{"id":39798,"date":"2021-08-07T23:02:08","date_gmt":"2021-08-07T23:02:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/?p=39798"},"modified":"2021-08-07T23:02:08","modified_gmt":"2021-08-07T23:02:08","slug":"tokyo-2020-olympic-athletes-targeted-by-false-and-misleading-claims","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/?p=39798","title":{"rendered":"Tokyo 2020: Olympic athletes targeted by false and misleading claims"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<header class=\"ssrcss-18mgjmu-HeadingWrapper e1nh2i2l5\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1a9jc18-Contributor e5xb54n2\"><span><strong>By Shruti Menon<\/strong><br \/>BBC Reality Check<\/span><\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-vk3nhx-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-md0xev-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1xtcmof-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Simone Biles\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/D7F1\/production\/_119818255_biles_back_crop_hi069111423.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/D7F1\/production\/_119818255_biles_back_crop_hi069111423.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/D7F1\/production\/_119818255_biles_back_crop_hi069111423.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/D7F1\/production\/_119818255_biles_back_crop_hi069111423.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/D7F1\/production\/_119818255_biles_back_crop_hi069111423.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/D7F1\/production\/_119818255_biles_back_crop_hi069111423.jpg 976w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/D7F1\/production\/_119818255_biles_back_crop_hi069111423.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-1drmwog-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/span><span class=\"ssrcss-1ecljvk-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">image source<\/span>Reuters<\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-1rnnz6t-StyledFigureCaption e34k3c22\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">image caption<\/span>Simone Biles withdrew from some events at the Olympics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\"><b class=\"ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3\">As the Tokyo Olympics comes to an end, social media posts have been spreading misleading content about some of the competitors, and the events in which they competed.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">We&#8217;ve selected some of the more widely-shared examples.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"ssrcss-ve3352-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\">No, Simone Biles wasn&#8217;t stopped from taking medication<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-md0xev-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-8doxp5-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Screengrab of social post about Simone Biles\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/85C1\/production\/_119814243_1_fake_news-nc.png 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/85C1\/production\/_119814243_1_fake_news-nc.png 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/85C1\/production\/_119814243_1_fake_news-nc.png 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/85C1\/production\/_119814243_1_fake_news-nc.png 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/85C1\/production\/_119814243_1_fake_news-nc.png 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/85C1\/production\/_119814243_1_fake_news-nc.png 976w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/85C1\/production\/_119814243_1_fake_news-nc.png\" width=\"976\" height=\"976\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-1drmwog-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">A viral post on Facebook &#8211; now with a warning flag on it from the social media platform &#8211; falsely claims that the US star gymnast stopped competing in some events because she wasn&#8217;t allowed to take medication for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Simone Biles revealed in 2016 that she was on medication for it. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">When she pulled out of the women&#8217;s gymnastics team final last week, she said it was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/sport\/olympics\/57982665\" class=\"ssrcss-9nsdc6-InlineLink e1no5rhv0\">to focus on her mental health.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">But unfounded claims spread widely on social media, saying that she&#8217;d been unable to take ADHD medication because it&#8217;s banned in Japan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">It&#8217;s true that Japan bans some drugs used for ADHD, but there are special exemptions for athletes competing in the Olympics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">But more importantly, Team USA have told us the claim about the medication is not true because she&#8217;s not using it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/sport\/olympics\/58069211\" class=\"ssrcss-9nsdc6-InlineLink e1no5rhv0\">Speaking after winning a bronze in the beam final<\/a> in Tokyo, Biles herself dealt with the speculation head on, and said she had not taken ADHD medication since 2017.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"ssrcss-ve3352-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\">No, a Saudi athlete did not die after losing to an Israeli<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">False claims about the death of Saudi judo competitor Tahani Al-Qahtani went viral on social media after she lost to her Israeli opponent, Raz Hershko. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The posts claimed that she had suffered a heart attack because she was subject to bullying and abuse online after she lost.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-md0xev-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-14tt1ib-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Screengrab of social post about Saudi athlete\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/A515\/production\/_119816224_3_fake_news-nc.png 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/A515\/production\/_119816224_3_fake_news-nc.png 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/A515\/production\/_119816224_3_fake_news-nc.png 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/A515\/production\/_119816224_3_fake_news-nc.png 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/A515\/production\/_119816224_3_fake_news-nc.png 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/A515\/production\/_119816224_3_fake_news-nc.png 976w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/A515\/production\/_119816224_3_fake_news-nc.png\" width=\"976\" height=\"778\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-1drmwog-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">But this is wrong and the athlete is very much alive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Qahtani had faced criticism from social media users for agreeing to compete against an Israeli, after other Arab competitors withdrew from a different judo event because they did not want to do the same thing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The rumours began circulating after a fake website pretending to be Saudi Sabq, a popular Arabic online news portal, posted an article with the claim. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">It was by-lined to the deputy editor of Saudi Sabq, Abdullah Al-Barqawi.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/albargawy\/status\/1421559649665437698\" class=\"ssrcss-9nsdc6-InlineLink e1no5rhv0\">But Mr Barqawi has issued a warning on Twitter<\/a> about false news reports attributed to him and to the online portal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">He didn&#8217;t mention the specific claim about the athlete, but officials from the Saudi Olympic Committee have denied the reports and said she is in very good health.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">She herself spoke about the match a day later, saying that she wasn&#8217;t interested in the controversy surrounding it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"ssrcss-ve3352-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\">No, Japanese table tennis players did not breach Covid guidelines<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-md0xev-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1xtcmof-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Screengrab of social post about Japanese table tennis players\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/CC25\/production\/_119816225_4_fake_news-nc.png 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/CC25\/production\/_119816225_4_fake_news-nc.png 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/CC25\/production\/_119816225_4_fake_news-nc.png 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/CC25\/production\/_119816225_4_fake_news-nc.png 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/CC25\/production\/_119816225_4_fake_news-nc.png 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/CC25\/production\/_119816225_4_fake_news-nc.png 976w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/CC25\/production\/_119816225_4_fake_news-nc.png\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-1drmwog-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/span><span class=\"ssrcss-1ecljvk-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">image source<\/span>Empics<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The mixed doubles table tennis final became the subject of heated discussion on Chinese social media, when their pair lost to a Japanese duo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The gold-medal winning Jun Mizutani and Mima Ito&#8217;s actions in blowing on the ball and touching the table during the match were said to be in violation of rules on Covid safety.