The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are almost upon us, meaning an already action packed summer of sport is about to get busier. 

After a year's postponement due to the Covid pandemic, athletes and spectators alike are raring to go, with a whole host of new sports set to offer even more viewing opportunities. 

Although fans won't be allowed into the Tokyo stadiums due to a state of emergency in the capital, media coverage of the games will be extensive, allowing people to tune in at home. 

With the Opening Ceremony set to take place on Friday July 23, here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Olympic Games...

When do they start? 

The Games officially begin when the Olympic flame is lit during the Opening Ceremony. 

This is due to take place on Friday July 23 at 8pm Tokyo time. 

Japan's capital is eight hours ahead of the UK, meaning the ceremony will air at midday here. 

How long do the Games last?

The Closing Ceremony will take place on Sunday August 8 at 8pm Tokyo time, noon UK time. 

During the spectacle, Tokyo will officially hand over to Paris, the host of the 2024 Olympics. 

With the games lasting over a fortnight, it will be an action packed 15 days of sport. 

What new sports have been added for Tokyo 2021?

A number of new events have been added to the schedule, allowing more than 400 extra athletes to participate. 

These are the new sports now part of the Olympic line up: 

  • Surfing
  • Sport Climbing 
  • Skateboarding 
  • Karate
  • Baseball & Softball

What are the key dates?

Arguably every day of the Olympics is a key date, with many events taking place at the same time every day. 

With a 376-strong GB team, the largest ever at an overseas Olympics, medal prospects are hugely promising. 

GB's first medal hope comes on Saturday July 24, with the Men's Road Race taking place at 3am UK time. 

Defending Olympic champion and world record holder Adam Peaty will race in the 100m breaststroke final if all goes to plan, set to take place on Monday July 26 at around 3am UK time.

Track and field events will begin on Friday July 30, with the Men's 100m final on Sunday August 1 at 1:50pm UK time. 

British record holder Dina Asher-Smith is a real medal hope for GB, and will compete the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m. 

Like with Peaty, if all goes to plan she will contest the Women's 100m final on Saturday July 31 at 1:30pm UK time.

Married couple Laura and Jason Kenny will race in the cycling, each with the opportunity to become Britain's most decorated female and male Olympians respectively. 

Laura has three medal chances, and will join Scotland's Katie Archibald in the team pursuit, with the final scheduled for August 3 at 8am. 

Her husband, Jason Kenny, will compete in his fourth Olympics for a chance to edge ahead of Chris Hoy on the all-time gold medal list, with the pair currently joint on six Olympic golds. 

He will head up the Men's track sprint team. 

Andy Murray, two-time defending Olympic champion, will contest the tournament once more from July 24 - August 1. 

How to watch the Olympics?

The BBC will provide extensive coverage of the Games, with the majority broadcast on BBC One. 

Due to the time difference, coverage will often begin at 4am.