International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach has been forced to postpone a visit to Japan, organisers said Monday, after a coronavirus state of emergency was extended less than three months before the Tokyo Games.

Bach's trip was scheduled for May 17-18 but organisers "decided to postpone it based on various situations including the (government's) extension of a virus state of emergency".

It is just the latest coronavirus disruption for the postponed 2020 Games, which have seen several test events cancelled, postponed or moved.

An athletics test event involving more than 400 competitors took place behind closed doors at Tokyo's Olympic Stadium on Sunday.

The Japanese government and Olympic officials insist the virus-postponed Games can go ahead safely this summer, although polls show most Japanese people support cancellation or another delay.

In a statement, the Tokyo 2020 organising committee said it hoped the visit could go ahead "as soon as possible" and would continue to assess the coronavirus situation. Japanese media said organisers planned to reschedule Bach's visit for June.

Japan's state of emergency, which is less strict than blanket lockdowns in other countries, was last week extended to the end of May in the hardest hit regions, including Tokyo.

Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo 2020 Games, said Friday it would be "very difficult" to arrange the visit given the state of emergency.

Japan's Covid-19 outbreak remains much smaller than in many countries, with around 10,800 deaths.

But its vaccine rollout is moving slowly and some areas have seen record cases as more infectious variants drive fresh waves of contagion.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was forced on the defensive on Monday, insisting in parliament he has "never put the Olympics first" and that his priority remains "the lives and health of the Japanese people".

<h2>-&nbsp;Torch relay hit -</h2>

IOC vice-president John Coates told AFP on Saturday that nothing could stop the Tokyo Olympics from going ahead,&nbsp;despite ongoing risks from Covid-19.

More than 10,000 athletes from 200 countries and regions are set to travel to Tokyo for the Games, with a decision on how many domestic fans -- if any -- can attend set for June.

A poll published Monday by Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun daily found 59 percent of respondents want to cancel the postponed 2020 Games, which will open on July 23. The poll did not offer the option of a further postponement.

A separate survey by the TBS broadcaster found 37 percent back cancellation, while 28 percent want the Games delayed again.

And an online petition urging the Games to be cancelled has gathered more than 315,000 signatures since Wednesday.

But Games organisers insist the mega-event can be held safely with strict virus rules.

US drugs giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech on Thursday announced a deal with the IOC to provide vaccines to athletes and their delegations.

Japan's own vaccine programme is progressing cautiously, however, with around one percent of the population having received two shots so far.

An increasing number of sections of the Olympic torch relay have been scaled back and moved off-road to prevent people from gathering to watch.

Japanese media reported on Monday that two more regions will scrap the public relay -- Hyogo prefecture, which is under the state of emergency, and Okayama, also seeing a surge in virus cases.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach has been forced to postpone a visit to Japan, organisers said Monday, after a coronavirus state of emergency was extended less than three months before the Tokyo Games.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach has been forced to postpone a visit to Japan, organisers said Monday, after a coronavirus state of emergency was extended less than three months before the Tokyo Games. Bach's trip was scheduled for May 17-18 but organisers "decided to postpone it based on various situations including the (government's) extension of a virus state of emergency". It is just the latest coronavirus disruption for the postponed 2020 Games, which have seen several test events cancelled, postponed or moved. An athletics test event involving more than 400 competitors took place behind closed doors at Tokyo's Olympic Stadium on Sunday. The Japanese government and Olympic officials insist the virus-postponed Games can go ahead safely this summer, although polls show most Japanese people support cancellation or another delay. In a statement, the Tokyo 2020 organising committee said it hoped the visit could go ahead "as soon as possible" and would continue to assess the coronavirus situation. Japanese media said organisers planned to reschedule Bach's visit for June. Japan's state of emergency, which is less strict than blanket lockdowns in other countries, was last week extended to the end of May in the hardest hit regions, including Tokyo. Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo 2020 Games, said Friday it would be "very difficult" to arrange the visit given the state of emergency. Japan's Covid-19 outbreak remains much smaller than in many countries, with around 10,800 deaths. But its vaccine rollout is moving slowly and some areas have seen record cases as more infectious variants drive fresh waves of contagion. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was forced on the defensive on Monday, insisting in parliament he has "never put the Olympics first" and that his priority remains "the lives and health of the Japanese people". - Torch relay hit - IOC vice-president John Coates told AFP on Saturday that nothing could stop the Tokyo Olympics from going ahead, despite ongoing risks from Covid-19. More than 10,000 athletes from 200 countries and regions are set to travel to Tokyo for the Games, with a decision on how many domestic fans -- if any -- can attend set for June. A poll published Monday by Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun daily found 59 percent of respondents want to cancel the postponed 2020 Games, which will open on July 23. The poll did not offer the option of a further postponement. A separate survey by the TBS broadcaster found 37 percent back cancellation, while 28 percent want the Games delayed again. And an online petition urging the Games to be cancelled has gathered more than 315,000 signatures since Wednesday. But Games organisers insist the mega-event can be held safely with strict virus rules. US drugs giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech on Thursday announced a deal with the IOC to provide vaccines to athletes and their delegations. Japan's own vaccine programme is progressing cautiously, however, with around one percent of the population having received two shots so far. An increasing number of sections of the Olympic torch relay have been scaled back and moved off-road to prevent people from gathering to watch. Japanese media reported on Monday that two more regions will scrap the public relay -- Hyogo prefecture, which is under the state of emergency, and Okayama, also seeing a surge in virus cases.

Olympic chief's Japan visit postponed over virus as Games loom

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach promised to deliver a "safe, secure" Tokyo Olympics this year as he was re-elected for a second term on Wednesday.

As he opened the IOC Session, Bach said it was no longer a question of whether the Olympics, which were postponed last year as the coronavirus pandemic spread around the globe, would take place but in what conditions they will be held.

"Tokyo remains the best prepared Olympic city ever and at this moment, we have no reason to doubt that the opening ceremony will take place on July 23," Bach said.

"The question is not whether, the question is how these Olympic Games will take place.

"The IOC is working at full speed together with our Japanese partners and friends to make the postponed Olympic Games a safe manifestation of peace, solidarity and resilience of humankind in overcoming the pandemic."

Bach said his aim was to create "a safe, secure and fair environment for all the athletes".

The local Japanese organisers are due to announce by the end of the month whether foreign spectators will be allowed to attend the Games, although it is widely reported that they will be barred due to Covid-19 concerns.

<h2>- Overwhelming support -</h2>

Bach, 67, received unanimous backing in the election for IOC president in which he was the sole candidate, with 93 of the 94 valid votes from IOC members in favour of his re-election.

"Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for this overwhelming vote of confidence and trust," said Bach, sending out a 'virtual' hug to his supporters.

"This is more overwhelming given the reforms and difficult decisions we had to take.

"It's touching me deeply and also makes me humble," the German said, describing his first eight-year mandate as "not so easy".

"Hopefully we'll have us facing one less problem than we've had in the last eight. Who knows?!"

Bach is a popular, long-standing figure within the IOC. He was elected an IOC member at the age of 37 and went on to play a series of influential roles within the organisation before being initially elected its ninth president in September 2013.

Bach succeeded Belgian Jacques Rogge for his opening term. Under IOC rules introduced in 1999, Bach's second term will last four years.

The Tokyo Olympics is the most pressing agenda item at the start of his new term, after an opening eight years that turned out to be unexpectedly eventful.

Under his reign as IOC chief, Bach has had to grapple with several political challenges, and has notably overseen the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and the 2016 Rio Summer Games, both perceived as the most troublesome in recent years.

He has also been a key player in the ongoing Russian doping saga, although the IOC came in for criticism from some quarters for not issuing Moscow with a blanket ban over its state-sponsored doping system.

Bach also came under fire for reinstating the Russian National Olympic Committee after the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics despite failed drugs tests there.

He is credited, however, with having put in place the Olympic Agenda 2020, reforms aimed at cutting costs and streamlining bidding processes to better attract potential host cities.

It saw Paris granted the 2024 Olympics and Los Angeles the 2028 Games back in 2017, and the IOC last month accorded preferred candidate status to Brisbane for the 2032 Games.

But the German lawyer and businessman could well have his biggest challenge ahead of him, in the form of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, with Beijing scheduled to host the 2022 Winter Olympics just six months after the proposed Tokyo Games.

IOC member Dick Pound, summing up the near-blanket support for Bach, described his re-election as "especially important in these difficult times".

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach promised to deliver a "safe, secure" Tokyo Olympics this year as he was re-elected for a second term on Wednesday.

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach promised to deliver a "safe, secure" Tokyo Olympics this year as he was re-elected for a second term on Wednesday. As he opened the IOC Session, Bach said it was no longer a question of whether the Olympics, which were postponed last year as the coronavirus pandemic spread around the globe, would take place but in what conditions they will be held. "Tokyo remains the best prepared Olympic city ever and at this moment, we have no reason to doubt that the opening ceremony will take place on July 23," Bach said. "The question is not whether, the question is how these Olympic Games will take place. "The IOC is working at full speed together with our Japanese partners and friends to make the postponed Olympic Games a safe manifestation of peace, solidarity and resilience of humankind in overcoming the pandemic." Bach said his aim was to create "a safe, secure and fair environment for all the athletes". The local Japanese organisers are due to announce by the end of the month whether foreign spectators will be allowed to attend the Games, although it is widely reported that they will be barred due to Covid-19 concerns. - Overwhelming support - Bach, 67, received unanimous backing in the election for IOC president in which he was the sole candidate, with 93 of the 94 valid votes from IOC members in favour of his re-election. "Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for this overwhelming vote of confidence and trust," said Bach, sending out a 'virtual' hug to his supporters. "This is more overwhelming given the reforms and difficult decisions we had to take. "It's touching me deeply and also makes me humble," the German said, describing his first eight-year mandate as "not so easy". "Hopefully we'll have us facing one less problem than we've had in the last eight. Who knows?!" Bach is a popular, long-standing figure within the IOC. He was elected an IOC member at the age of 37 and went on to play a series of influential roles within the organisation before being initially elected its ninth president in September 2013. Bach succeeded Belgian Jacques Rogge for his opening term. Under IOC rules introduced in 1999, Bach's second term will last four years. The Tokyo Olympics is the most pressing agenda item at the start of his new term, after an opening eight years that turned out to be unexpectedly eventful. Under his reign as IOC chief, Bach has had to grapple with several political challenges, and has notably overseen the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and the 2016 Rio Summer Games, both perceived as the most troublesome in recent years. He has also been a key player in the ongoing Russian doping saga, although the IOC came in for criticism from some quarters for not issuing Moscow with a blanket ban over its state-sponsored doping system. Bach also came under fire for reinstating the Russian National Olympic Committee after the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics despite failed drugs tests there. He is credited, however, with having put in place the Olympic Agenda 2020, reforms aimed at cutting costs and streamlining bidding processes to better attract potential host cities. It saw Paris granted the 2024 Olympics and Los Angeles the 2028 Games back in 2017, and the IOC last month accorded preferred candidate status to Brisbane for the 2032 Games. But the German lawyer and businessman could well have his biggest challenge ahead of him, in the form of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, with Beijing scheduled to host the 2022 Winter Olympics just six months after the proposed Tokyo Games. IOC member Dick Pound, summing up the near-blanket support for Bach, described his re-election as "especially important in these difficult times".

