The US President Joe Biden has said that any decision on holding&nbsp;the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, must be "based on science". The Games are set to commence in under six months with the Japanese government and International Olympic Committee (IOC)&nbsp;emphasising&nbsp;on holding the quadrennial event as planned, albeit under strict protocols that could include events being held behind closed doors.&nbsp;

Biden, speaking on a Westwood One Sports radio&nbsp;programme&nbsp;broadcast on Sunday, said that he hopes the Tokyo Olympics take place just for the sake of the athletes who have given their blood and sweat for the&nbsp;Games.&nbsp;

"I've spoken with the prime minister of Japan, he's working very hard to be in a position to safely open the Games, to have the Games, and I think that has to be based on science, whether or not it is safe for that to occur," Biden said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Biden, who took the office in January, said it pains him to even think that athletes won't be able to compete in the Tokyo Olympics after four years of hard work but added if the Games are to go ahead, it has to be based on science.&nbsp;

"Imagine all those Olympians who work for four years, four years for one shot and all of a sudden that opportunity gets lost," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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"They are the people that I feel such pain for - but we have to do it based on the science," he&nbsp;further said while adding, "We are a science-driven administration, I think the rest of the&nbsp;world's&nbsp;there too. I hope we can&nbsp;play,&nbsp;I hope it's possible, but it remains to be seen."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;2020 Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics are set to open on July 23 and run until Aug. 8.&nbsp;

The US President Joe Biden has said that any decision on holding the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, must be "based on science".

The US President Joe Biden has said that any decision on holding the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, must be "based on science". The Games are set to commence in under six months with the Japanese government and International Olympic Committee (IOC) emphasising on holding the quadrennial event as planned, albeit under strict protocols that could include events being held behind closed doors. Biden, speaking on a Westwood One Sports radio programme broadcast on Sunday, said that he hopes the Tokyo Olympics take place just for the sake of the athletes who have given their blood and sweat for the Games. "I've spoken with the prime minister of Japan, he's working very hard to be in a position to safely open the Games, to have the Games, and I think that has to be based on science, whether or not it is safe for that to occur," Biden said. ALSO READ: Tampa Bay Buccaneers win Super Bowl 2021: Here's the complete list of winners Biden, who took the office in January, said it pains him to even think that athletes won't be able to compete in the Tokyo Olympics after four years of hard work but added if the Games are to go ahead, it has to be based on science. "Imagine all those Olympians who work for four years, four years for one shot and all of a sudden that opportunity gets lost," he said. ALSO READ: Brady's magnificent seven as Bucs upset Chiefs in Super Bowl "They are the people that I feel such pain for - but we have to do it based on the science," he further said while adding, "We are a science-driven administration, I think the rest of the world's there too. I hope we can play, I hope it's possible, but it remains to be seen." The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are set to open on July 23 and run until Aug. 8.

'It remains to be seen...': US President Joe Biden opines on 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Tokyo 2020 Games chief Yoshiro Mori has apologised and said he may have to resign after sparking a sexism row by claiming women speak too much in meetings, a Japanese daily said Thursday.

Mori, an 83-year-old former prime minister known for public gaffes, told the Mainichi Shimbun he was sorry for his "thoughtless" remarks, which prompted calls for him to step down.

"If calls for my resignation grow louder, I might be compelled to resign," Mori was quoted as telling the newspaper on Thursday.

"It was thoughtless. I'd like to apologise," he added.

Mori is reported to have said Wednesday that "board of directors meetings with many women take a lot of time", according to the Asahi Shimbun daily.

"When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he reportedly said.

The comments sparked a furious reaction in Japan, with the phrases "enough already," "misogyny" and "we demand Yoshiro Mori resigns" all trending on Twitter.

Mori said he had been taken to task by the female members of his family as a result, with his wife giving him a "thorough scolding."&nbsp;

"She said: 'You've said something bad again, haven't you? I'm going to have to suffer again because you've antagonised women.' This morning, my daughter and granddaughter scolded me as well," he said.

"I was trying to say that I wonder about the general opinion that we should just increase the number of women," he added. "I wasn't trying to slight women at all."

He made the remarks to members of the Japan Olympic Committee, some of whom were reported to have laughed in response.

The JOC decided last year to aim to have 40 percent female board members, but as of November, there are just five women among the board's 24 members.

<h2>- 'Understands their place' -</h2>

"We have about seven women at the organising committee but everyone understands their place," Mori is reported to have said at the Wednesday meeting.

Tokyo 2020 has not responded to a request for comment on Mori's remarks, but has called a press conference for later Thursday that is expected to address the row.

Nippon TV reported that Mori would "firmly respond" to reports on his remarks, but that he was not currently planning to resign.

A government spokesman declined to be drawn on calls for his resignation, but JOC member and former judoka Kaori Yamaguchi called Mori's comments "unfortunate".

"Gender equality and considerations for people with disabilities were supposed to be prerequisite for holding the Tokyo Games," the Sports Hochi newspaper quoted her as saying.

"It is unfortunate that the representative of the organising committee would make such a remark."

While ranking highly on a range of international indicators, Japan persistently trails on promoting gender equality, ranking 121 out of 153 nations surveyed in the 2020 global gender gap report of the World Economic Forum.

Mori has a history of making controversial remarks, and made waves earlier this week by insisting the pandemic-posted Games would go ahead this summer "however the coronavirus (pandemic) evolves".

The comments came with polls showing around 80 percent of Japanese oppose holding the Games this year, and as several parts of Japan are under a virus state of emergency.

On Thursday, a popular Japanese comedian described those remarks as "incomprehensible" and said he would no longer take part in the Olympic torch relay, domestic media reported.

Tokyo 2020 Games chief Yoshiro Mori has apologised and said he may have to resign after sparking a sexism row by claiming women speak too much in meetings, a Japanese daily said Thursday.

Tokyo 2020 Games chief Yoshiro Mori has apologised and said he may have to resign after sparking a sexism row by claiming women speak too much in meetings, a Japanese daily said Thursday. Mori, an 83-year-old former prime minister known for public gaffes, told the Mainichi Shimbun he was sorry for his "thoughtless" remarks, which prompted calls for him to step down. "If calls for my resignation grow louder, I might be compelled to resign," Mori was quoted as telling the newspaper on Thursday. "It was thoughtless. I'd like to apologise," he added. Mori is reported to have said Wednesday that "board of directors meetings with many women take a lot of time", according to the Asahi Shimbun daily. "When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he reportedly said. The comments sparked a furious reaction in Japan, with the phrases "enough already," "misogyny" and "we demand Yoshiro Mori resigns" all trending on Twitter. Mori said he had been taken to task by the female members of his family as a result, with his wife giving him a "thorough scolding." "She said: 'You've said something bad again, haven't you? I'm going to have to suffer again because you've antagonised women.' This morning, my daughter and granddaughter scolded me as well," he said. "I was trying to say that I wonder about the general opinion that we should just increase the number of women," he added. "I wasn't trying to slight women at all." He made the remarks to members of the Japan Olympic Committee, some of whom were reported to have laughed in response. The JOC decided last year to aim to have 40 percent female board members, but as of November, there are just five women among the board's 24 members. - 'Understands their place' - "We have about seven women at the organising committee but everyone understands their place," Mori is reported to have said at the Wednesday meeting. Tokyo 2020 has not responded to a request for comment on Mori's remarks, but has called a press conference for later Thursday that is expected to address the row. Nippon TV reported that Mori would "firmly respond" to reports on his remarks, but that he was not currently planning to resign. A government spokesman declined to be drawn on calls for his resignation, but JOC member and former judoka Kaori Yamaguchi called Mori's comments "unfortunate". "Gender equality and considerations for people with disabilities were supposed to be prerequisite for holding the Tokyo Games," the Sports Hochi newspaper quoted her as saying. "It is unfortunate that the representative of the organising committee would make such a remark." While ranking highly on a range of international indicators, Japan persistently trails on promoting gender equality, ranking 121 out of 153 nations surveyed in the 2020 global gender gap report of the World Economic Forum. Mori has a history of making controversial remarks, and made waves earlier this week by insisting the pandemic-posted Games would go ahead this summer "however the coronavirus (pandemic) evolves". The comments came with polls showing around 80 percent of Japanese oppose holding the Games this year, and as several parts of Japan are under a virus state of emergency. On Thursday, a popular Japanese comedian described those remarks as "incomprehensible" and said he would no longer take part in the Olympic torch relay, domestic media reported.

