Relief and finally a sense of closure as athletes around the world are no longer going to have to risk the health and safety of their families to pursue their Olympic dreams.

The postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to an unspecified date next year had been widely expected, in the end, both japan and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had to bow down to unprecedented rebellion from the sporting community.

“We felt under pressure to train, we felt under pressure to compete because obviously the Olympics is a few months away and we need to obviously kind of train ourselves and not de-train and some athletes would go into those facilities and put other people at risk,” Adam peaty, 2016 Olympic champion, swimming, said.

"It's a bummer, it's a bummer that I won't be able to compete in the Olympics this year, but you have to understand the situation, understand that some things are a little bigger than sport, and I guess we'll have it next year,” Pole Vault world record holder, Mondo Duplantis said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/postponed-tokyo-olympics-will-need-sacrifes-and-compromises-from-all-stakeholders-ioc-president-thomas-bach-288443">Postponed Tokyo Olympics will need 'sacrifices and compromises' from all stakeholders: IOC president Thomas Bach</a>

The global sporting calendar has been virtually decimated by the coronavirus pandemic since the start of February.

A decision to postpone the Olympic games is never easy, Tokyo will go down in history as the first games to have been postponed in peacetime…

There are millions of hotel rooms and thousands of flights that have been booked by athletes, officials, sponsors and fans and the media...

Japan has spent more than 12.5 billion dollars on the games till now and it is bound to rise exponentially now. There are thousands of critical games staff who have been employed in Tokyo and face an uncertain future. Pushing back the games was easy, what follows afterwards is a logistical nightmare

The Olympic flame, which arrived in Japan a couple of days ago, will stay in Japan until the games will finally begin. And we also agreed that the name will be kept as 'Olympic Games Tokyo 2020', again to show our commitment and the highly symbolic meaning of these Olympic Games who then hopefully can and will be, in the end, a celebration of humankind having overcome this unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus," IOC president Thomas Cach had said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/covid-19-hits-olympics-what-could-2020-tokyo-games-postponement-cost-japan-288403">COVID-19 hits Olympics: What could 2020 Tokyo Games postponement cost Japan?</a>

As the magnitude of the decision settles down, new questions are bound to emerge. Will the existing qualification criteria for the games remain in place?

Qualification for the games began in 2018 in some sports and more than 58% of the field had already qualified. Is it fair for those athletes to hold on to those spots for 3 years?

Is the IOC willing to risk the 2021 Games clashing with marquee sporting events such as the tennis grand slams, the golf majors and even major footballing events?

Will the top professional sporting stars of golf, football and tennis turn up for the games?

Can legends like Roger Federer, Alysson Felix, Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce, MC Mary Kom and others extend their careers by a year?

"As someone who had experienced the boycott of the Moscow Olympics, even if it the unexpected happens don't crumble, don't give up, motivate yourself once more, stay young at heart. I hope they will take on the challenge next year," Yasuhiro Yamashita, Japan Olympics Committee president had urged the athletes.

The Olympics are the stage where legends are forged and sporting immortality is achieved. When the Games are held next year, the world will have new Olympic champions.

But they will also be remembered as a celebration of humanity, a coming together of the world after a period of immense tragedy.

Relief and finally a sense of closure as athletes around the world are no longer going to have to risk the health and safety of their families to pursue their Olympic dreams.

