4 Japanese basketball players axed from Asian Games

The Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) has banned its four basketball players from participating in the Asian Games following an alleged prostitute scandal.

The decision came after four players- Takuya Hashimoto, Keita Imamura, Takuma Sato, Yuya Nagyoshi- were spotted at the red light district of Jakarta in their official team jersey.

Describing the whole incident, one of JOC spokespersons confirmed that the committee has withdrawn the accreditation of the involved players and they have been deported back to Japan.

Speaking to ANI, the spokesperson said, "After the Japanese team had a match with Qatar on August 16, some players went out of the athletes' village to have some Japanese food. Afterward, they had an opportunity to have some communication with some girls. Each of them went to a hotel and they had some affairs. They came back to athletes' village on August 17 at around 4 or 5 in the morning. So, the Japanese Olympic Committee has decided that they will not be allowed in the team as Japanese delegation."

"We have sent the athletes back to Japan, this morning. They are not in the team anymore," the spokesperson added.

The further course of action against the players will be decided by Japan Basketball Association, the spokesperson informed.

Japan had played their opening basketball match against Qatar on August 16 and will next take on Hong Kong in their group match on August 22.