Former Olympic swimming champion Daichi Suzuki believes the launch of Japan¡¯s new sports agency can help lift the gloom surrounding Tokyo¡¯s preparations for the 2020 Olympics.

The government on Thursday established a national sports agency to coordinate administration ahead of the 2020 Games, naming 1988 Seoul Olympic 100-meter backstroke gold medalist Suzuki as its head.

The body will be charged with a range of duties, including looking after the general health of the population, improving the nation¡¯s sporting success and sending coaches overseas to gain expertise.