Relief and finally a sense of closure as athletes around the world are no longer going to have to risk the health and safety of their families to pursue their Olympic dreams. The postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to an unspecified date next year had been widely expected, in the end, both japan and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had to bow down to unprecedented rebellion from the sporting community. “We felt under pressure to train, we felt under pressure to compete because obviously the Olympics is a few months away and we need to obviously kind of train ourselves and not de-train and some athletes would go into those facilities and put other people at risk,” Adam peaty, 2016 Olympic champion, swimming, said. "It's a bummer, it's a bummer that I won't be able to compete in the Olympics this year, but you have to understand the situation, understand that some things are a little bigger than sport, and I guess we'll have it next year,” Pole Vault world record holder, Mondo Duplantis said. ALSO READ: Postponed Tokyo Olympics will need 'sacrifices and compromises' from all stakeholders: IOC president Thomas Bach The global sporting calendar has been virtually decimated by the coronavirus pandemic since the start of February. A decision to postpone the Olympic games is never easy, Tokyo will go down in history as the first games to have been postponed in peacetime… There are millions of hotel rooms and thousands of flights that have been booked by athletes, officials, sponsors and fans and the media... Japan has spent more than 12.5 billion dollars on the games till now and it is bound to rise exponentially now. There are thousands of critical games staff who have been employed in Tokyo and face an uncertain future. Pushing back the games was easy, what follows afterwards is a logistical nightmare The Olympic flame, which arrived in Japan a couple of days ago, will stay in Japan until the games will finally begin. And we also agreed that the name will be kept as 'Olympic Games Tokyo 2020', again to show our commitment and the highly symbolic meaning of these Olympic Games who then hopefully can and will be, in the end, a celebration of humankind having overcome this unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus," IOC president Thomas Cach had said. ALSO READ: COVID-19 hits Olympics: What could 2020 Tokyo Games postponement cost Japan? As the magnitude of the decision settles down, new questions are bound to emerge. Will the existing qualification criteria for the games remain in place? Qualification for the games began in 2018 in some sports and more than 58% of the field had already qualified. Is it fair for those athletes to hold on to those spots for 3 years? Is the IOC willing to risk the 2021 Games clashing with marquee sporting events such as the tennis grand slams, the golf majors and even major footballing events? Will the top professional sporting stars of golf, football and tennis turn up for the games? Can legends like Roger Federer, Alysson Felix, Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce, MC Mary Kom and others extend their careers by a year? "As someone who had experienced the boycott of the Moscow Olympics, even if it the unexpected happens don't crumble, don't give up, motivate yourself once more, stay young at heart. I hope they will take on the challenge next year," Yasuhiro Yamashita, Japan Olympics Committee president had urged the athletes. The Olympics are the stage where legends are forged and sporting immortality is achieved. When the Games are held next year, the world will have new Olympic champions. But they will also be remembered as a celebration of humanity, a coming together of the world after a period of immense tragedy.

Olympics postponed to 2021 but what next?

The International Olympic Committee came under pressure to speed up its decision about postponing the Tokyo Games on Tuesday as athletes criticised the four-week deadline and the United States joined calls to delay the competition.

After Canada and Australia withdrew their teams, with the world hunkering down for the coronavirus pandemic, the US Olympic committee said postponement was the best way forward.

A growing group of national Olympic committees and sports bodies including World Athletics have called for the Games, set to start on July 24, to be pushed back, an outcome that now appears inevitable.

IOC officials are studying a postponement, among other options, but still believe a decision would be "premature" four months from the scheduled start. They will make an announcement within four weeks.

"My interpretation of the IOC's communications is they don't want to cancel, and they don't think they can continue with the July 24 date," senior IOC official Dick Pound told AFP.&nbsp;

"So you're looking at the 'P' word -- postponement."

The US statement came after a survey of 1,780 US athletes found an overwhelming majority, 68 percent, backed postponement.

The virus lockdown has shut down competition, including Olympic qualifiers, and made training not just difficult but also dangerous, as athletes risk contracting or spreading COVID-19.

<h2>- 'Unacceptable, irresponsible' -</h2>

Several countries have imposed strict stay-at-home orders and international travel has been drastically curtailed as worldwide deaths surge past 16,500 and confirmed cases surpass 378,000.

"Our most important conclusion from this broad athlete response is that even if the current significant health concerns could be alleviated by late summer, the enormous disruptions to the training environment, doping controls and qualification process can't be overcome in a satisfactory manner," the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee said.

USA Gymnastics also said it was "adding our voice to the chorus advocating for postponement", after USA Swimming and USA Track and Field had already urged the US Olympic committee to press for a delay.

Meanwhile, British Olympic Association chairman Hugh Robertson told Sky Sports News: "If the virus continues as predicted by the government, I don't think there is any way we can send a team."&nbsp;

With opposition to the July start reaching deafening levels, athletes questioned why the IOC needed weeks to come to a decision. The Olympic torch relay is due to start in Japan on Thursday.

"Such a response is unacceptable, irresponsible, and once again ignores the rights of athletes," Global Athlete, an organisation which aims to speak for sports competitors, said in a statement.

