Australian Olympic softball team leaves for Tokyo

Australia's Olympic softball squad left Sydney bound for Japan on Monday and will be among the earliest arrivals for the Tokyo Games.

The so-called Aussie Spirit will be in camp in Ota City, north of Tokyo, and will narrow the squad down from 23 to 15 ahead of their opening Olympic game against host Japan on July 21 — two days before the official opening ceremony.

The softball squad will be arriving at a time of mounting pressure on Japanese organizers, with polls in Japan showing a majority of people want the Olympics delayed again or canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australia's Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman told reporters at Sydney airport that Australia is "very comfortable with the level of protocols that are in place."

Squad member Jade Wall said the team has prepared for scenarios that may arise when they arrive.

Fans from abroad have already been barred from attending the Olympics, and there's increasing speculation that games will be held in empty stadiums.

A state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and other prefectures was last week extended until June 20 as COVID-19 cases continue to put the medical system under strain.

More than 80% of athletes and staff staying in the Olympic Village on Tokyo Bay will be vaccinated, according to the IOC.

They are expected to remain largely in a bubble at the village and at venues.