Re-elected Bach promises 'safe, secure' Tokyo Olympics

Australia's federal sports minister Richard Colbeck on Thursday announced that the country aims to vaccinate its Olympians against coronavirus before they head to Tokyo Games.

Australia's federal sports minister Richard Colbeck on Thursday announced that the country aims to vaccinate its Olympians against coronavirus before they head to Tokyo Games. ALSO READ: 'Vaccination not a silver bullet': IOC chief Thomas Bach urges athletes to not jump queue In an interview with the Canberra Times, Colbeck said that the body coordinating the vaccination rollout plan suggested that athletes would likely be inoculated before the July 23-August 8 Games. "If our plans work OK it may very well be conceivable that Olympic athletes, for example, we'll get to them before they head off to the Games anyway," he was quoted as saying. The minister went on to say that "older Australians, frontline workers and those with underlying medical conditions" would be prioritised and that "most athletes" would be vaccinated in a later phase of the rollout. ALSO READ: Insurers face 'mind-blowingly' large loss if Olympics cancelled This move comes after IOC chief Thomas Bach's statement on Wednesday, where he said that vaccines are not a 'silver bullet', however, the IOC is encouraging the everyone to accept vaccination. "Vaccination is not the silver bullet which solves all problems. It is part of the countermeasures for Tokyo 2020. We are encouraging everybody to accept vaccination. But athletes should not jump the queue," IOC chief said. Several international federations, including Israel's Olympic Committee, have already begun vaccination drive for their Olympic delegation before the Games kick-off. The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) said it hoped athletes could be vaccinated but said vulnerable people and health workers must come first. "We are recommending and encouraging our athletes to get vaccinated but support the IOC position that it’s not mandatory," an AOC spokesman said. (Inputs from Reuters)

Australia aiming to vaccinate Olympians before Tokyo Games

International Olympics Committee's president Thomas Bach held a press conference&nbsp;following an Executive Board meeting amid uncertainty surrounding whether the Tokyo Olympic Games will go ahead later this year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/insurers-face-mind-blowingly-large-loss-if-olympics-cancelled-359710" hreflang="en">Insurers face 'mind-blowingly' large loss if Olympics cancelled</a>

Bach started the conference by confirming that the Games will go ahead as planned. IOC chief said that the committee is is "concentrated and committed" in holding the Tokyo Olympics as per the schedule.&nbsp;

"We are fully concentrated and committed towards successful and safe Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Bach went on to talk about complexities of holding the Games, especially during the times of a pandemic, he said: "Organisation of Olympic and Paralympic Games extremely complex challenge. Complexity multiplied when it comes to the organisation of postponed Olympic Games under the conditions of a pandemic. We are learning every day."

He also said that no one can predict the health situation at the time of the games and the fight against the virus is tough. "Fight against the virus is a tough fight. Fighting it for and like Olympic athletes. Nobody, not even scientists, can predict the health-situation in 206 NOCs for the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games from late July to the beginning of September this year," Bach said.&nbsp;

While talking about the vaccinations, Bach said that vaccines are not a 'silver bullet', however, the IOC is encouraging the everyone to accept vaccination. "Vaccination is not the silver bullet which solves all problems. It is part of the countermeasures for Tokyo 2020. We are encouraging everybody to accept vaccination. But athletes should not jump the queue," IOC chief said.&nbsp;

Bach talked about athlete quota during the games, he said: "61 per cent of the athlete quota places for Tokyo 2020 have already been allocated; 25 per cent will be assigned during the remaining qualification period; the final 14 per cent of athletes will be selected through rankings as per the respective qualification system for each sport." &nbsp;&nbsp;

IOC chief also rubbished the speculations regarding the cancellations or postponement of the Games and said such news hurt the athletes' preparations.&nbsp;

"There are many speculations around Tokyo 2020 which are hurting the athletes. There is speculation about cancellation, a Plan B, about everything. Some even make the proposal to postpone to the year 2032. Tell this to an athlete who is preparing now," Bach said.&nbsp;

International Olympics Committee's president Thomas Bach held a press conference following an Executive Board meeting amid uncertainty surrounding whether the Tokyo Olympic Games will go ahead later this year.

International Olympics Committee's president Thomas Bach held a press conference following an Executive Board meeting amid uncertainty surrounding whether the Tokyo Olympic Games will go ahead later this year. ALSO READ: Insurers face 'mind-blowingly' large loss if Olympics cancelled Bach started the conference by confirming that the Games will go ahead as planned. IOC chief said that the committee is is "concentrated and committed" in holding the Tokyo Olympics as per the schedule. "We are fully concentrated and committed towards successful and safe Olympic and Paralympic Games." Bach went on to talk about complexities of holding the Games, especially during the times of a pandemic, he said: "Organisation of Olympic and Paralympic Games extremely complex challenge. Complexity multiplied when it comes to the organisation of postponed Olympic Games under the conditions of a pandemic. We are learning every day." He also said that no one can predict the health situation at the time of the games and the fight against the virus is tough. "Fight against the virus is a tough fight. Fighting it for and like Olympic athletes. Nobody, not even scientists, can predict the health-situation in 206 NOCs for the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games from late July to the beginning of September this year," Bach said. While talking about the vaccinations, Bach said that vaccines are not a 'silver bullet', however, the IOC is encouraging the everyone to accept vaccination. "Vaccination is not the silver bullet which solves all problems. It is part of the countermeasures for Tokyo 2020. We are encouraging everybody to accept vaccination. But athletes should not jump the queue," IOC chief said. Bach talked about athlete quota during the games, he said: "61 per cent of the athlete quota places for Tokyo 2020 have already been allocated; 25 per cent will be assigned during the remaining qualification period; the final 14 per cent of athletes will be selected through rankings as per the respective qualification system for each sport." IOC chief also rubbished the speculations regarding the cancellations or postponement of the Games and said such news hurt the athletes' preparations. "There are many speculations around Tokyo 2020 which are hurting the athletes. There is speculation about cancellation, a Plan B, about everything. Some even make the proposal to postpone to the year 2032. Tell this to an athlete who is preparing now," Bach said.

'Vaccination not a silver bullet': IOC chief Thomas Bach urges athletes to not jump queue

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach is set to remain in office until 2025 as he will run unopposed next year for a second term, the IOC said on Tuesday.

Bach succeeded outgoing president Jacques Rogge in 2013 after prevailing over five other candidates in an election in Buenos Aires.

Presidents are limited to two terms in office under the rules of the Olympic body. The length of the first presidential term is eight years with re-election securing another four years in office.

“The members of the IOC were informed today... that President Thomas Bach will be the only candidate for the presidential election, which will be held during the 137th IOC Session in Athens in March 2021,” it said in a statement.

Bach is a German lawyer who won a gold medal in fencing at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

An IOC member since 1991, he introduced a string of reforms in 2014 designed to reduce the cost and size of the Olympics, as potential host cities were scared away by the financial implications.

He also had to deal with the fallout of the 2014 Sochi Olympics doping scandal that led to the Olympic ban of Russia in 2018, and more recently had to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He has also ruled the IOC virtually unopposed, with the vast majority of decisions receiving unanimous support from the committee members, who currently number just over 100.

More than half of them became members during Bach’s presidency.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach is set to remain in office until 2025 as he will run unopposed next year for a second term, the IOC said on Tuesday.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach is set to remain in office until 2025 as he will run unopposed next year for a second term, the IOC said on Tuesday. Bach succeeded outgoing president Jacques Rogge in 2013 after prevailing over five other candidates in an election in Buenos Aires. Presidents are limited to two terms in office under the rules of the Olympic body. The length of the first presidential term is eight years with re-election securing another four years in office. “The members of the IOC were informed today... that President Thomas Bach will be the only candidate for the presidential election, which will be held during the 137th IOC Session in Athens in March 2021,” it said in a statement. Bach is a German lawyer who won a gold medal in fencing at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. An IOC member since 1991, he introduced a string of reforms in 2014 designed to reduce the cost and size of the Olympics, as potential host cities were scared away by the financial implications. He also had to deal with the fallout of the 2014 Sochi Olympics doping scandal that led to the Olympic ban of Russia in 2018, and more recently had to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also ruled the IOC virtually unopposed, with the vast majority of decisions receiving unanimous support from the committee members, who currently number just over 100. More than half of them became members during Bach’s presidency.

IOC President Bach runs unopposed to stay on until 2025

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach on Tuesday said that athletes won’t be forced to get COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics but added that they should have it as a “demonstration of solidarity” with the Japanese.&nbsp;

Bach visited the Athletes’ Village on Tuesday before concluding his two-day Tokyo visit to the National Stadium.&nbsp;

“We will encourage athletes that whenever possible they have the vaccination because it is better for their health, and it is also a demonstration of solidarity with their fellow athletes and also the Japanese people,” said the German.

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Bach, who was in his first trip to Japan since the decision to postpone the Tokyo Games in March, has spoken about the major impact a vaccine could have on the prospects of Tokyo hosting the Olympics in 2021.

More than 11,000 athletes are expected to land in Tokyo for the Games, which are scheduled to commence from July 23 with around thousands expected for the subsequent Paralympics.