British cyclist Callum Skinner strongly criticised IOC president Thomas Bach, accusing him of placing his own interests first.&nbsp;

"Bach's stubbornness and arrogance has spectacularly failed in this instance and he has weakened the Olympic movement," Skinner wrote on Twitter.

"This isn't the first time he has put his own motives above the athletes and the movement."

<h2>- 'Dither and delay' -</h2>

British hurdler Dai Greene said the "dither and delay" was "obscene" while Ed Warner, the chairman-designate of British wheelchair rugby, said the IOC had misjudged the mood.

"The IOC has said it will make a decision in four weeks," he told the Guardian. "It hasn't got that long. It probably has only got four days.&nbsp;

"The right thing for the IOC to do is to announce it will postpone the Games immediately -– and then use the next couple of weeks to decide when it will be. Athletes have led the way on this and the IOC have trailed far behind them. That has to change."

World Athletics said it was prepared to shift its world championships, scheduled for August 6-15 next year in Oregon, to accommodate a potential Olympics next summer, seen as the most likely option.

But experts warn shifting the Tokyo Games, which are seven years in the planning and have a price tag of $12.6 billion, is no simple matter.

"It is mind-bogglingly complex to make a sudden change after seven years of preparation for the biggest sporting event in the world," Michael Payne, the IOC's former head of marketing, told AFP.

The International Olympic Committee came under pressure to speed up its decision about postponing the Tokyo Games on Tuesday as athletes criticised the four-week deadline and the United States joined calls to delay the competition.

The International Olympic Committee came under pressure to speed up its decision about postponing the Tokyo Games on Tuesday as athletes criticised the four-week deadline and the United States joined calls to delay the competition. After Canada and Australia withdrew their teams, with the world hunkering down for the coronavirus pandemic, the US Olympic committee said postponement was the best way forward. A growing group of national Olympic committees and sports bodies including World Athletics have called for the Games, set to start on July 24, to be pushed back, an outcome that now appears inevitable. IOC officials are studying a postponement, among other options, but still believe a decision would be "premature" four months from the scheduled start. They will make an announcement within four weeks. "My interpretation of the IOC's communications is they don't want to cancel, and they don't think they can continue with the July 24 date," senior IOC official Dick Pound told AFP. "So you're looking at the 'P' word -- postponement." The US statement came after a survey of 1,780 US athletes found an overwhelming majority, 68 percent, backed postponement. The virus lockdown has shut down competition, including Olympic qualifiers, and made training not just difficult but also dangerous, as athletes risk contracting or spreading COVID-19. - 'Unacceptable, irresponsible' - Several countries have imposed strict stay-at-home orders and international travel has been drastically curtailed as worldwide deaths surge past 16,500 and confirmed cases surpass 378,000. "Our most important conclusion from this broad athlete response is that even if the current significant health concerns could be alleviated by late summer, the enormous disruptions to the training environment, doping controls and qualification process can't be overcome in a satisfactory manner," the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee said. USA Gymnastics also said it was "adding our voice to the chorus advocating for postponement", after USA Swimming and USA Track and Field had already urged the US Olympic committee to press for a delay. Meanwhile, British Olympic Association chairman Hugh Robertson told Sky Sports News: "If the virus continues as predicted by the government, I don't think there is any way we can send a team." With opposition to the July start reaching deafening levels, athletes questioned why the IOC needed weeks to come to a decision. The Olympic torch relay is due to start in Japan on Thursday. "Such a response is unacceptable, irresponsible, and once again ignores the rights of athletes," Global Athlete, an organisation which aims to speak for sports competitors, said in a statement. British cyclist Callum Skinner strongly criticised IOC president Thomas Bach, accusing him of placing his own interests first. "Bach's stubbornness and arrogance has spectacularly failed in this instance and he has weakened the Olympic movement," Skinner wrote on Twitter. "This isn't the first time he has put his own motives above the athletes and the movement." - 'Dither and delay' - British hurdler Dai Greene said the "dither and delay" was "obscene" while Ed Warner, the chairman-designate of British wheelchair rugby, said the IOC had misjudged the mood. "The IOC has said it will make a decision in four weeks," he told the Guardian. "It hasn't got that long. It probably has only got four days. "The right thing for the IOC to do is to announce it will postpone the Games immediately -– and then use the next couple of weeks to decide when it will be. Athletes have led the way on this and the IOC have trailed far behind them. That has to change." World Athletics said it was prepared to shift its world championships, scheduled for August 6-15 next year in Oregon, to accommodate a potential Olympics next summer, seen as the most likely option. But experts warn shifting the Tokyo Games, which are seven years in the planning and have a price tag of $12.6 billion, is no simple matter. "It is mind-bogglingly complex to make a sudden change after seven years of preparation for the biggest sporting event in the world," Michael Payne, the IOC's former head of marketing, told AFP.

