Rio Olympics: Japanese champion Uchimura hit with $5,000 bill for downloading Pokemon Go

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 3: Olympic and world champion gymnast Kohei Uchimura of Japan almost paid a heavy price for downloading "Pokemon Go" game at the Rio Olympics 2016 in Brazil.

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27-year-old Uchimura, the 6-time world champion was sent a whopping 500,000 yen (US $5,000) bill after he downloaded Pokemon Go, the mobile game.

Kyodo news agency said, "The reigning Olympic and world champion confided on Sunday (August 1) he was hit with a 500,000 yen ($5,000) data roaming bill after becoming hooked on Pokemon Go since arriving in Brazil for the Rio Games."

"Uchimura said he downloaded the app when he touched down in Sao Paulo for pre-Olympic training camp and just like so many around the world, became instantly hooked - not knowing he didn't have a flat rate for overseas data usage. When Uchimura checked his bill, he couldn't believe his eyes," the report added.

Uchimura's team-mate Kenzo Shirai was quoted as saying, "He looked dead at the team meal that day."

However, the 2012 London Olympics all-round gymanstics gold medallist heaved a sigh of relief when the mobile company reduced the bill to 3,000 yen, the daily flat rate.

"I really lucked out," Uchimura said.

According to reports, Pokemon Go is not available in Brazil and the athletes are disappointed.

"I wish I could run around in the (athletes') village catching Pokemon," New Zealand football player Anna Green was quoted as saying by "The Guardian".

"I just can't get it on the phone. It's fine, but it would have been something fun to do," she added.

Rio Olympics will be held from August 5 to 21. Over 10,000 athletes will be seen in action.

OneIndia News