swimmer in history and the winner of 23 Olympic gold medals, has publicly discussed his own battle with depression, including contemplating suicide. U.S. swimmer Erica Sullivan, who won the silver medal for the 1500m freestyle, also opened up about her own struggles in a news conference. "I`m not facing a fraction of the pressure that Simone is, but there was a time in 2018 when I started getting psychological help for my issues, and there was a time when it was so bad that my coach told me I can`t keep racing like this and I will not be racing until I get better," she said. CHANGING ATTITUDES Biles`s team mates also lauded her, with Sunisa Lee posting on Instagram: "Proud of you & everything you`ve accomplished! Thank you for being a role model and someone I look up to every single day." The empathy was in sharp contrast to what Australian rower Sally Robbins faced in Athens in 2004 when she was overcome by anxiety and quit in the Olympic final. Robbins, dubbed "Lay-Down Sally" by one newspaper, was vilified by her crew mates, one of whom slapped her at an Olympic function. Robbins later said that she had pushed herself beyond her physical capabilities to please others. Gold medallist U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky said she too felt immense pressure. "I would never want to speak for Simone or say that I know what she`s feeling because none of us do, but I understand that we`re at the highest level, we have the most eyes on us, on anyone in the world right now," she told a news conference following her gold for the 1500m freestyle. "I`ve gotten to know Simone over the years and we`re in touch every now and then, and you know I hope she knows that I really support her and hope she does really well but this week." Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics and a double Olympic champion, said he recognised the "profound challenges facing athletes" in trying to find the balance between the intensity of training and competition and maintaining their mental equilibrium. Those difficulties were heightened by the pandemic for athletes, given the difficulties in training under lockdown, he told reporters, especially as athletes weren`t able to have their families or personal coaches on site for support. "The advice I would give is to reach out, to colleagues and friends," Coe said. "Don`t be afraid to show vulnerability, it`s a badge of honour in a way to want that help."

Tokyo Olympics: Athletes' support for Simone Biles reflects growing awareness of mental health

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka's dreams of home Olympic gold were crushed by a 6-1, 6-4 defeat to Marketa Vondrousova Tuesday as her return to action came to an abrupt end.

Osaka, who lit the Olympic cauldron and was one of the faces of the Games, struggled in an error-strewn display that blew the draw wide open after the earlier exits of world number one Ashleigh Barty and third seed Aryna Sabalenka.

"How disappointed am I? I mean, I'm disappointed in every loss, but&nbsp;I feel like this one s**ks more than the others," said the four-time Grand Slam winner.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-japans-tennis-star-naomi-osaka-knocked-out-of-third-round-400902" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka knocked out of third round</a>

Asked what went wrong, she replied: "Everything if you watch the match then you would probably see. I feel like there's a lot of things that I counted on that I couldn't rely on today."

The third-round defeat follows a turbulent few months for Osaka, who abandoned her French Open campaign in May after refusing to attend press conferences, citing the need to preserve her mental health.

Osaka also skipped Wimbledon, saying she had been battling depression and anxiety, before returning to Tokyo for her first Olympics, including her starring role at the opening ceremony.

"I definitely feel like there was a lot of pressure for this. I think it's maybe because I haven't played in the&nbsp;Olympics before and for the first year&nbsp;was a bit much," said Osaka.

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After looking assured in the first two rounds after her eight-week hiatus, Osaka made a dreadful start under the centre court roof at a rain-hit Ariake Tennis Park and never recovered.

"I've taken long breaks before and I've managed to do well.&nbsp;I'm not saying that I did bad right now, but I do know that my expectations were a lot higher," she said.

"I feel like my attitude wasn't that great because I don't really know how to cope with that pressure so that's the best that I could have done in this situation.

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka's dreams of home Olympic gold were crushed by a 6-1, 6-4 defeat to Marketa Vondrousova Tuesday as her return to action came to an abrupt end.

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka's dreams of home Olympic gold were crushed by a 6-1, 6-4 defeat to Marketa Vondrousova Tuesday as her return to action came to an abrupt end. Osaka, who lit the Olympic cauldron and was one of the faces of the Games, struggled in an error-strewn display that blew the draw wide open after the earlier exits of world number one Ashleigh Barty and third seed Aryna Sabalenka. "How disappointed am I? I mean, I'm disappointed in every loss, but I feel like this one s**ks more than the others," said the four-time Grand Slam winner. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka knocked out of third round Asked what went wrong, she replied: "Everything if you watch the match then you would probably see. I feel like there's a lot of things that I counted on that I couldn't rely on today." The third-round defeat follows a turbulent few months for Osaka, who abandoned her French Open campaign in May after refusing to attend press conferences, citing the need to preserve her mental health. Osaka also skipped Wimbledon, saying she had been battling depression and anxiety, before returning to Tokyo for her first Olympics, including her starring role at the opening ceremony. "I definitely feel like there was a lot of pressure for this. I think it's maybe because I haven't played in the Olympics before and for the first year was a bit much," said Osaka. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020: Swimming-Australia's McKeown wins 100m backstroke gold in debut Olympics After looking assured in the first two rounds after her eight-week hiatus, Osaka made a dreadful start under the centre court roof at a rain-hit Ariake Tennis Park and never recovered. "I've taken long breaks before and I've managed to do well. I'm not saying that I did bad right now, but I do know that my expectations were a lot higher," she said. "I feel like my attitude wasn't that great because I don't really know how to cope with that pressure so that's the best that I could have done in this situation.