IOC urged to make quick Olympic decision as US backs postponement

In what comes as a landmark piece of news, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been postponed to no later than the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Games were scheduled to start from July 24 but after discussions with International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the historic decision was taken to postpone the Tokyo Olympics to 2021.&nbsp;

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has welcomed the joint decision to postpone the Games by one year as the IOA announced that it would be holding meetings with athletes, NSFs, sponsors to revise the preparations for the quadrennial event. IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said that the decision to delay the Games will relieve Indian athletes of worries of having to train during the epidemic.&nbsp;

"IOA welcomes the decision of IOC and #Tokyo2020. Soon after the lockdown is over, IOA would be holding meetings with Athletes, NSFs, Sponsors, etc. to revise preparations. This decision today, relieves our athletes of worries of having to train now during the epidemic," IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-japan-agree-to-postpone-2020-tokyo-olympics-by-one-year-to-be-held-no-later-than-summer-of-2021-288259">IOC, Japan agree to postpone 2020 Tokyo Olympics by one year, to be held 'no later than summer of 2021'</a>

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"IOA welcomes the decision of IOC and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a>. Soon after the lock down is over, IOA would be holding meetings with Athletes, NSFs, Sponsors, etc. to revise preparations." <a href="https://t.co/ANr5chtlnF">https://t.co/ANr5chtlnF</a>
— NOC India (@WeAreTeamIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreTeamIndia/status/1242446665312694272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Furthermore, the Olympic torch relay, which was scheduled to start from March 26 has been suspended. "The Olympic torch relay, which was scheduled to start from 26th (March), will not start," Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori told reporters.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/have-the-summer-olympics-ever-been-cancelled-a-look-back-at-history-as-dark-clouds-hover-over-2020-tokyo-games-288231">Have the Summer Olympics ever been cancelled? A look back at history</a>

Earlier on Tuesday, a joint statement was issued after the meeting between Bach and Abe as the pair said that based on the current information by the World Health Organization, the Tokyo Games "must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community".

"The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present.

"Therefore, it was agreed that the Olympic flame will stay in Japan. It was also agreed that the Games will keep the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020," the statement concluded.

In what comes as a landmark piece of news, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been postponed to no later than the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Games were scheduled to start from July 24 but after discussions with International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the historic decision was taken to postpone the Tokyo Olympics to 2021.

In what comes as a landmark piece of news, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been postponed to no later than the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Games were scheduled to start from July 24 but after discussions with International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the historic decision was taken to postpone the Tokyo Olympics to 2021. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has welcomed the joint decision to postpone the Games by one year as the IOA announced that it would be holding meetings with athletes, NSFs, sponsors to revise the preparations for the quadrennial event. IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said that the decision to delay the Games will relieve Indian athletes of worries of having to train during the epidemic. "IOA welcomes the decision of IOC and #Tokyo2020. Soon after the lockdown is over, IOA would be holding meetings with Athletes, NSFs, Sponsors, etc. to revise preparations. This decision today, relieves our athletes of worries of having to train now during the epidemic," IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said in a statement. ALSO READ: IOC, Japan agree to postpone 2020 Tokyo Olympics by one year, to be held 'no later than summer of 2021' "IOA welcomes the decision of IOC and #Tokyo2020. Soon after the lock down is over, IOA would be holding meetings with Athletes, NSFs, Sponsors, etc. to revise preparations." https://t.co/ANr5chtlnF — NOC India (@WeAreTeamIndia) March 24, 2020 × Furthermore, the Olympic torch relay, which was scheduled to start from March 26 has been suspended. "The Olympic torch relay, which was scheduled to start from 26th (March), will not start," Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori told reporters. ALSO READ: Have the Summer Olympics ever been cancelled? A look back at history Earlier on Tuesday, a joint statement was issued after the meeting between Bach and Abe as the pair said that based on the current information by the World Health Organization, the Tokyo Games "must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community". "The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present. "Therefore, it was agreed that the Olympic flame will stay in Japan. It was also agreed that the Games will keep the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020," the statement concluded.