However, when asked whether athletes would queue up to get the potential vaccine before the Tokyo Olympics, Bach sounded confident that this wouldn’t be the case.&nbsp;

“We made it clear from the very beginning that the first priorities are for the nurses, medical doctors and everybody who keeps our society alive, despite the coronavirus crisis,” Bach told reporters at the National Stadium.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iocs-bach-very-confident-tokyo-olympics-will-have-fans-343411" hreflang="en">IOC's Bach 'very confident' Tokyo Olympics will have fans</a>

“These are the people who deserve to be the first ones to be vaccinated.”

Tokyo 2020 organisers are conducting a project review meeting this week while hoping on deciding on a range of COVID-19 measures, including whether the mega event will allow fans in venues in 2021.

A small group of anti-Olympics protesters gathered outside the stadium during Bach’s visit while chanting slogans as he walked alone down the track and looked up at the glaring empty seats around him.

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach on Tuesday said that athletes won’t be forced to get COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics but added that they should have it as a “demonstration of solidarity” with the Japanese.

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach on Tuesday said that athletes won’t be forced to get COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics but added that they should have it as a “demonstration of solidarity” with the Japanese. Bach visited the Athletes’ Village on Tuesday before concluding his two-day Tokyo visit to the National Stadium. “We will encourage athletes that whenever possible they have the vaccination because it is better for their health, and it is also a demonstration of solidarity with their fellow athletes and also the Japanese people,” said the German. ALSO READ: Honour to have Cristiano Ronaldo break my record in international football: Ali Daei Bach, who was in his first trip to Japan since the decision to postpone the Tokyo Games in March, has spoken about the major impact a vaccine could have on the prospects of Tokyo hosting the Olympics in 2021. More than 11,000 athletes are expected to land in Tokyo for the Games, which are scheduled to commence from July 23 with around thousands expected for the subsequent Paralympics. However, when asked whether athletes would queue up to get the potential vaccine before the Tokyo Olympics, Bach sounded confident that this wouldn’t be the case. “We made it clear from the very beginning that the first priorities are for the nurses, medical doctors and everybody who keeps our society alive, despite the coronavirus crisis,” Bach told reporters at the National Stadium. ALSO READ: IOC's Bach 'very confident' Tokyo Olympics will have fans “These are the people who deserve to be the first ones to be vaccinated.” Tokyo 2020 organisers are conducting a project review meeting this week while hoping on deciding on a range of COVID-19 measures, including whether the mega event will allow fans in venues in 2021. A small group of anti-Olympics protesters gathered outside the stadium during Bach’s visit while chanting slogans as he walked alone down the track and looked up at the glaring empty seats around him.

Athletes won't be forced to get COVID-19 vaccine ahead of Tokyo Olympics: Thomas Bach

Olympic chief Thomas Bach said Monday he is "very, very confident" that spectators will attend next year's Tokyo Olympics, as he kicked off a Japan trip to boost momentum for the pandemic-postponed Games.

Spiralling infections and new lockdowns around the world have renewed scepticism that the massive international event will be possible if the pandemic is not under control by opening day, now scheduled for July 23, 2021.

But organisers and Japanese officials have insisted that they can hold the event, and are drawing up a raft of coronavirus countermeasures intended to make the Games safe even if the pandemic is not over.

"We are putting really a huge tool box together in which we will put all the different measures we can imagine," Bach said, after meeting Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga for talks that began with the two masked men fist-bumping for the cameras.

"This makes us all very, very confident that we can have spectators in the Olympic stadia next year," added Bach, who heads the International Olympic Committee.

The Olympic chief also pledged that the IOC would "undertake great efforts" to make sure as many participants and spectators as possible are vaccinated before arriving in Japan, if a vaccine is available by next summer.

Bach, on his first trip to Tokyo since the Games were postponed in March, is hoping to convince athletes, Japanese citizens and Olympics sponsors that the Games can be held safely next year.

Polls show a majority of Japan's public believe the Games should be postponed further, or cancelled altogether.

And more than 60 percent of domestic sponsors have yet to commit to extending their contracts for another year, domestic media reported this weekend.

He told Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike the IOC was committed to ensuring "a safe environment for the participants of the Games, but also the Japanese people".

Koike said Bach's visit would "be an encouragement for the Japanese people, Tokyo residents, volunteers, children and above all athletes".

<h2>- 'Light at end of tunnel' -</h2>

There are glimmers of hope for organisers and Japanese officials, who have insisted a further delay is not on the table, and that cancellation is not being discussed.

News last week of positive results in a late-stage vaccine trial were welcomed by Tokyo 2020 officials as a "relief", though organisers cautioned that they will continue to prepare measures to hold the Games even without a vaccine.

And Tokyo this month successfully staged a four-nation gymnastics competition, its first international sporting event during the pandemic, hailed as proof the Games are possible.

In a possible preview of the restrictions Olympic athletes may face, gymnasts from the United States, China and Russia travelled on charter planes and were restricted to designated hotel floors, assigned buses and competition venues.

Athletes had to isolate themselves before coming to Japan, and test negative 72 hours before arrival. They were also tested every day after their arrival.

Spectators at the event had to wear face masks, sanitise their hands and undergo temperature checks, and were told not to shout or cheer.

A coronavirus taskforce of Japanese government officials and Olympic organisers has proposed measures including limiting athlete movement and banning cheering in venues. Final decisions on rules are not expected before next spring.

Bach said during a ceremony Monday he remained convinced Tokyo "continues to be the best prepared Olympic city".

Japan's government has maintained a steadfastly upbeat position on the prospects for the Games, with Suga reiterating Monday that they would go ahead and serve "as proof that mankind overcame the virus".

"Together we can make this Olympic Games and the Olympic flame the light at the end of the tunnel that we are all in during this coronavirus crisis," added Bach.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach said Monday he is "very, very confident" that spectators will attend next year's Tokyo Olympics, as he kicked off a Japan trip to boost momentum for the pandemic-postponed Games.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach said Monday he is "very, very confident" that spectators will attend next year's Tokyo Olympics, as he kicked off a Japan trip to boost momentum for the pandemic-postponed Games. Spiralling infections and new lockdowns around the world have renewed scepticism that the massive international event will be possible if the pandemic is not under control by opening day, now scheduled for July 23, 2021. But organisers and Japanese officials have insisted that they can hold the event, and are drawing up a raft of coronavirus countermeasures intended to make the Games safe even if the pandemic is not over. "We are putting really a huge tool box together in which we will put all the different measures we can imagine," Bach said, after meeting Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga for talks that began with the two masked men fist-bumping for the cameras. "This makes us all very, very confident that we can have spectators in the Olympic stadia next year," added Bach, who heads the International Olympic Committee. The Olympic chief also pledged that the IOC would "undertake great efforts" to make sure as many participants and spectators as possible are vaccinated before arriving in Japan, if a vaccine is available by next summer. Bach, on his first trip to Tokyo since the Games were postponed in March, is hoping to convince athletes, Japanese citizens and Olympics sponsors that the Games can be held safely next year. Polls show a majority of Japan's public believe the Games should be postponed further, or cancelled altogether. And more than 60 percent of domestic sponsors have yet to commit to extending their contracts for another year, domestic media reported this weekend. He told Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike the IOC was committed to ensuring "a safe environment for the participants of the Games, but also the Japanese people". Koike said Bach's visit would "be an encouragement for the Japanese people, Tokyo residents, volunteers, children and above all athletes". - 'Light at end of tunnel' - There are glimmers of hope for organisers and Japanese officials, who have insisted a further delay is not on the table, and that cancellation is not being discussed. News last week of positive results in a late-stage vaccine trial were welcomed by Tokyo 2020 officials as a "relief", though organisers cautioned that they will continue to prepare measures to hold the Games even without a vaccine. And Tokyo this month successfully staged a four-nation gymnastics competition, its first international sporting event during the pandemic, hailed as proof the Games are possible. In a possible preview of the restrictions Olympic athletes may face, gymnasts from the United States, China and Russia travelled on charter planes and were restricted to designated hotel floors, assigned buses and competition venues. Athletes had to isolate themselves before coming to Japan, and test negative 72 hours before arrival. They were also tested every day after their arrival. Spectators at the event had to wear face masks, sanitise their hands and undergo temperature checks, and were told not to shout or cheer. A coronavirus taskforce of Japanese government officials and Olympic organisers has proposed measures including limiting athlete movement and banning cheering in venues. Final decisions on rules are not expected before next spring. Bach said during a ceremony Monday he remained convinced Tokyo "continues to be the best prepared Olympic city". Japan's government has maintained a steadfastly upbeat position on the prospects for the Games, with Suga reiterating Monday that they would go ahead and serve "as proof that mankind overcame the virus". "Together we can make this Olympic Games and the Olympic flame the light at the end of the tunnel that we are all in during this coronavirus crisis," added Bach.

IOC's Bach 'very confident' Tokyo Olympics will have fans

Thomas Bach said Friday he will stand in 2021 for a second term as president of the International Olympic Committee.

The 66-year-old German was elected for an eight-year term as Olympic chief in September 2013, taking over from Belgian Jacques Rogge. Bach will be eligible for a second and final four-year term.

Speaking at the 136th IOC Session, held virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic, Bach said: "If you, the IOC members, want, I am ready to run for a second term as IOC president and to continue to serve you and this Olympic movement we all love so much for another four years."

The IOC presidential elections are slated to take place in Athens in June 2021.

Bach, who won gold for West Germany in the foil fencing team event at the 1976 Olympics, claimed a large number of IOC members had recently approached him asking if he would seek re-election.

"I am grateful and deeply touched by the many words of encouragement and confidence," Bach said.

<h2>- Influential -</h2>

Elected an IOC member at the age of 37, Bach went on to play a series of influential roles within the organisation before being elected its ninth president.

He served as vice-president three times and was also chairman of the legal commission and head of anti-doping investigations.

Bach says his involvement in sports politics was sparked by West Germany's boycott of the 1980 Games in Moscow over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the government's disregard for athletes' concerns.

In 1981, he was elected as the Olympic athletes' spokesperson at the IOC Congress.

Under his reign as IOC chief, Bach has had to grapple with several political challenges, and has notably overseen the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and the 2016 Rio Summer Games, both perceived as the most troublesome in recent years.

He has also been a key player in the ongoing Russian doping saga, although the IOC came in for criticism from some quarters for not issuing Moscow with a blanket ban over its state-sponsored doping system.

