<p>Olympics chief Thomas Bach said 2021 was the "last option" for holding the delayed Tokyo Games on Thursday, stressing that postponement cannot go on forever.</p>

<p>Bach told the BBC that he agreed with Japan's stance that the Games will have to be cancelled if the coronavirus pandemic isn't under control by next year.</p>

<p>In March, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were postponed to July 23, 2021 as the coronavirus spread across the globe, killing hundreds of thousands of people and making international sport impossible.</p>

<p>"Quite frankly, I have some understanding for (Japan's position) because you cannot forever employ 3,000, or 5,000, people in an organising committee," the International Olympic Committee president said.</p>

<p>"You cannot every year change the entire sports schedule worldwide for all the major federations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You cannot have the athletes being in uncertainty, you cannot have so much overlapping with a future Olympic Games."</p>

<p>The Olympics have never been cancelled outside of the world wars, but Japanese officials have been clear that they have no intention of postponing the Games again beyond next year.</p>


Olympics chief Thomas Bach said 2021 was the "last option" for holding the delayed Tokyo Games on Thursday, stressing that postponement cannot go on forever. Bach told the BBC that he agreed with Japan's stance that the Games will have to be cancelled if the coronavirus pandemic isn't under control by next year.

Olympics chief Thomas Bach said 2021 was the "last option" for holding the delayed Tokyo Games on Thursday, stressing that postponement cannot go on forever. Bach told the BBC that he agreed with Japan's stance that the Games will have to be cancelled if the coronavirus pandemic isn't under control by next year. In March, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were postponed to July 23, 2021 as the coronavirus spread across the globe, killing hundreds of thousands of people and making international sport impossible. "Quite frankly, I have some understanding for (Japan's position) because you cannot forever employ 3,000, or 5,000, people in an organising committee," the International Olympic Committee president said. "You cannot every year change the entire sports schedule worldwide for all the major federations. "You cannot have the athletes being in uncertainty, you cannot have so much overlapping with a future Olympic Games." The Olympics have never been cancelled outside of the world wars, but Japanese officials have been clear that they have no intention of postponing the Games again beyond next year.

2021 'last option' for Tokyo Games, says Olympics chief

<p>Japan's top fencer Ryo Miyake has been delivering Uber Eats to keep up with his finances for his fitness and training after the Tokyo Olympics got postponed due to coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The Olympics were postponed after the International Olympic Committee and the Japanese government decided to delay the games for a year due to coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Miyake won a silver medal for the men's team in London 2012 and he had tonnes of sponsors backing him for Tokyo games. But due to postponement, he could not accept sponsor money in good conscience.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"It is still unclear how and in what situation I will become an Olympian," said Miyake&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I thought it was a little impudent to receive support in such a situation, so I told them (sponsors) to hold (sponsorship) for the time being."</p>

<p>All gyms in Japan have been shut due to the pandemic, so by cycling his way during his deliveries, he not only wants to make money but also maintains his fitness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Miyake earns about $18.60 per day which is enough for him to survive and save without sponsorship money. He also is looking for other jobs to increase the amount.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said: "Now I am digging into my savings for a living, so I have to earn money by myself."</p>

<p>"I also thought by doing Uber Eats delivery, it can prevent my physical strength from weakening."</p>

<p>The demand for Uber Eats has significantly increased due to the lockdown but Miyake is not worried about getting infected. He said: "The risk of getting infected with the coronavirus is low," said Miyake.</p>

<p>"Although you might think you have a lot of contact with people because you deliver goods, as recommended by the application I put the food in front of people's doors and there is no contact."</p>

<p>"The only time I have contact is when I pick up food from the restaurant’s staff."</p>

<p>Miyake was still in the process for qualifying for Olympics when the games were put on halt, it is uncertain for him. He has no clue when will he pick up the rapier and start fencing again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Fencing is a sport that doesn't fit with the current situation because we can't practise without having people gathered together," he said.</p>

<p>"This is regrettable."</p>

<p>"I want to restart with a situation where everyone can train freely and without any concern."</p>


Japan's top fencer Ryo Miyake has been delivering Uber Eats to keep up with his finances for his fitness and training after the Tokyo Olympics got postponed due to coronavirus pandemic.

Japan's top fencer Ryo Miyake has been delivering Uber Eats to keep up with his finances for his fitness and training after the Tokyo Olympics got postponed due to coronavirus pandemic. Also read: The Bundesliga is back, so can Dortmund catch Bayern? The Olympics were postponed after the International Olympic Committee and the Japanese government decided to delay the games for a year due to coronavirus outbreak. Miyake won a silver medal for the men's team in London 2012 and he had tonnes of sponsors backing him for Tokyo games. But due to postponement, he could not accept sponsor money in good conscience. Also read: Serena eager to return after lockdown break "It is still unclear how and in what situation I will become an Olympian," said Miyake "I thought it was a little impudent to receive support in such a situation, so I told them (sponsors) to hold (sponsorship) for the time being." All gyms in Japan have been shut due to the pandemic, so by cycling his way during his deliveries, he not only wants to make money but also maintains his fitness. Miyake earns about $18.60 per day which is enough for him to survive and save without sponsorship money. He also is looking for other jobs to increase the amount. He said: "Now I am digging into my savings for a living, so I have to earn money by myself." "I also thought by doing Uber Eats delivery, it can prevent my physical strength from weakening." The demand for Uber Eats has significantly increased due to the lockdown but Miyake is not worried about getting infected. He said: "The risk of getting infected with the coronavirus is low," said Miyake. "Although you might think you have a lot of contact with people because you deliver goods, as recommended by the application I put the food in front of people's doors and there is no contact." "The only time I have contact is when I pick up food from the restaurant’s staff." Miyake was still in the process for qualifying for Olympics when the games were put on halt, it is uncertain for him. He has no clue when will he pick up the rapier and start fencing again. "Fencing is a sport that doesn't fit with the current situation because we can't practise without having people gathered together," he said. "This is regrettable." "I want to restart with a situation where everyone can train freely and without any concern."

Japan's silver-medalist fencer peddles his way to bear expenses due to delay in Olympics

Brazil's shot put champion Darlan Romani is not letting lockdown get in the way of preparations for the Tokyo Olympics, using an unused plot of land in a residential area of Sao Paulo state to keep up his winning form.

Nothing weighs down Brazil shot putter as he improvises Olympic training in lockdown

<p>Plans for the 2024 Summer&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;in Paris are "obsolete and outdated" in light of the coronavirus pandemic, IOC member and former French sports minister Guy Drut said Sunday.</p>

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<p>Former Olympic champion Drut, who won gold in the 110m hurdles in 1976 and took silver four years before, added in a column for franceinfo that the Olympic Games needed to be "reinvented" to put them more in touch with reality.</p>

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<p>"The crisis we're going through has a lasting impact on our daily lives, our way of life, our economy, our social pact, our choice of society," wrote Drut.</p>

<p>"It cannot and must not remain without effect on the imperative necessity which is to reinvent ourselves.</p>

<p>"The Olympic and Paralympic Games are no exception to this new context. They too must reinvent themselves."</p>

<p>The International Olympic Committee, jointly with local organisers, has been forced into delaying the 2020 Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;by one year to 2021 because of the COVID-19 outbreak.</p>

<p>But Drut, an IOC member since 1996, argued that postponement of dates was just the tip of the iceberg.</p>

<p>"Can the response to this crisis be translated by simply postponing dates, without the Games model -- both economic and organisational -- also being deeply rethought?" asked the 69-year-old, who served as sports minister in France between 1995-7 under Jacques Chirac.</p>

<p>"The beautiful project that we built and carried in the bid phase for Paris 2024 is now obsolete, outdated, out of touch with reality.</p>

<p>"If the project is to remain unchanged, we must review its means and refocus on the essential. The first necessity is to make a budgetary reassessment of what Paris 2024&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;will cost.</p>

<p>"The Games of yesterday will not be the Games of tomorrow. We have to accept that and together imagine a new model.</p>

<p>"We have to rethink them to adapt them, to keep them relevant to the changing world. They will not be able to take place at any cost, disconnected from reality, on the 'margins' of the world."</p>

<p>In that context, Drut suggested hosting certain events on a single site "whatever the organising country", citing as an example Tahiti or Hawaii for surfing.</p>

<p>He also proposed limiting the number of additional sports.</p>

<p>"It is very expensive to build new equipment for an event that lasts only three, four days," Drut argued.</p>


Plans for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are "obsolete and outdated" in light of the coronavirus pandemic, IOC member and former French sports minister Guy Drut said Sunday.