'This decision relieves our athletes of worries' - IOA welcomes decision to postpone Tokyo Olympics to 2021

The Olympic flame arrived in Japan to a scaled-down welcoming ceremony Friday as doubts grew over whether the Tokyo Games will go ahead on schedule with the coronavirus pandemic causing chaos around the world.

As the flame, enclosed in a special lantern, landed on a charter flight, a Japanese Olympic Committee member broke ranks to call for a postponement and Olympics chief Thomas Bach admitted "different scenarios" were under consideration.

"Of course we are considering different scenarios, but we are contrary to many other sports organisations or professional leagues in that we are four-and-a-half months away from the Games," Bach, the International Olympic Committee president, told the New York Times.

"For us, (postponement) would not be responsible now and it would be premature to start speculation or make a decision at a time when we do not have any recommendation from the task force," he added.

Reflecting the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, the flame's arrival at Matsushima Air Base in Japan's north was a muted affair after organisers were forced to cancel plans to invite 200 schoolchildren.

Former Olympic judo champions Saori Yoshida and Tadahiro Nomura lit a ceremonial cauldron in front of a few dozen officials and guests.

"Children had planned to welcome the Olympic flame, but we decided to scale it down, giving priority to their safety," said Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori.

The nationwide torch relay begins on March 26, starting from the J-Village sports complex in Fukushima that was used as a base for workers during the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster.

But organisers have been forced to scale back the relay, closing daily ceremonies to the public and urging spectators to "avoid forming crowds" along the route.

<h2>- Olympics 'should be postponed' -</h2>

Speculation has been growing over the Games, scheduled to start on July 24, after the COVID-19 outbreak closed sports competitions around the world and paralysed many countries, along with international travel.

The virus has already disrupted the early stages of the torch's journey in Greece, with the lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia taking place without spectators.

Organisers then had to scrap the Greek leg of the relay after large crowds mobbed Hollywood actor Gerard Butler as he lit a cauldron in the city of Sparta.

With borders shut in Europe -- which has become the epicentre of the crisis -- Tokyo officials did not travel to collect the torch, with former Olympic swimmer Naoko Imoto representing Japan at the official handover.

As the flame landed, there are increasing clouds over the Games, with some athletes attacking the IOC for insisting there's no need for "drastic" action such as postponement or cancellation.

Japanese Olympic Committee executive board member Kaori Yamaguchi, a former Olympic judoka, was the latest prominent figure to call for a postponement, citing the difficulties faced by athletes.

"It should be postponed under the current situation where athletes are not well prepared," Yamaguchi told the Nikkei daily.

"By asking them to train under these conditions, the IOC is opening itself up the criticism that it is not putting athletes first," she added.

Bach, under fire after the IOC advised athletes to continue training "as best they can", insisted health considerations were "first and foremost" -- and that the decision won't be driven by financial interest.

"What makes this crisis so unique and so difficult to overcome is the uncertainty. Nobody today can tell you what the developments are tomorrow, what they are in one month, not to mention in more than four months," he said.

"Therefore it would not be responsible in any way to set a date or take a decision right now, which would be based on the speculation about the future developments."

Bach said the IOC will act on advice from its own task force and the World Health Organization, but was optimistic about holding the Games on time. He added that there was no question of a cancellation.

The Olympic flame arrived in Japan to a scaled-down welcoming ceremony Friday as doubts grew over whether the Tokyo Games will go ahead on schedule with the coronavirus pandemic causing chaos around the world.