Bach also came under fire for reinstating the Russian National Olympic Committee after the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics despite failed drugs tests there.

He is credited, however, with having put in place the Olympic Agenda 2020, reforms aimed at cutting costs and streamlining bidding processes to better attract potential host cities.

But the German lawyer and businessman could well have his biggest challenge ahead of him, in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a historic move, the Tokyo Olympics were in March postponed until 2021 -- a first in peacetime.

There are fears over whether the Games will even go ahead next year, while Beijing is scheduled to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, just six months later.

Thomas Bach said Friday he will stand in 2021 for a second term as president of the International Olympic Committee. The 66-year-old German was elected for an eight-year term as Olympic chief in September 2013, taking over from Belgian Jacques Rogge.

Thomas Bach said Friday he will stand in 2021 for a second term as president of the International Olympic Committee. The 66-year-old German was elected for an eight-year term as Olympic chief in September 2013, taking over from Belgian Jacques Rogge. Bach will be eligible for a second and final four-year term. Speaking at the 136th IOC Session, held virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic, Bach said: "If you, the IOC members, want, I am ready to run for a second term as IOC president and to continue to serve you and this Olympic movement we all love so much for another four years." The IOC presidential elections are slated to take place in Athens in June 2021. Bach, who won gold for West Germany in the foil fencing team event at the 1976 Olympics, claimed a large number of IOC members had recently approached him asking if he would seek re-election. "I am grateful and deeply touched by the many words of encouragement and confidence," Bach said. - Influential - Elected an IOC member at the age of 37, Bach went on to play a series of influential roles within the organisation before being elected its ninth president. He served as vice-president three times and was also chairman of the legal commission and head of anti-doping investigations. Bach says his involvement in sports politics was sparked by West Germany's boycott of the 1980 Games in Moscow over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the government's disregard for athletes' concerns. In 1981, he was elected as the Olympic athletes' spokesperson at the IOC Congress. Under his reign as IOC chief, Bach has had to grapple with several political challenges, and has notably overseen the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and the 2016 Rio Summer Games, both perceived as the most troublesome in recent years. He has also been a key player in the ongoing Russian doping saga, although the IOC came in for criticism from some quarters for not issuing Moscow with a blanket ban over its state-sponsored doping system. Bach also came under fire for reinstating the Russian National Olympic Committee after the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics despite failed drugs tests there. He is credited, however, with having put in place the Olympic Agenda 2020, reforms aimed at cutting costs and streamlining bidding processes to better attract potential host cities. But the German lawyer and businessman could well have his biggest challenge ahead of him, in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a historic move, the Tokyo Olympics were in March postponed until 2021 -- a first in peacetime. There are fears over whether the Games will even go ahead next year, while Beijing is scheduled to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, just six months later.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach to stand for second term

After Japan postponed the Olympics due to the coronavirus pandemic, Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee(IOC) said that he was looking at ways to "simplify the organisation of the Games".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-asks-international-federations-to-finalise-olympic-qualifying-events-dates-299682">Also Read: IOC asks international federations to finalise Olympic qualifying events dates</a>

The Olympic Games were due to begin in&nbsp;July but were postponed until 2021 as the pandemic began to affect Japan and top athletes began to feel uncomfortable. It is the first time the Games were postponed since World War II.

The Games are now due to start on July 23, 2021. Bach however said there was "no timeline or deadline" for the Games, since &nbsp;"issues evolve by the day, sometimes by the hour".

The Olympic president said the committee was looking at "reducing the complexity of the games" in order to save costs for Japan which has been hit by coroanvirus with the country slipping into a recession for the first time since 2015.

The country's MPs passed a budget few days back worth nearly $300 billion handing out subsidies for small businesses and cash for medical workers as the nation continued to grapple with the virus.

Japan had recently ordered easing of the lockdown but PM Shinzo Abe cautioned against rise in cases with capital Tokyo the epicenter of the virus.

Yoshiro Mori, president of the Tokyo organising committee backed&nbsp;calls by the IOC chief, saying: "Olympic Games used to be conducted in extravagance and&nbsp;splendour. But the point is that in the face of COVID-19, would that kind of Games be accepted?"

IOC's Sports Director, Christophe Dubi, said that "sometimes we overplan and underconsume" asserting that ,"We will not let any stone unturned. The result will be positive."

After Japan postponed the Olympics due to the coronavirus pandemic, Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee(IOC) said that he was looking at ways to "simplify the organisation of the Games".

After Japan postponed the Olympics due to the coronavirus pandemic, Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee(IOC) said that he was looking at ways to "simplify the organisation of the Games". Also Read: IOC asks international federations to finalise Olympic qualifying events dates The Olympic Games were due to begin in July but were postponed until 2021 as the pandemic began to affect Japan and top athletes began to feel uncomfortable. It is the first time the Games were postponed since World War II. The Games are now due to start on July 23, 2021. Bach however said there was "no timeline or deadline" for the Games, since "issues evolve by the day, sometimes by the hour". The Olympic president said the committee was looking at "reducing the complexity of the games" in order to save costs for Japan which has been hit by coroanvirus with the country slipping into a recession for the first time since 2015. The country's MPs passed a budget few days back worth nearly $300 billion handing out subsidies for small businesses and cash for medical workers as the nation continued to grapple with the virus. Japan had recently ordered easing of the lockdown but PM Shinzo Abe cautioned against rise in cases with capital Tokyo the epicenter of the virus. Yoshiro Mori, president of the Tokyo organising committee backed calls by the IOC chief, saying: "Olympic Games used to be conducted in extravagance and splendour. But the point is that in the face of COVID-19, would that kind of Games be accepted?" IOC's Sports Director, Christophe Dubi, said that "sometimes we overplan and underconsume" asserting that ,"We will not let any stone unturned. The result will be positive."

IOC president Bach wants 'simplified' Olympics amid COVID-19 in Japan

Olympic chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday held a series of talks with International Olympic Committee members on the potential consequences of the coronavirus pandemic that has seen the Tokyo Games pushed back a year to 2021, sources said.

Bach was to address the 100 IOC members in three different sessions decided by language and local time zone.

Bach's aim is to canvas the members for their view on "how to handle the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic", a source told AFP.

The IOC president wants to hear "thoughts, ideas and experiences of all members across the globe", it added.

While Bach addressed all Olympic actors on March 24 when announcing the postponement of the Tokyo Games, it is the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak that he has specifically consulted IOC members.

Bach was backed up by Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi, IOC sports director Kit McConnell, IOC director general Christophe De Kepper and chief operating officer Lana Haddad.

The IOC's medical and scientific director, Richard Budgett, also took to the floor to discuss "the issue of a vaccine", according to a second source.

Bach warned last week that 2021 was the "last option" for holding the delayed Tokyo Games, stressing that postponement cannot go on forever.

He said he backed Japan's stance that the Games will have to be cancelled if the coronavirus pandemic isn't under control by next year.

The German wouldn't say, however, whether a vaccine was a prerequisite for going ahead with the Olympics, but was lukewarm on the idea of holding them without fans.

In March, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were postponed to July 23, 2021 over the coronavirus, which has killed hundreds of thousands around the world and halted international sport and travel. It was the first peacetime postponement of the Olympics.

The IOC has already set aside $800 million to help organisers and sports federations meet the extra costs of a postponed Olympics.

According to the latest budget, the Games were due to cost $12.6 billion, shared between the organising committee, the government of Japan and Tokyo city.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday held a series of talks with International Olympic Committee members on the potential consequences of the coronavirus pandemic that has seen the Tokyo Games pushed back a year to 2021, sources said.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday held a series of talks with International Olympic Committee members on the potential consequences of the coronavirus pandemic that has seen the Tokyo Games pushed back a year to 2021, sources said. Bach was to address the 100 IOC members in three different sessions decided by language and local time zone. Bach's aim is to canvas the members for their view on "how to handle the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic", a source told AFP. The IOC president wants to hear "thoughts, ideas and experiences of all members across the globe", it added. While Bach addressed all Olympic actors on March 24 when announcing the postponement of the Tokyo Games, it is the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak that he has specifically consulted IOC members. Bach was backed up by Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi, IOC sports director Kit McConnell, IOC director general Christophe De Kepper and chief operating officer Lana Haddad. The IOC's medical and scientific director, Richard Budgett, also took to the floor to discuss "the issue of a vaccine", according to a second source. Bach warned last week that 2021 was the "last option" for holding the delayed Tokyo Games, stressing that postponement cannot go on forever. He said he backed Japan's stance that the Games will have to be cancelled if the coronavirus pandemic isn't under control by next year. The German wouldn't say, however, whether a vaccine was a prerequisite for going ahead with the Olympics, but was lukewarm on the idea of holding them without fans. In March, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were postponed to July 23, 2021 over the coronavirus, which has killed hundreds of thousands around the world and halted international sport and travel. It was the first peacetime postponement of the Olympics. The IOC has already set aside $800 million to help organisers and sports federations meet the extra costs of a postponed Olympics. According to the latest budget, the Games were due to cost $12.6 billion, shared between the organising committee, the government of Japan and Tokyo city.

Olympic chief Bach consults with IOC members over virus fallout

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.&nbsp;

"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.

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

After postponing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to the year 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had said there would be ‘extreme ramifications' for rescheduling the Games. Now, president of the committee Thomas Bach has said that IOC is preparing to spend several hundred million dollars in additional cost following the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Bach stated that it was “impossible to say” exactly how much the rescheduling of the Games will cost while adding that Japan will continue to cover the costs under terms of existing agreement whereas IOC will be responsible for its share of costs. The financial ramifications were discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before the postponement of the quadrennial event was announced in March 2020.,

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“We agreed with the prime minister that Japan will continue to cover the costs it would have done under the terms of the existing agreement for 2020, and the IOC will continue to be responsible for its share of the costs,” Bach told a German daily.

“For us, the IOC, it is already clear that we shall be faced with several hundred million dollars of additional costs,” he added.

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The IOC president further clarified that “cancellation was not really an option for anyone involved in the decision” while adding the postponement call was “not a decision the IOC could take on its own.” 
&nbsp;

After postponing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to the year 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had said there would be ‘extreme ramifications' for rescheduling the Games.

