Rio hit back at criticism from governor of Tokyo

 RIO 2016 officials have hit back at claims made by governor of Tokyo Shintaro Ishihara, following their victory in the race to stage the 2016 Olympics.

 HITTING BACK: Rio officials hit back at claims made by governor of Tokyo Shintaro Ishihara

Ishihara, who was president of the Tokyo 2016 bid, criticised Rio's bid upon returning home from Copenhagen, suggesting that bid strength did not play a significant enough role in the outcome of the race.

"Our presentation was far better than those of other countries but it did not earn us points. I realised again that there was a sort of invisible dynamics at play," said Ishihara.

"I have heard that the Brazilian President [Lula Da Silva] came and made quite daring promises to people from Africa."

But officials from the Rio 2016 Organising Committee have refuted such claims in a statement, which confirmed they will be reporting Ishihara's actions to the International Olympic Committee.

The statement read: "The Rio 2016 Committee repudiates the inappropriate statements made by the governor of Tokyo (Japan), Shintaro Ishihara, in the press regarding the International Olympic Committee (IOC) election process.

"Besides being regrettable, the statements made are in opposition to rules laid down by the IOC.

"The city of Rio de Janeiro was elected by a large majority and its technical project was previously approved by the IOC Evaluation Commission.

"The electorate identified in the Brazilian proposal a clear vision for the future of the Olympic Movement.

"The Rio 2016 Committee is proud of the important and exemplary participation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in support the Brazilian candidacy, since its commencement, which was also recognised by IOC members."

Meanwhile, Mercedes Coghen, Madrid 2016 bid leader, also believes the IOC voting members overlooked the strongest bid.

"Madrid had the best technical project and the reports recognised that," she said.

"But the members of the IOC decided to give the Games to Rio because it was somewhere new."