Tokyo 2020 boss faces resignation calls over sexist remarks

Olympics organisers unveiled the first of a series of "playbooks" aimed at holding the coronavirus-postponed Tokyo Games safely on Wednesday, warning that rule breakers could be kicked out.

Sports officials will be allowed to skip quarantine as long as they monitor their health for 14 days after arriving in Japan, according to the 32-page document.

During those 14 days, however, the officials will not be allowed to travel outside the Games bubble or watch events as a spectator.

The playbooks are aimed at building confidence that the Games can go ahead even if the pandemic is not under control by the opening ceremony on July 23. The rules are set to be updated in April and again in June.

The first of the guides is aimed at sports officials, with versions for athletes, fans, media and others to follow in the coming weeks.

"We have learned a lot from the best practices of other events," said Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi of the International Olympic Committee.

"It is the mantra of all of us -- the Games have to be safe, for each stakeholder group, for each participant. It's a question of responsibility."

Officials will be subject to a series of rules during their stay in Japan, including mask-wearing, complying with contact tracing and staying within designated areas.

They will have to present a detailed itinerary of their planned movements for their first 14 days in Japan and stick closely to it on arrival.

And they will have to monitor and record their health for two weeks before going to Tokyo.

Details on rules for athletes were still being finalised, but officials said they would be tested for Covid-19 at least every four days, and would be tested before leaving their country and again on arrival in Japan.

The guide released on Wednesday warns rule breakers will face "consequences that may have an impact on participation" at the Games, with "repeated or serious failures" potentially leading to offenders being kicked out.

"These Games in many respects will be different," said Olympic Games Operations Director Pierre Ducrey at the IOC.

"There will be a number of constraints and conditions that the participants will have to respect and follow, which will have an impact on their experience, particularly when it comes to social aspects," he told reporters at a press conference presenting the rule book.

Doubts about the Games have grown as countries have been forced to re-enter lockdowns, with large parts of Japan currently under a state of emergency.

Japan's government approved a month-long extension of its state of emergency on Tuesday, with measures now running through March 7 in parts of the country.

Tighter border restrictions imposed after infections surged have already forced the postponement of some sporting fixtures in Japan, including this year's first Olympic test event, an artistic swimming qualifier that was scheduled for March.

The nationwide Olympic torch relay is still due to begin on March 25.

Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori said Tuesday that the Games would go ahead this summer "however the coronavirus evolves", brushing aside doubts about the event.

Olympics organisers unveiled the first of a series of "playbooks" aimed at holding the coronavirus-postponed Tokyo Games safely on Wednesday, warning that rule breakers could be kicked out.

Olympics organisers unveiled the first of a series of "playbooks" aimed at holding the coronavirus-postponed Tokyo Games safely on Wednesday, warning that rule breakers could be kicked out. Sports officials will be allowed to skip quarantine as long as they monitor their health for 14 days after arriving in Japan, according to the 32-page document. During those 14 days, however, the officials will not be allowed to travel outside the Games bubble or watch events as a spectator. The playbooks are aimed at building confidence that the Games can go ahead even if the pandemic is not under control by the opening ceremony on July 23. The rules are set to be updated in April and again in June. The first of the guides is aimed at sports officials, with versions for athletes, fans, media and others to follow in the coming weeks. "We have learned a lot from the best practices of other events," said Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi of the International Olympic Committee. "It is the mantra of all of us -- the Games have to be safe, for each stakeholder group, for each participant. It's a question of responsibility." Officials will be subject to a series of rules during their stay in Japan, including mask-wearing, complying with contact tracing and staying within designated areas. They will have to present a detailed itinerary of their planned movements for their first 14 days in Japan and stick closely to it on arrival. And they will have to monitor and record their health for two weeks before going to Tokyo. Details on rules for athletes were still being finalised, but officials said they would be tested for Covid-19 at least every four days, and would be tested before leaving their country and again on arrival in Japan. The guide released on Wednesday warns rule breakers will face "consequences that may have an impact on participation" at the Games, with "repeated or serious failures" potentially leading to offenders being kicked out. "These Games in many respects will be different," said Olympic Games Operations Director Pierre Ducrey at the IOC. "There will be a number of constraints and conditions that the participants will have to respect and follow, which will have an impact on their experience, particularly when it comes to social aspects," he told reporters at a press conference presenting the rule book. Doubts about the Games have grown as countries have been forced to re-enter lockdowns, with large parts of Japan currently under a state of emergency. Japan's government approved a month-long extension of its state of emergency on Tuesday, with measures now running through March 7 in parts of the country. Tighter border restrictions imposed after infections surged have already forced the postponement of some sporting fixtures in Japan, including this year's first Olympic test event, an artistic swimming qualifier that was scheduled for March. The nationwide Olympic torch relay is still due to begin on March 25. Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori said Tuesday that the Games would go ahead this summer "however the coronavirus evolves", brushing aside doubts about the event.

Olympics organisers unveil virus rule book for Tokyo Games

Tokyo Olympics 2020 boss Yoshiro Mori has sparked a sexism row after it was reported on Wednesday that he said&nbsp;"board of directors meetings with many women may take a lot of time"&nbsp;because they "have difficulty" in speaking concisely.&nbsp;

Mori is widely known for his public gaffes and the 83-year-old former prime minister told the members of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) that&nbsp;"meetings with women take a lot of time", according to the Asahi Shimbun daily.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he said, as some members of the council reportedly laughed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Japan heavily trails on promoting gender equality with the country ranking 121 out of 153 nations&nbsp;surveyed&nbsp;in the 2020 global gender gap report by the World Economic Forum.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-will-happen-however-coronavirus-evolves-tokyo-2020-chief-360819" hreflang="en">Olympics will happen 'however coronavirus evolves': Tokyo 2020 chief</a>

Interestingly, the JOC in 2020 decided to aim for more than 40 per cent of female members at the board. However, as of November, there were just five women among the board's 24 members.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We have about seven women at the&nbsp;organising&nbsp;committee but everyone understands their place," Mori added at the Wednesday meeting, which was open to the media, the Asahi said.&nbsp;

Tokyo 2020 didn't respond to a request for a comment on the controversial remarks by Mori, reported AFP.&nbsp;

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"Women are competitive," Mori reportedly added. "When one person raises a hand, others think they need to speak up as well. That's why everyone speaks."&nbsp;

Mori's controversial sexism remarks come with increased scrutiny on&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;with the authority insisting that the pandemic-postponed Tokyo Olympics can go ahead despite surging virus cases in the country and in parts of the world.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Mori said the Games would go ahead "however the coronavirus (pandemic) evolves".&nbsp;&nbsp;

In December, the Japanese government delayed an almost two-decades-old&nbsp;target&nbsp;to have at least 30 per cent of leadership positions occupied by women by the end of 2020.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)&nbsp;

Tokyo Olympics 2020 boss Yoshiro Mori has sparked a sexism row after it was reported on Wednesday that he said "board of directors meetings with many women may take a lot of time" because they "have difficulty" in speaking concisely.

