Pin enthusiasts lament loss of trading chances in Tokyo

Tokyo: At every Olympics, away from the hordes of cheering spectators and the athletes competing for medals, pin enthusiasts lay out dozens of badges on corkboards or soft cloth in hopes of making a trade.

The tradition of trading in the metal keepsakes that represent various sports, cities or competing countries has been around since the early 20th century when athletes and sports officials first swapped their lapel pins as a sign of friendship. But with overseas spectators banned and delegations asked to stay in a safe coronavirus "bubble", Tokyo 2020 will be different.