The Tokyo 2020 Olympics cannot be delayed beyond the year-long postponement already forced by the coronavirus outbreak, the organising committee's president has warned in comments published Thursday. Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori said there is "absolutely no" chance of postponing the Games beyond their rescheduled July 23, 2021 opening, according to Kyodo News agency. "Also thinking about athletes and issues over Games management, it is technically difficult to delay it by two years," Mori was quoted as saying.

Mori said he had earlier asked Prime Minister Shinzo Abe whether Japan should consider a two-year postponement but "the prime minister decided that one year is the way to go". Under heavy pressure from athletes and sports associations, Japanese organisers and the International Olympic Committee in March agreed to a year-long postponement of the Games. Organisers and Japanese officials have said the delayed Olympics will be a chance to showcase the world's triumph over the coronavirus, but questions have arisen about whether even a year's postponement is sufficient.

Earlier this week, a Japanese expert who has criticised the country's response to the coronavirus warned he is "very pessimistic" that the postponed Olympics can be held in 2021. "To be honest with you, I don't think the Olympics is likely to be held next year," said Kentaro Iwata, a professor of infectious diseases at Kobe University. He said holding the Games would require not only Japan but also the rest of the world to have the virus under control.

The organising committee itself has been hit the virus, saying Wednesday that a staff member in his 30s working at its Tokyo headquarters had tested positive for the disease. Postponing the Games is a massive logistical undertaking, and expected to incur significant additional costs. Kyodo News quoted Mori as saying the opening and closing ceremonies would need to undergo "drastic reviews" in order to cut costs, adding that organisers would ask the ceremonies' directors to consider including a message about the coronavirus crisis.

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National rowing coach Bajrang Lal Takhar, 39, wants India's ace rowers, Sawarn Singh and Dattu Bhokanal to make the most of the Coronavirus-caused lockdown by working on their mental toughness.

Takhar, the first to win an Asian Games individual gold [Guangzhou 2010], is keen that the duo fine-tune their technique and emerge mentally stronger when the lockdown is over.

"Dattu performed well at the Rio Games in 2016 [finishing 13th in men's single sculls] in his maiden Olympics. Sawarn is also a good rower. My advice to them is to become mentally strong if we want to win at the Olympics. At the top level, there is not much to differentiate in terms of physical fitness. Being mentally strong can make a huge difference. They [Sawarn and Bhokanal] also need to work on their technique," Takhar, who has been guiding the rowers via video conferencing from his hometown in Maganpur, Rajasthan, told mid-day on Monday.

Meanwhile, Takhar urged patience from those expecting a rowing medal at the Tokyo Olympics. "They [Sawarn and Bhokanal] will surely qualify for the Tokyo Games. They will make it to the final as well, but we may have to wait for another Olympics [Paris 2024] to win a medal," felt Takhar.

Sawarn, 30, has won gold in quadruple sculls along with Bhokanal, Om Prakash and Sukhmeet Singh at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, while he bagged a bronze in single sculls at the Incheon Games in 2014. Bhokanal, 29, won silver in single sculls at the 2015 Asian Rowing Championships in Beijing.

Takhar has urged the Rowing Federation of India (RFI) to concentrate on rural areas if they wish to tap upcoming talent.

"The RFI needs to search for talent in rural regions. Getting physically strong people is extremely crucial to succeed in rowing. We have worked on certain plans to train aspiring players," he concluded.

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The next swimming world championships, scheduled for summer 2021 in Japan, have been pushed back until May 2022 following the postponement of the Olympic Games, the sport's governing body said Monday. The world championships were due to be held in Fukuoka next year from July 16-August 1 but will instead take place from May 13-29 in 2022, the international swimming federation (FINA) said in a statement.

The 2020 Olympic Games were delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and will now run from July 23-August 8 in 2021. "After liaising with the relevant stakeholders and receiving feedback from them, we have no doubt that the decision taken will provide the best possible conditions for all participants at the championships," said FINA president Julio Maglione. "At a time of unprecedented uncertainty, FINA hopes the announcement of these dates will allow for some clarity in planning for all concerned." The world aquatics championships also feature diving, open water swimming, synchronised swimming and water polo.

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In view of the crisis arising out of COVID-19, government on Thursday decided to freeze payment of additional instalment of dearness allowance (DA) to the Central government employees and dearness relief (DR) to pensioners falling due from January 1, 2020.

The decision comes after the Union Cabinet on March 14 approved a four per cent hike in DA to 21 per cent in a bonanza for 1.13 crore Central government employees and pensioners applicable from January, 2020 costing the exchequer Rs 14,595 crore.

In an office memorandum, department of expenditure, ministry of finance said that additional instalment of DA and DR falling due from July 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021 will also not be paid. However, the allowance will continue to be paid at current rates.