Tokyo Olympics 2020 boss Yoshiro Mori has sparked a sexism row after it was reported on Wednesday that he said "board of directors meetings with many women may take a lot of time" because they "have difficulty" in speaking concisely. Mori is widely known for his public gaffes and the 83-year-old former prime minister told the members of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) that "meetings with women take a lot of time", according to the Asahi Shimbun daily. "When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he said, as some members of the council reportedly laughed. Japan heavily trails on promoting gender equality with the country ranking 121 out of 153 nations surveyed in the 2020 global gender gap report by the World Economic Forum. ALSO READ: Olympics will happen 'however coronavirus evolves': Tokyo 2020 chief Interestingly, the JOC in 2020 decided to aim for more than 40 per cent of female members at the board. However, as of November, there were just five women among the board's 24 members. "We have about seven women at the organising committee but everyone understands their place," Mori added at the Wednesday meeting, which was open to the media, the Asahi said. Tokyo 2020 didn't respond to a request for a comment on the controversial remarks by Mori, reported AFP. ALSO READ: ISL club Odisha FC sack head coach Stuart Baxter after shocking rape analogy "Women are competitive," Mori reportedly added. "When one person raises a hand, others think they need to speak up as well. That's why everyone speaks." Mori's controversial sexism remarks come with increased scrutiny on organisers with the authority insisting that the pandemic-postponed Tokyo Olympics can go ahead despite surging virus cases in the country and in parts of the world. On Tuesday, Mori said the Games would go ahead "however the coronavirus (pandemic) evolves". In December, the Japanese government delayed an almost two-decades-old target to have at least 30 per cent of leadership positions occupied by women by the end of 2020. (With AFP inputs)

Tokyo Olympics 2020 chief sparks controversy with sexist remarks: Report

Paralympics chief Andrew Parsons is confident the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games will go ahead this year, and will be "a platform to change to world" -- with or without spectators.

As coronavirus infections surge globally, organisers have said the Games may have to be held behind closed doors or with fewer fans.

But International Paralympic Committee president Parsons told AFP that would be a price worth paying.

"The Paralympic Games are a platform to change the world," he said in an interview, just over 200 days before the opening ceremony on August 24.

"We do understand that the Games will not be the same without spectators, but the impact of the Games is very strong outside the host city and the host nation."

"The impact that the Paralympics have is not only in the two-point-something million people that attend the Games," he added. "We're talking about the four billion people around the world watching the Paralympic Games."

With less than six months to go until Tokyo 2020, there are growing questions about whether the event can be held safely.

But Parsons said he is "very positive" about the Games happening this year, and insisted there is "no scenario" where the Olympics will happen without the Paralympics.

He said everyone involved in organising the Games is "unanimous in the fact that this is not something that is going to happen, where we have the Olympics and not the Paralympics".

"We will have both. There is no scenario where the Olympics will go ahead and the Paralympics will not go ahead," he said.

<h2>- 'We need to protect people' -</h2>

Parsons acknowledged however that qualifying tournaments could be affected, and that some athletes may be left "unhappy".

Only 57 percent of athletes have secured their places in Tokyo so far, with qualification events set to resume in March at the earliest.

"We may have more people unhappy than in previous times," he said. "But again, there's not much we can do to change that. We need to protect people.

"We will not make people compete to get their qualification slot for Tokyo if this is going to put them at risk."

As vaccines roll out around the world, Parsons said they would not be required for participation in the Games, as is the case for Olympic athletes.

But he encouraged athletes to get the jab as "an extra layer of protection".

He said the IPC is working with the International Olympic Committee to make vaccines available to athletes, but warned there are "many issues" in reaching a fair solution.

"Anything that we do in that regard we need to do for all of our members, all of our athletes," he said.

"It can't be something that we do for X country or Z country. That's the challenge -- we need to be absolutely fair with all the different nations."

Some Paralympians may have increased vulnerability, but Parsons said the aim was "to give the best protection we can give to every single athlete" regardless of specific risk factors.

Organisers have already drafted extensive virus countermeasures, and Parsons said he believes the Games can be held safely, pointing to sports events that have been staged around the world during the pandemic.

Athletes are determined to take part, regardless of how many people are in the stands, he added.

"We want them to have the opportunity to compete,"&nbsp;he said.

"Yes, we would be losing some part of the experience, but in balancing things here, we are far more positive about having the Games -- even if it's without spectators or only Japanese -- than not having the Games at all."

Paralympics chief Andrew Parsons is confident the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games will go ahead this year, and will be "a platform to change to world" -- with or without spectators.

Paralympics chief Andrew Parsons is confident the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games will go ahead this year, and will be "a platform to change to world" -- with or without spectators. As coronavirus infections surge globally, organisers have said the Games may have to be held behind closed doors or with fewer fans. But International Paralympic Committee president Parsons told AFP that would be a price worth paying. "The Paralympic Games are a platform to change the world," he said in an interview, just over 200 days before the opening ceremony on August 24. "We do understand that the Games will not be the same without spectators, but the impact of the Games is very strong outside the host city and the host nation." "The impact that the Paralympics have is not only in the two-point-something million people that attend the Games," he added. "We're talking about the four billion people around the world watching the Paralympic Games." With less than six months to go until Tokyo 2020, there are growing questions about whether the event can be held safely. But Parsons said he is "very positive" about the Games happening this year, and insisted there is "no scenario" where the Olympics will happen without the Paralympics. He said everyone involved in organising the Games is "unanimous in the fact that this is not something that is going to happen, where we have the Olympics and not the Paralympics". "We will have both. There is no scenario where the Olympics will go ahead and the Paralympics will not go ahead," he said. - 'We need to protect people' - Parsons acknowledged however that qualifying tournaments could be affected, and that some athletes may be left "unhappy". Only 57 percent of athletes have secured their places in Tokyo so far, with qualification events set to resume in March at the earliest. "We may have more people unhappy than in previous times," he said. "But again, there's not much we can do to change that. We need to protect people. "We will not make people compete to get their qualification slot for Tokyo if this is going to put them at risk." As vaccines roll out around the world, Parsons said they would not be required for participation in the Games, as is the case for Olympic athletes. But he encouraged athletes to get the jab as "an extra layer of protection". He said the IPC is working with the International Olympic Committee to make vaccines available to athletes, but warned there are "many issues" in reaching a fair solution. "Anything that we do in that regard we need to do for all of our members, all of our athletes," he said. "It can't be something that we do for X country or Z country. That's the challenge -- we need to be absolutely fair with all the different nations." Some Paralympians may have increased vulnerability, but Parsons said the aim was "to give the best protection we can give to every single athlete" regardless of specific risk factors. Organisers have already drafted extensive virus countermeasures, and Parsons said he believes the Games can be held safely, pointing to sports events that have been staged around the world during the pandemic. Athletes are determined to take part, regardless of how many people are in the stands, he added. "We want them to have the opportunity to compete," he said. "Yes, we would be losing some part of the experience, but in balancing things here, we are far more positive about having the Games -- even if it's without spectators or only Japanese -- than not having the Games at all."

Fan-free Tokyo Paralympics can still have major impact, says IPC chief

Japanese baseball star Masahiro Tanaka said Saturday he hopes to win a gold medal at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and celebrate with Japan fans, as the pitcher returns home after a seven-year stint with the New York Yankees.

Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, the 32-year-old -- now set to play for the Rakuten Eagles -- was asked about the possibility of him playing in the postponed Summer Games.

"If I ever have a chance to participate, there is no reason for me to reject," he said.

"I had a bitter feeling when I played in the Beijing Olympics... This time I want to win a gold medal" as part of the host country's team, he added.

"I'm very excited at the fact I will be able to pitch in front of fans in Japan."

The timing of this year's games is particularly meaningful, he said, as it comes 10 years after a 2011 tsunami that left thousands dead in Japan.

Star pitcher Tanaka played for the Eagles from 2007 until 2013, when the team won their first-ever "Japan Series" title to the joy of fans in its home city of Sendai, which was devastated by the disaster.

He began a seven-year $155 million contract with the Yankees the following year.

Rakuten's chairman Hiroshi Mikitani said he hoped Tanaka's pitching would "invigorate" Japan this year.

The Tokyo Olympics -- initially set to take place last year but postponed due to the coronavirus -- are set to begin on July 23.

Despite growing concern over the event's feasibility, organisers and the International Olympic Committee insist it can go ahead safely.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga vowed Friday that the Olympics would be held this summer "as a symbol of global unity" to "bring hope and courage to the world".

Japanese baseball star Masahiro Tanaka said Saturday he hopes to win a gold medal at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and celebrate with Japan fans, as the pitcher returns home after a seven-year stint with the New York Yankees.

