Olympics
JAPAN PLANS MISSILE DEFENCE SYTEM UPGRADE FOR TOKYO 2020 OLYMPICS
BY MICHAEL PAVITT
Japan could introduce upgraded missile defence systems in Tokyo ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to the country’s Defence Ministry.
Upgraded ground-based systems are expected to be introduced to Japan, but the deployment in Tokyo could come earlier than in other parts of the country.
According to Kyodo News, missile defence systems are planned to be put in place in Tokyo between April and June.
This would come ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which begin in July and August, respectively.
The full upgrade around Japan is expected to be completed by 2022.
Existing systems are claimed to have a range of several dozen kilometres, but the advanced versions would nearly double this capacity.
The introduction of the upgraded systems would reportedly help defend against ballistic missiles and unidentified aircraft.
This would also include drones.
It will provide a boost to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, which has missile defence systems in place at their bases in four prefectures.
Security is always viewed as one of the key concerns of the Games, with London 2012 having also seen similar anti-aircraft systems introduced.
Tokyo 2020 has also turned towards technology to help boost their security plans for venues at the Games.
As well as implementing perimeter patrols at venues, spectators will be subjected to checks at a pedestrian screening area before the standard ticket checks.
Stakeholders, athletes and the media will undergo facial recognition tests at accreditation checkpoints before passing through the screening area.
A vehicle screening area will also see all transportation inspected before entering the stadium, with all vehicles previously being fitted with vehicle access and parking permits.
A venue security command centre will control all other levels of security.
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Olympics
Olympic rings removed from Eiffel Tower
The Olympic rings installed on the Eiffel Tower since June to celebrate the upcoming Olympic Games were removed from the Parisian monument early on Friday morning, as confirmed by an AFP photographer. But the Paris City Hall intends to replace them with a more permanent structure until 2028.
The five-coloured rings, measuring 29 metres in length and 15 metres in height, were placed between the first and second levels of the iconic iron structure on 7 June.
According to Inside the Games publication, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo wants the Olympic symbol to continue decorating the monument until the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
But the descendants of the tower’s creator, Gustave Eiffel are opposing the move. They are insisting that the Olympic rings are aesthetically in conflict with the concept and design of the Tower.
The 30-tonne rings initially installed on the Eiffel Tower were also not designed to withstand winter weather conditions.
Olympics
Despite Egypt winning 3 medals at Paris Olympics, President Al-Sisi orders sports system overhaul
Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi ordered a comprehensive evaluation of sports federations that participatedat the Paris Olympic Games, following a mission report submitted by the country’s sports minister.
The mandate includes a thorough expenditure check and a performance review to better highlight areas of improvement and fund allocation in future Games.
Additionally, the president plans to take necessary measures against federations —such as limiting funds— that had negative results in the Paris Games.
Egypt’s participation in sports where it lacks a competitive advantage will also be limited, as the president aims to direct resources to promising athletes to ensure optimal results. The president also aims to reduce administrative and technical staff within Olympic delegations and task relevant ministries with preparing future Olympic athletes.
Al-Sisi’s Olympic overhaul is to be presented to the cabinet for approval and urged the government to prioritise amending the sports law for the House of Representatives for review.
Egypt took home a total of three medals in the Summer Games. Ahmed El-Gendy triumphed in modern pentathlon, Sara Samir claimed the silver in weightlifting, and 21-year-old fencer Mohamed El-Sayed earned the bronze.
-Insidethegames
Olympics
Paris 2024 Games break record ticket sales
Paris 2024 sold a record 12 million tickets for the Olympics and Paralympics, beating the Games record previously set by London 2012, organisers said on Sunday.
Some 9.5 million tickets were sold for the Olympics and 2.5 million for the Paralympics, which end on Sunday.
In 2012, London organisers set the record for the Paralympics with 2.7 million tickets sold but only 8.2 million were sold for the Olympics.
-Reuters
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