Kōhei Uchimura has now tested negative for COVID-19 after initially providing a positive result ©Getty Images

This weekend's team gymnastics event in Tokyo has been given the green light after Japanese star Kōhei Uchimura tested negative for coronavirus.

The 31-year-old three-time Olympic gold medallist tested positive for COVID-19 last week but has now recorded three different negative results.

His case had placed event on Sunday (November 8) at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium into doubt amid fears the virus could have spread throughout the Japanese team.

However, the rest of the squad and staff members have also recorded negative tests, according to Kyodo News.

International Gymnastics Federation President Morinari Watanabe confirmed that the tournament would go ahead.

It will see top-level international sport return to Tokyo, the Olympic and Paralympic host city which is due to host the Games a year later than planned in 2021.

China, Russia and United States are due to join Japan at the event. 

Athletes participating are required to undergo "several" tests for coronavirus, both before arriving in Tokyo and during their stay in the Japanese capital.

Aleksandra Shchekoldina has been added to the Russian team after Lilia Akhaimova tested positive for coronavirus ©Getty Images
Aleksandra Shchekoldina has been added to the Russian team after Lilia Akhaimova tested positive for coronavirus ©Getty Images

Every gymnast from visiting teams has been required to quarantine for two weeks before leaving, while movement in Tokyo will be restricted to the venue and official hotel.

This is a system which could be replicated at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as organisers work out how to hold the Games safely in light of the pandemic.

Fans will be allowed to watch on Sunday, but capacity will be restricted to 2,000 with athletes set to feature as part of two teams.

One will be named team friendship and the other named team solidarity, with eight male and eight female gymnasts on each.

Russia has already replaced double World Championship silver medallist Lilia Akhaimova after she tested positive for COVID-19.

Aleksandra Shchekoldina has been called up but Akhaimova is now also said to have provided a negative result.

Uchimura is a huge star in Japan after winning the all-round Olympic title at the last two Games.

The 10-time world champion also won team Olympic gold at Rio 2016, but is not expected to contest the all-round at Tokyo 2020 after struggling with injuries.

He failed to qualify for the finals of the Japan National Championships last year and is predicted to focus on the horizontal bar.