Japanese baseball star Masahiro Tanaka said Saturday he hopes to win a gold medal at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and celebrate with Japan fans, as the pitcher returns home after a seven-year stint with the New York Yankees. Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, the 32-year-old -- now set to play for the Rakuten Eagles -- was asked about the possibility of him playing in the postponed Summer Games. "If I ever have a chance to participate, there is no reason for me to reject," he said. "I had a bitter feeling when I played in the Beijing Olympics... This time I want to win a gold medal" as part of the host country's team, he added. "I'm very excited at the fact I will be able to pitch in front of fans in Japan." The timing of this year's games is particularly meaningful, he said, as it comes 10 years after a 2011 tsunami that left thousands dead in Japan. Star pitcher Tanaka played for the Eagles from 2007 until 2013, when the team won their first-ever "Japan Series" title to the joy of fans in its home city of Sendai, which was devastated by the disaster. He began a seven-year $155 million contract with the Yankees the following year. Rakuten's chairman Hiroshi Mikitani said he hoped Tanaka's pitching would "invigorate" Japan this year. The Tokyo Olympics -- initially set to take place last year but postponed due to the coronavirus -- are set to begin on July 23. Despite growing concern over the event's feasibility, organisers and the International Olympic Committee insist it can go ahead safely. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga vowed Friday that the Olympics would be held this summer "as a symbol of global unity" to "bring hope and courage to the world".

Star pitcher Tanaka wants Olympic gold with Japan fans

Insurers are facing a $2-3 billion loss if the Tokyo Olympics are cancelled this year, amounting to the largest ever claim in the global event cancellation market, brokers say.

With less than six months until the Games are due to start, the competition will top the agenda when the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board meets this week.

The Olympic body, which will meet remotely, finds itself in a similar situation to March last year, when it postponed the Games by 12 months as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down sport worldwide.

Much of Japan is now under a state of emergency due to a third wave of COVID-19 infections.

The IOC and Japanese organisers have been adamant that another postponement isn’t an option. So it appears more likely the Games would have to be cancelled, rather than postponed again, if they weren’t able to go ahead in Tokyo this summer.

Event cancellation insurers have had a tough year as a result of the pandemic, with festivals, conferences and sporting events postponed or cancelled the world over. Broker Howden estimates COVID-19 event cancellation losses at $5-6 billion.

But cancellation of the Olympics “would be by far the largest. Mind-blowingly,” said Simon Henderson, an executive director at broker Gallagher.

“The Olympics is a World Cup, it’s a tennis tournament, it’s an athletics tournament. It’s swimming, everything all in one - definitely a huge headache.”

Analysts at Jefferies have estimated the Tokyo Olympics is insured for around $2 billion, plus a further $600 million for hospitality.

The IOC takes out around $800 million of protection for each Summer Games, which covers most of the roughly $1 billion investment it makes in each host city.

In addition, the local organising committee in Tokyo will have taken out a further policy, estimated at around $650 million, while broadcasters are also insured for large sums.

“TV networks, sponsors, professional sports teams, entertainers and other organisations could all have event cancellation policies protecting their interests in the Olympics,” said Leigh Ann Rossi, chief operating officer at broker NFP Sports and Entertainment Group.

Such policies will have been bought years in advance and so would likely cover cancellation due to infectious diseases. Event cancellation policies taken out in the last year exclude that cover.

Many of the organisations involved in the Olympics would have been able to claim some costs as a result of last year’s postponement, for issues such as hiring venues or reprinting marketing brochures.

Tim Thornhill, a director at broker Tysers, said there was “no rule of thumb” as to how much of the total insured value of an event could be claimed under the postponement section of an event cancellation policy.

But brokers expect any payments made last year for postponement to be smaller than any cancellation pay-outs this year.

Lloyd’s of London insurers are among those active in the event cancellation market, along with international insurers, and global reinsurers such as Munich Re and Swiss Re.

Munich Re has a $500 million exposure to the Tokyo Olympics, one source previously told Reuters. Munich Re declined to comment.

Swiss Re has a $250 million exposure, its chief financial officer John Dacey told analysts last year.

German insurer Allianz has signed an eight-year insurance agreement with the IOC which took effect earlier this month, covering Winter and Summer Games, including the Summer Games in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028.

Given how far in advance Olympics policies are taken out, Paris will also likely be covered for postponement or cancellation due to infectious diseases, brokers said.

Insurers are facing a $2-3 billion loss if the Tokyo Olympics are cancelled this year, amounting to the largest ever claim in the global event cancellation market, brokers say.

Insurers are facing a $2-3 billion loss if the Tokyo Olympics are cancelled this year, amounting to the largest ever claim in the global event cancellation market, brokers say. With less than six months until the Games are due to start, the competition will top the agenda when the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board meets this week. The Olympic body, which will meet remotely, finds itself in a similar situation to March last year, when it postponed the Games by 12 months as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down sport worldwide. Much of Japan is now under a state of emergency due to a third wave of COVID-19 infections. The IOC and Japanese organisers have been adamant that another postponement isn’t an option. So it appears more likely the Games would have to be cancelled, rather than postponed again, if they weren’t able to go ahead in Tokyo this summer. Event cancellation insurers have had a tough year as a result of the pandemic, with festivals, conferences and sporting events postponed or cancelled the world over. Broker Howden estimates COVID-19 event cancellation losses at $5-6 billion. But cancellation of the Olympics “would be by far the largest. Mind-blowingly,” said Simon Henderson, an executive director at broker Gallagher. “The Olympics is a World Cup, it’s a tennis tournament, it’s an athletics tournament. It’s swimming, everything all in one - definitely a huge headache.” Analysts at Jefferies have estimated the Tokyo Olympics is insured for around $2 billion, plus a further $600 million for hospitality. The IOC takes out around $800 million of protection for each Summer Games, which covers most of the roughly $1 billion investment it makes in each host city. In addition, the local organising committee in Tokyo will have taken out a further policy, estimated at around $650 million, while broadcasters are also insured for large sums. “TV networks, sponsors, professional sports teams, entertainers and other organisations could all have event cancellation policies protecting their interests in the Olympics,” said Leigh Ann Rossi, chief operating officer at broker NFP Sports and Entertainment Group. Such policies will have been bought years in advance and so would likely cover cancellation due to infectious diseases. Event cancellation policies taken out in the last year exclude that cover. Many of the organisations involved in the Olympics would have been able to claim some costs as a result of last year’s postponement, for issues such as hiring venues or reprinting marketing brochures. Tim Thornhill, a director at broker Tysers, said there was “no rule of thumb” as to how much of the total insured value of an event could be claimed under the postponement section of an event cancellation policy. But brokers expect any payments made last year for postponement to be smaller than any cancellation pay-outs this year. Lloyd’s of London insurers are among those active in the event cancellation market, along with international insurers, and global reinsurers such as Munich Re and Swiss Re. Munich Re has a $500 million exposure to the Tokyo Olympics, one source previously told Reuters. Munich Re declined to comment. Swiss Re has a $250 million exposure, its chief financial officer John Dacey told analysts last year. German insurer Allianz has signed an eight-year insurance agreement with the IOC which took effect earlier this month, covering Winter and Summer Games, including the Summer Games in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028. Given how far in advance Olympics policies are taken out, Paris will also likely be covered for postponement or cancellation due to infectious diseases, brokers said.

