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All you need to know about Tokyo Olympics 2020

Though the idea of Olympics was based on the ancient Olympic Games held in Olympia, Greece from 8th century BC to 4th century AD, the first edition of the modern Games were held in 1896.

By Shiva Krishna Gundra

Updated On - 22 July 2021, 06:24 PM

All you need to know about Tokyo Olympics 2020

Hyderabad: The Tokyo Olympics, set to begin on July 23 in Japan’s capital, is the 32nd edition of the games. The modern Olympics Games are held every four years with athletes from across the globe competing in sporting events.

Though the idea of Olympics was based on the ancient Olympic Games held in Olympia, Greece from 8th century BC to 4th century AD, the first edition of the modern Games were held in 1896 under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Athens. From there on, the event is held every four years.

Were Olympics cancelled or postponed earlier

Three editions of Olympics were cancelled on account of World Wars in 1916, 1940 and 1944.

But this is the first time, Olympics are postponed. The mega sport event was to be held in Tokyo in 2020, but were postponed due to the pandemic. Many nations were reluctant to participate due to fear over Coronavirus and the IOC and the Japan decided to postpone it by a year.

Why it is still called Tokyo 2020 despite being held in 2021

Though the edition was deferred by a year, it is still called Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 for branding and marketing purposes.

What are the new sport disciplines making debut at Tokyo Games

The 32nd edition has 339 events in 33 sporting disciplines. This edition will see the introduction of four new sport disciplines and return of a few games. Surfing, Skateboarding, Sport Climbing and Karate are the new sports to be introduced for the first time while baseball and softball are being reintroduced in the Games since 2008.

How are the preparations for Tokyo Games

The run-up to the Olympics in Tokyo is marred with controversies and incidents. A majority of people in Japan in general and Tokyo in particular, are against the conducting of Games under the cloud of pandemic. The medical fraternity warned the Japan government against going ahead with the Games, saying that such large gatherings could trigger another wave of a pandemic in the country. Though the IOC contemplated postponing it further, the Japan government clarified that they can’t hold the Games beyond the summer in 2021.

How is this edition different from others

Spectators are not allowed into the stadia and all the events will be held behind closed doors. With the coronavirus cases still rising in Japan, situation in Tokyo is not ideal either. Japan declared a state of emergency to keep the spectators away form the Games.

Are there any restrictions on athletes in Olympics

Over 11,000 athletes participating in the Games have to live under stringent Covid-19 protocols. Athletes are to confine themselves to the Olympic Village and to venues. They are not allowed to come out. They must also wear masks at all times barring while eating or competing and maintaining a distance of two metres between athletes is a must.

Who are the Indian flag bearers at Tokyo Olympics

The IOC is allowing two flag bearers from different genders, to promote gender equality. India, for the first time, will see two flag bearers at the Tokyo Games. Six-time world champion in Boxing MC Mary Kom and Men’s hockey team captain Manpreet Singh will be the flag-bearers. Top medal contender in wrestling Bajrang Punia will be India’s flag bearer at the closing ceremony.

What is the mascot of Tokyo Summer Olympics

‘Miraitowa’ is the mascot of the Tokyo Games. Miraitowa which is derived from the Japanese words ‘Mirai’ which means ‘future’ and ‘towa’ means ‘eternity’ meaning the Tokyo Games will lead to a future of everlasting hope.

Where will the next Olympics be held

The 33rd edition in 2024 will be held in Paris with the opening ceremony slated for July 26. Paris was selected in July 2017. Paris was selected among the contesting cities of Hamburg, Budapest, Rome and Los Angeles. While Hamburg withdrew its bid in November 2015, Rome backed out of the race in September 2016. Budapest then was out of the race in 2017.