China censors Taiwan's 'Chinese Taipei' contingent at Olympics opening; cuts own team too

Tokyo Olympics 2020 were on Friday officially declared 'open' with a barrage of fireworks, glimpses to Japan’s history and culture, and a mesmerizing drone display over night sky. Tennis star Naomi Osaka concluded ceremony by lighting Olympic cauldron atop a peak inspired by Mount Fuji.  entire world on Friday came to a standstill to witness iconic Olympics opening ceremony in Tokyo, however, a disruption in live streaming during entry of Taiwan ('Chinese Taipei') might fume Chinese fans. 

As per ABC journalist Bang Xiao, Chinese citizens watching Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony fumed at Tencent after it cut 'Chinese Taipei' Taiwan's team off and replaced content with a short standup comedy clip. As per Xiao, " transmission abruptly stopped when Taiwanese team walked into stium." Notably, Taiwan is referred to as 'Chinese Taipei' in Olympic Games.

Taiwan has been marching under name of ‘Chinese Taipei’ since 1984 Olympic Games despite a long political battle for recognition with mainland.  controversy regarding  political status of Taiwan which is also known as  'Taiwan Issue' is a result of  Chinese Civil War and subsequent split of China into two present-day self-governing entities of  People's Republic of China.

However, China's threat to its neighbors like Taiwan and territories like Hong Kong often comes into spotlight.

Netizens react to Tencent's censorship

Pakistan's flag-bearer marches mask free

Tokyo's National Stium was shocked to discover Pakistan Olympic Team's maskless flag bearers marching confidently during Opening ceremony. While rest of team marched with ir faces covered, two athletes who carried ir country's flag h ignorantly put ir masks down.

Bminton player Mahoor Shahz h completely discarded all sorts of regulations while she let her mask completely hang below chin. However, shooter Khalil Akhtar who accompanied Mahoor during ceremony did have his mask on yet it still wasn't covering his face completely, leaving his nose out. This was a clear violation of protocols set up by Tokyo Olympics committee. games h alrey been delayed owing to COVID-19 and many athletes even h to train for showpiece event in complete isolation.  

(Image Credits: @Olympics/Twitter)