Insurers face 'mind-blowingly' large loss if Olympics cancelled

The International Olympic Committee on Friday reacted to the speculations of the Tokyo Olympics 2020&nbsp;getting cancelled&nbsp;as the IOC dismissed all the reports while terming it "categorically untrue".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier on Friday, The Times reported that the Japanese government has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai dismissed the report, the IOC has given an official statement saying that "they will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue their preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer".&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-games-may-be-too-big-a-gamble-disease-expert-says-358262" hreflang="en">Tokyo Games may be too big a gamble, disease expert says</a>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5e26cd38-371c-46d9-b12d-5cf040f9145f}{210}" paraid="631709021" >Full statement by the International Olympic Committee on Tokyo Olympics:&nbsp;</h2>

We refer you to the strong and clear statement that the Japanese Government made today, saying that the report is "categorically untrue". Please find the statement here:&nbsp;

"Some news reports circulating today are claiming that the Government of Japan has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled because of the coronavirus. This is categorically untrue.&nbsp;

"At an IOC Executive Board meeting in July last year, it was agreed that the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Tokyo&nbsp;2020 would be held on July 23 this year, and the&nbsp;programme&nbsp;and venues for the Games were rescheduled accordingly. All parties involved are working together to prepare for a successful Games this summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue to work closely with the IOC, the Tokyo 2020&nbsp;Organising&nbsp;Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in our preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer."&nbsp;

Together with its Japanese partners and friends, the IOC is fully concentrated on and committed to the successful delivery of the Olympic and Paralympics Games Tokyo 2020 this year.&nbsp;

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IOC statement on media reports regarding Tokyo 2020 <a href="https://t.co/647pj5mx9U">pic.twitter.com/647pj5mx9U</a>
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iocmedia/status/1352574361425895425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-cancelled-japanese-government-issues-clarification-358428" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics cancelled? Japanese government issues clarification</a>

Earlier, both Australia and United States Olympic Committees said that they are completely focused on the Games as scheduled after the report from The Times surfaced that&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics, which was pushed back by a year due to the pandemic, will be cancelled. The report further stated that the Japanese&nbsp;government&nbsp;is now looking to&nbsp;secure the quadrennial event in the next available year in 2032.&nbsp;

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The International Olympic Committee on Friday reacted to the speculations of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 getting cancelled as the IOC dismissed all the reports while terming it "categorically untrue".

The International Olympic Committee on Friday reacted to the speculations of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 getting cancelled as the IOC dismissed all the reports while terming it "categorically untrue". Earlier on Friday, The Times reported that the Japanese government has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. While Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai dismissed the report, the IOC has given an official statement saying that "they will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue their preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer". ALSO READ: Tokyo Games may be too big a gamble, disease expert says Full statement by the International Olympic Committee on Tokyo Olympics: We refer you to the strong and clear statement that the Japanese Government made today, saying that the report is "categorically untrue". Please find the statement here: "Some news reports circulating today are claiming that the Government of Japan has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled because of the coronavirus. This is categorically untrue. "At an IOC Executive Board meeting in July last year, it was agreed that the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 would be held on July 23 this year, and the programme and venues for the Games were rescheduled accordingly. All parties involved are working together to prepare for a successful Games this summer. "We will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue to work closely with the IOC, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in our preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer." Together with its Japanese partners and friends, the IOC is fully concentrated on and committed to the successful delivery of the Olympic and Paralympics Games Tokyo 2020 this year. IOC statement on media reports regarding Tokyo 2020 pic.twitter.com/647pj5mx9U — IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) January 22, 2021 × ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics cancelled? Japanese government issues clarification Earlier, both Australia and United States Olympic Committees said that they are completely focused on the Games as scheduled after the report from The Times surfaced that Tokyo Olympics, which was pushed back by a year due to the pandemic, will be cancelled. The report further stated that the Japanese government is now looking to secure the quadrennial event in the next available year in 2032.

IOC reacts to reports of Tokyo Olympics getting cancelled, says it is 'categorically untrue'

Tokyo 2020's organising committee on Thursday said that they have requested refunds for around 18 per cent of the tickets sold in Japan for the Tokyo Olympics.

Ticket holders were given a chance to receive a refund as the Games were postponed by a year due to novel coronavirus. According to the organisers' press release, roughly 810,000 tickets had been requested, out of a total of 4.45 million initially sold during the domestic lottery.

In November, ticket holders were allowed to make refund applications. These refunds will be initiated later this month.&nbsp;

"While we plan to resell the refunded tickets, how and when they will be resold has not yet been decided," the organisers said.

However, tickets that have been purchased by people for the Games, will remain valid for rescheduled events.

Organisers have yet to say whether spectators will be allowed into venues during the Games and have said a decision will be made on this "in the spring".

On Tuesday, the Olympic rings monument was reinstalled in Tokyo Bay after being removed in August for maintenance, as organisers ramp up preparations for next year’s postponed Summer Games.

The return of the monument, which stands 15.3m tall and 32.6m wide and was originally installed in January, should send a signal that the Games are getting closer, Tokyo metropolitan government planning director Atsushi Yanashimizu told Reuters.

“Since the symbol is here, we want Tokyo residents and also internationally to feel that the Games are coming very soon,” Yanashimizu said.

“Also, we want everyone to feel we will have the Tokyo 2020 Games definitely next year.”&nbsp;

Tokyo 2020's organising committee on Thursday said that they have requested refunds for around 18 per cent of the tickets sold in Japan for the Tokyo Olympics. Ticket holders were given a chance to receive a refund as the Games were postponed by a year due to novel coronavirus.

Tokyo 2020's organising committee on Thursday said that they have requested refunds for around 18 per cent of the tickets sold in Japan for the Tokyo Olympics. Ticket holders were given a chance to receive a refund as the Games were postponed by a year due to novel coronavirus. According to the organisers' press release, roughly 810,000 tickets had been requested, out of a total of 4.45 million initially sold during the domestic lottery. In November, ticket holders were allowed to make refund applications. These refunds will be initiated later this month. "While we plan to resell the refunded tickets, how and when they will be resold has not yet been decided," the organisers said. However, tickets that have been purchased by people for the Games, will remain valid for rescheduled events. Organisers have yet to say whether spectators will be allowed into venues during the Games and have said a decision will be made on this "in the spring". On Tuesday, the Olympic rings monument was reinstalled in Tokyo Bay after being removed in August for maintenance, as organisers ramp up preparations for next year’s postponed Summer Games. The return of the monument, which stands 15.3m tall and 32.6m wide and was originally installed in January, should send a signal that the Games are getting closer, Tokyo metropolitan government planning director Atsushi Yanashimizu told Reuters. “Since the symbol is here, we want Tokyo residents and also internationally to feel that the Games are coming very soon,” Yanashimizu said. “Also, we want everyone to feel we will have the Tokyo 2020 Games definitely next year.”

Refunds for 18 per cent tickets sold for Tokyo Olympics requested: Organisers

After the announcement of rescheduling the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 doctors are assigned on the project to help COVID-19 infected athletes to get back on track.

Doctors helping athletes to get back on track for Tokyo Olympics 2021

Olympic chief Thomas Bach warned against allowing the Games to "descend into a marketplace of demonstrations" on Saturday after criticism of a rule banning protests by athletes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-is-a-lingering-regret-novak-djokovic-on-us-open-and-roland-garros-337459" hreflang="en">'There is a lingering regret': Novak Djokovic on US Open and Roland Garros</a>

The International Olympic Committee president has come under fire for the ruling, announced in a year which has seen widespread support by athletes for the Black Lives Matter movement.

But Bach, who won a team fencing gold medal at the 1976 Olympics, said he had learned first-hand about the "political impotence of sport" when West Germany boycotted the 1980 Games over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

"The athletes personify the values of excellence, solidarity and peace. They express this inclusiveness and mutual respect also by being politically neutral on the field of play and during the ceremonies," Bach wrote in British newspaper The Guardian.

"At times, this focus on sport needs to be reconciled with the freedom of speech that all athletes also enjoy at the Olympic Games. This is the reason there are rules for the field of play and the ceremonies protecting this spirit of sport.

"The unifying power of the Games can only unfold if everyone shows respect for and solidarity to one another. Otherwise, the Games will descend into a marketplace of demonstrations of all kinds, dividing and not uniting the world."

Earlier this month, World Athletics chief and newly enshrined IOC member Sebastian Coe backed athletes' right to "take the knee" on the Olympic podium, as long as it was done with "complete respect" for other competitors.

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick made headlines when he began kneeling during the US national anthem in 2016 to protest police brutality against Black Americans and other minorities.

He was ostracised by the league and criticised by US President Donald Trump, but in June the NFL sanctioned "peaceful protests" and world football's governing body FIFA has urged leagues to use "common sense" when deciding whether to discipline political activism.

In June, US athletes and 1968 Mexico Games icon John Carlos, famously kicked out of the event for raising his fist in a black power salute, called on the IOC to scrap the ban on protests.

"Athletes will no longer be silenced," they wrote.

