International Olympic Committee Considers Postponing Tokyo Olympics 2020
A dramatic increase in Coronavirus cases and new outbreaks'led its executive board to conclude it needs to take the next step in its scenario-planning.
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, in an open letter to athletes, on Sunday that the IOC will "start detailed discussions" with the Tokyo 2020 and Japanese government to "complete its assessment of the rapid development of the worldwide health situation and its impact on the Olympic Games, including the scenario of postponement."In a meeting held on Sunday, the IOC is considering the option of postponing the Tokyo 200 Games.
"The IOC is confident that it will have finalised these discussions within the next four weeks," Bach said. He emphasised that "cancellation is not on the agenda".
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also told the Parliament on Monday that the Tokyo Olympic Games could be postponed due to the global spread of coronavirus.
"If it is difficult to hold the games in such a way, we have to decide to postpone it, giving top priority to (the health of the) athletes," Abe said.
But Abe stressed that the Games will by no means be cancelled. "Cancellation is not an option," Abe said.
"The IOC is confident that it will have finalised these discussions within the next four weeks," Bach said. He emphasised that "cancellation is not on the agenda".
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also told the Parliament on Monday that the Tokyo Olympic Games could be postponed due to the global spread of coronavirus.
"If it is difficult to hold the games in such a way, we have to decide to postpone it, giving top priority to (the health of the) athletes," Abe said.
But Abe stressed that the Games will by no means be cancelled. "Cancellation is not an option," Abe said.
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