Tokyo 2020

The IOC's executive board met this morning amid mounting pressure for the Games to be delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic affecting large parts of the planet.

Cancellation is "not on the agenda", said the IOC, but a 'scaled-down' Games will be considered.

However, postponement is thought to be the most likely outcome.

The Games are under threat British Olympic Association chairman Sir Hugh Robertson said: "We welcome the IOC executive board decision to review the options in respect of a postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Chef De Mission Nynette Sass joined Samoa's Ambassador to Japan, Perina Jacqueline Sila-Tualaulelei on a visit to meet with the Mayor H.E. Sato and his officials to expand on the preparations for the pre-Olympics camp prior to the opening. It was a fruitful and positive meeting.

The delegation and Samoa’s Judo team were hosted to a beautiful lunch by the mayor.

Fiji's 13-man squad became the country's first Olympic gold medallists when they triumphed at last year's Olympics.

The sevens team defeated Britain 43-7 in the final as the sport made its debut at the Games.

Before Rio, the Fijian team were also crowned as winners of the World Rugby Sevens Series after a number of fine performances.

Their achievements saw the team inducted into the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) Hall of Fame earlier this week, while they have also acted as an inspiration to the region's other sides.

Kaniva news reports instead of the black costume he wore in the opening ceremony, Taukatofua wore an outfit featuring the word ‘Tonga’ in red.

The taekwondo competitor joined Julia Michaels and Kygo’s performance of their hit “Carry Me,” dancing as rain fell on the Maracana stadium.

Taufatofua also joined fellow athletes with Japanese wrestler Kaori Icho, swimmer Yusra Mardini, representing the Refugee Olympic Team and Syria, Brazilian gymnast Arthur Mariano and runner Shaun Miller of the Bahamas.

Those who did not sing properly did not deserve to represent the country, said Yoshiro Mori, a former prime minister with a history of gaffes.

He was speaking to 300 athletes at a send-off ahead of the August Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro.

Reports say attendees had just sung Kimigayo, Japan's national anthem.

"When you go up to the podium, please do not be mumbling but sing the national anthem," Mr Mori told those gathered on Sunday.

This was revealed by the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) President Tsunekazu Takeda.

Takeda, who is a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and led the Bid Committee in Tokyo's successful campaign to secure the hosting rights to the Games, also admitted he was the one who signed off on the transactions.

It is thought the payment was made in two installments in 2013 before Tokyo was chosen to stage the 2020 Olympics at the IOC Session in Buenos Aires.

It was reported yesterday that the seven-figure payment was being investigated by French prosecutors, with Black Tidings at the centre of allegations of corruption within the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

It follows prosecutors, who were already investigating corruption in athletics, widening their investigation to incorporate the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic races in October 2009 and September 2013 respectively in March.