Last month, hundreds of human rights and civil society groups urged the IOC to strip China of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics following its clampdown in Hong Kong and mass internment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach warned against allowing the Games to "descend into a marketplace of demonstrations" on Saturday after criticism of a rule banning protests by athletes.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach warned against allowing the Games to "descend into a marketplace of demonstrations" on Saturday after criticism of a rule banning protests by athletes. Also read: 'There is a lingering regret': Novak Djokovic on US Open and Roland Garros The International Olympic Committee president has come under fire for the ruling, announced in a year which has seen widespread support by athletes for the Black Lives Matter movement. But Bach, who won a team fencing gold medal at the 1976 Olympics, said he had learned first-hand about the "political impotence of sport" when West Germany boycotted the 1980 Games over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. "The athletes personify the values of excellence, solidarity and peace. They express this inclusiveness and mutual respect also by being politically neutral on the field of play and during the ceremonies," Bach wrote in British newspaper The Guardian. "At times, this focus on sport needs to be reconciled with the freedom of speech that all athletes also enjoy at the Olympic Games. This is the reason there are rules for the field of play and the ceremonies protecting this spirit of sport. "The unifying power of the Games can only unfold if everyone shows respect for and solidarity to one another. Otherwise, the Games will descend into a marketplace of demonstrations of all kinds, dividing and not uniting the world." Earlier this month, World Athletics chief and newly enshrined IOC member Sebastian Coe backed athletes' right to "take the knee" on the Olympic podium, as long as it was done with "complete respect" for other competitors. Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick made headlines when he began kneeling during the US national anthem in 2016 to protest police brutality against Black Americans and other minorities. He was ostracised by the league and criticised by US President Donald Trump, but in June the NFL sanctioned "peaceful protests" and world football's governing body FIFA has urged leagues to use "common sense" when deciding whether to discipline political activism. In June, US athletes and 1968 Mexico Games icon John Carlos, famously kicked out of the event for raising his fist in a black power salute, called on the IOC to scrap the ban on protests. "Athletes will no longer be silenced," they wrote. Last month, hundreds of human rights and civil society groups urged the IOC to strip China of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics following its clampdown in Hong Kong and mass internment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.

Olympic chief says Games cannot be 'marketplace of demonstrations'

Organisers on Friday said that 2021's Tokyo marathon has been postponed until after the delayed 2020 Olympics as coronavirus continues to rage across the world. Earlier, the race was set to take place on March 7, 2021.

Organisers on Friday said that 2021's Tokyo marathon has been postponed until after the delayed 2020 Olympics as coronavirus continues to rage across the world. Earlier, the race was set to take place on March 7, 2021. This race includes 38,000 runners which will also include some top athletes. But with restricted entry into the country and rules around big events, it is now being pushed back to October 17 "due to various restrictions related to the new coronavirus," a spokesman for the Tokyo Marathon Foundation told AFP. Marathon across the world have been cancelled or been postponed due to coronavirus pandemic. In 2020, Tokyo marathon was held in March with a reduced field of around 200 elite runners. According to the spokesman, holding the marathon later in 2021 could allow a larger race to take place, but added that the number of entrants was yet to be decided. The news comes as questions swirl about how and whether the Olympics, also forced back a year by the COVID crisis, will go forward. They are set to open on July 23, 2021, and organisers insist it can be done safely. But many countries are experiencing fresh waves of infection and big questions, including whether spectators will be allowed, remain unresolved. (Inputs from AFP)

2021 Tokyo Marathon postponed until after Olympics

The Olympic rings monument installed in Tokyo Bay for the 2020 Summer Games was temporarily removed for maintenance on Thursday and will return in December when Japan heads into the final stretch of preparations for the resheduled event.

The Olympics were pushed back by a year in March due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Thursday would have been Day 14 of the Games.

The monument, which was installed seven months ago and stands 15.3m tall and 32.6m wide, will be cleaned and undergo a safety inspection before being re-installed.

“Since it will be not on display for four months, it is kind of sad,” Atsushi Yanashimizu, Planning Director at Tokyo Metropolitan Government, told Reuters on Thursday.

“But I consider in a positive way that we will make sure it will be clean and securely maintained when it comes back in four months.”

When the rings are re-installed in December organisers will hope to have a better idea as to whether the Games can go ahead in Tokyo next year amid continuing concerns about COVID-19.

Organisers have said succesfully hosting the Games can be a positive symbol for the world as it deals with the pandemic.

“By delivering the Games successfully in Tokyo we strongly hope that we can create a legacy that is in the history of mankind,” Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told Reuters in an interview last month.

The Olympic rings monument installed in Tokyo Bay for the 2020 Summer Games was temporarily removed for maintenance on Thursday and will return in December when Japan heads into the final stretch of preparations for the resheduled event.

The Olympic rings monument installed in Tokyo Bay for the 2020 Summer Games was temporarily removed for maintenance on Thursday and will return in December when Japan heads into the final stretch of preparations for the resheduled event. The Olympics were pushed back by a year in March due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Thursday would have been Day 14 of the Games. The monument, which was installed seven months ago and stands 15.3m tall and 32.6m wide, will be cleaned and undergo a safety inspection before being re-installed. “Since it will be not on display for four months, it is kind of sad,” Atsushi Yanashimizu, Planning Director at Tokyo Metropolitan Government, told Reuters on Thursday. “But I consider in a positive way that we will make sure it will be clean and securely maintained when it comes back in four months.” When the rings are re-installed in December organisers will hope to have a better idea as to whether the Games can go ahead in Tokyo next year amid continuing concerns about COVID-19. Organisers have said succesfully hosting the Games can be a positive symbol for the world as it deals with the pandemic. “By delivering the Games successfully in Tokyo we strongly hope that we can create a legacy that is in the history of mankind,” Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told Reuters in an interview last month.

Olympic rings temporarily removed from Tokyo Bay

It was supposed to be the time when Tokyo Olympics 2020 would be going in full flow. However, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the Games back by a year in what was a historic call by the organisers. With still around a year to go for the quadrennial events, Tokyo Olympics venues, that would have been decked up with world’s top athletes and fans from all around the world, are now being opened up for use by sporting federations and public.&nbsp;

The newly built Canoe Slalom Centre opened its gate on Monday for athletes to train and practice while the renovated Tatsumi Swimming Centre, which is also set to host water polo, will be available for use from mid-August.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government said that it plans to also open the gates of other Olympic venues in the coming monhts, although that could change depending on the COVID-19 situation.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-must-be-simple-and-safe-says-iocs-coates-315770" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020 must be simple and safe, says IOC's Coates</a>

The 2020 Games were due to begin last Friday but were deferred to 2021 given the current situation surrounding the dreaded virus and international travel and quarantine restrictions in some of the biggest countries.

The financial ramification to postpone the Tokyo Olympics have been immense with the bill for the quadrennial event coming up to more than $12.6 billion before the historic call was taken to delay the tournament.

The International Olympic Committee has estimated the postponement will cost around $800 million whereas Japan has yet to provide an estimate as to how much the deferment will cost the country.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-holds-subdued-celebrations-to-mark-one-year-until-postponed-tokyo-2020-olympics-315434" hreflang="en">Japan holds subdued celebrations to mark one year until postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics</a>

There has been mixed reactions from the sporting fraternity on Tokyo Olympics with many still being less optimistic about conducting the Games if a vaccine is not available by next year whereas others have been of the view that spectator-less Olympics will be too hard on the country and the organisers.

It was supposed to be the time when Tokyo Olympics 2020 would be going in full flow. However, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the Games back by a year in what was a historic call by the organisers.

It was supposed to be the time when Tokyo Olympics 2020 would be going in full flow. However, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the Games back by a year in what was a historic call by the organisers. With still around a year to go for the quadrennial events, Tokyo Olympics venues, that would have been decked up with world’s top athletes and fans from all around the world, are now being opened up for use by sporting federations and public. The newly built Canoe Slalom Centre opened its gate on Monday for athletes to train and practice while the renovated Tatsumi Swimming Centre, which is also set to host water polo, will be available for use from mid-August. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government said that it plans to also open the gates of other Olympic venues in the coming monhts, although that could change depending on the COVID-19 situation. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020 must be simple and safe, says IOC's Coates The 2020 Games were due to begin last Friday but were deferred to 2021 given the current situation surrounding the dreaded virus and international travel and quarantine restrictions in some of the biggest countries. The financial ramification to postpone the Tokyo Olympics have been immense with the bill for the quadrennial event coming up to more than $12.6 billion before the historic call was taken to delay the tournament. The International Olympic Committee has estimated the postponement will cost around $800 million whereas Japan has yet to provide an estimate as to how much the deferment will cost the country. ALSO READ: Japan holds subdued celebrations to mark one year until postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics There has been mixed reactions from the sporting fraternity on Tokyo Olympics with many still being less optimistic about conducting the Games if a vaccine is not available by next year whereas others have been of the view that spectator-less Olympics will be too hard on the country and the organisers.