The Olympic flame arrived in Japan to a scaled-down welcoming ceremony Friday as doubts grew over whether the Tokyo Games will go ahead on schedule with the coronavirus pandemic causing chaos around the world. As the flame, enclosed in a special lantern, landed on a charter flight, a Japanese Olympic Committee member broke ranks to call for a postponement and Olympics chief Thomas Bach admitted "different scenarios" were under consideration. "Of course we are considering different scenarios, but we are contrary to many other sports organisations or professional leagues in that we are four-and-a-half months away from the Games," Bach, the International Olympic Committee president, told the New York Times. "For us, (postponement) would not be responsible now and it would be premature to start speculation or make a decision at a time when we do not have any recommendation from the task force," he added. Reflecting the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, the flame's arrival at Matsushima Air Base in Japan's north was a muted affair after organisers were forced to cancel plans to invite 200 schoolchildren. Former Olympic judo champions Saori Yoshida and Tadahiro Nomura lit a ceremonial cauldron in front of a few dozen officials and guests. "Children had planned to welcome the Olympic flame, but we decided to scale it down, giving priority to their safety," said Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori. The nationwide torch relay begins on March 26, starting from the J-Village sports complex in Fukushima that was used as a base for workers during the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. But organisers have been forced to scale back the relay, closing daily ceremonies to the public and urging spectators to "avoid forming crowds" along the route. - Olympics 'should be postponed' - Speculation has been growing over the Games, scheduled to start on July 24, after the COVID-19 outbreak closed sports competitions around the world and paralysed many countries, along with international travel. The virus has already disrupted the early stages of the torch's journey in Greece, with the lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia taking place without spectators. Organisers then had to scrap the Greek leg of the relay after large crowds mobbed Hollywood actor Gerard Butler as he lit a cauldron in the city of Sparta. With borders shut in Europe -- which has become the epicentre of the crisis -- Tokyo officials did not travel to collect the torch, with former Olympic swimmer Naoko Imoto representing Japan at the official handover. As the flame landed, there are increasing clouds over the Games, with some athletes attacking the IOC for insisting there's no need for "drastic" action such as postponement or cancellation. Japanese Olympic Committee executive board member Kaori Yamaguchi, a former Olympic judoka, was the latest prominent figure to call for a postponement, citing the difficulties faced by athletes. "It should be postponed under the current situation where athletes are not well prepared," Yamaguchi told the Nikkei daily. "By asking them to train under these conditions, the IOC is opening itself up the criticism that it is not putting athletes first," she added. Bach, under fire after the IOC advised athletes to continue training "as best they can", insisted health considerations were "first and foremost" -- and that the decision won't be driven by financial interest. "What makes this crisis so unique and so difficult to overcome is the uncertainty. Nobody today can tell you what the developments are tomorrow, what they are in one month, not to mention in more than four months," he said. "Therefore it would not be responsible in any way to set a date or take a decision right now, which would be based on the speculation about the future developments." Bach said the IOC will act on advice from its own task force and the World Health Organization, but was optimistic about holding the Games on time. He added that there was no question of a cancellation.

Olympic flame gets muted welcome in Japan as Games doubts grow

The Olympics going ahead in Tokyo this year is "highly unlikely", the boss of Asian golf told AFP, and proceeding as planned could cost players the chance to qualify.

The International Olympic Committee said this week it was "fully committed" to holding the Games from July 24 despite the coronavirus pandemic, but acknowledged there was no "ideal" solution as pressure mounted for a postponement.

Asian Tour Commissioner and CEO Cho Minn Thant confirmed that all tournaments across the continent had been suspended until at least the end of May, in line with the US PGA and European Tours.

"I think everyone right now is more in a state of shock, just trying to figure out what they do with themselves," said Cho, speaking by telephone from Asian Tour headquarters in Singapore.&nbsp;

With the prospect of scarcely any competitive golf before the Olympic rankings qualifying cut-off on June 22, Cho said it would be harsh on players from unheralded golf nations.

"Our plan initially was to have about 16 or 17 tournaments before the Olympic cut-off," Cho said. "Today, we probably have only about four or five Asian Tour players eligible for the Olympics."

<h2>- Olympics 'highly unlikely' -</h2>

On current rankings, only Thailand's Jazz Janewattananond and Gunn Charoenkul, the Indian pair of Rashid Khan and Udayan Mane plus Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines would represent the Asian Tour in the 60-strong Tokyo field.

"Given the amount of golf that was left to be played, we were hopeful that more players from nations like Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines would have the opportunity to get into the Olympics over the next two or three months," said Cho.&nbsp;

"Obviously, that's not going to happen.&nbsp;

"I can understand why they would want to push forward with the Olympics -- there'd be huge revenue ramifications on the economy of Japan --&nbsp;but it seems highly unlikely now in my opinion."

Cho said that he hadn't yet heard of any players suffering financial hardship but acknowledged that a long layoff could have an impact.

