The International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach, said he was convinced on Thursday that the Tokyo Olympics would be held on July 23, adding that “there was no plan B”as the pandemic continues to plague the world, including Japan.
“We have at this moment, no reason whatsoever to believe that the Olympic Games in Tokyo will not open on July 23 in the Olympic stadium in Tokyo. This is why there is no plan B and this is why we are fully committed to make these Games safe and successful.” Bach added.
“You may not like it but sacrifices will be needed. This is why I’m saying ‘safety first’, and no taboo in the discussion to ensure safety.” Bach added.
Speaking in a commnetary with AFP, Tokyo Olympic General Manager, Toshiro Muto, said that the scenario of a cancellation “was not under discussion”.
Mr. Muto, however, did not rule out that the Games on July 23 to August 8 could be held with a limited number of supporters or without supporters at all.
Faced with record cases of coronavirus, a state of emergency was reinstated this month in much of Japan, including Tokyo and its suburbs, as in spring 2020. Worried that the event would worsen the situation, more than 80% of Japanese are now opposed to the Olympics this year, preferring either a further postponement or an outright cancellation, according to a recent poll.
“From a human point of view, I have some understanding. It is difficult to imagine what will happen in six months.” Bach said.
“But at the time of the Games, the situation will be different, and the measures being taken will be different. I am sure that with the improvement of the situation, also these people will think differently.” he added.
The Tokyo Olympics, which were initially to be held in the summer of 2020, were cancelled for a year due to the coronavirus outbreal, a first in peacetime.
