Popular online social media platform Twitter on Saturday revealed that an official Twitter account of the Olympics and the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) had been hacked and temporarily locked.

A spokesperson for the social media platform in an emailed statement said that the accounts were hacked through a third party platform.

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He further said, “As soon as we were made aware of the issue, we locked the compromised accounts and are closely working with our partners to restore them.” Also, the IOC spokesperson said that the IOC was separately investigating the potential breach.

Twitter also stated that a similar incident occurred with the Spanish soccer club FC Barcelona’s Twitter account.

In the previous month, few days ahead of the Super Bowl series, the official Twitter accounts of several U.S. National Football League (NFL) teams, including the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs were also hacked. After a hack soccer club tweeted “FC Barcelona will conduct a cybersecurity audit and will review all protocols and links with third-party tools, in order to avoid such incidents”.

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Also, Facebook’s Official Twitter accounts and its messaging app were briefly compromised earlier this month. A Facebook spokesperson said, “Some of our corporate social media accounts were briefly hacked but we have secured and restored access”.

As a precautionary measure, Twitter locked down the affected accounts and was working closely with partners to restore them as early as possible.

Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 Games, Cadbury Australia the confectionary giant named as the official chocolate partner for Olympics 2020. The company made an official announcement that the brand is an official partner for both the Australian Olympic as well as Paralympics Teams for the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Cadbury will be associated with the Olympic Games for the third time with Tokyo 2020 event and the second time with Paralympics games.

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The Tokyo 2020 Olympics games are all set to kick start on 24^th July until 9^th August and the 2020 Summer Paralympics from 25^th August to 6^th September 2020.

Thus Cadbury will continue as an official chocolate partner of the two teams in the lead-up and during the Olympic Games.

Marketing Director at Cadbury Australia, Paul Chatfield said: “We’re thrilled to partner with the Australian Olympic and Paralympics Team this year, and we’re proud to support Australia’s hard-working and passionate athletes for the third time as they prepare for Tokyo 2020”.

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The team Australia will unite with the company celebrating the iconic sporting event through a series of marketing activities, including in-store promotions, PR and above the line advertising.

Matt Carroll AM, CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee is excited about the partnership “With the Tokyo Olympic Games the closet thing to a home game since Sydney 2000, we are delighted to have Cadbury on board once again to support our Australian Olympic Team. Without the efforts of Cadbury, our athletes across all the sports could not fulfill their Olympic dreams”.

Lynne Anderson, Paralympics Australia Chief executive said “Paralympics Australia is so pleased to welcome Cadbury into the Australia Paralympic family for its second consecutive Summer Games cycle. Cadbury contributed greatly to our Team in the lead up to Rio and was no doubt part of our success on the world stage. We’re looking forward to having them by our side as we strive to achieve even greater things in Tokyo.”

Tokyo Olympics 2020 games are just around the corner, where top mobile manufacturers, Samsung creates an Olympics edition Samsung S20+ for athletes. In the Galaxy Unpacked 2020 event at San Francisco, the makers unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G Olympic Games Athlete editions along with the Galaxy S20 mobile phones.

The new model features the Olympic rings at the back of the phone, specially designed to commemorate Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G Olympics Game Athletes Edition is donned with a matte gold finish and is preloaded with special Tokyo Olympics Wallpapers.

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To make it look more distinct, Samsung has also added Olympic rings at the back panel of the Galaxy S20+ 5G Olympic Games Athlete edition. These new models will be offered to the participants of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games scheduled to begin from Friday, 24^th July 2020.

This time, Samsung is one of the official partners of the Tokyo Olympic Games, which is expected to bring over 11,000 athletes. It is the latest flagship phone of the year, a special Tokyo Olympic edition unveiled for the first time by Samsung. Also, to celebrate the Tokyo Olympic Games, last year, Samsung announced the exclusive Samsung Galaxy S10+ Olympic in Prism White color option.

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Along with the Samsung S20+, the makers also revealed first of its kind Samsung Galaxy Z Flip phone Thom Brown Edition bundled with Galaxy Buds+ and Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2.

