As an extra incentive after winning a medal, the Tokyo Olympics organisers have allowed the winners to remove their masks for 30 seconds to be photographed on the podium. 

The Tokyo Olympics opened a year late, following strict anti-coronavirus measures. The organisers have, therefore, urged the participants to not abuse the relaxation in the rules.  “The idea is to give those athletes who have been competing, when everyone else has stepped back, the chance to remove their mask for 30 seconds, staying on those steps for photos,” International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams said in a statement on Monday.

Also Read | Tokyo Olympics: Indian women’s hockey team loses 0-2 to Germany in Pool A

“I think everyone appreciates, one, that the risk is very, very, very, low, and two, completely understandable,” he added.

Athletes at the Tokyo Olympics are being tested regularly and are strictly instructed to wear the masks unless competing, training, drinking, eating or sleeping. 

The practice of removing masks on the podium will be followed only when they are given a signal telling them to do so. “We are making a really special effort today again to remind all of our groups and all of our people that they need to wear their masks,” Mark Adams said. 

“There will be specific discussions with people and if we find people who are breaking the rules we will talk to them and ask them to abide by them.”

153 people associated with the Tokyo Olympics have reportedly tested positive so far. Close to 85 percent of athletes have already been inoculated, according to the IOC.

The Tokyo Olympics are in full swing. As of Day 4 of the games, the United States is leading the medal tally with 14 medals, followed by Japan clinching 12 medals, out of which 7 are gold. 

India has so far bagged a silver medal in weightlifting, while the entire country hopes for the athletes to make their mark in the upcoming games.