* Muaythai etc. to bet IOC recognition?
The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) President Roy Baker has vowed to “raise the bar” after being recommended for full International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognition. The WAKO was granted provisional recognition for three years in 2018 and has now been put forward for full recognition following last week’s IOC Executive Board meeting. A decision is set to be made at the IOC Session in Tokyo on 20 and 21 July over whether or not to grant the WAKO, International Federation of Muaythai Associations, International Federation Icestocksport, and International Cheer Union full recognition. Baker hailed the IOC Executive Board’s backing as an “historic day” for the sport and the WAKO, which was formed in 1977.
* FIBA Head steps down for sexual harassment allegation
Hamane Niang has temporarily stepped down as International Basketball Federation (FIBA) President amid allegations of systemic sexual harassment within the Mali Basketball Federation. The Malian official is not accused of committing sexual abuse, but it is claimed that he largely overlooked the assault of women while he served as Head of the National Federation and Mali’s Sports Minister. An independent investigation has been launched by FIBA into the allegations, reported The New York Times. FIBA has said Niang “strongly denies” the claims but has agreed to temporarily step aside while the investigation is conducted.
* Osaka to return in Tokyo 2020
Japan’s world number-two Naomi Osaka has secured her place at this year’s delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games following the release of the tennis rankings. The top 56 players in the men’s and women’s singles standings have gained automatic entry into the Games, based on yesterday’s (14) Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings. There is a limit of four players per country, meaning Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys of the United States look set to miss out despite being placed in the top 30 as Sofia Kenin, Serena Williams, Jennifer Brady, and Coco Gauff are all ranked ahead of them. Andy Murray of Britain and Monica Puig of Puerto Rica are the reigning Olympic champions after winning the respective men’s and women’s singles titles at Rio 2016. The top 10 men’s and women’s doubles pairs have also been assured of their spots at the Games. Osaka, who has yet to play at an Olympic Games, pulled out of the recent French Open amid the fallout from her decision not to attend press conferences.
* G7 leaders reiterate support for Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Group of Seven (G7) leaders have once again offered their support for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics taking place as planned. The G7 --an alliance formed of the United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Olympic hosts Japan-- has been holding an in-person leaders’ summit in Cornwall in the UK over recent days. G7 leaders “reiterate our support for the holding of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 in a safe and secure manner as a symbol of global unity in overcoming Covid-19”, read an official communiqué over the weekend. The Olympic Opening Ceremony is due to take place on 23 July, despite Tokyo being under a state of emergency because of the coronavirus pandemic. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach welcomed the G7 endorsement, calling it “a great encouragement”.