The Central government employees will also not get any arrears in any future revision of DA/DR from from July 1, 2021. However, If a decision to revise DA rates is taken for July 1, 2021 period, the rate of allowance as effective from January 1, 2020, July 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021 will be restored prospectively and will be subsumed in the cumulative revised rates effective from July 1, 2021, the office memorandum said.

Though the government did not give an estimate of how much it would save by disallowing DA revision for its employees, a four per cent raise approved by cabinet last month meant additional expenditure of around Rs 15,000 crore. For three half yearly periods, going by this yardstick, would result in savings of close to Rs 45,000 for the Centre.

Any change in DA rates benefits about 48 lakh Central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners. DA is paid by the government to its employees as well as pensioners to offset the impact of inflation.

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Warner Bros Studios' The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson as the DC superhero and directed by Matt Reeves, will now release in October, 2021. The film's production was put on halt in mid-March due to coronavirus outbreak and the studio has now announced that movie, which was earlier scheduled to hit the theatres on June 25, 2021, will now bow out on October 1, 2021.

According to Deadline, the studio has also rescheduled superhero movies 'The Flash' and 'Shazam2'. While 'The Flash' will open on June 2, 2022, instead of July 1, 'Shazam 2', earlier set to release on April 1, 2022, will now come out on November 4, 2022. Also, 'The Sopranos' feature prequel 'The Many Saints of Newark', originally dated for September 25 of this year, has now been shifted to March 12 next year.

Baz Luhrmann's untitled Elvis Presley movie, starring Tom Hanks, will now hit the theatres on November 5, 2021, a month after the originally planned release. As per the studio's new release calendar, Will Smith drama 'King Richard' will now bow out on November 19, 2021 instead of November 25 this year. Last month, Warner Bros Studios postponed the release of its much-awaited superhero movie 'Wonder Woman 1984' from June 5 to August 14.

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Tom Hardys much-anticipated "Venom" sequel has been delayed by eight months amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

The second instalment in the action-fantasy series, directed by Andy Serkis, was slated to release on October 2, 2020.

The sequel, officially titled "Venom: Let There Be Carnage", will instead launch eight months later on June 25, 2021, reports variety.com.

In 2018, "Venom" introduced Hardy as Eddie Brock and Venom. It follows the popular Marvel anti-hero as he transforms from a go-getter journalist to the powerful alien symbiote. The film put the conflict of good versus bad in the centrestage.

Serkis is directing Sony's follow-up to "Venom", which sees Hardy again assume the alien symbiote. The first film became a surprise box office hit, earning $855 million globally. Woody Harrelson, Michelle Williams, Reid Scott and Naomie Harris will also appear in the sequel.

By postponing "Venom" until next year, Sony has reshuffled nearly every movie scheduled to release in 2020. The studio already pushed back many of its major films, including "Morbius" (from July 31, 2020, to March 19, 2021), "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" (from July 10, 2020, to March 5, 2021) and Tom Holland's "Uncharted" (from March 5, 2021, to Oct. 8, 2021).

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Indian women's cricket team has qualified for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women's ODI World Cup 2021, the cricket governing body announced on Wednesday. "The ICC Women's Championship Technical Committee (TC) has decided that teams will share points in all three series in the ICC Women's Championship that did not take place during the competition window," the ICC said in a statement.

The series between India and Pakistan could not be played because of a 'Force Majeure' event after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) demonstrated that it was unable to obtain the necessary government clearances to allow India to participate in the bilateral series against Pakistan that forms part of the ICC Women's Championship.

Also, the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of two series. South Africa was to host Australia and Sri Lanka was to host New Zealand in the last round of matches. New Zealand, the hosts of the World Cup 2021, and four highest-placed team on the ICC Women's Championship points table, has qualified for the premier tournament.

Australia topped the table with 37 points followed by England (29), South Africa (25) and India (23). Pakistan (19), New Zealand (17), West Indies (13) and Sri Lanka (5) completed the table. The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier is scheduled to be played from 3-19 July in Sri Lanka, this is subject to review due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum on Wednesday advocated for this year's T20 World Cup to be postponed to early next year, saying the currently-suspended IPL should take the mega-event's slot. The COVID-19 pandemic has halted all global sporting activities, jeopardising the T20 World Cup, scheduled in Australia from October 18-November 15, and also "indefinitely" suspending the 13th IPL, which was slated to begin on March 29. "I think the IPL will try and target that October window and the T20 World Cup will get pushed back," McCullum, the coach of IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders, told 'Sky Cricket Podcast'. There is also the women's ODI World Cup scheduled in New Zealand in February, 2021.