Plans for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are "obsolete and outdated" in light of the coronavirus pandemic, IOC member and former French sports minister Guy Drut said Sunday. Also read: WADA wants answers after banned Sun's 'Olympic training call-up' Former Olympic champion Drut, who won gold in the 110m hurdles in 1976 and took silver four years before, added in a column for franceinfo that the Olympic Games needed to be "reinvented" to put them more in touch with reality. Also read: China signals World Cup ambitions with new football stadiums "The crisis we're going through has a lasting impact on our daily lives, our way of life, our economy, our social pact, our choice of society," wrote Drut. "It cannot and must not remain without effect on the imperative necessity which is to reinvent ourselves. "The Olympic and Paralympic Games are no exception to this new context. They too must reinvent themselves." The International Olympic Committee, jointly with local organisers, has been forced into delaying the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by one year to 2021 because of the COVID-19 outbreak. But Drut, an IOC member since 1996, argued that postponement of dates was just the tip of the iceberg. "Can the response to this crisis be translated by simply postponing dates, without the Games model -- both economic and organisational -- also being deeply rethought?" asked the 69-year-old, who served as sports minister in France between 1995-7 under Jacques Chirac. "The beautiful project that we built and carried in the bid phase for Paris 2024 is now obsolete, outdated, out of touch with reality. "If the project is to remain unchanged, we must review its means and refocus on the essential. The first necessity is to make a budgetary reassessment of what Paris 2024 Olympics will cost. "The Games of yesterday will not be the Games of tomorrow. We have to accept that and together imagine a new model. "We have to rethink them to adapt them, to keep them relevant to the changing world. They will not be able to take place at any cost, disconnected from reality, on the 'margins' of the world." In that context, Drut suggested hosting certain events on a single site "whatever the organising country", citing as an example Tahiti or Hawaii for surfing. He also proposed limiting the number of additional sports. "It is very expensive to build new equipment for an event that lasts only three, four days," Drut argued.

Paris 2024 Olympics plans 'obsolete' - IOC member Drut

<p>Kenta Iwata, a Japanese professor in Kobe University&nbsp;has said that chances of Olympics being held next year are "less likely". Iwata is a professor in infectious diseases.</p>

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<p>Iwata said: "To be honest with you, I don’t think the Olympics is likely to be held next year," He also laid two conditions for the summer games to be held: "Holding the Olympics needs two conditions; one, controlling COVID-19 in Japan and controlling COVID-19 everywhere."</p>

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<p>"I am very pessimistic about holding the Olympic Games next summer unless you hold the Olympic Games in a different structure such as no audience, or very limited participation," Iwata added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japan has over 10,797 cases of the novel coronavirus and more than 200 victims have succumbed to do the disease and cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus have reached &nbsp;2,404,071 worldwide on Monday as a new study of containment measures in China suggests that countries preparing to ease their lockdowns will have to continuously monitor potential new cases to prevent a second deadly outbreak.</p>

<p>Iwata said: "You have to invite so many athletes from many, many places, which is not very compatible with this COVID-19 infection. Japan might be able to control this disease by next summer. And I wish we could. But I don’t think that will happen everywhere on earth."</p>

<p>According to reports, Japan has invested $12.6 billion to host the Olympics and Toshiro Muto, the CEO of the Tokyo Olympics organising committee has no "Plan B" other than holding the games on July 23, 2021.&nbsp;</p>


Kenta Iwata, a Japanese professor in Kobe University has said that chances of Olympics being held next year are "less likely". Iwata is a professor in infectious diseases.

Kenta Iwata, a Japanese professor in Kobe University has said that chances of Olympics being held next year are "less likely". Iwata is a professor in infectious diseases. Also read: Over 81,000 people across the world test positive for COVID-19 in 24 hours Iwata said: "To be honest with you, I don’t think the Olympics is likely to be held next year," He also laid two conditions for the summer games to be held: "Holding the Olympics needs two conditions; one, controlling COVID-19 in Japan and controlling COVID-19 everywhere." Also read: 'What if player catches virus?' - Insurance issues likely to be stumbling block before resumption of Premier League "I am very pessimistic about holding the Olympic Games next summer unless you hold the Olympic Games in a different structure such as no audience, or very limited participation," Iwata added. Japan has over 10,797 cases of the novel coronavirus and more than 200 victims have succumbed to do the disease and cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus have reached 2,404,071 worldwide on Monday as a new study of containment measures in China suggests that countries preparing to ease their lockdowns will have to continuously monitor potential new cases to prevent a second deadly outbreak. Iwata said: "You have to invite so many athletes from many, many places, which is not very compatible with this COVID-19 infection. Japan might be able to control this disease by next summer. And I wish we could. But I don’t think that will happen everywhere on earth." According to reports, Japan has invested $12.6 billion to host the Olympics and Toshiro Muto, the CEO of the Tokyo Olympics organising committee has no "Plan B" other than holding the games on July 23, 2021.

Kobe University professor 'very pessimistic' about Olympics being held in 2021

<p>The International Olympic Committee has set June 29, 2021 as the new deadline for the qualification period of the Tokyo Olympics, which has been rescheduled to next year in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>In a communication to all National Olympic Committee (NOC) Presidents, Secretary Generals and Chef de Missions, IOC Director of Solidarity and NOC relations, James McLoed has intimated the revised qualification principles of Tokyo Olympics 2020.</p>

<p>According to the letter dated April 2, the revised sport entries deadline has now been set for July 5, 2021.</p>

<p>"The new qualification period deadline is 29 June, 2021 and the IFs (international federations) can define their own qualification period deadlines should the deadline be prior to this date," Mcloed wrote.</p>

<p>He further said that the revision of the qualifications systems will be finalised as quickly as possible to give certainty to athletes and NOCs.</p>

<p>"We understand that at this time these are unlikely to include the full details now on the dates and locations of the specified events, recognising that these will follow later as the impacts of COVID-19 and its related restrictions become clearer," Mcloed said.</p>

<p>"We aim to finalise the adapted qualifications systems by mid-April, with the details on specific events to follow when available."</p>

<p>Mcloed said that the IFs retain full discretion to define the new ranking deadline and pathway in the scenario where quota allocation was originally based on ranking.</p>

<p>"The IOC recognises the sensitivity of such decisions. A sport-specific balance needs to be found between protecting those athletes who were close to qualifying based on the previous 2020 deadlines whilst also ensuring the participation of best athletes at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 by allowing the top performers of 2021 season to qualify," he said.</p>

<p>The IOC made it clear that the NOCs reserve the right to select athletes in all cases.</p>

<p>"In all cases, the qualification quota places are gained by the NOC and in some cases they are gained directly by a specific athlete. In all cases as per the Olympic Charter, the respective NOC retains the right to elect athletes to represent their NOC at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020," Mcloed said.</p>

<p>The COVID-19 outbreak has created a major health scare around the globe and had severely affected all activities around the world, including sports which witnessed the postponement of 2020 Tokyo Olympics to next year.</p>

<p>As per the revised schedule announced by the International Olympic Committee, the Summer Games will now be held from July 23 to August 8, exactly a year after the global sporting event was originally scheduled.</p>


The International Olympic Committee has set June 29, 2021 as the new deadline for the qualification period of the Tokyo Olympics, which has been rescheduled to next year in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

The International Olympic Committee has set June 29, 2021 as the new deadline for the qualification period of the Tokyo Olympics, which has been rescheduled to next year in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. In a communication to all National Olympic Committee (NOC) Presidents, Secretary Generals and Chef de Missions, IOC Director of Solidarity and NOC relations, James McLoed has intimated the revised qualification principles of Tokyo Olympics 2020. According to the letter dated April 2, the revised sport entries deadline has now been set for July 5, 2021. "The new qualification period deadline is 29 June, 2021 and the IFs (international federations) can define their own qualification period deadlines should the deadline be prior to this date," Mcloed wrote. He further said that the revision of the qualifications systems will be finalised as quickly as possible to give certainty to athletes and NOCs. "We understand that at this time these are unlikely to include the full details now on the dates and locations of the specified events, recognising that these will follow later as the impacts of COVID-19 and its related restrictions become clearer," Mcloed said. "We aim to finalise the adapted qualifications systems by mid-April, with the details on specific events to follow when available." Mcloed said that the IFs retain full discretion to define the new ranking deadline and pathway in the scenario where quota allocation was originally based on ranking. "The IOC recognises the sensitivity of such decisions. A sport-specific balance needs to be found between protecting those athletes who were close to qualifying based on the previous 2020 deadlines whilst also ensuring the participation of best athletes at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 by allowing the top performers of 2021 season to qualify," he said. The IOC made it clear that the NOCs reserve the right to select athletes in all cases. "In all cases, the qualification quota places are gained by the NOC and in some cases they are gained directly by a specific athlete. In all cases as per the Olympic Charter, the respective NOC retains the right to elect athletes to represent their NOC at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020," Mcloed said. The COVID-19 outbreak has created a major health scare around the globe and had severely affected all activities around the world, including sports which witnessed the postponement of 2020 Tokyo Olympics to next year. As per the revised schedule announced by the International Olympic Committee, the Summer Games will now be held from July 23 to August 8, exactly a year after the global sporting event was originally scheduled.