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">On Weibo, the Chinese social media platform, the hashtag &#8220;Mima Ito touches the table&#8221; has been viewed more than 13 million times, with some users saying the Japanese players should not have won.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">One Chinese-language website said their actions were &#8220;ignored by the referee&#8221;. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">There are International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ittf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ITTF_COVID19_Guidelines-International-Events-2.0.pdf\" class=\"ssrcss-9nsdc6-InlineLink e1no5rhv0\">Covid safety recommendations,<\/a> which advise players not to engage in &#8220;hand-wiping on the table&#8221; and &#8220;breathing on the ball for tackiness&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Some players blow on the ball to make sure it&#8217;s as dry as possible when they serve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The ITTF states that a violation of Covid rules will attract a fine or suspension of the athlete from a competition, so we contacted them to ask about this match.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">They put us in touch with leading referee Werner Thury, who explained that the way Ito touched the table during her service did not amount to &#8220;hand-wiping on the table surface&#8221;. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">He also said that Mizutani&#8217;s blowing did not violate Covid guidelines because his mouth was not close enough to the ball.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The ITTF also made clear to us that while potential violations of Covid guidelines are investigated, this is a separate process and the outcome of a match is decided on points alone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"ssrcss-ve3352-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\">No, a banner behind an Indian medal winner did not thank PM Modi <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-md0xev-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-8doxp5-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Screengrab of social post about Indian medal winner\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/ACD1\/production\/_119814244_2_fake_news-nc.png 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/ACD1\/production\/_119814244_2_fake_news-nc.png 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/ACD1\/production\/_119814244_2_fake_news-nc.png 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/ACD1\/production\/_119814244_2_fake_news-nc.png 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/ACD1\/production\/_119814244_2_fake_news-nc.png 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/ACD1\/production\/_119814244_2_fake_news-nc.png 976w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/ACD1\/production\/_119814244_2_fake_news-nc.png\" width=\"976\" height=\"976\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-1drmwog-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">In India, a social media post went viral showing silver medal-winning weightlifter Mirabai Chanu at an official ceremony of congratulations, with a banner thanking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visible in the background.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The banner shows a picture of Mr Modi. There is also some Hindi-language text on the banner which reads: &#8220;Thank you Mr Modi for getting Mirabai Chanu a medal.&#8221;  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Some of those sharing the post asked: &#8220;Did Mirabai Chanu get the medal through her hard work or did Mr Modi get it for her?&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The image has been manipulated and the text about thanking Mr Modi added into it. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-md0xev-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1xtcmof-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Original image without text thanking PM Modi\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/9DEF\/production\/_119813404_mirabaichanu.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/9DEF\/production\/_119813404_mirabaichanu.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/9DEF\/production\/_119813404_mirabaichanu.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/9DEF\/production\/_119813404_mirabaichanu.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/9DEF\/production\/_119813404_mirabaichanu.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/9DEF\/production\/_119813404_mirabaichanu.jpg 976w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/9DEF\/production\/_119813404_mirabaichanu.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-1drmwog-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/span><span class=\"ssrcss-1ecljvk-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">image source<\/span>Press Information Bureau, India<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The original banner does contain an image of Mr Modi and some text with the name of the athlete, but nothing about thanking the prime minister.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The original appears on some government social media accounts and in a <a href=\"https:\/\/pib.gov.in\/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1739380\" class=\"ssrcss-9nsdc6-InlineLink e1no5rhv0\">government press release.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\"><i class=\"ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2\">Additional reporting by Ahmed Nour and Wanyuan Song.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-md0xev-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1g8gyna-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Reality Check branding\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/1848\/production\/_98761260_onlinebanner_976x280.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/1848\/production\/_98761260_onlinebanner_976x280.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/1848\/production\/_98761260_onlinebanner_976x280.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/1848\/production\/_98761260_onlinebanner_976x280.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/1848\/production\/_98761260_onlinebanner_976x280.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/1848\/production\/_98761260_onlinebanner_976x280.jpg 976w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/1848\/production\/_98761260_onlinebanner_976x280.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"280\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-1drmwog-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i87\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-18snukc-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/realitycheck\" class=\"ssrcss-9nsdc6-InlineLink e1no5rhv0\">Read more from Reality Check<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section data-component=\"tag-list\" class=\"ssrcss-ukwdbg-SectionWrapper e1nh2i2l2\"\/><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/58086586\\\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Shruti MenonBBC Reality Check image sourceReutersimage captionSimone Biles withdrew from some events at the Olympics As the Tokyo Olympics comes to an end, social media posts have been spreading misleading content about some of the competitors, and the events in which they competed. We&#8217;ve selected some of the more [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39799,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39798","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hindi-news"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/119818256_biles_epa_hi069114667.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39798","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=39798"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39798\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/39799"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=39798"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=39798"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=39798"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}