After postponing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to the year 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had said there would be ‘extreme ramifications' for rescheduling the Games. Now, president of the committee Thomas Bach has said that IOC is preparing to spend several hundred million dollars in additional cost following the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Bach stated that it was “impossible to say” exactly how much the rescheduling of the Games will cost while adding that Japan will continue to cover the costs under terms of existing agreement whereas IOC will be responsible for its share of costs. The financial ramifications were discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before the postponement of the quadrennial event was announced in March 2020., ALSO READ: Sports Minister visits SAI headquarters, essential staff resumes office “We agreed with the prime minister that Japan will continue to cover the costs it would have done under the terms of the existing agreement for 2020, and the IOC will continue to be responsible for its share of the costs,” Bach told a German daily. “For us, the IOC, it is already clear that we shall be faced with several hundred million dollars of additional costs,” he added. ALSO READ: Nothing is in favour of any kind of sport, forget IPL: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly The IOC president further clarified that “cancellation was not really an option for anyone involved in the decision” while adding the postponement call was “not a decision the IOC could take on its own.”

IOC looking at 'several hundred million dollars of additional costs' after postponement of Tokyo Olympics: Thomas Bach

The president of International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his immense support to the Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed to July 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter to PM Modi, dated April 1, Bach stated that he was grateful to the Indian Prime Minister for his support to the quadrennial Games during the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit, held via video conference. Bach thanked PM Modi for lauding the IOC for their contribution towards the containment of the COVID-19 virus.

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"Please accept my sincere thanks for the support you have given to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, expressed in the Extraordinary G20 Leaders' Summit Statement, commending the International Olympic Committee for contributing to the containment of the COVID-19 virus," Bach wrote in his letter. "I am really grateful for your support for the Olympic Games and their unifying role, which the G20 Leaders' Summit had already expressed at your meeting last year in Osaka."

While the IOC was optimistic about conducting the Games as per schedule, the rapidly rising cases of COVID-19 worldwide left the organisers with no choice than to postpone the Games by a year.

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Letter of appreciation from the President of International Olympic Committee to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji for his commitment and contribution in containing COVID-19 and for promoting the cause of Olympics to make it a symbol of human resilience. <a href="https://t.co/h724Sdzg9b">pic.twitter.com/h724Sdzg9b</a>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1245642012251979777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Given the great work having been done by our Japanese partners and friends, Tokyo is the best-ever prepared Olympic city. Thanks to the excellent and trustful cooperation we are enjoying, like from the G20 Leaders' Summit, we are confident that these Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be a great success," Bach said.&nbsp;

"Like you, we are confident that the Olympic Games 2020 will be a symbol of human resilience. They will again show the unity of humanity in all our diversity by bringing together the world's best 11,000 athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team."&nbsp;

"As humankind currently finds itself in a dark tunnel, together with our Japanese partners and friends we want to make these Olympic Games a light at the end of this tunnel," he added.&nbsp;

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will now open on July 23, 2021, with the closing ceremony scheduled to be held on August 8, 2021. The move to defer the Games by a year has been well received by the athletes and sporting federations who lauded IOC for taking care of athletes’ and everyone linked to the quadrennial event. 
&nbsp;

The president of International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his immense support to the Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed to July 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The president of International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his immense support to the Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed to July 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to PM Modi, dated April 1, Bach stated that he was grateful to the Indian Prime Minister for his support to the quadrennial Games during the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit, held via video conference. Bach thanked PM Modi for lauding the IOC for their contribution towards the containment of the COVID-19 virus. ALSO READ: Hit list: What's next in line for possible coronavirus postponement "Please accept my sincere thanks for the support you have given to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, expressed in the Extraordinary G20 Leaders' Summit Statement, commending the International Olympic Committee for contributing to the containment of the COVID-19 virus," Bach wrote in his letter. "I am really grateful for your support for the Olympic Games and their unifying role, which the G20 Leaders' Summit had already expressed at your meeting last year in Osaka." While the IOC was optimistic about conducting the Games as per schedule, the rapidly rising cases of COVID-19 worldwide left the organisers with no choice than to postpone the Games by a year. Letter of appreciation from the President of International Olympic Committee to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji for his commitment and contribution in containing COVID-19 and for promoting the cause of Olympics to make it a symbol of human resilience. pic.twitter.com/h724Sdzg9b — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) April 2, 2020 × ALSO READ: Spurs' Son set for military training during virus shutdown: report "Given the great work having been done by our Japanese partners and friends, Tokyo is the best-ever prepared Olympic city. Thanks to the excellent and trustful cooperation we are enjoying, like from the G20 Leaders' Summit, we are confident that these Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be a great success," Bach said. "Like you, we are confident that the Olympic Games 2020 will be a symbol of human resilience. They will again show the unity of humanity in all our diversity by bringing together the world's best 11,000 athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team." "As humankind currently finds itself in a dark tunnel, together with our Japanese partners and friends we want to make these Olympic Games a light at the end of this tunnel," he added. The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will now open on July 23, 2021, with the closing ceremony scheduled to be held on August 8, 2021. The move to defer the Games by a year has been well received by the athletes and sporting federations who lauded IOC for taking care of athletes’ and everyone linked to the quadrennial event.

IOC president Thomas Bach thanks PM Narendra Modi for supporting postponed Tokyo Olympics

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;

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;

"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"

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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."

<h2>"First priority should be the quality of the decision"</h2>

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;

“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.

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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.

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

Scenarios of Olympics under the shadow of coronavirus

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games.

The unveiling of the medals, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, was the main attraction of an extravagant ceremony in the Japanese capital to commemorate the landmark.

The event was attended by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The medals, which are 85 millimetres in diameter, feature Greek goddess of victory Nike in their design along with the Olympic symbol and are made from recycled metals, collected from 6.21 million electronic devices donated across Japan.

Abe said he hoped next year's Games would have a similar impact as the 1964 Summer Games held in Tokyo.

"Sports brings the world together and it affords equal opportunities to all. That is what sports are about," said Abe. "Fifty-five years ago we learned that when we hosted it in Tokyo before.

"Next year we want to demonstrate that again and we want this to be an opportunity where we can do that."

Bach reiterated that Tokyo is the best-prepared city he has ever seen ahead of an Olympic Games.

"It will be a wonderful and unique moment for our gracious Japanese hosts. For you to show the world the best of Japan," added Bach.

Organisers believe they are on track to deliver a world-class sporting event next year and with 3.22 million tickets already sold and over 200,000 people applying to be volunteers, engagement in Japan is unprecedented.

The only reminder of the issues in the build-up to the Games on Wednesday was the presence of new Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) President Yasuhiro Yamashita on stage with Bach and Abe.

Yamashita took over at the JOC last month, following the resignation of Tsunekazu Takeda, who is being investigated for suspected corruption related to the Tokyo 2020 bid.

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games. The unveiling of the medals, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, was the main attraction of an extravagant ceremony in the Japanese capital to commemorate the landmark.

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games. The unveiling of the medals, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, was the main attraction of an extravagant ceremony in the Japanese capital to commemorate the landmark. The event was attended by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The medals, which are 85 millimetres in diameter, feature Greek goddess of victory Nike in their design along with the Olympic symbol and are made from recycled metals, collected from 6.21 million electronic devices donated across Japan. Abe said he hoped next year's Games would have a similar impact as the 1964 Summer Games held in Tokyo. "Sports brings the world together and it affords equal opportunities to all. That is what sports are about," said Abe. "Fifty-five years ago we learned that when we hosted it in Tokyo before. "Next year we want to demonstrate that again and we want this to be an opportunity where we can do that." Bach reiterated that Tokyo is the best-prepared city he has ever seen ahead of an Olympic Games. "It will be a wonderful and unique moment for our gracious Japanese hosts. For you to show the world the best of Japan," added Bach. Organisers believe they are on track to deliver a world-class sporting event next year and with 3.22 million tickets already sold and over 200,000 people applying to be volunteers, engagement in Japan is unprecedented. The only reminder of the issues in the build-up to the Games on Wednesday was the presence of new Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) President Yasuhiro Yamashita on stage with Bach and Abe. Yamashita took over at the JOC last month, following the resignation of Tsunekazu Takeda, who is being investigated for suspected corruption related to the Tokyo 2020 bid.

Tokyo Olympics 2020 medals unveiled a year before Games

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Monday called the controversial gender case of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/caster-semenyas-future-in-doubt-after-she-says-no-to-medication-to-lower-testosterone-215858"> South African runner Caster Semenya</a> "extremely complicated and delicate" and said an expert panel will study its implications.

Two-time Olympic champion Semenya last week lost a court challenge against the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) over plans to force some women to regulate their testosterone levels.

The decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport means female athletes with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/caster-semenya-wins-800-metres-two-days-after-losing-appeal-against-new-rules-215759"> elevated testosterone will have</a> to take suppressive treatment if they wish to compete as women in certain events.

The IAAF argued that "hyperandrogenic" athletes - or those with "differences of sexual development" (DSD) - had an unfair advantage over others.

Bach said in Brisbane that the IOC would create a group of "experts from science, from ethics as well as athletes' representatives and from international federations" to examine the ruling.

It will include IOC medical director Richard Budgett and an IAAF official who will "study this extremely complicated and delicate problem".

"This is a case that should be taken up with the international federations, it's their rules that are involved, their technical regulations," he said, adding that he had "no idea" when the group would reach any conclusions.

The World Medical Association has urged doctors not to enforce the controversial new rules for classifying female athletes, warning that attempts to do so would breach ethics codes.

The DSD rules - first adopted last year but suspended pending the legal battle - are due to come into effect on May 8. Semenya is mulling an appeal.

Bach is in Brisbane to meet Queensland state officials who are considering a bid for the city to host the 2032 Olympics, before heading to the nearby Gold Coast for a summit of sports federations.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Monday called the controversial gender case of South African runner Caster Semenya "extremely complicated and delicate" and said an expert panel will study its implications.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Monday called the controversial gender case of South African runner Caster Semenya "extremely complicated and delicate" and said an expert panel will study its implications. Two-time Olympic champion Semenya last week lost a court challenge against the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) over plans to force some women to regulate their testosterone levels. The decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport means female athletes with elevated testosterone will have to take suppressive treatment if they wish to compete as women in certain events. The IAAF argued that "hyperandrogenic" athletes - or those with "differences of sexual development" (DSD) - had an unfair advantage over others. Bach said in Brisbane that the IOC would create a group of "experts from science, from ethics as well as athletes' representatives and from international federations" to examine the ruling. It will include IOC medical director Richard Budgett and an IAAF official who will "study this extremely complicated and delicate problem". "This is a case that should be taken up with the international federations, it's their rules that are involved, their technical regulations," he said, adding that he had "no idea" when the group would reach any conclusions. The World Medical Association has urged doctors not to enforce the controversial new rules for classifying female athletes, warning that attempts to do so would breach ethics codes. The DSD rules - first adopted last year but suspended pending the legal battle - are due to come into effect on May 8. Semenya is mulling an appeal. Bach is in Brisbane to meet Queensland state officials who are considering a bid for the city to host the 2032 Olympics, before heading to the nearby Gold Coast for a summit of sports federations.