IOC sets June 29, 2021 as new deadline for qualification period of Tokyo Olympics

India’s only individual Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra believes athletes the world over will have to adapt to changing circumstances to stay in shape for the 2021 Olympics...the international Olympic committee or IOC has pushed the start of the Tokyo games by exactly a year to July 23, 2021 which ends the prevailing uncertainty in the minds of Olympic hopefuls...Bindra was speaking exclusively to WION sports editor Digvijay Singh deo on our special show, WION sports broadband edition.

OLYMPIC CHAMP BINDRA CALLS ON ATHLETES WORLDWIDE TO ADAPT TO CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES

Last week the International Olympic Committee, IOC, bowed to pressure from athletes and sports bodies and postponed the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to 2021, the first time the games have been pushed back since the Second World War. That decision though has not ended the period of uncertainty for sportspersons who had qualified for the games and were gearing up for a crack at Olympic glory. WION sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo spoke to ace Indian shooter Apurvi Chandela on the ramifications of that decision and her road ahead.

Shooter Apurvi Chandela speaks to WION on the decision to postpone the 2020 Olympic Games

Uncertainty looms over the global sporting calendar. How will multiple sporting events be accommodated in 2021? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Coronavirus: No clarity yet on 2021 Olympics

<p>In 2016, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe broke with his staid public image to pop up in Rio dressed as Super Mario for the official handover of the Olympic Games to Tokyo.</p>

<p>The stunt reflected his commitment to an event that was supposed to be the crowning glory of his tenure. But analysts say the historic delay of the Games over the coronavirus may not be all bad news for Abe.</p>

<p>If the country's longest-serving premier can see off the twin threats of a larger-scale outbreak of the virus in Japan and a major economic crisis caused by the pandemic, he could even end up extending his tenure, due to expire in September 2021, experts say.</p>

<p>Abe has bet heavily on Japan hosting the Games, casting them as a chance to showcase recovery after the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster, and delaying them would once have been seen as an "unthinkable political defeat", said Tobias Harris, senior vice president at consultancy Teneo.</p>

<p>But the rapidly expanding coronavirus epidemic has changed the political calculus, making holding the Games a&nbsp;greater risk than putting it off for now, he said.</p>

<p>The delay "removes a significant source of uncertainty for the administration and could give a bump to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's approval ratings, since large majorities support delaying the games," Harris said.</p>

<p>Japan has so far been something of an outlier in the pandemic, recording around 1,300 cases and 45 deaths, far fewer than in many countries around the world.</p>

<p>If the outbreak can be contained, Abe may find himself with enough support to continue his tenure past September 2021, said Tetsuro Kato, professor emeritus of Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo.</p>

<p>"It's possible that members of his Liberal Democratic Party argue for a further extension of his term," Kato said.</p>

<h2>- Economic pressure -</h2>

<p>Abe's government enjoys stable public support, hovering around 50 percent in approval rating polls, and the prime minister has benefitted from a dearth of viable alternatives both within his ruling party and the fragmented opposition.</p>

<p>A series of corruption scandals, the stumbling economy and unpopular legislation have at no time seriously threatened his government.</p>

<p>"In this case, the pandemic could even shift the public's attention" away from his administration's shortcomings, Kato said.</p>

<p>Perhaps more problematic for Abe is the expected economic downturn from the global pandemic. Analysts say the postponement of the Olympics is unlikely to result in a major lasting economic hit, with benefits simply delayed rather than lost altogether.</p>

<p>But the country's economy was already struggling before the pandemic began, with the prime minister's signature "Abenomics" strategy failing to boost sluggish growth.</p>

<p>Tourism had come under pressure from a spat with South Korea, and domestic consumption has been hit by a sales tax hike imposed last year despite fears it could send the country into a recession.</p>

<p>The government has unveiled two emergency economic packages already and is expected to offer fresh stimulus in the coming weeks.</p>

<p>The economy, rather than the delay of the Olympics, is now the main pressure point on Abe, said Robert Dujarric, director of the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies at Temple University's Tokyo campus.</p>

<p>"I think that when we look at the post-mortem of COVID-19, the Olympics will be a minor footnote," he said.</p>

<h2>- Olympics as 'symbolic victory' -</h2>

<p>Analysts said the other potential threat for Abe is that Japan's currently small-scale outbreak gradually expands, with the government already facing some criticism over its relatively hands-off approach to the pandemic.</p>

<p>Japan has not yet imposed the sort of lockdowns seen elsewhere in the world, and moved much slower than many other countries to impose travel restrictions on visitors.</p>

<p>Officials argue they have carefully tracked the outbreak, and that measures including school closures have helped contain the virus so far.</p>

<p>But Tokyo's governor warned this week that cases were increasing in the capital, urging people to avoid unnecessary outings this weekend.</p>

<p>"As opinion polls show, he (Abe) has strength left in him. But this will all change once a severe pandemic hits Japan," Kato said.</p>

<p>If Abe can ride out the pandemic and economic downturn though, even a delayed Olympics could be the sort of glittering final act he hoped for, said Harris.</p>

<p>"A postponed games could not only be just as significant economically but could also be an important symbolic victory for the prime minister, since convening the games would be a milestone for global recovery from the pandemic."</p>


In 2016, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe broke with his staid public image to pop up in Rio dressed as Super Mario for the official handover of the Olympic Games to Tokyo.

In 2016, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe broke with his staid public image to pop up in Rio dressed as Super Mario for the official handover of the Olympic Games to Tokyo. The stunt reflected his commitment to an event that was supposed to be the crowning glory of his tenure. But analysts say the historic delay of the Games over the coronavirus may not be all bad news for Abe. If the country's longest-serving premier can see off the twin threats of a larger-scale outbreak of the virus in Japan and a major economic crisis caused by the pandemic, he could even end up extending his tenure, due to expire in September 2021, experts say. Abe has bet heavily on Japan hosting the Games, casting them as a chance to showcase recovery after the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster, and delaying them would once have been seen as an "unthinkable political defeat", said Tobias Harris, senior vice president at consultancy Teneo. But the rapidly expanding coronavirus epidemic has changed the political calculus, making holding the Games a greater risk than putting it off for now, he said. The delay "removes a significant source of uncertainty for the administration and could give a bump to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's approval ratings, since large majorities support delaying the games," Harris said. Japan has so far been something of an outlier in the pandemic, recording around 1,300 cases and 45 deaths, far fewer than in many countries around the world. If the outbreak can be contained, Abe may find himself with enough support to continue his tenure past September 2021, said Tetsuro Kato, professor emeritus of Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo. "It's possible that members of his Liberal Democratic Party argue for a further extension of his term," Kato said. - Economic pressure - Abe's government enjoys stable public support, hovering around 50 percent in approval rating polls, and the prime minister has benefitted from a dearth of viable alternatives both within his ruling party and the fragmented opposition. A series of corruption scandals, the stumbling economy and unpopular legislation have at no time seriously threatened his government. "In this case, the pandemic could even shift the public's attention" away from his administration's shortcomings, Kato said. Perhaps more problematic for Abe is the expected economic downturn from the global pandemic. Analysts say the postponement of the Olympics is unlikely to result in a major lasting economic hit, with benefits simply delayed rather than lost altogether. But the country's economy was already struggling before the pandemic began, with the prime minister's signature "Abenomics" strategy failing to boost sluggish growth. Tourism had come under pressure from a spat with South Korea, and domestic consumption has been hit by a sales tax hike imposed last year despite fears it could send the country into a recession. The government has unveiled two emergency economic packages already and is expected to offer fresh stimulus in the coming weeks. The economy, rather than the delay of the Olympics, is now the main pressure point on Abe, said Robert Dujarric, director of the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies at Temple University's Tokyo campus. "I think that when we look at the post-mortem of COVID-19, the Olympics will be a minor footnote," he said. - Olympics as 'symbolic victory' - Analysts said the other potential threat for Abe is that Japan's currently small-scale outbreak gradually expands, with the government already facing some criticism over its relatively hands-off approach to the pandemic. Japan has not yet imposed the sort of lockdowns seen elsewhere in the world, and moved much slower than many other countries to impose travel restrictions on visitors. Officials argue they have carefully tracked the outbreak, and that measures including school closures have helped contain the virus so far. But Tokyo's governor warned this week that cases were increasing in the capital, urging people to avoid unnecessary outings this weekend. "As opinion polls show, he (Abe) has strength left in him. But this will all change once a severe pandemic hits Japan," Kato said. If Abe can ride out the pandemic and economic downturn though, even a delayed Olympics could be the sort of glittering final act he hoped for, said Harris. "A postponed games could not only be just as significant economically but could also be an important symbolic victory for the prime minister, since convening the games would be a milestone for global recovery from the pandemic."