"That may mean the Women's World Cup gets pushed back but hopefully we get to see all three tournaments operate." McCullum said he neither sees the T20 World Cup happening without the stadium fans nor does he believe that teams from 16 nations will be able to travel to Australia in the wake of the pandemic, which has infected more than 20 lakh people globally. If IPL doesn't happen, none of the players or support staff get paid. The ICC's Chief Executives Committee (CEC) is set to meet on Thursday to discuss the financial implications of COVID-19 and also the contingency planning for all ICC global events, including the T20 World Cup, over a conference call. "For Australia to move 16 international teams plus all of their support staff and then broadcasters, seems a bridge too far. I can't see them playing the T20 World Cup behind closed doors either," McCullum said. "There may be a window a bit later in the new year of 2021 which could then open up a window for the IPL (in October and November). You'd have to move some overseas players for the IPL but with the broadcasters based in India, it is a lot easier to pull it all together. "The ICC and world cricket need crowds to operate but India can probably sustain things commercially behind closed doors because they are going to get so many eyeballs."

Former New Zealand seamer Simon Doull, who joined McCullum and Ian Smith on the podcast, also believes spectators will be important to get the revenues flowing from the T20 World Cup. "A lot of the ICC's revenue for down the track comes from the World Cups so they want as many people in the stands as possible," he said. "They would hate to see a T20 World Cup under lockdown where no one could go and watch and the atmosphere would probably be a little bit less." Doull also said ICC needs to decide how important is the T20 World Cup. "How important is the T20 World Cup? That the first question from an ICC point of view," he said. "Is it important enough to have private jets out of each county with cricket teams on them, two weeks in quarantine in Australia and then the tournament taking place, whether there are fans in the stands or not? Is it that important?".

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Academy makes exemption to rule over screening films in cinemas

With summer events cancelled, the focus is on how to recoup funding and audiences

Apple’s long-rumored Mac ARM chip transition could happen as early as next year, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The report says that Apple is currently working on three Mac processors based on the design of the A14 system-on-a-chip that will power the next-generation iPhone. The first of the Mac versions will greatly exceed […]

Apple’s long-rumored Mac ARM chip transition could happen as early as next year, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The report says that Apple is currently working on three Mac processors based on the design of the A14 system-on-a-chip that will power the next-generation iPhone. The first of the Mac versions will greatly exceed […]

Apple’s long-rumored Mac ARM chip transition could happen as early as next year, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The report says that Apple is currently working on three Mac processors based on the design of the A14 system-on-a-chip that will power the next-generation iPhone. The first of the Mac versions will greatly exceed […]

Uber has pushed its target to achieve a measure of profitability to a quarter in 2021, reversing a decision made just three months ago to move up the goal to the end of this year. Uber will miss its target to reach an adjusted EBITDA quarterly profit in the fourth period of 2020, CFO Nelson […]

In December 2019, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and a group of other oil producers announced they were deepening the production cuts originally announced in December 2018. However, the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that global oil production will rise in 2020 despite the cuts, as expected growth in non-OPEC crude oil production will offset OPEC's reduced output. Non-OPEC production will be driven by continued growth in the United States. Outside of the United States, growing crude oil production in Brazil, Norway, and Canada will also contribute to supply growth over the next 24 months. In its January Short-Term Energy Outlook, EIA reports that U.S. crude oil production in 2019 hit a record annual average of 12.2 million barrels per day. EIA forecasts U.S. production will reach 13.3 million barrels per day in 2020 and 13.7 million barrels per day in 2021. Most of the production growth occurs in the Permian region of Texas and New Mexico.

Britain's double Olympic champion was due to retire from short-course triathlons to concentrate on the Ironman circuit. Brownlee, 31, said: 'I am now going to have to extend it for another year.'

The talented 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season for the Premier League side with 29 senior appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and making nine assists.

As his popularity skyrockets on Strictly Come Dancing, BBC executives believe gymnast Louis Smith has a future as a broadcaster, writes DAN WOOTTON.

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has warned his organisation will need financial support from the government if the 2021 Six Nations cannot go ahead due to the coronavirus crisis.

Ronald Koeman's Barcelona exit clause has been delayed until 2021 after the postponement of the European Championships this summer.

It's no surprise Masterchef Australia will be coming back in 2021 with thriving viewership on the Back To Win season. 

Google and Facebook have told most employees to keep working from home for the rest of the year as part of a response by the tech giants to the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

Australia will play Italy, Fiji and Scotland in Group B while New Zealand face Lebanon, Jamaica and Ireland in Group C. Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Wales and Cook Islands make up Group D.

And it was announced on Monday that Shakira, 43, will embark on a world tour come 2021.Ticketmaster revealed the news on their site,with an option to let fans pre-register for tickets.

UEFA have officially decided to postpone the Euros until the summer of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will now take place between June 11 to July 11 next year.

Sportsmail reported on March 13 that Neville was considering his future following a disappointing performance at the SheBelieves Cup in the United States.

Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre has extended his contract with the German club until the summer of 2021. 

The British and Irish Lions are in talks about staging a bumper international match against a top Test-playing nation at Twickenham ahead of the 2021 tour of South Africa.

Blaise Matuidi is reportedly set for a contract extension after playing an important role in a Juventus side which sits top of Serie A. The Frenchman has been with the club since August 2017.

Lindsay Johnston, 40, originally from Aberdeen, told FEMAIL she was due to marry Gordon Davidson, 46, originally from Harare, Zimbabwe, on April 8 in Perth, Scotland.

Formula One bosses have unveiled the first images of the sport's cars for the future. It is hoped that the new machines will provide closer action, and make overtaking easier.

Champions Mercedes are likely to stay in Formula One after major changes come into play in 2021 but that cannot be taken for granted, team principal Toto Wolff said on Tuesday.

The Bachelor's Matthew 'Matty J' Johnson and fiancée Laura Byrne are the latest celebrities to have their wedding plans disrupted amid coronavirus.

Scotland's Catriona Matthew will again captain Europe for the 2021 Solheim Cup, the Ladies European Tour announced on Thursday. The 50-year-old led her side to glory at Gleneagles recently.

The feature film for highly-popular HBO series, titled The Many Saints Of Newark, was pushed back to next year as part of the shuffle for studio's release calendar as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

The video game industry has enjoyed record profits amid the spread of the coronavirus, as millions of people sheltering in place turn to gaming for entertainment.Huge game releases like "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" and "DOOM Eternal" enjoyed larger than expected launches, and upcoming games like "The Last of Us: Part II" and "Cyberpunk 2077" have brewed excitement.Moreover, new game consoles like Sony's PlayStation and Microsoft's Xbox are expected this holiday season. But the game industry is bound to see an impact from coronavirus — just not yet. "Through the summer, early fall? I feel pretty good about those games," Xbox head Phil Spencer told Business Insider in an interview. "Games that were targeting a year from now or beyond? There'll be some impact, but they'll be able to react."Visit

The government turned down a call to give the Six Nations Group A status, with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee labelling the decision a 'missed opportunity'.

Countless engaged couples have had to postpone their weddings because of the coronavirus, and many are setting their new wedding dates for the second half of 2020 or the spring of 2021.But research indicates the pandemic won't be over by then, so couples could be forced to postpone again.Couples who choose to go through with a big wedding before there's a vaccine for the coronavirus could also be putting themselves and their guests at risk.It's best to wait to plan your wedding until there's a vaccine for the coronavirus, but there are still ways you can celebrate your marriage in the meantime.Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.Although the celebration itself is fun, planning a wedding is mostly exhausting.Engaged couples are consumed by their weddings in the weeks, months, and years

President Donald Trump has said the economy will take off like a rocket when the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing ends.The Congressional Budget Office predicts the unemployment rate will still be at 9% at the end of 2021.Historically, high unemployment rates during recessions and pandemics have taken a long time to come back down to full employment levels.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.Following is a transcript of the video.Narrator: If you watch President Trump's daily briefings, you might think everything will immediately go back to normal when social distancing is no longer necessary.President Trump: And you will see our economy skyrocket.Narrator: But Congress' own budget office thinks things will be pretty bleak for much longer. At the beginning of April, the

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has done away with one of its longstanding eligibility requirements for the 2021 Oscars, due to COVID-19.

Dillian Whyte will have to wait until February 2021 for his WBC heavyweight title shot, if his 'situation is resolved' by UK Anti-Doping. 

Baz Luhrmann's untitled Elvis Presley biopic has been given a release date. Warner Bros. has announced that the upcoming movie about the King of Rock 'n' Roll is slated for release on

Warren Gatland has floated the idea of the Lions facing a home 'decider' against the All Blacks next June, before setting off to South Africa for their eight-match 2021 tour.

This summer's Copa America has been postponed 12 months to 2021 amid fears over the spread of the coronavirus. The tournament in Argentina and Colombia has been pushed back.

The BBC has secured broadcast rights to the 2021 and 2023 World Athletics Championships, it announced on Sunday evening after the conclusion of the 2019 event in Doha.

The film's star LeBron James took to social media on Thursday with a brief clip in which he wore a promotional cap for the film that revealed the film's full title, Space Jam: A New Legacy.

The two-time world champion departed the grid at the end of the 2018 season, opting to continue his career away from the sport, since winning the prestigious Le Mans 24 hour race for Toyota.

Hamilton's £40million-a-year deal with Mercedes expires at the end of next year, and Ferrari chief executive Louis Camilleri has confirmed that preliminary discussions have taken place.

Lewis Hamilton's future with Mercedes is under increasing threat and the British driver could join Ferrari in 2021. He has one more season with the Silver Arrows on his £40million-a-year deal.