Rikiya and Ayumi Kataoka were travelling around the world for their honeymoon.

They were visiting the 10 islands of Cape Verde when the pandemic caused the suspension of long haul flights, leaving the pair stranded. 

In absence of work visas, the Kataokas used their social media skills to create promotional videos of hotels and restaurants, receiving accomodation and food in return. 

After bonding with locals, the Cape Verde Olympic Committee asked the couple to act as team ambassadors at Tokyo 2020, as reported by Reuters. 

"We felt the urge of giving back," said Cape Verde's Chef de Mission Leonardo Cunha.

"The guys are Japanese citizens and they deserve, in the name of the friendship we have with Japan, just to be well-treated.

"It was our interest to accompany them on their journey as well, making them part of our adventure in Japan."

Cape Verde have featured at every Olympic Games since Atlanta 1996, but are yet to win a medal.

Five athletes from the country were sent to Rio 2016, an increase on the three athletes who competed at London 2012.  

Cape Verde reportedly hope to take three or four athletes to Tokyo 2020, which is now scheduled for July 23 to August 8 2021 due to the pandemic.