For Japan's Abe, Olympic delay may be no sweat

<p>Sky Brown, who was poised to become the youngest Brit to be the part of the 2020 Summer Olympics sent a message to her fans on Tuesday telling them that she is fine and the things she does while she is at home practising social distancing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/postponed-tokyo-olympics-will-need-sacrifices-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></p>

<p>She posted a video on Instagram, where she said: "Hey guys. It's Sky Brown again. I've been getting a lot of emails, texts, DM's about the Olympics. 'Are you ok?' and Yes I'm ok! I mean it's just been delayed.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-IsO6iJPZC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Its ok, It’s safer, and we really need to come together and focus on what’s really important right now. 🙅‍♀️🦠 #covid_19 isn’t gonna stop us💪🏼 @olympics @olympicchannel @teamgb @worldskateofficial @worldskatesb #playfortheworld #keepsmiling #tokyo2020 #2020 #cantstopsport #wegotthis #nike #justdoit #coronavirus @nike #skybrown #staystrong #staysafe #stayhealthy #olympics #keepdreaming #playfortheworld</a></p>

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<p>It's been postponed. And that's why I want to talk to you from me. So yes the Olympics was my biggest dream. I wanted to be Britain's youngest-ever Olympian."</p>

<p>The young skateboarder Brown, was born in Japan to a British father and Japanese mother, would have been 12 years old when the 2020 Olympics kicked off in July. Her appearance would have broken the record set by swimmer Margery Hinton, who was 13 years and 43 days when she competed at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam.</p>

<p>With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japan mutually agreeing to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by a year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, IOC president Thomas Bach on Wednesday said that the postponed Games would require ‘compromises and sacrifices’ from all stakeholders involved in the Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bach, a day after the IOC decided to delay the 2020 Games, said that the postponed Games will need sacrifices and compromises from all stakeholders to make the Olympic dreams of athletes come true.&nbsp;</p>


Sky Brown, who was poised to become the youngest Brit to be the part of the 2020 Summer Olympics sent a message to her fans on Tuesday telling them that she is fine and the things she does while she is at home practising social distancing.

Sky Brown, who was poised to become the youngest Brit to be the part of the 2020 Summer Olympics sent a message to her fans on Tuesday telling them that she is fine and the things she does while she is at home practising social distancing. Also read: Postponed Tokyo Olympics will need 'sacrifices and compromises' from all stakeholders: IOC president Thomas Bach She posted a video on Instagram, where she said: "Hey guys. It's Sky Brown again. I've been getting a lot of emails, texts, DM's about the Olympics. 'Are you ok?' and Yes I'm ok! I mean it's just been delayed. View this post on Instagram Its ok, It’s safer, and we really need to come together and focus on what’s really important right now. 🙅‍♀️🦠 #covid_19 isn’t gonna stop us💪🏼 @olympics @olympicchannel @teamgb @worldskateofficial @worldskatesb #playfortheworld #keepsmiling #tokyo2020 #2020 #cantstopsport #wegotthis #nike #justdoit #coronavirus @nike #skybrown #staystrong #staysafe #stayhealthy #olympics #keepdreaming #playfortheworld A post shared by Sky Brown (@skybrown) on Mar 24, 2020 at 5:09pm PDT × It's been postponed. And that's why I want to talk to you from me. So yes the Olympics was my biggest dream. I wanted to be Britain's youngest-ever Olympian." The young skateboarder Brown, was born in Japan to a British father and Japanese mother, would have been 12 years old when the 2020 Olympics kicked off in July. Her appearance would have broken the record set by swimmer Margery Hinton, who was 13 years and 43 days when she competed at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam. With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japan mutually agreeing to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by a year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, IOC president Thomas Bach on Wednesday said that the postponed Games would require ‘compromises and sacrifices’ from all stakeholders involved in the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Bach, a day after the IOC decided to delay the 2020 Games, said that the postponed Games will need sacrifices and compromises from all stakeholders to make the Olympic dreams of athletes come true.

Britain's youngest to-be Olympian Sky Brown sends special message to fans as Olympics gets postponed

<p>With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japan mutually agreeing to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by a year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, IOC president Thomas Bach on Wednesday said that the postponed Games would require ‘compromises and sacrifices’ from all stakeholders involved in the Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bach, a day after the IOC decided to delay the 2020 Games, said that the postponed Games will need sacrifices and compromises from all stakeholders to make the Olympic dreams of athletes come true.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These postponed Olympic Games will need sacrifices, will need compromises from all stakeholders," Bach told reporters in a conference call on Wednesday after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were postponed because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>Speaking of IOC’s role in the postponement of the 2020 Games, Bach said it was "to make the Olympic dreams of athletes come true"</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ: <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></strong></p>

<p>However, Bach admitted that the cancellation of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was "discussed and considered" while adding, "it was very clear from the beginning that cancellation was not something the IOC would in any way favour."</p>

<h2><strong>"First priority should be the quality of the decision"</strong></h2>

<p>On rescheduling and the dates of the Tokyo Olympics, which will now be held in 2021, Bach said: “We have to see with them what the options are.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“After having consulted with them we also have to take into account the sporting calendar around the Olympic Games and many many other issues.</p>

<p>“We should come to a solution as soon as possible, but first priority should be the quality of the decision, to really be able to take the input of all stakeholders into account,” Bach added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sports-minister-kiren-rijiju-welcomes-iocs-decision-to-postpone-tokyo-olympics-288416">Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomes IOC's decision to postpone Tokyo Olympics</a></strong></p>

<p>Bach further confirmed that a task force names – Here We Go – has been set-up which will work to schedule new dates for the Olympics and Paralympics in 2021 and a solution will be found soon.</p>

<p>It is the first time that the Olympics have been postponed after the 1940 Summer Olympics in Helsinki and 1944 Summer Olympics in London were cancelled due to the World War II.</p>


With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japan mutually agreeing to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by a year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, IOC president Thomas Bach on Wednesday said that the postponed Games would require ‘compromises and sacrifices’ from all stakeholders involved in the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japan mutually agreeing to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by a year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, IOC president Thomas Bach on Wednesday said that the postponed Games would require ‘compromises and sacrifices’ from all stakeholders involved in the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Bach, a day after the IOC decided to delay the 2020 Games, said that the postponed Games will need sacrifices and compromises from all stakeholders to make the Olympic dreams of athletes come true. "These postponed Olympic Games will need sacrifices, will need compromises from all stakeholders," Bach told reporters in a conference call on Wednesday after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were postponed because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Speaking of IOC’s role in the postponement of the 2020 Games, Bach said it was "to make the Olympic dreams of athletes come true" ALSO READ: COVID-19 hits Olympics: What could 2020 Tokyo Games postponement cost Japan? However, Bach admitted that the cancellation of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was "discussed and considered" while adding, "it was very clear from the beginning that cancellation was not something the IOC would in any way favour." "First priority should be the quality of the decision" On rescheduling and the dates of the Tokyo Olympics, which will now be held in 2021, Bach said: “We have to see with them what the options are.” “After having consulted with them we also have to take into account the sporting calendar around the Olympic Games and many many other issues. “We should come to a solution as soon as possible, but first priority should be the quality of the decision, to really be able to take the input of all stakeholders into account,” Bach added. ALSO READ: Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomes IOC's decision to postpone Tokyo Olympics Bach further confirmed that a task force names – Here We Go – has been set-up which will work to schedule new dates for the Olympics and Paralympics in 2021 and a solution will be found soon. It is the first time that the Olympics have been postponed after the 1940 Summer Olympics in Helsinki and 1944 Summer Olympics in London were cancelled due to the World War II.

Postponed Tokyo Olympics will need 'sacrifices and compromises' from all stakeholders: IOC president Thomas Bach

The Senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) official Dick Pound said on March 23 that the IOC has decided to postpone the 2020 Olympic games by a year due to the 'pandemic' Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread. Earlier the 2020 Olympics were going to held in Tokyo.

