INTERNATIONAL: The Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics get underway on Friday. They’ll be the first to be held behind closed doors, with the host city under a state of emergency because of a surge in Covid-19 cases, but they’ll make history for other reasons too.

Gaza weightlifter Mohammad Hamada will be the first Palestinian to compete in the sport. Getting around the world nowadays is not easy, and even less so if you are from Palestine. The 19-year-old left Gaza several weeks ago to ensure he faced no issues travelling to the Games. He secured his place after six international qualifying contests over the past two years. He told Reuters "When I get to Tokyo, I will do the impossible, and I will exert every effort to be distinctive". Palestine has been participating in the Olympic Games since 1996 but this will be the first time they’re represented in weightlifting.

Days before the games, President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, says the event will send a powerful message of "peace and solidarity". He says the stage is set for the athletes to shine and inspire the world, with their achievements, effort, emotions, joy and tears creating the magic of the Olympic Games.