South African runner Caster Semenya's case extremely complicated, panel to study implications: IOC

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has no backup plan for the 2026 Winter Games if more cities drop out of the race, IOC President Thomas Bach said on Saturday.

Calgary, Stockholm and an Italian bid involving Cortina D'Ampezzo and Milan made the IOC shortlist this week, with Turkey's Erzurum dropped.

But all three bids face major obstacles that could potentially end their candidacies.

Calgary has planned a non-binding plebiscite in November which could bury the Canadian bid to host the winter Olympics for the second time since 1988 as early as next month.

The Italian bid and Stockholm have both struggled with getting crucial government support for their projects, while Torino pulled out of the Italian bid over project differences.

Three other cities -- Austria's Graz, Switzerland's Sion and Japan's Sapporo -- have dropped out in recent months, scared off by the size and cost of the Games or after facing strong local opposition to the bids.

"There is no Plan B and we will not enter into any speculation," Bach told reporters when asked about what the IOC would do if more cities dropped out ahead of next year's vote for the 2026 Games host.

Bach said although there was a need to continue with cost-reducing measures for the Olympics, especially the Winter Games, there was still strong demand for them.

"We have more than a dozen sports who would like to join Olympic programme," he said in the Argentine capital ahead of the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics.

"Quite a number of interested cities, big number of interested cities (for the 2032 summer Games). We should not be worried for the future."

Indonesia, North and South Korea and India, among other, have expressed an interest in bidding for the 2032 Olympics.

Tokyo will stage the 2020 summer Games, Beijing will host the 2022 winter Olympics while Paris and Los Angeles will organise the 2024 and the 2028 summer editions respectively.

"What is true is we have to continue our efforts, particularly with regard to winter sports, to be more flexible in order to reduce costs, avoid construction of sports facilities that have no legacy," Bach said.

The IOC will no longer demand the construction of new sliding centres for luge and bobsleigh for future Olympics -- apart from Beijing 2022 -- as it looks to cut costs and make the Games more attractive to potential hosts.

"The same goes for the ski jumping. There is no need for further (new) ski jumping venues for the Olympics," he said.

"We have made good progress in this respect."&nbsp;

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has no backup plan for the 2026 Winter Games if more cities drop out of the race, IOC President Thomas Bach said on Saturday.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has no backup plan for the 2026 Winter Games if more cities drop out of the race, IOC President Thomas Bach said on Saturday. Calgary, Stockholm and an Italian bid involving Cortina D'Ampezzo and Milan made the IOC shortlist this week, with Turkey's Erzurum dropped. But all three bids face major obstacles that could potentially end their candidacies. Calgary has planned a non-binding plebiscite in November which could bury the Canadian bid to host the winter Olympics for the second time since 1988 as early as next month. The Italian bid and Stockholm have both struggled with getting crucial government support for their projects, while Torino pulled out of the Italian bid over project differences. Three other cities -- Austria's Graz, Switzerland's Sion and Japan's Sapporo -- have dropped out in recent months, scared off by the size and cost of the Games or after facing strong local opposition to the bids. "There is no Plan B and we will not enter into any speculation," Bach told reporters when asked about what the IOC would do if more cities dropped out ahead of next year's vote for the 2026 Games host. Bach said although there was a need to continue with cost-reducing measures for the Olympics, especially the Winter Games, there was still strong demand for them. "We have more than a dozen sports who would like to join Olympic programme," he said in the Argentine capital ahead of the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics. "Quite a number of interested cities, big number of interested cities (for the 2032 summer Games). We should not be worried for the future." Indonesia, North and South Korea and India, among other, have expressed an interest in bidding for the 2032 Olympics. Tokyo will stage the 2020 summer Games, Beijing will host the 2022 winter Olympics while Paris and Los Angeles will organise the 2024 and the 2028 summer editions respectively. "What is true is we have to continue our efforts, particularly with regard to winter sports, to be more flexible in order to reduce costs, avoid construction of sports facilities that have no legacy," Bach said. The IOC will no longer demand the construction of new sliding centres for luge and bobsleigh for future Olympics -- apart from Beijing 2022 -- as it looks to cut costs and make the Games more attractive to potential hosts. "The same goes for the ski jumping. There is no need for further (new) ski jumping venues for the Olympics," he said. "We have made good progress in this respect."

No plan B for 2026 Winter Games campaign: IOC's Thomas Bach

North and South Koreans marching together under a unified peninsula flag gave Thomas Bach goosebumps, the International Olympic Committee president told Reuters on Saturday.

&quot;It was a very emotional moment to get finally there after many years of hard work and many negotiations still taking place here,&quot; the German said the morning after the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Games.

&quot;Then to see it finally happen, it really did not only give me goosebumps but I think the whole public and I guess the entire world.&quot;

The sight of North and South Koreans marching together for the first time in a decade was the culmination of months of work by Seoul. The South Koreans want to use the Olympics to ease tensions spurred by North Korea&#39;s pursuit of nuclear weapons.

The spectacle was greeted with apparent joy by South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his guest, Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. They stood from their seats and, smiling, shook each other by the hand.

Not everybody was so taken by the show of Korean unity, with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence remaining seated as the North and South Koreans entered the stadium.

&quot;I didn&#39;t see it there. I was standing and I think the whole team felt very much welcome and this welcome does not depend on who stands and who does not stand,&quot; Bach said.

A high-ranking North Korean delegation of Kim, and North Korea&#39;s nominal head of state, Kim Yong Nam, had arrived in South Korea earlier in the day aboard Kim Jong Un&#39;s private jet.

"It was a very emotional moment to get finally there after many years of hard work and many negotiations still taking place here," the German said the morning after the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Games.

North and South Koreans marching together under a unified peninsula flag gave Thomas Bach goosebumps, the International Olympic Committee president told Reuters on Saturday. "It was a very emotional moment to get finally there after many years of hard work and many negotiations still taking place here," the German said the morning after the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Games. "Then to see it finally happen, it really did not only give me goosebumps but I think the whole public and I guess the entire world." The sight of North and South Koreans marching together for the first time in a decade was the culmination of months of work by Seoul. The South Koreans want to use the Olympics to ease tensions spurred by North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons. The spectacle was greeted with apparent joy by South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his guest, Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. They stood from their seats and, smiling, shook each other by the hand. Not everybody was so taken by the show of Korean unity, with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence remaining seated as the North and South Koreans entered the stadium. "I didn't see it there. I was standing and I think the whole team felt very much welcome and this welcome does not depend on who stands and who does not stand," Bach said. A high-ranking North Korean delegation of Kim, and North Korea's nominal head of state, Kim Yong Nam, had arrived in South Korea earlier in the day aboard Kim Jong Un's private jet.

Olympic: Joint Korean march gave me goosebumps, says IOC boss

Olympics chief Thomas Bach on Monday said the Pyeongchang Winter Games brought &quot;real hope&quot; to the divided Korean peninsula and conceded there was no &quot;Plan B&quot; even when nuclear tensions put them under threat.

Bach was speaking four days ahead of the opening of the Games, which received a major boost when isolated North Korea ended months of bellicose posturing by agreeing to send a contingent of athletes.

&quot;The Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018 have allowed another new beginning on the Korean peninsula,&quot; Bach told delegates at the opening ceremony for this week&#39;s International Olympic Committee (IOC) session.&nbsp;

&quot;They have opened the door for a peaceful dialogue between the Republic of Korea (South) and the Democratic People&#39;s Republic of Korea (North).

&quot;The Olympic spirit has brought two sides together that for too long were divided by mistrust and animosity.&nbsp;

&quot;The Olympic spirit has brought real hope for a brighter future for everyone on the Korean peninsula.&quot;

Bach said it had been a &quot;long and difficult journey&quot; to organise an Olympics in Korea, whose two sides are divided by a heavily fortified border -- just 30 miles (50 kilometres) from the Games site -- and remain technically at war.

Officials from France, Germany and Austria all expressed concerns about sending athletes as tensions spiralled last year, when North Korea fired a series of missile tests and exchanged threats of war with the United States.

But Bach said: &quot;In all the conversations we had, the Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018 were never put in doubt. On the contrary, we could always feel support.&quot;

&quot;Despite the sometimes worrying political circumstances, we were always standing at the side of our Korean hosts and never talked of a Plan B,&quot; he added.

&#39;Impossible dream&#39;

South Korean President Moon Jae-In has long argued for engagement to bring the North to the negotiating table over its nuclear ambitions.

But not all of his countrymen agree and there is a public perception that Moon&#39;s administration made too many concessions to the North to secure its participation at the Olympics.&nbsp;

Chiming with Bach, Moon said: &quot;Something truly wonderful is taking place in the divided and war-torn nation... throughout the world the message of peace is echoing.&quot;

&quot;One or two months ago, many countries were concerned with the safety of the Pyeongchang Olympic Games. North Korea&#39;s participating in the Games and a unified team under the banner of peace seemed like an impossible dream then,&quot; he added.

North Korea is sending 22 athletes to Pyeongchang, along with a large number of officials and an all-female cheer squad.

A unified Korean women&#39;s ice hockey team, whose squad includes 12 players from the North, on Sunday made its debut ahead of the Games, losing 3-1 to Sweden in a practice match.

The team has proved polarising in South Korea, where it has been blamed for a sudden drop in Moon&#39;s approval ratings.

While enthusiastic supporters cheered on the joint team, protesters chanting &quot;Pyongyang Olympics!&quot; also gathered outside, stamping on a picture of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and ripping up the blue-and-white Korean unification flag.

