Sports Minister Leonardo Picciani claimed that security at Rio-2016 was being "handled absolutely and efficiently".

Referring to the case of American Ryan Lochte, robbed at gunpoint in the early morning on Sunday (14) after leaving the Club France near the lagoon, he said that the incident had occurred outside of the area of the Games.

"The delegations haven't had any problems. We can't judge by one incident or another that takes place outside of the competition areas at inappropriate times", he declared.

"Certainly no athlete has had any problems where they are staying, during their training or in the Olympic Village", he concluded.

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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