Tokyo opens empty Olympics venues up for public use

Senior Olympic official John Coates has reiterated that Tokyo must stage a simplified Summer Games next year with the health and safety of athletes the most important consideration in the planning.

Australian Coates heads up the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Coordination Commission for the Tokyo 2020 Games, which have been postponed until 2021 because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“The good news is that all 42 Games’ venues ... have been resecured. The competition schedule is the same,” the IOC Vice President wrote in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph on Friday, a day after the one-year countdown to the opening ceremony.

“But we must reduce the cost impact of postponement as well as simplify the Games to ensure they can be organised efficiently, safely and sustainably, in this new context.

“With one year to go, there is no clear picture of what shape the simplified Games will take. The situation with COVID-19, both domestically and internationally, is constantly changing.”

Coates wrote that putting in place counter-measures against COVID-19 would be no easy task but welcomed the top level commitment from the Japanese government, Tokyo regional government and Games organising committee to get it done.

“The IOC and our Japanese partners ... are doing everything in their power to ensure that not only will the Games go ahead next year, but the athletes remain first and foremost in all our planning,” he added.

“Yes, we want the athletes of the world to have their Olympic moment of competition, just as they would have dreamt. But critically, they must experience that moment in an environment where their health and safety ... is assured.”

Coates is also President of the Australian Olympic Committee and added that the reaction of his country’s athletes to the postponement had been “inspirational”.

“All athletes with a Tokyo dream in their hearts have had to recalibrate their plans for a Games ... they have demonstrated remarkable resilience in making that adjustment,” he wrote.

Senior Olympic official John Coates has reiterated that Tokyo must stage a simplified Summer Games next year with the health and safety of athletes the most important consideration in the planning.

Senior Olympic official John Coates has reiterated that Tokyo must stage a simplified Summer Games next year with the health and safety of athletes the most important consideration in the planning. Australian Coates heads up the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Coordination Commission for the Tokyo 2020 Games, which have been postponed until 2021 because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. “The good news is that all 42 Games’ venues ... have been resecured. The competition schedule is the same,” the IOC Vice President wrote in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph on Friday, a day after the one-year countdown to the opening ceremony. “But we must reduce the cost impact of postponement as well as simplify the Games to ensure they can be organised efficiently, safely and sustainably, in this new context. “With one year to go, there is no clear picture of what shape the simplified Games will take. The situation with COVID-19, both domestically and internationally, is constantly changing.” Coates wrote that putting in place counter-measures against COVID-19 would be no easy task but welcomed the top level commitment from the Japanese government, Tokyo regional government and Games organising committee to get it done. “The IOC and our Japanese partners ... are doing everything in their power to ensure that not only will the Games go ahead next year, but the athletes remain first and foremost in all our planning,” he added. “Yes, we want the athletes of the world to have their Olympic moment of competition, just as they would have dreamt. But critically, they must experience that moment in an environment where their health and safety ... is assured.” Coates is also President of the Australian Olympic Committee and added that the reaction of his country’s athletes to the postponement had been “inspirational”. “All athletes with a Tokyo dream in their hearts have had to recalibrate their plans for a Games ... they have demonstrated remarkable resilience in making that adjustment,” he wrote.

Tokyo 2020 must be simple and safe, says IOC's Coates

Japan holds subdued celebrations on Thursday evening to mark one year until the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to raise concerns whether the quadrennial Games will go ahead next year.

Tokyo was supposed to be cynosure of all eyes with thousands of athletes and fans gracing the events but now the organisers will hold a small event at an empty National Stadium after the public were barred from attending the event following new surge of positive cases.

Olympic countdown board have been reset around the Japanese capital as the digital signs display the message "365 days to go to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics".

<img alt="Tokyo Olympics 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cca75614-4af5-4ea6-b545-2608f057834f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1VN21L.jpg" />

Despite the setbacks and fresh concerns, Japanese and Olympic officials are optimistic of hosting the Games in 2021, serving as a symbol of the world's recovery from the virus.

"They will be the first worldwide gathering after the coronavirus," International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach insisted last week.

However, some experts and officials, including Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have raised concerns that there could be a first peace-time cancellation of the showpiece event if the pandemic is not under control by 2021.

While the decision to delay the Games was historic when cases were emerging thick and fast and countries imposed lockdowns that forced the cancellation of qualifiers and events, situation have eased a bit across Europe with infections and deaths from the dreaded virus in decline.&nbsp;

Tokyo also recorded 366 new infections on Thursday, a daily record.

"I'm afraid about the situation," said Sachiko Ahunwan, a 50-year-old department store employee. "It's unclear how far the coronavirus can be settled," she told AFP.

One major obstacle has been cleared, with Tokyo 2020 confirming this month that it has secured all the venues originally contracted for the Games.

"Now athletes aiming to take part in the Tokyo Olympics can set concrete goals to work toward," Tokyo 2020 sports director Koji Murofushi said last week.

But sports stars remain less optimistic.

"To be honest, I still can't think about next year's Olympics," Olympic champion and Japanese judo king Shohei Ono told public broadcaster NHK. "I'm just setting a goal only for a week ahead."

 
&nbsp;

Japan holds subdued celebrations on Thursday evening to mark one year until the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to raise concerns whether the quadrennial Games will go ahead next year.

Japan holds subdued celebrations on Thursday evening to mark one year until the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to raise concerns whether the quadrennial Games will go ahead next year. Tokyo was supposed to be cynosure of all eyes with thousands of athletes and fans gracing the events but now the organisers will hold a small event at an empty National Stadium after the public were barred from attending the event following new surge of positive cases. Olympic countdown board have been reset around the Japanese capital as the digital signs display the message "365 days to go to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics". Despite the setbacks and fresh concerns, Japanese and Olympic officials are optimistic of hosting the Games in 2021, serving as a symbol of the world's recovery from the virus. "They will be the first worldwide gathering after the coronavirus," International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach insisted last week. However, some experts and officials, including Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have raised concerns that there could be a first peace-time cancellation of the showpiece event if the pandemic is not under control by 2021. While the decision to delay the Games was historic when cases were emerging thick and fast and countries imposed lockdowns that forced the cancellation of qualifiers and events, situation have eased a bit across Europe with infections and deaths from the dreaded virus in decline. Tokyo also recorded 366 new infections on Thursday, a daily record. "I'm afraid about the situation," said Sachiko Ahunwan, a 50-year-old department store employee. "It's unclear how far the coronavirus can be settled," she told AFP. One major obstacle has been cleared, with Tokyo 2020 confirming this month that it has secured all the venues originally contracted for the Games. "Now athletes aiming to take part in the Tokyo Olympics can set concrete goals to work toward," Tokyo 2020 sports director Koji Murofushi said last week. But sports stars remain less optimistic. "To be honest, I still can't think about next year's Olympics," Olympic champion and Japanese judo king Shohei Ono told public broadcaster NHK. "I'm just setting a goal only for a week ahead."

Japan holds subdued celebrations to mark one year until postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Tokyo Olympics organisers are preparing to host the Games next year even if the global coronavirus pandemic hasn’t eased substantially, organising committee chief executive Toshiro Muto told Reuters on Tuesday.

The Tokyo Olympics had been scheduled to start on Friday but were put back to 2021 because of the pandemic.

Since then, organisers have scrambled to rearrange an event that has been almost a decade in the making whilst trying to ensure next year’s Olympics are safe for athletes, officials and supporters.

Muto said that although organisers hoped the threat posed by the virus could be reduced, nobody knows what the situation will be when the Games start on July 23, 2021.

Organisers are assuming coronavirus will remain a major problem.