&nbsp;

Bach said it had been a "long and difficult journey" to organise an Olympics in Korea, whose two sides are divided and remain technically at war

Olympics chief Thomas Bach on Monday said the Pyeongchang Winter Games brought "real hope" to the divided Korean peninsula and conceded there was no "Plan B" even when nuclear tensions put them under threat. Bach was speaking four days ahead of the opening of the Games, which received a major boost when isolated North Korea ended months of bellicose posturing by agreeing to send a contingent of athletes. "The Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018 have allowed another new beginning on the Korean peninsula," Bach told delegates at the opening ceremony for this week's International Olympic Committee (IOC) session. "They have opened the door for a peaceful dialogue between the Republic of Korea (South) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North). "The Olympic spirit has brought two sides together that for too long were divided by mistrust and animosity. "The Olympic spirit has brought real hope for a brighter future for everyone on the Korean peninsula." Bach said it had been a "long and difficult journey" to organise an Olympics in Korea, whose two sides are divided by a heavily fortified border -- just 30 miles (50 kilometres) from the Games site -- and remain technically at war. Officials from France, Germany and Austria all expressed concerns about sending athletes as tensions spiralled last year, when North Korea fired a series of missile tests and exchanged threats of war with the United States. But Bach said: "In all the conversations we had, the Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018 were never put in doubt. On the contrary, we could always feel support." "Despite the sometimes worrying political circumstances, we were always standing at the side of our Korean hosts and never talked of a Plan B," he added. 'Impossible dream' South Korean President Moon Jae-In has long argued for engagement to bring the North to the negotiating table over its nuclear ambitions. But not all of his countrymen agree and there is a public perception that Moon's administration made too many concessions to the North to secure its participation at the Olympics. Chiming with Bach, Moon said: "Something truly wonderful is taking place in the divided and war-torn nation... throughout the world the message of peace is echoing." "One or two months ago, many countries were concerned with the safety of the Pyeongchang Olympic Games. North Korea's participating in the Games and a unified team under the banner of peace seemed like an impossible dream then," he added. North Korea is sending 22 athletes to Pyeongchang, along with a large number of officials and an all-female cheer squad. A unified Korean women's ice hockey team, whose squad includes 12 players from the North, on Sunday made its debut ahead of the Games, losing 3-1 to Sweden in a practice match. The team has proved polarising in South Korea, where it has been blamed for a sudden drop in Moon's approval ratings. While enthusiastic supporters cheered on the joint team, protesters chanting "Pyongyang Olympics!" also gathered outside, stamping on a picture of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and ripping up the blue-and-white Korean unification flag.

Pyeongchang Olympics brings 'real hope' to divided Koreas, says Bach

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to decide today on whether to ban Russia from the Rio Games over state-run doping, an unprecedented move that could spark the Olympic movement&#39;s worst crisis in decades.&nbsp; 
 
While countries have been banned from past Games for grave, political reasons, throwing an entire nation out for drug cheating would be a first.&nbsp; 
 
But the IOC is facing global pressure to take bold action given the jaw-dropping nature of the allegations against Russia. 
 
According to an independent report from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Russia&#39;s sports ministry directed a vast doping programme with support from the FSB intelligence agency.&nbsp; 
 
More than 30 sports were affected by the cheating that went on during the 2014 Sochi Games and other major events, said the WADA report released last week by Canadian law professor Richard McLaren.&nbsp; 
 
WADA, along with fourteen national anti-doping agencies -- including the United States, Canada and Germany -- as well as multiple national Olympic committees have urged the IOC to ban Russia from Rio.&nbsp; 
 
IOC chief Thomas Bach will lead a conference call with the organisation&#39;s powerful executive board on Sunday.&nbsp; 
 
The IOC said a final decision on Russia&#39;s eligibility could be issued after the call, but a definitive ruling may be put off until early next week.&nbsp; 
 
With the Rio Games set to start on August 5, the IOC has taken every last agonising day before ruling on one of the toughest questions it has faced in recent history.The key issue is whether the extent of the alleged cheating in Russia gives the IOC grounds to punish athletes with no positive drug tests on their record. 
 
&quot;We will have to take a very difficult decision,&quot; Bach said this week, addressing the ethical and legal tension &quot;between a collective ban for all Russian athletes, and the natural right to individual justice for every clean athlete in the world.&quot; 
 
Officials in Moscow led by Russian President Vladimir Putin have vowed to help crack down on doping while voicing fierce opposition to the prospect of a blanket ban.&nbsp; 
 
Last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev also intervened: &quot;For me the principle of collective punishment is unacceptable,&quot; wrote 85-year-old Gorbachev in a statement, asking Bach to make a &quot;just decision&quot;. 
 
Russia&#39;s entire track and field squad has already been banned from Rio by athletics governing body IAAF over an earlier WADA report which detailed &quot;state-supported&quot; doping. 
 
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) this week rejected an appeal by 67 Russian athletes against the IAAF ban. 
 
The IOC has said it would closely study the CAS ruling as it tried to assess the legal basis for a collective national suspension. 
Meanwhile, an ongoing IOC reanalysis of samples from Beijing 2008 and London 2012 revealed 45 new doping failures. 
&nbsp; 
That brought the total number of positive drug tests to 98 since a retesting programme was launched, underscoring the severity of the doping crisis within the Olympics. If the IOC bans Russia from Rio, it will be the first time a country has been excluded since 1988, when South Africa&#39;s IOC suspension over apartheid was still in force.&nbsp; 
 
The most extensive set of national bans came at the 1920 Games in Antwerp, when a long list of World War One &quot;aggressors&quot; -- including Germany, Austria, Turkey and Hungary -- were told to stay away. 
 
Multiple countries have boycotted Games, however, notably the United States at Moscow 1980, which preceded Russia`s boycott of Los Angeles 1984. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

WADA report claims more than 30 sports were affected by the cheating that went on during the 2014 Sochi Games and other major events

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to decide today on whether to ban Russia from the Rio Games over state-run doping, an unprecedented move that could spark the Olympic movement's worst crisis in decades. While countries have been banned from past Games for grave, political reasons, throwing an entire nation out for drug cheating would be a first. But the IOC is facing global pressure to take bold action given the jaw-dropping nature of the allegations against Russia. According to an independent report from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Russia's sports ministry directed a vast doping programme with support from the FSB intelligence agency. More than 30 sports were affected by the cheating that went on during the 2014 Sochi Games and other major events, said the WADA report released last week by Canadian law professor Richard McLaren. WADA, along with fourteen national anti-doping agencies -- including the United States, Canada and Germany -- as well as multiple national Olympic committees have urged the IOC to ban Russia from Rio. IOC chief Thomas Bach will lead a conference call with the organisation's powerful executive board on Sunday. The IOC said a final decision on Russia's eligibility could be issued after the call, but a definitive ruling may be put off until early next week. With the Rio Games set to start on August 5, the IOC has taken every last agonising day before ruling on one of the toughest questions it has faced in recent history.The key issue is whether the extent of the alleged cheating in Russia gives the IOC grounds to punish athletes with no positive drug tests on their record. "We will have to take a very difficult decision," Bach said this week, addressing the ethical and legal tension "between a collective ban for all Russian athletes, and the natural right to individual justice for every clean athlete in the world." Officials in Moscow led by Russian President Vladimir Putin have vowed to help crack down on doping while voicing fierce opposition to the prospect of a blanket ban. Last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev also intervened: "For me the principle of collective punishment is unacceptable," wrote 85-year-old Gorbachev in a statement, asking Bach to make a "just decision". Russia's entire track and field squad has already been banned from Rio by athletics governing body IAAF over an earlier WADA report which detailed "state-supported" doping. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) this week rejected an appeal by 67 Russian athletes against the IAAF ban. The IOC has said it would closely study the CAS ruling as it tried to assess the legal basis for a collective national suspension. Meanwhile, an ongoing IOC reanalysis of samples from Beijing 2008 and London 2012 revealed 45 new doping failures. That brought the total number of positive drug tests to 98 since a retesting programme was launched, underscoring the severity of the doping crisis within the Olympics. If the IOC bans Russia from Rio, it will be the first time a country has been excluded since 1988, when South Africa's IOC suspension over apartheid was still in force. The most extensive set of national bans came at the 1920 Games in Antwerp, when a long list of World War One "aggressors" -- including Germany, Austria, Turkey and Hungary -- were told to stay away. Multiple countries have boycotted Games, however, notably the United States at Moscow 1980, which preceded Russia`s boycott of Los Angeles 1984. (AFP)

IOC faces historic call amid global pressure to impose blanket ban on Russia in Rio Games

The International Olympic Committee said that Russian doping cover-ups confirmed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) today showed a &quot;shocking and unprecedented attack on the integrity of sport and the Olympic Games&quot;, and that it would not hesitate to take the toughest sanctions. 
 
An independent report commissioned by WADA confirmed extraordinary systematic abuse of the anti-doping process across many sports by Russian authorities before and during the Winter Olympics in the Russian city of Sochi in 2014. 
 
In a statement, IOC President Thomas Bach said the IOC &quot;will now carefully study the complex and detailed allegations in particular with regard to the Russian ministry of sport&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The findings of the report show a shocking and unprecedented attack on the integrity of sports and on the Olympic Games,&quot; he said. &quot;Therefore, the IOC will not hesitate to take the toughest sanctions available against any individual or organisation implicated.&quot; 
 
The IOC executive board will hold a telephone conference on Tuesday to take its first decisions, which could include provisional measures and sanctions regarding the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next month, the IOC said. 
 
Last week, Bach indicated that a total ban on Russia competing in Rio was unlikely, saying, &quot;It is obvious you cannot sanction a badminton player for an infringement of the rules by an official or a lab director at the Winter Games.&quot; 
 
However, in the light of Monday&#39;s report, with a wide group of sports bodies now calling for a blanket ban, a broad sanction could now be on the cards. 
 
Russia&#39;s track and field athletes are already banned, as are its weightlifters, subject to confirmation of positive dope tests from samples given in 2008 and 2012. 
 