The biggest tournament of the year, Tokyo Olympics 2020 is on its way, whereas per the german publication, Suddeutsche Zeitung, Grand slam champion, Angelique Kerber is willing to be the flag bearer for Team Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Opening ceremony.

The 2016 Rio Olympic Silver Medallist Kerber revealed in a statement “Tokyo is very important, it would be my third games”. When I was in London, I had goosebumps at the opening. I also went to the opening ceremony four years ago. And I will do it this year too. Even if I play the next day. This feeling of running out for Germany is unique.”

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She also expressed to carry the German flag at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 opening ceremony. Previously, German field hockey player Natascha Keller carried the German Flag at the 2012 London Olympic games, also Timo Boll, male table tennis in 2016 was honored with the same.

If Grand Slam champion Kerber receives that honor, It will be the third time for the German player to do so. Numerous top players seek to be a flag bearer, but only a few are privileged to get the honor.

Kerber is excited to hold the German flag at the event. She said “Let’s see who carries the flag. I would love to do that.”

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In the upcoming Olympics games, Kerber is willing to compete in singles, doubles and mixed disciplines. She is willing to share the court along with ace player Alexander Zverev. The duo played successfully at the Hopman Cup, where she added: “The Hopeman Cup with him was a fun game.”

She is well focused and prepared for the big event of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic event. “I want to focus on the big tournaments. I want to play and win well. And I would also like to decrease the number of tournaments. My experience is so far that I no longer have to play 30 tournaments and absolutely need this match practice. I will do this year.” She exclaimed.

Greek shooting champion Anna Korakaki to be the first torchbearer for Tokyo Olympics 2020 torch rally. She is all set to become the first woman in the history of the Olympics honored to launch the Olympics Torch relay.

On March 12, Anna will attend the flame lighting ceremony for Tokyo Summer Olympics 2020 scheduled in Ancient Olympia. According to the Olympics Games official website, after High Priestess Xanthi Georgiou lights the Olympic flame, Korakaki will serve as the first torchbearer.

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Korakaki on her selection commented “It’s a great honor for me. I am thrilled, and I think the feelings will get even more intense in Ancient Olympia. I am looking to experiencing that moment and I’m sure it will remain etched in my mind and heart for the rest of my life.”

Anna Korakaki has won two medals in the Rio Olympics Games in the 25m pistol (Gold Medal) and 10m air pistol (bronze medal). The Hellenic Olympic Committee chose Korakaki as the first torchbearer.

HOC president and member of the International Olympic Committee said in a statement “It is a historic moment, as for the first time in history a female athlete will be the first torchbearer. I believe that Anna Korakaki has honored the Greek flag and our country, as she deserves it, not only for the two medals at the Rio Olympics but also for her successes after 2016.”

During the ritual ceremony, the Olympic flame will be ignited using the sun rays. For eight days, the torch will travel all around Greece and then it will be passed onto to the Tokyo 2020 team in a handover ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.

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On March 19, Pole Vault Gold Medalist Ekaterina Stefanidi is another Greek Athlete and will be the last one to carry the Olympic Flame at the Panathenaic Stadium.

Finally, the torch will be then passed on to Japan from Greece.

Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games are scheduled to play between,  24^th July to 9^th August 2020.

BCCI President and Former Indian Cricket Captain Sourav Ganguly requested by Indian Olympic Association, IOA to be a goodwill ambassador of team India at Olympics.

Tokyo Summer Olympics 2020 games to be held between July to August, where IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta has written to Sourav Ganguly stating “The IOA extends the honor to you to be the Goodwill Ambassador of Team India to the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020. We hope you will generously extend your support for Team India. We are expecting participation of about 100-200 athletes across 14-16 sports disciplines in Tokyo 2020. The team is a mix of senior athletes as well as youngsters who are making their debut at the Olympic Games.”

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Mehta also added “You are an inspiration for a billion people, especially the youth. As an administrator, you have always nurtured young talent. We are hopeful your association with Team India to be Tokyo 2020 would be a boost for our young athletes and a privilege for the Olympic movement in India”.

