Seiko Hashimoto Named Tokyo 2020 Chief

Tokyo 2020's new president Seiko Hashimoto. Reuters file photo
Tokyo 2020's new president Seiko Hashimoto. Reuters file photo
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Seiko Hashimoto Named Tokyo 2020 Chief

Tokyo 2020's new president Seiko Hashimoto. Reuters file photo
Tokyo 2020's new president Seiko Hashimoto. Reuters file photo

Japan's former Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto became Tokyo 2020's new president Thursday, capping an embarrassing sexism row with just over five months until the virus-postponed Games.

"I will spare no effort for the success of the Tokyo Games," said Hashimoto after being appointed.

She stepped down as one of just two women in Japan's cabinet earlier Thursday to take the key post.

The 56-year-old politician, who was also minister for gender equality and women's empowerment, will replace Yoshiro Mori, 83, after he sparked uproar with claims that women talk too much in meetings.

The appointment comes with public opinion in Japan still largely against holding the massive event this year.

Hashimoto is a passionate Olympian, who competed at seven consecutive winter and summer Games, in speed skating and as a sprint cyclist, winning a bronze for skating in 1992.

She has said she was raised being told by her father "'you were born to go to the Olympics'... even before I knew that the Olympics was."



Saudi Toyota Hill Climb Championship Concludes in Taif

The event was held at Al-Muhammadiyah slope in Taif - SPA
The event was held at Al-Muhammadiyah slope in Taif - SPA
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Saudi Toyota Hill Climb Championship Concludes in Taif

The event was held at Al-Muhammadiyah slope in Taif - SPA
The event was held at Al-Muhammadiyah slope in Taif - SPA

The first round of the Saudi Toyota Championship Hill Climb concluded with 65 competitors facing challenging mountain twists amid dense fog and hailstones, testing their skills and determination, SPA reported.

The event was held at Al-Muhammadiyah slope in Taif under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

By hosting such championships, Taif aims to boost tourism, attract both local and international participants, and highlight the role of sports in community development, while contributing to the region’s economic growth.