(Reuters)

World Anti-Doping Agency today confirmed manipulation of the anti-doping process by Russian authorities at Sochi Olympics in 2014

The International Olympic Committee said that Russian doping cover-ups confirmed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) today showed a "shocking and unprecedented attack on the integrity of sport and the Olympic Games", and that it would not hesitate to take the toughest sanctions. An independent report commissioned by WADA confirmed extraordinary systematic abuse of the anti-doping process across many sports by Russian authorities before and during the Winter Olympics in the Russian city of Sochi in 2014. In a statement, IOC President Thomas Bach said the IOC "will now carefully study the complex and detailed allegations in particular with regard to the Russian ministry of sport". "The findings of the report show a shocking and unprecedented attack on the integrity of sports and on the Olympic Games," he said. "Therefore, the IOC will not hesitate to take the toughest sanctions available against any individual or organisation implicated." The IOC executive board will hold a telephone conference on Tuesday to take its first decisions, which could include provisional measures and sanctions regarding the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next month, the IOC said. Last week, Bach indicated that a total ban on Russia competing in Rio was unlikely, saying, "It is obvious you cannot sanction a badminton player for an infringement of the rules by an official or a lab director at the Winter Games." However, in the light of Monday's report, with a wide group of sports bodies now calling for a blanket ban, a broad sanction could now be on the cards. Russia's track and field athletes are already banned, as are its weightlifters, subject to confirmation of positive dope tests from samples given in 2008 and 2012. (Reuters)

International Olympic Committee will take 'toughest sanctions' over Sochi doping

Less than a week before the opening of the Olympics, International Olympic Committee leaders will meet in Rio de Janeiro this weekend to review the final preparations for the games and deal with the fallout from the doping scandal that has led to the exclusion of more than 100 Russian athletes. 
 
The IOC&#39;s ruling executive board opens a two-day meeting today, its last formal gathering before next Friday night&#39;s opening ceremony at the Maracana stadium. 
 
The meeting comes less than a week after the IOC board decided not to ban Russia&#39;s entire team from the games because of state-sponsored doping. Rejecting calls by more than a dozen anti-doping agencies for a complete ban on Russia, the IOC left it to individual sports federations to vet which athletes could compete or not. 
 
Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko said on Friday that, so far, 272 of the country&#39;s athletes had been cleared by international federations, out of an original team of 387. 
 
More than 100, however, have been barred, including the track and field team banned by the IAAF and more than 30 other athletes rejected under new IOC eligibility criteria. 
 
The IOC has been roundly criticised by anti-doping bodies, athletes groups and western media for not imposing a total ban on Russia. 
 
Pressure for the full sanction followed a World Anti-Doping Agency report by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren that accused Russia&#39;s sports ministry of overseeing a vast doping conspiracy involving the country&#39;s summer and winter sports athletes. 
 
IOC president Thomas Bach has defended the decision as protecting individual athletes from collective punishment. 
 
&quot;This is a decision we just had the opportunity to discuss with some athletes,&quot; Bach said in Rio. &quot;I think the general feeling is that it is appreciated that, on the one hand, we are sanctioning a (doping) system, but on the other hand we have given athletes who were not part of the system the opportunity to demonstrate this and then to be allowed to take part in the Olympic Games.&quot; 
 
Rio&#39;s preparations, meanwhile, remain clouded on several fronts, including budget cuts, raw sewage that pollutes the sites of rowing, sailing, canoeing, open water swimming and triathlon, slow ticket sales, and concerns over crime and the Zika virus. 
 
The games come with the president awaiting an impeachment trial and the country gripped by a severe recession. 
 
The Australians and at least eight other Olympic teams complained this week about their accommodations in the athletes&#39; village, citing plumbing leaks, electrical faults and dirty conditions. 
 
On Friday, Australian athletes and staff had to be evacuated from their building after a small fire broke out in the basement. They returned safely after about 20 minutes. 
 
&quot;In the end you will see a fantastic Olympic Village and great games,&quot; Bach said. &quot;The Brazilians will overwhelm all of us with their passion, with their joy of life, their great hospitality, and with their energy.&quot; 
 
The &nbsp;IOC will hold a three-day session next week, starting Tuesday. A top item on the agenda is Wednesday&#39;s vote on a recommendation to add five sports to the program of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics -- baseball/softball, surfing, karate, skate boarding and sport climbing. 
 
The proposed sports - backed by the executive board and to be voted on as a package - would add 18 events and 474 athletes to the program. 
 
An IOC program commission report released on Friday said the five sports are a blend of the traditional and emerging, youth-focused events, and all have international and local appeal. 
 
(PTI)

Rio's preparations remain clouded on several fronts, including budget cuts, raw sewage, concerns over crime and Zika virus

Less than a week before the opening of the Olympics, International Olympic Committee leaders will meet in Rio de Janeiro this weekend to review the final preparations for the games and deal with the fallout from the doping scandal that has led to the exclusion of more than 100 Russian athletes. The IOC's ruling executive board opens a two-day meeting today, its last formal gathering before next Friday night's opening ceremony at the Maracana stadium. The meeting comes less than a week after the IOC board decided not to ban Russia's entire team from the games because of state-sponsored doping. Rejecting calls by more than a dozen anti-doping agencies for a complete ban on Russia, the IOC left it to individual sports federations to vet which athletes could compete or not. Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko said on Friday that, so far, 272 of the country's athletes had been cleared by international federations, out of an original team of 387. More than 100, however, have been barred, including the track and field team banned by the IAAF and more than 30 other athletes rejected under new IOC eligibility criteria. The IOC has been roundly criticised by anti-doping bodies, athletes groups and western media for not imposing a total ban on Russia. Pressure for the full sanction followed a World Anti-Doping Agency report by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren that accused Russia's sports ministry of overseeing a vast doping conspiracy involving the country's summer and winter sports athletes. IOC president Thomas Bach has defended the decision as protecting individual athletes from collective punishment. "This is a decision we just had the opportunity to discuss with some athletes," Bach said in Rio. "I think the general feeling is that it is appreciated that, on the one hand, we are sanctioning a (doping) system, but on the other hand we have given athletes who were not part of the system the opportunity to demonstrate this and then to be allowed to take part in the Olympic Games." Rio's preparations, meanwhile, remain clouded on several fronts, including budget cuts, raw sewage that pollutes the sites of rowing, sailing, canoeing, open water swimming and triathlon, slow ticket sales, and concerns over crime and the Zika virus. The games come with the president awaiting an impeachment trial and the country gripped by a severe recession. The Australians and at least eight other Olympic teams complained this week about their accommodations in the athletes' village, citing plumbing leaks, electrical faults and dirty conditions. On Friday, Australian athletes and staff had to be evacuated from their building after a small fire broke out in the basement. They returned safely after about 20 minutes. "In the end you will see a fantastic Olympic Village and great games," Bach said. "The Brazilians will overwhelm all of us with their passion, with their joy of life, their great hospitality, and with their energy." The IOC will hold a three-day session next week, starting Tuesday. A top item on the agenda is Wednesday's vote on a recommendation to add five sports to the program of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics -- baseball/softball, surfing, karate, skate boarding and sport climbing. The proposed sports - backed by the executive board and to be voted on as a package - would add 18 events and 474 athletes to the program. An IOC program commission report released on Friday said the five sports are a blend of the traditional and emerging, youth-focused events, and all have international and local appeal. (PTI)

IOC executive board to review final preparations for Rio Games

The International Olympic Committee reported 45 new doping failures today from the 2008 Games in Beijing and London 2012, bringing the total number of positive drug test to 98 since a retesting programme was launched. The IOC, facing one of its worst-ever doping crises that could see sporting powerhouse Russia banned from the Rio Games, has reanalysed more than 1,200 samples, with the emphasis on medal winners. 
 
Reporting results from its second wave of retests, the IOC said there were 30 &quot;Provisional Adverse Analytical Findings&quot; from competitors in Beijing 2008 and 15 &quot;Adverse Analytical Findings&quot; among London 2012 Olympians. Within the Beijing group, 23 were medallists, the IOC said. The 30 positive results came from eight countries and four sports. 
 
The second wave of retests from London included 138 samples. The 15 positive tests were from nine countries and two sports. The IOC said it was not able to identify the athletes concerned, citing legal reasons. &quot;The new reanalysis once again shows the commitment of the IOC in the fight against doping,&quot; Olympics president Thomas Bach said in a statement. 
 
The IOC has said the retesting programme followed &quot;intelligence-gathering&quot; that began last year. The new results may pile more pressure on the IOC as it faces making the unprecedented move of banning an entire country from a Games over doping. 
 
Two reports from the World Anti Doping Agency have detailed rampant, state-run drug cheating by Russia, affecting 30 sports. Russia&#39;s track and field team has already been banned from Rio by governing body IAAF.&nbsp; 
 
A dozen global anti-doping agencies and several national Olympic committees have urged the IOC to take exemplary action and rule all Russian competitors ineligible for the Rio Games, which start in two weeks. The IOC said a decision could be made on Sunday. 
 
(AFP)

These results may pile pressure on the IOC to make the unprecedented move of banning an entire country from the 2016 Games for doping

The International Olympic Committee reported 45 new doping failures today from the 2008 Games in Beijing and London 2012, bringing the total number of positive drug test to 98 since a retesting programme was launched. The IOC, facing one of its worst-ever doping crises that could see sporting powerhouse Russia banned from the Rio Games, has reanalysed more than 1,200 samples, with the emphasis on medal winners. Reporting results from its second wave of retests, the IOC said there were 30 "Provisional Adverse Analytical Findings" from competitors in Beijing 2008 and 15 "Adverse Analytical Findings" among London 2012 Olympians. Within the Beijing group, 23 were medallists, the IOC said. The 30 positive results came from eight countries and four sports. The second wave of retests from London included 138 samples. The 15 positive tests were from nine countries and two sports. The IOC said it was not able to identify the athletes concerned, citing legal reasons. "The new reanalysis once again shows the commitment of the IOC in the fight against doping," Olympics president Thomas Bach said in a statement. The IOC has said the retesting programme followed "intelligence-gathering" that began last year. The new results may pile more pressure on the IOC as it faces making the unprecedented move of banning an entire country from a Games over doping. Two reports from the World Anti Doping Agency have detailed rampant, state-run drug cheating by Russia, affecting 30 sports. Russia's track and field team has already been banned from Rio by governing body IAAF. A dozen global anti-doping agencies and several national Olympic committees have urged the IOC to take exemplary action and rule all Russian competitors ineligible for the Rio Games, which start in two weeks. The IOC said a decision could be made on Sunday. (AFP)

IOC finds 45 new doping failures from Beijing, London Games

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