Organisers investigating after athletes drinking violates COVID-19 curbs

Tokyo Games organisers said they are investigating after a group of athletes were found drinking alcohol in the Olympic village this week, violating measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The athletes were caught drinking in a park in the athletes' village on Friday night, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told a news conference, adding police were later present at the incident.

Muto did not give details of the number of athletes involved or their nationalities.

Organisers previously said athletes are permitted to drink alcohol only in their rooms and only if they are alone, as a precaution against COVID-19.

Drinking and partying are normally features of life in the Olympic village, as athletes let off steam after years of gruelling training once their competitions end.

But with Tokyo 2020 taking place without spectators and under tight social distancing measures because of the pandemic, athletes have been subject to daily testing and their movements limited inside a "bubble".

Some have taken to social media to complain of boredom.

Meanwhile, in the Women’s Football semi-final, the US faces Canada at 8pm while Australia battles Sweden at 11pm tonight.

The Women’s 5000 metres final will start at 12.40am.

Looking at the Official Medal Tally, China leads with 24 gold, 14 silver and 13 bronze, the US is second with 20 gold, 24 silver and 16 bronze while Japan are third with 17 gold, 5 silver and 9 bronze.

[Source: Reuters]