2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo postponed by a year amid COVID-19 fears

<p>Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has welcomed the postponement of this year's Olympic Games to 2021 in view of the worsening COVID-19 pandemic, saying the IOC's decision has ensured the well being of Tokyo-bound athletes.</p>

<p>The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday announced postponement of the Games, scheduled for July-August, because of the pandemic which has brought the world to a standstill.</p>

<p>"I welcome the decision of IOC to postpone #Tokyo2020 in view of the global pandemic. It's necessary for the well being of athletes from across the world," Rijiju said in a tweet late on Tuesday.</p>

<p>He also assured the Tokyo-bound Indian athletes of government's full support to ensure that their preparations are not impacted by the current situation.<br />
India was on Tuesday placed under a 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of the deadly virus, which has caused close to 19,000 deaths worldwide.</p>

<p>"I urge our athletes not to lose heart. We'll create better opportunities so that we can have India's best medal tally in 2021."<br />
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly 4 lakh people globally. In India, more than 500 positive cases have been detected so far and the death toll has touched 10.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My dear Athletes,<br />
As per the directions of the Govt, all sports training camps and centres will remain closed during 21-day lockdown. Pls maintain your physical and mental fitness at the place wherever you are staying without going out. <a href="https://t.co/WGMDFJfFIu">https://t.co/WGMDFJfFIu</a></p>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1242515687727198208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the Indian Olympic Association had also welcomed the IOC's decision, saying it has relieved the country's athletes of a stressful build-up during a global health crisis.</p>

<p>The pandemic has forced the cancellation or postponement of almost all sporting events across the world, including the Olympic qualifiers and the much-anticipated European football championships.</p>


Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has welcomed the postponement of this year's Olympic Games to 2021 in view of the worsening COVID-19 pandemic, saying the IOC's decision has ensured the well being of Tokyo-bound athletes.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has welcomed the postponement of this year's Olympic Games to 2021 in view of the worsening COVID-19 pandemic, saying the IOC's decision has ensured the well being of Tokyo-bound athletes. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday announced postponement of the Games, scheduled for July-August, because of the pandemic which has brought the world to a standstill. "I welcome the decision of IOC to postpone #Tokyo2020 in view of the global pandemic. It's necessary for the well being of athletes from across the world," Rijiju said in a tweet late on Tuesday. He also assured the Tokyo-bound Indian athletes of government's full support to ensure that their preparations are not impacted by the current situation. India was on Tuesday placed under a 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of the deadly virus, which has caused close to 19,000 deaths worldwide. "I urge our athletes not to lose heart. We'll create better opportunities so that we can have India's best medal tally in 2021." The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly 4 lakh people globally. In India, more than 500 positive cases have been detected so far and the death toll has touched 10. My dear Athletes, As per the directions of the Govt, all sports training camps and centres will remain closed during 21-day lockdown. Pls maintain your physical and mental fitness at the place wherever you are staying without going out. https://t.co/WGMDFJfFIu — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 24, 2020 × Earlier, the Indian Olympic Association had also welcomed the IOC's decision, saying it has relieved the country's athletes of a stressful build-up during a global health crisis. The pandemic has forced the cancellation or postponement of almost all sporting events across the world, including the Olympic qualifiers and the much-anticipated European football championships.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomes IOC's decision to postpone Tokyo Olympics

The Wuhan Coronavirus has claimed more than 15,000 lives. The 2020 Olympics could be postponed given the unfolding crisis. WION's Palki Sharma tells you the top 10 global developments for Monday.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus, Top 10 global updates for March 23

<p class="MsoNormal">The Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe has proposed the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by one year in a conference call with Games’ chiefs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The novel coronavirus has left the entire sporting calendar shattered and the biggest blow has been dealt to the organizing committee of Tokyo Olympics as far as sporting events as concerned. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">There have been rising concerns about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics going as planned amid the COVID-19 pandemic with Canada, Australia and Great Britain threatening to pull out of the Games if they were to be held in 2020, as originally planned. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">However, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are now set to be held in the summer of 2021 as Japanese PM Abe told the IOC that his nation would be delaying the quadrennial event for 12 months.&nbsp;Abe made the announcement during a conference call with IOC president Thomas Bach and Organising Committee chief Yoshiro Mori.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong></o:p><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"><strong>Have the Summer Olympics ever been cancelled? A look back at history as dark clouds hover over 2020 Tokyo Games</strong></a> <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"I proposed to postpone for about a year and president Bach responded with 100 percent agreement," Shinzo Abe told reporters referring to Thomas Bach, head of the IOC.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong></o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stay-home-keep-positive-frame-of-mind-bai-to-players-officials-288226"><strong>Stay home, keep positive frame of mind: BAI to players, officials</strong></a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Earlier on Sunday, the IOC had given themselves a four-week deadline to take a final call on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, with participating nations and some top former and current athletes raising their concerns publicly, the announcement could be made official soon.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Earlier, a&nbsp;highly influential member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Richard Pound, had&nbsp;confirmed that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are set to be postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic</p>


The Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe has proposed the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by one year in a conference call with Games’ chiefs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe has proposed the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by one year in a conference call with Games’ chiefs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The novel coronavirus has left the entire sporting calendar shattered and the biggest blow has been dealt to the organizing committee of Tokyo Olympics as far as sporting events as concerned. There have been rising concerns about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics going as planned amid the COVID-19 pandemic with Canada, Australia and Great Britain threatening to pull out of the Games if they were to be held in 2020, as originally planned. However, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are now set to be held in the summer of 2021 as Japanese PM Abe told the IOC that his nation would be delaying the quadrennial event for 12 months. Abe made the announcement during a conference call with IOC president Thomas Bach and Organising Committee chief Yoshiro Mori. ALSO READ: Have the Summer Olympics ever been cancelled? A look back at history as dark clouds hover over 2020 Tokyo Games "I proposed to postpone for about a year and president Bach responded with 100 percent agreement," Shinzo Abe told reporters referring to Thomas Bach, head of the IOC. ALSO READ: Stay home, keep positive frame of mind: BAI to players, officials Earlier on Sunday, the IOC had given themselves a four-week deadline to take a final call on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, with participating nations and some top former and current athletes raising their concerns publicly, the announcement could be made official soon. Earlier, a highly influential member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Richard Pound, had confirmed that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are set to be postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic

IOC, Japan agree to postpone 2020 Tokyo Olympics by one year, to be held 'no later than summer of 2021'

International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound said on March 23 that the IOC has decided to postpone the 2020 Olympic games by a year due to the 'pandemic' Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread. Earlier the 2020 Olympics were going to held in Tokyo.

Olympics postponed for the first-time since World War II

IOC confirms, "Tokyo Olympics 2020 postponed by a year due to Coronavirus outbreak across the globe"

The Senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) official Dick Pound said that the Tokyo Olympics are set to be postponed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tokyo Olympics 2020 to be postponed by a year

<p>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will hold telephone talks with International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach later Tuesday, the government said, as doubts swirl over the fate of the Tokyo 2020 Games.</p>

<p>The call, which was also expected to feature Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, organising committee chief Yoshiro Mori and Olympics Minister Seiko Hashimoto, was scheduled for around 8pm local time (1100 GMT).</p>

<p>The contact comes after the IOC gave itself four weeks to weigh a possible postponement to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to the new coronavirus pandemic surging across the world.</p>

<p>Canada and Australia have already withdrawn their teams and the influential US Olympic committee has also said postponement was the best way forward.</p>

<p>Despite coming under increasing pressure, IOC officials believe a decision would be "premature" four months from the scheduled opening ceremony on July 24.</p>

<p>Abe has said he is committed to hosting a "complete" Olympics but admitted for the first time on Monday: "If that becomes difficult, in light of considering athletes first, it may become inevitable that we make a decision to postpone."</p>


Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will hold telephone talks with International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach later Tuesday, the government said, as doubts swirl over the fate of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will hold telephone talks with International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach later Tuesday, the government said, as doubts swirl over the fate of the Tokyo 2020 Games. The call, which was also expected to feature Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, organising committee chief Yoshiro Mori and Olympics Minister Seiko Hashimoto, was scheduled for around 8pm local time (1100 GMT). The contact comes after the IOC gave itself four weeks to weigh a possible postponement to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to the new coronavirus pandemic surging across the world. Canada and Australia have already withdrawn their teams and the influential US Olympic committee has also said postponement was the best way forward. Despite coming under increasing pressure, IOC officials believe a decision would be "premature" four months from the scheduled opening ceremony on July 24. Abe has said he is committed to hosting a "complete" Olympics but admitted for the first time on Monday: "If that becomes difficult, in light of considering athletes first, it may become inevitable that we make a decision to postpone."

Japan PM, IOC chief to speak as Olympics hangs in balance

<p>Canada has become the first country to decide&nbsp;to skip the Tokyo Olympics if it does not get deferred by at least a year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee issued a joint statement on Sunday evening.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RELEASE: The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee have made the difficult decision to not send Canadian teams to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the summer of 2020: <a href="https://t.co/HyOBA5wwp4">https://t.co/HyOBA5wwp4</a> <a href="https://t.co/x9OWABVxMA">pic.twitter.com/x9OWABVxMA</a></p>
— Team Canada PR (@TeamCanadaPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamCanadaPR/status/1241900193395740674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The statement read: "While we recognize the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community,” the COC said in its statement.</p>

<p>"This is not solely about athlete health — it is about public health. With COVID-19 and the associated risks, it is not safe for our athletes, and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training towards these Games."</p>

<p>According to the Tokyo Olympics' organisers, the games will begin on schedule despite the global pandemic extending its roots across the globe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Olympics will begin on July 24 whereas the Paralympics will begin on August 25.</p>

<p>Postponing the 2020 Olympics "may become inevitable" if the new coronavirus outbreak makes it impossible to hold the Games safely, Japan's prime minister said Monday.</p>

<p>Shinzo Abe told parliament that Japan was still committed to a "complete" Games, but added: "if that becomes difficult, in light of considering athletes first, it may become inevitable that we make a decision to postpone."</p>


Canada has become the first country to decide to skip the Tokyo Olympics if it does not get deferred by at least a year. The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee issued a joint statement on Sunday evening.

