6 reasons why Tokyo Olympics 2020 will be like never before

This edition of the Olympics will have no spectators, no extravagant celebrations and no victory hugging to ensure social distancing and Covid-appropriate behaviour.

There are just days left for the Tokyo Olympics 2020 to start. The Games, which were postponed last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will be held differently, keeping in mind the participants' health and safety. 

This edition of the Games will have no spectators, no extravagant celebrations and no victory hugging to ensure social distancing and Covid-appropriate behaviour.

Fewer ceremonies

Unlike Rio, London and Beijing opening ceremonies which dazzled the world with extraordinary choreography, involving thousands of performers in stadiums, this year, it will be 'simpler and more restrained'.

Only a certain number of athletes will attend the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games. The Games opening is expected to be a simple one -- paying tribute to the millions who lost their lives during the Coronavirus pandemic.

No kissing of the medals & wearing them on your own

This year, athletes will have to put on their medals and will not be able to kiss them as they would be wearing a mask while being on the podium. Other photo-ops will also be difficult. But what we are sure of is the candid moments. There will be a lot of them.

No crowds, please!

Though Japan had hoped for a huge number of visitors this summer, which would help in boosting business for tourism, however, increasing cases of Covid-19 has left the Games to be conducted behind closed doors.

Even the participants will mostly be confined to their accommodation, with sightseeing forbidden. They will be required to leave the Olympic Village eight hours after they finish competing.

Keeping the rules straight

All participants will have to take daily virus tests and have been asked to "keep physical interactions with others to a minimum".

Hugs, handshakes, or even high-fives are discouraged to avoid physical contact and maintain social distancing to curb the spread of the virus.

The organisers have made it clear that athletes, media and other officials who break the rules could face disqualification from the Games or can face deportation. They further stated that spectators would not be able to hug their athletes, nor can they get autographs in view of the pandemic.

Living and flying solo

Initially, organisers had thought to feed the participants in a vast dining hall, but now they have asked the athletes to dine alone, maintain distance and wipe surfaces after every meal.

Supermom athletes to travel with infants

Organisers for the Tokyo Olympics have permitted athletes, who are also breastfeeding mothers, to bring their infants with them to the Games. The decision was taken after US marathoner Aliphine Tuliamu pleaded publicly for Tokyo organisers to allow their infants to Japan.