Tokyo Olympics: 'My attitude wasn't great', says Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka after shock exit

Stefanos Tsitsipas crushed Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round of the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday. The 22-year-old turned into the first Greek player to win a men's singles match at the Olympics since 1924.

The last male player from Greek to dominate a singles game in the quadrennial occasion was Augustos Zerlandis, who advanced to the third round at the Paris Games in 1924.&nbsp;

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Addressing the media following his success, Stefanos Tsitsipas said he felt honoured to have accomplished such a victory.&nbsp;

"Stats are important. It’s a good thing to know that this happened. I’m a person that’s optimistic and I’m a person that wants more," he said.&nbsp;

"It is an honor. It’s a big move for Greece. It’s a big move for this sport in Greece as well and there’s joy in doing that," he added.

Stefanos Tsitsipas will take on Frances Tiafoe in the second round. The Greek was crushed by him 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in the first round at Wimbledon last month.&nbsp;

He trusts he has learned from his errors to put on a vastly improved presentation this time around.&nbsp;

"I’ve learned my lessons. I try and move on better this time. He’s an opponent around my age group and we’re kind of building a rivalry. I’m going to have to raise my level this time," he said.

ALSO&nbsp;READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-australias-ariarne-titmus-upsets-katie-ledecky-to-win-olympic-400m-freestyle-gold-400653" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Australia's Ariarne Titmus upsets Katie Ledecky to win Olympic 400m freestyle gold</a>

Because of the COVID-19 circumstance in Japan, the Olympics are being played to a great extent away from public scrutiny. Stefanos Tsitsipas trusts the absence of fans in the stadium lacks the atmosphere.&nbsp;

"People are definitely missing and it is something that creates the atmosphere inside the stadium," he said.

"Unfortunately, we will not have them with us but we will play with the conditions we have. All the players have to manage this, to concentrate on our tennis and the rest is coming" he added. 
&nbsp;

Stefanos Tsitsipas crushed Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round of the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday. The 22-year-old turned into the first Greek player to win a men's singles match at the Olympics since 1924.

Stefanos Tsitsipas crushed Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round of the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday. The 22-year-old turned into the first Greek player to win a men's singles match at the Olympics since 1924. The last male player from Greek to dominate a singles game in the quadrennial occasion was Augustos Zerlandis, who advanced to the third round at the Paris Games in 1924. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Golf- Spain bring in Jorge Campillo as Jon Rahm replacement Addressing the media following his success, Stefanos Tsitsipas said he felt honoured to have accomplished such a victory. "Stats are important. It’s a good thing to know that this happened. I’m a person that’s optimistic and I’m a person that wants more," he said. "It is an honor. It’s a big move for Greece. It’s a big move for this sport in Greece as well and there’s joy in doing that," he added. Stefanos Tsitsipas will take on Frances Tiafoe in the second round. The Greek was crushed by him 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in the first round at Wimbledon last month. He trusts he has learned from his errors to put on a vastly improved presentation this time around. "I’ve learned my lessons. I try and move on better this time. He’s an opponent around my age group and we’re kind of building a rivalry. I’m going to have to raise my level this time," he said. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Australia's Ariarne Titmus upsets Katie Ledecky to win Olympic 400m freestyle gold Because of the COVID-19 circumstance in Japan, the Olympics are being played to a great extent away from public scrutiny. Stefanos Tsitsipas trusts the absence of fans in the stadium lacks the atmosphere. "People are definitely missing and it is something that creates the atmosphere inside the stadium," he said. "Unfortunately, we will not have them with us but we will play with the conditions we have. All the players have to manage this, to concentrate on our tennis and the rest is coming" he added.

Tokyo 2020: 'It's a big move for Tennis in Greece', says Stefanos Tsitsipas after winning the first round

World no.1 Novak Djokovic remained steady on his quest to become the first male player to complete the Golden Slam.

The Serbian, who is attempting to become the first man to win all four Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold in the same calendar year, had a 6-4 6-3 win over Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the men's singles.

The players were evenly matched at the start of the first set but the 20-time Grand Slam champion proved too strong, pouncing on Struff's serve while leading 5-3 to take the first set. An early break in the second secured the victory.

"It was a tough opponent for a second round... but you know, I'm very pleased with the way I felt on the court," Djokovic told reporters.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-sumit-nagal-loses-to-daniil-medvedev-in-second-round-400713" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Sumit Nagal loses to Daniil Medvedev in second round</a>

Struff's compatriot and fourth seed Alexander Zverev brushed aside Daniel Elahi Galan of Colombia 6-2 6-2, while world number two Daniil Medvedev breezed through with a comfortable 6-2 6-1 win over India's Sumit Nagal.

The tennis tournament reported its first COVID-19 case among players on Monday after men's doubles competitor Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands tested positive.