Canada has become the first country to decide to skip the Tokyo Olympics if it does not get deferred by at least a year. The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee issued a joint statement on Sunday evening. RELEASE: The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee have made the difficult decision to not send Canadian teams to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the summer of 2020: https://t.co/HyOBA5wwp4 pic.twitter.com/x9OWABVxMA — Team Canada PR (@TeamCanadaPR) March 23, 2020 × The statement read: "While we recognize the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community,” the COC said in its statement. "This is not solely about athlete health — it is about public health. With COVID-19 and the associated risks, it is not safe for our athletes, and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training towards these Games." According to the Tokyo Olympics' organisers, the games will begin on schedule despite the global pandemic extending its roots across the globe. The Olympics will begin on July 24 whereas the Paralympics will begin on August 25. Postponing the 2020 Olympics "may become inevitable" if the new coronavirus outbreak makes it impossible to hold the Games safely, Japan's prime minister said Monday. Shinzo Abe told parliament that Japan was still committed to a "complete" Games, but added: "if that becomes difficult, in light of considering athletes first, it may become inevitable that we make a decision to postpone."

Canada: Athletes will not compete at Tokyo 2020 Games due to risks of COVID-19

<p>Thomas Bach and the IOC should not be criticised for procrastination over the Tokyo Olympics as re-organising them is "mind-bogglingly complex", the movement's former head of marketing Michael Payne told AFP.</p>

<p>Payne, who in nearly two decades at the International Olympic Committee was widely credited with transforming its brand and finances through sponsorship, said Monday the IOC could have unilaterally cancelled the Games because of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>However, Payne believes that was never an option given Bach's experience as a sportsman of missing out on the 1980 Moscow Olympics due to the boycott by Western nations in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Payne said behind the scenes the IOC have been moving towards a postponement for a while.</p>

<p>"It is mind-bogglingly complex to make a sudden change after seven years of preparation for the biggest sporting event in the world," he told AFP in a phone interview.</p>

<p>"The IOC have been with increasing urgency looking to fall back on Plan B. The IOC remit allows them legally to cancel the Games unilaterally.</p>

<p>"Cancelling the Games though is not an option so to postpone the Games, you have to have your delivery partner (Japan) on board."</p>

<p>Payne said Japan would take its time to decide as until recently the local organisers had been enthusiastic about maintaining the Games in their scheduled slot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Japanese have been holding out in the hope it might still be possible to hold the Games in July," he said.</p>

<p>"The cost to the Japanese of postponing them is loss of face and political capital to (Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo) Abe as this is very much his project.</p>

<p>"In the last few days Japan have been very up for them to go ahead but the problem is the rest of the world cannot get there."</p>


Thomas Bach and the IOC should not be criticised for procrastination over the Tokyo Olympics as re-organising them is "mind-bogglingly complex", the movement's former head of marketing Michael Payne told AFP.

Thomas Bach and the IOC should not be criticised for procrastination over the Tokyo Olympics as re-organising them is "mind-bogglingly complex", the movement's former head of marketing Michael Payne told AFP. Payne, who in nearly two decades at the International Olympic Committee was widely credited with transforming its brand and finances through sponsorship, said Monday the IOC could have unilaterally cancelled the Games because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, Payne believes that was never an option given Bach's experience as a sportsman of missing out on the 1980 Moscow Olympics due to the boycott by Western nations in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Payne said behind the scenes the IOC have been moving towards a postponement for a while. "It is mind-bogglingly complex to make a sudden change after seven years of preparation for the biggest sporting event in the world," he told AFP in a phone interview. "The IOC have been with increasing urgency looking to fall back on Plan B. The IOC remit allows them legally to cancel the Games unilaterally. "Cancelling the Games though is not an option so to postpone the Games, you have to have your delivery partner (Japan) on board." Payne said Japan would take its time to decide as until recently the local organisers had been enthusiastic about maintaining the Games in their scheduled slot. "The Japanese have been holding out in the hope it might still be possible to hold the Games in July," he said. "The cost to the Japanese of postponing them is loss of face and political capital to (Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo) Abe as this is very much his project. "In the last few days Japan have been very up for them to go ahead but the problem is the rest of the world cannot get there."

Re-organising Olympics a Herculean task: former IOC marketing head

<p>Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Batra on Monday said the IOC has asked all members to furnish updates on health and preparations of their Olympic-bound athletes this week as it deliberates on the fate of the Tokyo Games amid the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>The International Olympic Committee (IOC), under pressure to postpone the Games, has asked National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to detail the impact of the coronavirus crisis on athletes' preparation. The IOC on Monday said it will consider all options, barring cancellation, in the next four weeks.</p>

<p>"I am personally in touch on regular and continuous basis with Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India, IOC, NSFs, with athletes through the NSFs and all stake holders regarding the 2020 Olympics and preparations for Olympics," Batra said.</p>

<p>"All NOCs have to get back to IOC this week on their preparations and the health of athletes in their respective countries," he added.<br />
He said international federations had a video call with the IOC President Thomas Bach on March 17 and with all 206 NOCs on March 19 to discuss the impact of COVID-19.</p>

<p>In a questionnaire titled "COVID-19 and preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games", the IOC has asked the Olympic committees of its member countries "how do the emergency regulations relating to COVID-19 limit the training and preparation of your athletes?"\\</p>

<p>Batra, also an IOC member and president of the International Hockey Federation, said the health and safety of athletes was the prime concern of the IOA and of the Sports Ministry and there will be no compromise in that regard.</p>

<p>"As of now, hockey men and women, track and field athletes and weightlifters are in their training camps while other (Olympic) probable athletes are mostly back home."</p>

<p>More than 70 Indian athletes have qualified for the Olympics.</p>

<p>On Monday, Canada and Australia said they will pull out of the showpiece if is held this year and demanded that the event be shifted to 2021.<br />
World athletics boss Sebastian Coe also urged the IOC to announce postponement, citing the pandemic which has claimed more than 14,000 lives across the globe.</p>


Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Batra on Monday said the IOC has asked all members to furnish updates on health and preparations of their Olympic-bound athletes this week as it deliberates on the fate of the Tokyo Games amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Batra on Monday said the IOC has asked all members to furnish updates on health and preparations of their Olympic-bound athletes this week as it deliberates on the fate of the Tokyo Games amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), under pressure to postpone the Games, has asked National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to detail the impact of the coronavirus crisis on athletes' preparation. The IOC on Monday said it will consider all options, barring cancellation, in the next four weeks. "I am personally in touch on regular and continuous basis with Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India, IOC, NSFs, with athletes through the NSFs and all stake holders regarding the 2020 Olympics and preparations for Olympics," Batra said. "All NOCs have to get back to IOC this week on their preparations and the health of athletes in their respective countries," he added. He said international federations had a video call with the IOC President Thomas Bach on March 17 and with all 206 NOCs on March 19 to discuss the impact of COVID-19. In a questionnaire titled "COVID-19 and preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games", the IOC has asked the Olympic committees of its member countries "how do the emergency regulations relating to COVID-19 limit the training and preparation of your athletes?"\\ Batra, also an IOC member and president of the International Hockey Federation, said the health and safety of athletes was the prime concern of the IOA and of the Sports Ministry and there will be no compromise in that regard. "As of now, hockey men and women, track and field athletes and weightlifters are in their training camps while other (Olympic) probable athletes are mostly back home." More than 70 Indian athletes have qualified for the Olympics. On Monday, Canada and Australia said they will pull out of the showpiece if is held this year and demanded that the event be shifted to 2021. World athletics boss Sebastian Coe also urged the IOC to announce postponement, citing the pandemic which has claimed more than 14,000 lives across the globe.