Players such as the world number 39 Jazz, last year's Asian Tour order of merit winner, will remain in the US where he had been due to play a full schedule before a debut at the now-postponed US Masters next month.

"I keep in contact with quite a few players and a lot of them are comfortable," Cho said.&nbsp;

"I feel for the guys who just came through qualifying school and they've probably played one or two events in their life.

"It's very different to having a bad season where you're missing cuts, but you still have got the opportunity to compete.&nbsp;

"Right now you're deprived of the opportunity to compete. That's a whole different ballgame."&nbsp;

<h2>- Calendar shift -</h2>

The Asian Tour can play all-year round, which means the crisis could lead to a permanent shift in the Asian golfing calendar to a wraparound season played from September to April.

"A tour like Europe's going to have a lot harder time rescheduling events. Theirs is a very short golf season," Cho said.&nbsp;

"I'm hoping that we can continue golf this year, whether it be July, September, October or November. It will definitely help mitigate the potential downside.

"If we could start between July and October, it means we will probably go through to April. We've been planning a wraparound season for the longest time but never really formalised it.

"We're talking to sponsors and promoters. They're definitely ready to go. They're prepared to stage events whenever the world is ready to get back to normal."

The Olympics going ahead in Tokyo this year is "highly unlikely", the boss of Asian golf told AFP, and proceeding as planned could cost players the chance to qualify.

The Olympics going ahead in Tokyo this year is "highly unlikely", the boss of Asian golf told AFP, and proceeding as planned could cost players the chance to qualify. The International Olympic Committee said this week it was "fully committed" to holding the Games from July 24 despite the coronavirus pandemic, but acknowledged there was no "ideal" solution as pressure mounted for a postponement. Asian Tour Commissioner and CEO Cho Minn Thant confirmed that all tournaments across the continent had been suspended until at least the end of May, in line with the US PGA and European Tours. "I think everyone right now is more in a state of shock, just trying to figure out what they do with themselves," said Cho, speaking by telephone from Asian Tour headquarters in Singapore. With the prospect of scarcely any competitive golf before the Olympic rankings qualifying cut-off on June 22, Cho said it would be harsh on players from unheralded golf nations. "Our plan initially was to have about 16 or 17 tournaments before the Olympic cut-off," Cho said. "Today, we probably have only about four or five Asian Tour players eligible for the Olympics." - Olympics 'highly unlikely' - On current rankings, only Thailand's Jazz Janewattananond and Gunn Charoenkul, the Indian pair of Rashid Khan and Udayan Mane plus Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines would represent the Asian Tour in the 60-strong Tokyo field. "Given the amount of golf that was left to be played, we were hopeful that more players from nations like Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines would have the opportunity to get into the Olympics over the next two or three months," said Cho. "Obviously, that's not going to happen. "I can understand why they would want to push forward with the Olympics -- there'd be huge revenue ramifications on the economy of Japan -- but it seems highly unlikely now in my opinion." Cho said that he hadn't yet heard of any players suffering financial hardship but acknowledged that a long layoff could have an impact. Players such as the world number 39 Jazz, last year's Asian Tour order of merit winner, will remain in the US where he had been due to play a full schedule before a debut at the now-postponed US Masters next month. "I keep in contact with quite a few players and a lot of them are comfortable," Cho said. "I feel for the guys who just came through qualifying school and they've probably played one or two events in their life. "It's very different to having a bad season where you're missing cuts, but you still have got the opportunity to compete. "Right now you're deprived of the opportunity to compete. That's a whole different ballgame." - Calendar shift - The Asian Tour can play all-year round, which means the crisis could lead to a permanent shift in the Asian golfing calendar to a wraparound season played from September to April. "A tour like Europe's going to have a lot harder time rescheduling events. Theirs is a very short golf season," Cho said. "I'm hoping that we can continue golf this year, whether it be July, September, October or November. It will definitely help mitigate the potential downside. "If we could start between July and October, it means we will probably go through to April. We've been planning a wraparound season for the longest time but never really formalised it. "We're talking to sponsors and promoters. They're definitely ready to go. They're prepared to stage events whenever the world is ready to get back to normal."

Asian golfers could lose out if Olympics go ahead: Tour chief

Japan Olympic Committee deputy chief Kozo Tashima said Tuesday he had contracted coronavirus, as doubts increase over whether Tokyo can safely host the Summer Games.

