The sign, entitled #SOMOS TIME (Team) BRASIL, aims to increase the Brazilian public’s interest in Tokyo 2020.

It was revealed in the presence of some of the country’s most well-known athletes, among them former Olympic champions Torben Grael, Jackie Silva and Giovane Gávio of sailing, beach volleyball and volleyball, respectively.

They were joined by sprinter Robson Caetano da Silva, a double Olympic bronze medallist, and Rio 2016 silver medal-winning beach volleyball player Ágatha Bednarczuk.

Also in attendance were marathon swimmer Ana Marcela Cunha, basketball player Marcelinho Machado, swimmer Guilherme Costa and sailor Gabriela Nicolino de Sá.

"By the end of Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 became our main focus," Cunha said.

"The 500 milestone is a date we must celebrate but the competition for an Olympic slot is already under way.

"Mine is July 14 and I’m preparing for that.

"I had the opportunity to go to Japan, to Sagamihara, and I was able to check our preparation.

"Time Brasil is really concerned with offering the best comfort to the athletes, making us feel at home with meals we are used to and with the best structure possible.

"Be sure to use social media to celebrate with us.

"I hope the fans will send us positive energy, words of support, because this really makes a difference and more than ever in 2020 when we will be on the other side of the world."

Speaking at the event, COB vice-president Marco La Porta detailed the work the national governing body had been doing to prepare and train Brazil’s delegation which will compete at Tokyo 2020.

"Our purpose with this action is to share with the general public and our athletes the beginning of the countdown for the Olympic Games," he said.

"We are aware time will fly during these 500 days.

"And this is why we are working so hard.

"Our teams have been working on logistics planning well in advance, even before Rio 2016, to offer the best conditions possible to our athletes.

"We know many challenges lie ahead at the Tokyo Games: culture, cuisine, the distance.

"But our six bases in Japan are already being tested so that, on arrival, the athletes will only need to think about their sport performance."

In addition to La Porta, the event was attended by three of his COB colleagues – director general Rogério Sampaio, sports director Jorge Bichara and director of communications and marketing Manoela Penna.

The #SOMOS TIME BRASIL sign is more than five metres wide and two metres high and features the colours of the Brazilian flag – green, yellow and blue.

It is also due to be displayed at Rio de Janeiro’s Bangu Shopping mall.

The mall is operated by Aliansce group, an official sponsor of the COB for Tokyo 2020.

The Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 24.