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As Rio 2016 shine fades, Brazil pins hopes on Tokyo Olympics

Rio de Janeiro, Jul 20 (EFE).- A few days before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games begin, the Olympic Park inaugurated five years ago for the Rio de Janeiro 2016 event is still the target of criticism.

The Olympic facilities that were the pride of the city five years ago and that cost more than 40 billion reais (about $7.6 billion at the current exchange rate) are today abandoned, degrading and haunted by corruption scandals.

Several of its pavilions are now “white elephants,” while the fate of the velodrome, the Olympic swimming pools and two of the Rio arenas has yet to be defined.

In addition, the pavilion that was to be transformed into four public schools has not been modified, due to the high costs (78 million reais).

As the shine that gave Rio de Janeiro prominence fades, a delegation of 302 athletes – the largest that Brazil has ever taken abroad to an Olympics – look to raise the country’s flag in Tokyo.

Of the delegation, 174 will make their Olympics debut.

Specialists estimate that Brazil could take home up to 20 medals, one more than the 19 obtained in Rio, and the goal of the Brazilian Olympic Committee is to surpass in Tokyo what has been achieved in Rio, so far the best result in its history.

Medal hopes are pinned on soccer, boxing, rowing, fencing, skateboarding, surfing and volleyball events, as well as in the sailing, water marathon and beach volleyball.

The Globo Group will broadcast live on four channels, while Bandsports will also broadcast the Games live across Brazil. EFE

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