IOC has sought update on health and preparations of Olympic-bound athletes this week: Batra

<p>The Indian Olympic Association on Monday said it is ready to wait for at least a month before taking any final call on India’s participation at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after Canada became the first nation to pull out of the quadrennial event if it is held this year. Not only Canada, but even Australia have asked its athletes to prepare for the Games in 2021 as it thinks the showpiece event will eventually get postponed as the situation surrounding the novel COVID-19 continues to deteriorate with each passing day.</p>

<p>IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said the committee is closely monitoring the development surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed a staggering 14,000 while infecting over 3,00,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mehta said IOC will wait and watch for the next four to five weeks before taking any call after consultation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the sports ministry while adding the situation in India is not that bad as compared to other nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/postponing-tokyo-olympics-may-become-inevitable-says-japan-pm-abe-as-coronavirus-emergency-grows-287958">Postponing Tokyo Olympics may become 'inevitable', says Japan PM Abe as coronavirus emergency grows</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>"We will wait and watch"</strong></h2>

<p>"We will wait and watch for 4 to 5 weeks and then come to any decision after consultation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the sports ministry," Mehta told PTI.</p>

<p>"The situation is not that bad in our country as compared to other nations," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canada-athletes-will-not-compete-at-tokyo-2020-games-due-to-risks-of-covid-19-287963">&nbsp;Canada: Athletes will not compete at Tokyo 2020 Games due to risks of COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>Furthermore, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday told the parliament that the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics ‘may become inevitable’ if the situation surrounding the novel COVID-19 continues to deteriorate.</p>

<p>Abe said while the nation is still completely committed to a ‘complete’ Games, postponement may be inevitable considering the safety and welfare of athletes first. Abe in the parliament said: "if that becomes difficult, in light of considering athletes first, it may become inevitable that we make a decision to postpone."</p>

<p>The total number of COVID-19 cases in India has crossed 350, including seven deaths so far.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>


The Indian Olympic Association on Monday said it is ready to wait for at least a month before taking any final call on India’s participation at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after Canada became the first nation to pull out of the quadrennial event if it is held this year.

The Indian Olympic Association on Monday said it is ready to wait for at least a month before taking any final call on India’s participation at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after Canada became the first nation to pull out of the quadrennial event if it is held this year. Not only Canada, but even Australia have asked its athletes to prepare for the Games in 2021 as it thinks the showpiece event will eventually get postponed as the situation surrounding the novel COVID-19 continues to deteriorate with each passing day. IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said the committee is closely monitoring the development surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed a staggering 14,000 while infecting over 3,00,000. Mehta said IOC will wait and watch for the next four to five weeks before taking any call after consultation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the sports ministry while adding the situation in India is not that bad as compared to other nations. ALSO READ: Postponing Tokyo Olympics may become 'inevitable', says Japan PM Abe as coronavirus emergency grows "We will wait and watch" "We will wait and watch for 4 to 5 weeks and then come to any decision after consultation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the sports ministry," Mehta told PTI. "The situation is not that bad in our country as compared to other nations," he added. ALSO READ: Canada: Athletes will not compete at Tokyo 2020 Games due to risks of COVID-19 Furthermore, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday told the parliament that the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics ‘may become inevitable’ if the situation surrounding the novel COVID-19 continues to deteriorate. Abe said while the nation is still completely committed to a ‘complete’ Games, postponement may be inevitable considering the safety and welfare of athletes first. Abe in the parliament said: "if that becomes difficult, in light of considering athletes first, it may become inevitable that we make a decision to postpone." The total number of COVID-19 cases in India has crossed 350, including seven deaths so far.

IOA ready to 'wait and watch for a month before any decision' as Canada pulls out of 2020 Tokyo Olympics

<p>The Shooting Federation of India, the NRAI, has become the first sporting body in the country to suggest a postponement of the Olympic Games till November as the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues deteriorate with each passing day. While the COVID-19 has already shattered the sporting calendar, the discussions and debate relating to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has started to heat up.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>WATCH: Should the Olympics be Postponed?&nbsp;In conversation with Digvijay singh Deo, Sports Editor, WION</h2>

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<p>NRAI President Raninder Singh who is also the vice president of the International Shooting Federation commented on&nbsp;a post on WION’s YouTube channel. Here's what he said:<br />
<img alt="Raninder Singh comment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53b362f3-db61-4a8f-9a1a-63bc93b406a1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture_5.JPG" /></p>

<p>India’s shooters have dominated world shooting in the last 18 months and a record 15 shooters have qualified for the Olympics.&nbsp;It was being estimated that India’s medal haul at the games would be powered by Indian shooters but with all training schedules disrupted and most sportspersons training in isolation Singh estimates that his team would need five to six months to return to peak performance.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-indias-leading-sporting-voices-prefer-olympic-postponement-287443">EXCLUSIVE: India's leading sporting voices prefer Olympic postponement</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">First big voice in Indian sport calling for a postponement of the Olympic Games to November. In a comment on <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> YouTube Channel <a href="https://twitter.com/RaninderSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RaninderSingh</a> President <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialNRAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialNRAI</a> and Vice President <a href="https://twitter.com/ISSF_Shooting?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ISSF_Shooting</a> says Indian shooters will need 5-6 months to come back into peak. <a href="https://t.co/Y0g9m32CUc">pic.twitter.com/Y0g9m32CUc</a></p>
— Digvijay Singh Deo (@DiggySinghDeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/DiggySinghDeo/status/1241248378396250113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Considering the prevailing situation Singh says that if the Olympics are delayed by more than two weeks From the July 24 start date then it makes sense to push back to November 2020. He further reminded the powers that be in world sport that even ten gold medals were not equal to the life of one man.</p>

<p>Furthermore, Heena Sidhu, the first Indian pistol shooter to win a gold medal in an ISSF World Cup finals, supported the idea of postponement by saying lives shouldn't be put on the line while hoping the IOC makes the right decision when the time comes.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-olympic-committee-official-urges-tokyo-2020-delay-287532">Japan Olympic Committee official urges Tokyo 2020 delay</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I agree with <a href="https://twitter.com/DiggySinghDeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DiggySinghDeo</a> a 100 percent. It may be early to make a decision right now but when the time comes I hope the IOC makes the right decision. Peoples lives shouldn't be put on the line. I hope they dont shy from postponing. <a href="https://twitter.com/iocmedia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iocmedia</a> <a href="https://t.co/ok9KUyH9eT">https://t.co/ok9KUyH9eT</a></p>
— Heena SIDHU (@HeenaSidhu10) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeenaSidhu10/status/1241215277221548032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>With all the reactions coming, it remains to be seen what decision the authorities take about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the waiting game continues for the biggest sporting carnival in the world.&nbsp;</p>


The Shooting Federation of India, the NRAI, has become the first sporting body in the country to suggest a postponement of the Olympic Games till November as the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues deteriorate with each passing day.

The Shooting Federation of India, the NRAI, has become the first sporting body in the country to suggest a postponement of the Olympic Games till November as the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues deteriorate with each passing day. While the COVID-19 has already shattered the sporting calendar, the discussions and debate relating to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has started to heat up. WATCH: Should the Olympics be Postponed? In conversation with Digvijay singh Deo, Sports Editor, WION × NRAI President Raninder Singh who is also the vice president of the International Shooting Federation commented on a post on WION’s YouTube channel. Here's what he said: India’s shooters have dominated world shooting in the last 18 months and a record 15 shooters have qualified for the Olympics. It was being estimated that India’s medal haul at the games would be powered by Indian shooters but with all training schedules disrupted and most sportspersons training in isolation Singh estimates that his team would need five to six months to return to peak performance. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: India's leading sporting voices prefer Olympic postponement First big voice in Indian sport calling for a postponement of the Olympic Games to November. In a comment on @WIONews YouTube Channel @RaninderSingh President @OfficialNRAI and Vice President @ISSF_Shooting says Indian shooters will need 5-6 months to come back into peak. pic.twitter.com/Y0g9m32CUc — Digvijay Singh Deo (@DiggySinghDeo) March 21, 2020 × Considering the prevailing situation Singh says that if the Olympics are delayed by more than two weeks From the July 24 start date then it makes sense to push back to November 2020. He further reminded the powers that be in world sport that even ten gold medals were not equal to the life of one man. Furthermore, Heena Sidhu, the first Indian pistol shooter to win a gold medal in an ISSF World Cup finals, supported the idea of postponement by saying lives shouldn't be put on the line while hoping the IOC makes the right decision when the time comes. ALSO READ: Japan Olympic Committee official urges Tokyo 2020 delay I agree with @DiggySinghDeo a 100 percent. It may be early to make a decision right now but when the time comes I hope the IOC makes the right decision. Peoples lives shouldn't be put on the line. I hope they dont shy from postponing. @iocmedia https://t.co/ok9KUyH9eT — Heena SIDHU (@HeenaSidhu10) March 21, 2020 × With all the reactions coming, it remains to be seen what decision the authorities take about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the waiting game continues for the biggest sporting carnival in the world.

Shooting Federation of India, NRAI react to WION's report; suggest postponement of 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Digvijay Singh Deo, Sorts Editor WION talks about the possibility of Olympics being postponed, what would it mean for the athletes and it's overall impact.

