Olympic athletes promised support

GENEVA: Athletes who make political or social protests at the Tokyo Olympics were promised legal support on Thursday by a global union and an activist group in Germany. The pledges came a day after the IOC confirmed its long-standing ban on “demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda” on the field of play, medal podiums or official ceremonies. Raising a fist or kneeling could lead to punishment from the IOC. “Any athlete sanctioned will have the full backing,” World Players Association executive director Brendan Schwab said.