Rojer is the sixth member of the Dutch Olympic delegation to test positive after infections reported by a skateboarder, a taekwondo fighter and three members of the rowing team, including staff.

Rojer and his partner Wesley Koolhof were placed in isolation, while their second-round opponents from New Zealand received a walkover into the quarter-finals, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said in a statement.

World no.1 Novak Djokovic remained steady on his quest to become the first male player to complete the Golden Slam. The Serbian, who is attempting to become the first man to win all four Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold in the same calendar year, had a 6-4 6-3 win over Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the men's singles.

World no.1 Novak Djokovic remained steady on his quest to become the first male player to complete the Golden Slam. The Serbian, who is attempting to become the first man to win all four Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold in the same calendar year, had a 6-4 6-3 win over Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the men's singles. The players were evenly matched at the start of the first set but the 20-time Grand Slam champion proved too strong, pouncing on Struff's serve while leading 5-3 to take the first set. An early break in the second secured the victory. "It was a tough opponent for a second round... but you know, I'm very pleased with the way I felt on the court," Djokovic told reporters. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Sumit Nagal loses to Daniil Medvedev in second round Struff's compatriot and fourth seed Alexander Zverev brushed aside Daniel Elahi Galan of Colombia 6-2 6-2, while world number two Daniil Medvedev breezed through with a comfortable 6-2 6-1 win over India's Sumit Nagal. The tennis tournament reported its first COVID-19 case among players on Monday after men's doubles competitor Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands tested positive. Rojer is the sixth member of the Dutch Olympic delegation to test positive after infections reported by a skateboarder, a taekwondo fighter and three members of the rowing team, including staff. Rojer and his partner Wesley Koolhof were placed in isolation, while their second-round opponents from New Zealand received a walkover into the quarter-finals, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said in a statement.

Tokyo Olympics: World no.1 Novak Djokovic remains on track for gold medal

India badminton ace PV Sindhu will kick off her Tokyo Olympics campaign against World No. 58 Ksenia Polikarpova on Sunday. During the Rio Olympics (in 2016), PV Sindhu had to settle for silver after losing to Carolina Marin. However, with Marin pulling out of the Games the coast for Sindhu is clear and her chances of winning the gold have significantly risen. After getting a silver medal in Rio 2016, Sindhu has&nbsp;won World Championships and the BWF World Tour Finals.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-from-pv-sindhu-to-deepika-kumari-top-indian-athletes-to-look-out-for-400283" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for!</a>

<h2>Here's all you want to know about the match between&nbsp;PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpova at Tokyo Olympics 2020</h2>

<h2>When to watch PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpova at Tokyo Olympics 2020?&nbsp;</h2>

The match between PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov will take place on July 25, 2021.&nbsp;

<h2>What time will PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov at Tokyo Olympics 2020 be held?</h2>

The match between PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov will be played at 10.40 am local time, 7.10 am IST.

<h2>What is the head-to-head stats between PV Sindhu and Ksenia Polikarpov?&nbsp;</h2>

Sindhu has a 2-0 lead over Polikarpov.

<h2>Where will the PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov match at Tokyo Olympics 2020 be live-streamed?&nbsp;</h2>

The PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov match will be live streamed on Sony Liv App.&nbsp;

<h2>Where will the PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov match at Tokyo Olympics 2020 be telecasted?</h2>

PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov will be telecasted on Doordarshan, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 2 HD, Sony Ten 3, Sony Ten 3 HD, Sony Ten 4, Sony Ten 4 HD, Sony Six, Sony Six HD.

India badminton ace PV Sindhu will kick off her Tokyo Olympics campaign against World No. 58 Ksenia Polikarpova on Sunday. During the Rio Olympics (in 2016), PV Sindhu had to settle for silver after losing to Carolina Marin.

India badminton ace PV Sindhu will kick off her Tokyo Olympics campaign against World No. 58 Ksenia Polikarpova on Sunday. During the Rio Olympics (in 2016), PV Sindhu had to settle for silver after losing to Carolina Marin. However, with Marin pulling out of the Games the coast for Sindhu is clear and her chances of winning the gold have significantly risen. After getting a silver medal in Rio 2016, Sindhu has won World Championships and the BWF World Tour Finals. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for! Here's all you want to know about the match between PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpova at Tokyo Olympics 2020 When to watch PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpova at Tokyo Olympics 2020? The match between PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov will take place on July 25, 2021. What time will PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov at Tokyo Olympics 2020 be held? The match between PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov will be played at 10.40 am local time, 7.10 am IST. What is the head-to-head stats between PV Sindhu and Ksenia Polikarpov? Sindhu has a 2-0 lead over Polikarpov. Where will the PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov match at Tokyo Olympics 2020 be live-streamed? The PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov match will be live streamed on Sony Liv App. Where will the PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov match at Tokyo Olympics 2020 be telecasted? PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov will be telecasted on Doordarshan, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 2 HD, Sony Ten 3, Sony Ten 3 HD, Sony Ten 4, Sony Ten 4 HD, Sony Six, Sony Six HD.

Tokyo Olympics 2020, Live Streaming: When and where to watch PV Sindhu vs. Ksenia Polikarpov?

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