Should the IOC postpone the Olympics? In conversation with Digvijay Singh Deo, Sports Editor WION

Former Indian Olympian said 'it's important to stay safe & healthy'

Abhinav Bindra, 2008 Olympic champion, shooting

<p class="MsoNormal">Skepticism is sweeping through the world but the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Thursday backed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) assertion that the upcoming Tokyo Olympics will weather the COVID-19 pandemic and be held on schedule, without a glitch.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IOC and the Tokyo Games organisers are adamant that the Olympics will start on July 24 as scheduled, despite the coronavirus pandemic crippling health care systems and destroying economies across the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"The coronavirus is creating havoc throughout the world but we are hopeful it will be contained in one or two months. It has already been controlled in China, the epicenter of the disease; and we are expecting the Olympics to be held without any hindrance on its scheduled time," a senior IOA office-bearer said.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"But having said that, IOC is our parent body, (so) we will have to abide by what the IOC decides. If the IOC says the Olympics will go on, we will have to participate irrespective of any threat," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IOC's stance has angered many athletes, who have accused it of putting them at risk. Some officials have also expressed their apprehension. Responding to the criticism, the world body on Wednesday conceded that there are no easy solutions for the current situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The pandemic, which has caused more than 8,000 deaths since being discovered in China, has wreaked havoc on Olympic preparations of athletes, including those from India. Several qualifiers have been suspended and training trips abroad are off the table thanks to COVID-19 travel restrictions.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IOA admitted that country's preparations have been hit hard but should the Games happen, it is nonetheless expecting an unprecedented double-digit medal haul from the athletes. "Yes, it is true our preparations have been hit with many Olympic qualifiers, Test events and preparatory camps abroad being postponed or cancelled because of the coronavirus," the official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"But it is not just India, every country is facing the same situation so, the impact is same for every competing nation. So our expectations still remain the same -- 10 or more medals in Tokyo," he asserted. He said the IOA is closely monitoring the situation with all the stakeholders in the country.&nbsp;<br />
"We are monitoring all our athletes' preparations as well as their well-being. We are also closely working with the Government of India, Tokyo Games orgainsers as well as the IOC in this tough time," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The number of people infected with the highly contagious novel coronavirus has gone past 160 in India with three deaths reported in the country so far. The total number of cases reported worldwide so far stand at more than 218,800.<br />
<o:p></o:p></p>


Skepticism is sweeping through the world but the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Thursday backed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) assertion that the upcoming Tokyo Olympics will weather the COVID-19 pandemic and be held on schedule, without a glitch.

Skepticism is sweeping through the world but the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Thursday backed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) assertion that the upcoming Tokyo Olympics will weather the COVID-19 pandemic and be held on schedule, without a glitch. The IOC and the Tokyo Games organisers are adamant that the Olympics will start on July 24 as scheduled, despite the coronavirus pandemic crippling health care systems and destroying economies across the world. "The coronavirus is creating havoc throughout the world but we are hopeful it will be contained in one or two months. It has already been controlled in China, the epicenter of the disease; and we are expecting the Olympics to be held without any hindrance on its scheduled time," a senior IOA office-bearer said. "But having said that, IOC is our parent body, (so) we will have to abide by what the IOC decides. If the IOC says the Olympics will go on, we will have to participate irrespective of any threat," he said. The IOC's stance has angered many athletes, who have accused it of putting them at risk. Some officials have also expressed their apprehension. Responding to the criticism, the world body on Wednesday conceded that there are no easy solutions for the current situation. The pandemic, which has caused more than 8,000 deaths since being discovered in China, has wreaked havoc on Olympic preparations of athletes, including those from India. Several qualifiers have been suspended and training trips abroad are off the table thanks to COVID-19 travel restrictions. The IOA admitted that country's preparations have been hit hard but should the Games happen, it is nonetheless expecting an unprecedented double-digit medal haul from the athletes. "Yes, it is true our preparations have been hit with many Olympic qualifiers, Test events and preparatory camps abroad being postponed or cancelled because of the coronavirus," the official said. "But it is not just India, every country is facing the same situation so, the impact is same for every competing nation. So our expectations still remain the same -- 10 or more medals in Tokyo," he asserted. He said the IOA is closely monitoring the situation with all the stakeholders in the country. "We are monitoring all our athletes' preparations as well as their well-being. We are also closely working with the Government of India, Tokyo Games orgainsers as well as the IOC in this tough time," he said. The number of people infected with the highly contagious novel coronavirus has gone past 160 in India with three deaths reported in the country so far. The total number of cases reported worldwide so far stand at more than 218,800.

If 2020 Tokyo Olympics happen, India will have to participate irrespective of any threat: IOA official

The European Union is likely to impose a 30-day travel ban. Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has hinted at postponing the Olympics. Palki Sharma gets you the top updates on the Coronavirus outbreak for Tuesday.

Gravitas: Wuhan coronavirus, The top updates for Tuesday

<p>Japan continues to prepare to host the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Saturday, despite widening concern about the viability of the Games given the global coronavirus outbreak.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-praises-tokyo-olympic-preparations-after-suggesting-delay-286110">Donald Trump praises Tokyo Olympic preparations after suggesting delay</a></strong></p>

<p>Abe also told a news conference that he had not discussed a possible delay or cancellation of the Games, which are due to start in July, in a recent telephone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.</p>

<p><strong>Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/scenarios-of-olympics-under-the-shadow-of-coronavirus-285546"><span>Scenarios of Olympics under the shadow of coronavirus</span></a></strong></p>

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Japan continues to prepare to host the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Saturday, despite widening concern about the viability of the Games given the global coronavirus outbreak.

Japan continues to prepare to host the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Saturday, despite widening concern about the viability of the Games given the global coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Donald Trump praises Tokyo Olympic preparations after suggesting delay Abe also told a news conference that he had not discussed a possible delay or cancellation of the Games, which are due to start in July, in a recent telephone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. Also see: Scenarios of Olympics under the shadow of coronavirus

Japan continues to prepare for Olympics, PM Abe says

<p>Cancelling the 2020 Olympics is "unthinkable" although the classification of the coronavirus as a pandemic will likely have some impact on the Games, the Tokyo city governor said on Thursday.</p>

<p>"It can't be said that the announcement of a pandemic would have no impact... But I think cancellation is unthinkable," Yuriko Koike told reporters.</p>

<p>Doubts are increasingly being raised over whether the Olympics can be held as scheduled from July 24 to August 9.</p>

<p>Organisers have insisted the Games will go ahead as planned and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with whom the final decision rests, has said there has not yet been any talk of cancellation or postponement.</p>

<p>The IOC has said it will coordinate closely with the World Health Organization, which has now officially classified the outbreak as a pandemic.</p>

<p>But coronavirus has already taken a huge toll on sport across the globe.</p>

<p>US basketball was the latest sport to be hit, as the NBA said it would suspend play starting on Thursday after a Utah Jazz player preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19.</p>

<p>In Italy, the hardest-hit European country, all sporting events including Serie A have been suspended until April 3.</p>

<p>Arsenal's game at Manchester City on Wednesday became the first Premier League fixture to be called off due to the outbreak, with the Gunners' players put in quarantine after coming into contact with the owner of Greek club Olympiakos.</p>

<p>The virus has also hit the UEFA Champions League, with Italian side Atalanta qualifying for the quarter-finals at Valencia on Tuesday in an empty stadium, while Paris Saint-Germain's win over Borussia Dortmund was also played without spectators.</p>

<p>In tennis, the prestigious ATP and WTA Indian Wells tournament was cancelled as California health officials declared a public health emergency in the area after a confirmed case of the coronavirus.</p>


Cancelling the 2020 Olympics is "unthinkable" although the classification of the coronavirus as a pandemic will likely have some impact on the Games, the Tokyo city governor said on Thursday.

Cancelling the 2020 Olympics is "unthinkable" although the classification of the coronavirus as a pandemic will likely have some impact on the Games, the Tokyo city governor said on Thursday. "It can't be said that the announcement of a pandemic would have no impact... But I think cancellation is unthinkable," Yuriko Koike told reporters. Doubts are increasingly being raised over whether the Olympics can be held as scheduled from July 24 to August 9. Organisers have insisted the Games will go ahead as planned and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with whom the final decision rests, has said there has not yet been any talk of cancellation or postponement. The IOC has said it will coordinate closely with the World Health Organization, which has now officially classified the outbreak as a pandemic. But coronavirus has already taken a huge toll on sport across the globe. US basketball was the latest sport to be hit, as the NBA said it would suspend play starting on Thursday after a Utah Jazz player preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19. In Italy, the hardest-hit European country, all sporting events including Serie A have been suspended until April 3. Arsenal's game at Manchester City on Wednesday became the first Premier League fixture to be called off due to the outbreak, with the Gunners' players put in quarantine after coming into contact with the owner of Greek club Olympiakos. The virus has also hit the UEFA Champions League, with Italian side Atalanta qualifying for the quarter-finals at Valencia on Tuesday in an empty stadium, while Paris Saint-Germain's win over Borussia Dortmund was also played without spectators. In tennis, the prestigious ATP and WTA Indian Wells tournament was cancelled as California health officials declared a public health emergency in the area after a confirmed case of the coronavirus.

Tokyo governor says cancelling 2020 Olympics 'unthinkable'

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