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After being postponed one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo finally began - two days ahead of its opening ceremony on Friday. 

On Wednesday, the first pitch was thrown in a softball game between Australia and Japan, as the sport returned to the Olympic stage after a 13-year absence. 

The game took place in front of empty stands due to pandemic restrictions, as Japan faces a surge in Covid cases, and that decision denied the home crowd a chance to celebrate Japan's huge victory.

The home team thrashed Australia 8-1 in the opener, before the USA then beat Italy 2-0 in the second match of the Olympic Games immediately after at Fukushima Azuma Stadium. 

After being postponed one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 finally began - two days ahead of its opening ceremony Friday

On Wednesday, the first pitch was thrown in a softball game between Australia and Japan, as the sport returned to the Olympic stage after a 13-year absence

Softball originally became an Olympic sport in 1996, and appeared in every Summer Games up until 2008 in Beijing, after which it was dropped

Hosts Japan thrashed Australia 8-1 in the opening softball match of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics at Fukushima Azuma Stadium

Pictured, Leadoff hitter for the Australian softball team, Michelle Cox high-fiving a teammate at the Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium in Tokyo

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Softball originally became an Olympic sport in 1996, and appeared in every Summer Games up until 2008 in Beijing, after which it was dropped. 

The tournament kicked off at 8 p.m.

EST at the Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium in Tokyo, but appeared on U.S. television Tuesday due to the 13-hour time difference. 

It was the first tournament in the Summer Games ahead of the opening ceremony scheduled for Friday.   

Leadoff hitter for the Australian softball team, Michelle Cox worked a full count against Japan pitcher Yukiko Ueno, then beat out an infield single back to the pitcher. 

Leadoff hitter for the Australian softball team, Michelle Cox (right) worked a full count against Japan pitcher Yukiko Ueno (left) then beat out an infield single back to the pitcher.

On Wednesday, the first pitch was thrown in a softball game between Australia and Japan, as the sport returned to the Olympic stage after a 13-year absence.

On Wednesday, the Australian women's softball team faced off against Japan at the Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium in Tokyo for the start of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 

After giving up a single to Cox, Ueno walked a batter and hit the next two with pitches. 

That allowed Cox to score the game's — and the Games' — first run. 

It is not uncommon for Olympic games to commence before the opening ceremony, especially in regards to Summer games.   

The early start is often a consequence of a tight schedule and extended tournaments that sometimes require longer than the Games' accustomed 17-day window. 

Softball and baseball, both of which are popular in Japan, were approved for competition in Tokyo in 2016. 

In addition, karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing — will also be a part of the games in Tokyo.  

On Wednesday, the Australian women's softball team faced off against Japan at the Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium in Tokyo for the start of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

On Wednesday, the Japanese women's softball team faced off against Australia at the Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium in Tokyo for the start of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 

On Wednesday, the Japanese women's softball team faced off against Australia at the Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium in Tokyo for the start of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

On Sunday, a fully-vaccinated alternate on the US women's gymnastics team tested positive for COVID-19 while training for the Olympics in Japan, amid increasing concern over the safety of the Games.

Eighteen-year-old Kara Eaker, from Kansas City, traveled to Tokyo with three other alternates and the six main athletes who are expected to compete in the Games, including defending champion Simone Biles.   

The news of her positive test was initially reported by Japanese officials on Monday morning, however they refused to name the athlete. 

She has since been identified by her coach, Al Fong, while USA Gymnastics confirmed that one of its alternate athletes had been infected and was quarantining in a local hotel. 

According to WHO-TV reporter , who spoke with Kara's coach, the teenager will go through 8-14 days of isolation, which began on Sunday.    

The gymnast is the latest in a growing line of Olympic athletes who have tested positive for COVID-19, with the increase in cases adding fresh fuel to the backlash over organisers' decision to push ahead with the Games, despite Japan going through a fifth wave of infections. 

On Sunday, 온라인카지노 it was announced that six British Olympic athletes and two team staff are also self-isolating in Tokyo after being identified as close contacts of a passenger who subsequently tested positive for coronavirus on their plane to Japan. 

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• Australian Olympic show jumper suspended from Tokyo Games... Deaf-blind Paralympic swimmer Becca Meyers, 26, quits after... We need heroes! Gymnastics participation has taken a hit due... The Bryony Bounce! Gymnast Page's Rio 2016 silver saw... Amy Conroy admits watching Team GB at the Paralympics World... Tap-dancing's loss is athletics' gain... how Team GB's very...