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He emphasized this edition of the Olympics is an important milestone as it marks the hundred years of participation of the country at the Olympic Games and Ganguly’s inspiration and support will be valuable for the Indian athletes, especially the young participants.

It was at the Rio Olympics Games held in 2016, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, Beijing Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra, Bollywood actor Salman Khan, and music composer A.R. Rahman were present as a Goodwill Ambassador.

Ahead of the Olympic Games scheduled on 24^th July 2020 and with all eyes on, Olympic organisers plan sumo wrestling tournament in Tokyo. These traditional Japanese sports, a sumo tournament will be introduced and is planned to be organized by Japan Sumo Association and local Olympic organizers after the conclusion of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games, probably on 12^th-13^th August.

Organizers revealed it on Tuesday that the Sumo Wrestling event is likely to take place at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, famously known as the sumo arena in east Tokyo.

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Sumo Wrestling is a popular sport in Japan, and these time organisers are planning to attract overseas visitors by organising the event just days after the Olympic event. The venue for the tournament is designated to the same place in Tokyo, where US President Donald Trump attended last year.

This sport discipline holds an age-old shino ritual for a good harvest in the 8^th century. Initially, Sumo sports gained popularity and became an entertaining component during the Edo period – 1603 to 1868, which was used as a martial training for Samurais.

Stylized rules were included in the sports like the art of entering the ring, the use of loincloths, top knots, and kimonos, as well as fighting regulations during the Edo period.

Sumo Wrestling is known to be one of the most traditional sports genres in Japan, mostly closed to outsiders.

Also, grand champion or the highest rank of Sumo Wrestler, Yokozuna holds a special place in Japanese customs.

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Yokozuna, unlike other athletes, are considered living performers of the cultural tradition. They find a favorite place among Japenese people, considered as a role model.

According to the Shinto tradition, women are considered unclean and are prohibited to enter the ring. Only men athletes can become professional sumo wrestlers.

In one such case, a sumo referee obstructed women from entering the fighting ring to provide medical aid for a mayor who collapsed in a ring while addressing at a sumo event in Kyoto. Sumo officials were criticized for this act, blamed for their gender-based traditions.

According to the Shinto belief, before the start of the Sumo Wrestling, Shinto priests perform rituals to appease the gods by pouring sake, rice, and other offerings into a little hole in the center of the ring. The elevated ring or dohyo is considered sacred.

Six Months ahead of the Olympic 2020 Summer Games, Tokyo Olympics CEO is worried over the china virus which has caused panic and distress all across the world.

Toshiro Muto, Chief Executive Officer of Tokyo Olympics event, here on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over Corona Virus. In a meeting with the officials of the International paralympic committee, he said “I am seriously worried that the spread of the infectious disease could throw cold water on the momentum towards the games. I hope that it will be stamped out as soon as possible.”

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This time, a huge number of spectators from different parts of the country are expected to attend the event, but the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus has certainly brought in fear among them.

The organizers are also worried about the China Virus, as it would disrupt the major event which is scheduled to begin from July 24^th, 2020.

Nearly 11,000 Olympians are going to stay at the Athletes Village, where Mayor Saburo Kawabuchi showed his concern stating “I truly hope that the infectious disease will die down somehow so that they will be able to concentrate on performing their best. In the worst case- we will do our utmost for the athletes so that they will be able to concentrate on performing their best.”

Tokyo Olympic organizers have clearly stated that there are no plans to withdraw the Olympic event. However as the China virus is spreading at a faster pace, some of the Olympic qualifying events have been abolished or relocated. Also, fans traveling to the city are apprehensive and more confused adding to travel restrictions.

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China has so far witnessed a death toll of 490 on Wednesday. Japan, however, has not confirmed any death by coronavirus so far.

At a news conference on Tuesday, Tokyo Olympics organizing committee Vice President, Toshiaki Endo, said “ In Japan, we are facing all sorts of problems including coronavirus infections, cybersecurity and transportation systems. However, the IOC is satisfied with our preparations”.

Paralympic committee spokesman, Craig Spence, was confident and reassured that “We have full confidence that the relevant authorities, in particular here in Japan and the World Health Organization, will take all the necessary measures to address the situation”.

Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe on Monday, also denied the worries, when asked about the viral outbreak and impact on the Tokyo Olympic Games.

However, Yurkio Koike, the government of Tokyo, in her comments sounded more concerned stating “We must fairly tackle the new coronavirus to contain it, or we are going to regret it.”

It was on Saturday, France defeat demolishes India Women’s Tables Tennis Team’s Olympic dreams. The disappointing performance of the Indian Women’s table tennis team in the quarterfinal match at the World Olympics Qualifying tournament shattered their hopes of participating in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic games.

On Friday, the Indian women teams in a pre-qualified match suffered a defeat against Romania with 2-3 points.

The Indian team was placed above France, with Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee stellar performance against Stephanie Loeuillete and Yuan Jian Nan (11-7, 6-11, 10-12,11-4, 11-8).

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However, Manika Batra ranked 61^st, showcased a subdued execution against 195^th ranked Marie Migot in the opening singles match. Also, Sutirtha Mukherjee’s defeat by Jia Nuan Yuan in straight games made the conditions worse for the Women’s Table Tennis team. With these two consecutive losses, France leads the team India by 2-1 points.

Manika Batra by defeating Stephanie Loeuillete made a strong comeback by leveling the game 2-2 in the fourth match.

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In the final match, Marie Magot got defeated by Manika Batra in the second game, where Ahyika Mukherjee grabbed her first win in the doubles match. She was comfortably standing at the top of the game, with 2-1 points.

However, in the final two matches, the French woman made a strong comeback 11-9, 11-9, thrashing Indian women teams out of the Tokyo Olympic qualifier games.

Ahead of the Olympics event, NBC teams up with Snapchat on four daily shows for Tokyo 2020 Olympics games. Popular multimedia messaging app Snapchat and NBC, the Olympics broadcaster are once again coming together to produce customized Olympic content for the viewers of the United States.

The duo has worked together previously in the Rio Olympics games as well as the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. The platform allows users, especially from the US to enjoy the live matches, which received a staggering viewer’s response of over 48 million users in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games.

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Today, the OTT platform is gaining demand across young groups, who prefer it to that of the traditional broadcasting networks as well as the paid TV subscription. Thus understanding the interest and demand, Snapchat teamed up with NBC Olympics to reach the young viewer that will allow them to sell to the advertisers.

The population of the US, belonging to 13 to 24 years of age uses Snapchat which accounts for 90% of total usage and 13 to 34 years for 75%. Thus the above figure shows, Snapchat is the trending app in the US with more than 210 million daily users.

NBC Olympics, this year is all set to offer more customized content associated with the Olympic games in partnership with Snapchat. This time, viewers will enjoy 70 episodes across four daily Snapchat shows during the Olympic Games.

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Also, the company is planning to have two daily Snapchat Highlight shows, which will be updated in near real-time. The shows will feature memorable moments from the Tokyo Olympic events.

During the games, two unscripted episodes will be streamed per day. The Pyeongchang 2018 debut show “Chasing Gold”, and a new show of a daily recap of the most memorable moments will be available for the Snapchat users. NBCUniversal Digital Lab is the producer of the new shows.

NBC Olympics President Gary Zenkel commented on the development, “We know the audiences on Snap loves the Olympic Games. After two successful Olympics together, we’re excited to take the partnership to another level and produce even more content and coverage from the Tokyo Olympics tailored for Snapchatters, which will also directly benefit the many NBC Olympics advertisers who seek to engage further with this young and active demographic.”

The deal has more to offer, with stories including photos and videos from fans as well as NBC Olympics content. Also, NBC and Twitter have teamed up to stream limited live event highlights, content and daily Olympics show. However, it is unclear when the deal between the two was announced and NBC preferred Twitter over Snapchat. But now it’s clear that the newly assigned deal between NBC and Snapchat is bigger than before.

NBC Universal is expecting revenue to exceed $1.2 billion in ad sales in the 2020 Olympic games, which are also aired on NBC, NBCSN, Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA and also on NBC Sports digital platform.