"Today, my test result showed positive for the new coronavirus," Tashima said in a statement, issued via the Japan Football Association, which he also heads.

"I have a mild fever. Examinations showed a symptom of pneumonia, but I'm fine. I will concentrate on treatment following doctors' advice," he said.

Japanese officials insist that the summer Games -- due to start in July -- will take place as scheduled despite rising speculation that it might be postponed or even cancelled due to the virus.

Tashima said he had been on a business trip since February 28, first heading to Belfast to attend the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

From March 2, he visited Amsterdam for a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) meeting to give a presentation on Japan's bid for the 2023 women's World Cup.

And On March 3, he attended a general meeting of the same body.

"In Amsterdam and in Europe in early March, the level of nervousness against the novel coronavirus was not the same as now," he said in the statement.

"Everyone was still doing hugs, handshakes and bises (cheek kissing)."&nbsp;

He then travelled to the United States to watch the Japanese women's team in action and to lobby for the women's World Cup, before returning home on March 8.

"In the United States, too, the sense of crisis about the novel coronavirus was not as serious as now," he said.

Staff at the Japan FA have been working from home as a precaution against the virus, but Tashima said he went to the association building several times last week and attended meetings.

He began feeling chills and experienced a mild fever from Sunday. He went to a local public health centre on Monday and told them about his travel history.

During the UEFA gatherings, Tashima said he saw Swiss and Serbian football chiefs, who have tested positive for the virus, although he added it was not clear how he contracted the infection.

His positive test came out on Tuesday.

"I have chosen to face the illness as so many people are doing in Japan and around the world," he said, adding that he hoped his decision would help eradicate the stigma attached to the infection.

His announcement came as the Tokyo 2020 organising committee said it would scale down festivities related to the Olympic torch relay to prevent further spread of the virus.

The flame, which has already been lit in Greece, will arrive in northern Japan on Friday, with the torch relay slated to start on March 26 from Fukushima.

Japan Olympic Committee deputy chief Kozo Tashima said Tuesday he had contracted coronavirus, as doubts increase over whether Tokyo can safely host the Summer Games.

Japan Olympic Committee deputy chief Kozo Tashima said Tuesday he had contracted coronavirus, as doubts increase over whether Tokyo can safely host the Summer Games. "Today, my test result showed positive for the new coronavirus," Tashima said in a statement, issued via the Japan Football Association, which he also heads. "I have a mild fever. Examinations showed a symptom of pneumonia, but I'm fine. I will concentrate on treatment following doctors' advice," he said. Japanese officials insist that the summer Games -- due to start in July -- will take place as scheduled despite rising speculation that it might be postponed or even cancelled due to the virus. Tashima said he had been on a business trip since February 28, first heading to Belfast to attend the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB). From March 2, he visited Amsterdam for a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) meeting to give a presentation on Japan's bid for the 2023 women's World Cup. And On March 3, he attended a general meeting of the same body. "In Amsterdam and in Europe in early March, the level of nervousness against the novel coronavirus was not the same as now," he said in the statement. "Everyone was still doing hugs, handshakes and bises (cheek kissing)." He then travelled to the United States to watch the Japanese women's team in action and to lobby for the women's World Cup, before returning home on March 8. "In the United States, too, the sense of crisis about the novel coronavirus was not as serious as now," he said. Staff at the Japan FA have been working from home as a precaution against the virus, but Tashima said he went to the association building several times last week and attended meetings. He began feeling chills and experienced a mild fever from Sunday. He went to a local public health centre on Monday and told them about his travel history. During the UEFA gatherings, Tashima said he saw Swiss and Serbian football chiefs, who have tested positive for the virus, although he added it was not clear how he contracted the infection. His positive test came out on Tuesday. "I have chosen to face the illness as so many people are doing in Japan and around the world," he said, adding that he hoped his decision would help eradicate the stigma attached to the infection. His announcement came as the Tokyo 2020 organising committee said it would scale down festivities related to the Olympic torch relay to prevent further spread of the virus. The flame, which has already been lit in Greece, will arrive in northern Japan on Friday, with the torch relay slated to start on March 26 from Fukushima.

'My test result showed positive for coronavirus': Japan Olympic Committee deputy head Kozo Tashima

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