An African weightlifter who went missing from an Olympic training camp has reportedly left a note saying he wants to stay in Japan.
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Julius Ssekitoleko went missing from the Ugandan team's training site in Izumisano, a city in Osaka on Friday.
Media reports said he left behind a note saying he wanted to stay and work in Japan, as life in Uganda was difficult.
Ssekitoleko had not qualified to take part in the Tokyo Games and was due to return to Uganda next Tuesday.
A nearby train station recorded him purchasing a bullet train ticket to Nagoya in central Japan, reports said.
The Tokyo Olympics, postponed for a year due to the global pandemic, is being held under tight quarantine rules, restricting participants' movements to prevent the spread of infections.
Australian Associated Press