“It is rather difficult for us to expect that the coronavirus pandemic is contained,” Muto told Reuters. “But if we can deliver the Games in Tokyo with coronavirus, Tokyo can be the role model for the next Olympic Games or other various international events.”

Muto said he hoped Tokyo 2020 could be the benchmark in a post-pandemic world.

“By delivering the Games successfully in Tokyo we strongly hope that can create a legacy that is in the history of mankind.”

<h3>NEW SPONSORS</h3>

The delay to the Games will incur additional costs for organisers.

Toshiro Muto, Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee Chief Executive Officer, poses for a photograph during an interview with Reuters ahead of the one-year countdown to the Tokyo Olympics that have been postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan July 21, 2020. Picture taken July 21, 2020. REUTERS/Issei Kato

The International Olympic Committee has already estimated that the postponement will cost them $800 million but the Japanese side has been less forthcoming in giving exact figures.

Muto said the final figure wouldn’t be known until December but hoped that bringing on new sponsors, despite the grim economic forecast, would help bridge the gap.

“I know that businesses are in dire circumstances because of coronavirus but still there are companies who are coming forward to say they want to sponsor the Games, which we appreciate very much,” Muto said.

“It is a bright piece of news.”

On Wednesday, Tokyo 2020 announced that Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world, is joining as a new Games sponsor.

Muto said he hoped all of Tokyo 2020’s current sponsors would extend their contracts until the start of the Games next year, although this will come at a cost.

A poll conducted by Japanese public broadcaster NHK last month found two-thirds of Tokyo 2020’s corporate sponsors were undecided on whether to continue their support.

“We are hoping that there will be additional contributions (from existing sponsors) in terms of sponsorship fee because of the postponement of a year,” Muto said. “We would appreciate a lot if they agree to this.”

Muto did not give the names of any other new sponsors.

<h3>SEPTEMBER MEETINGS</h3>

The Games were already set to cost more than 1.35 trillion yen before the postponement, and increased spending might further alienate a public already sceptical of an Olympics they once embraced.

A recent poll conducted by Kyodo News found that fewer than one in four favoured holding the Games as scheduled next year.

Muto said meetings would be held starting in September, with members of the Japanese government and the local Tokyo Metropolitan Government on how best to rebuild support for the Games.

“By making a nationwide effort to implement all possible, conceivable measures to battle coronavirus, the people of the world will be able to come to Tokyo with a peace of mind,” he said. “Once we create such an environment, I think people’s opinions will change.”

Tokyo Olympics organisers are preparing to host the Games next year even if the global coronavirus pandemic hasn’t eased substantially, organising committee chief executive Toshiro Muto told Reuters on Tuesday.

Tokyo Olympics organisers are preparing to host the Games next year even if the global coronavirus pandemic hasn’t eased substantially, organising committee chief executive Toshiro Muto told Reuters on Tuesday. The Tokyo Olympics had been scheduled to start on Friday but were put back to 2021 because of the pandemic. Since then, organisers have scrambled to rearrange an event that has been almost a decade in the making whilst trying to ensure next year’s Olympics are safe for athletes, officials and supporters. Muto said that although organisers hoped the threat posed by the virus could be reduced, nobody knows what the situation will be when the Games start on July 23, 2021. Organisers are assuming coronavirus will remain a major problem. “It is rather difficult for us to expect that the coronavirus pandemic is contained,” Muto told Reuters. “But if we can deliver the Games in Tokyo with coronavirus, Tokyo can be the role model for the next Olympic Games or other various international events.” Muto said he hoped Tokyo 2020 could be the benchmark in a post-pandemic world. “By delivering the Games successfully in Tokyo we strongly hope that can create a legacy that is in the history of mankind.” NEW SPONSORS The delay to the Games will incur additional costs for organisers. Toshiro Muto, Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee Chief Executive Officer, poses for a photograph during an interview with Reuters ahead of the one-year countdown to the Tokyo Olympics that have been postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan July 21, 2020. Picture taken July 21, 2020. REUTERS/Issei Kato The International Olympic Committee has already estimated that the postponement will cost them $800 million but the Japanese side has been less forthcoming in giving exact figures. Muto said the final figure wouldn’t be known until December but hoped that bringing on new sponsors, despite the grim economic forecast, would help bridge the gap. “I know that businesses are in dire circumstances because of coronavirus but still there are companies who are coming forward to say they want to sponsor the Games, which we appreciate very much,” Muto said. “It is a bright piece of news.” On Wednesday, Tokyo 2020 announced that Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world, is joining as a new Games sponsor. Muto said he hoped all of Tokyo 2020’s current sponsors would extend their contracts until the start of the Games next year, although this will come at a cost. A poll conducted by Japanese public broadcaster NHK last month found two-thirds of Tokyo 2020’s corporate sponsors were undecided on whether to continue their support. “We are hoping that there will be additional contributions (from existing sponsors) in terms of sponsorship fee because of the postponement of a year,” Muto said. “We would appreciate a lot if they agree to this.” Muto did not give the names of any other new sponsors. SEPTEMBER MEETINGS The Games were already set to cost more than 1.35 trillion yen before the postponement, and increased spending might further alienate a public already sceptical of an Olympics they once embraced. A recent poll conducted by Kyodo News found that fewer than one in four favoured holding the Games as scheduled next year. Muto said meetings would be held starting in September, with members of the Japanese government and the local Tokyo Metropolitan Government on how best to rebuild support for the Games. “By making a nationwide effort to implement all possible, conceivable measures to battle coronavirus, the people of the world will be able to come to Tokyo with a peace of mind,” he said. “Once we create such an environment, I think people’s opinions will change.”

Tokyo 2020 preparing to deliver Games with COVID-19 - CEO Muto

Tokyo 2020 officials are looking at ways to scale back next year's postponed Olympics, the city's governor said Thursday, amid reports the opening ceremony could be streamlined and spectator numbers cut.

Yuriko Koike told reporters that organisers were weighing up what could be "rationalised and simplified" as costs spiral for holding the first postponed Games in history.

The International Olympic Committee announced in March the Games would be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic that has killed hundreds of thousands and brought international travel to a virtual halt.

The Games are now due to open on July 23, 2021, but organisers face the unprecedented headache of rearranging the event, which requires a costly rejigging of everything from venues to transport.

Local media said streamlining plans could involve cutting the number of spectators attending indoor competitions and reducing participation in the opening and closing ceremonies.

The Yomiuri Shimbun daily quoted an unnamed source as saying that everyone including athletes, officials and spectators would be required to take a test for the virus.

"The top priority is to avoid the worst scenario of cancelling the Games," an unnamed government source told the daily.

Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya was due to brief the media later Thursday.

IOC chief Thomas Bach said last month that 2021 was the "last option" for holding the Tokyo Games, stressing that postponement cannot go on forever.

He declined to say whether a vaccine was a prerequisite for going ahead with the Olympics, but was lukewarm on the idea of holding them behind closed doors.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said it would be "difficult" to hold the postponed Tokyo Olympics if the coronavirus pandemic is not contained.

And Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori has said the Olympics would have to be cancelled if the coronavirus pandemic isn't brought under control by next year.

Tokyo 2020 officials are looking at ways to scale back next year's postponed Olympics, the city's governor said Thursday, amid reports the opening ceremony could be streamlined and spectator numbers cut.

Tokyo 2020 officials are looking at ways to scale back next year's postponed Olympics, the city's governor said Thursday, amid reports the opening ceremony could be streamlined and spectator numbers cut. Yuriko Koike told reporters that organisers were weighing up what could be "rationalised and simplified" as costs spiral for holding the first postponed Games in history. The International Olympic Committee announced in March the Games would be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic that has killed hundreds of thousands and brought international travel to a virtual halt. The Games are now due to open on July 23, 2021, but organisers face the unprecedented headache of rearranging the event, which requires a costly rejigging of everything from venues to transport. Local media said streamlining plans could involve cutting the number of spectators attending indoor competitions and reducing participation in the opening and closing ceremonies. The Yomiuri Shimbun daily quoted an unnamed source as saying that everyone including athletes, officials and spectators would be required to take a test for the virus. "The top priority is to avoid the worst scenario of cancelling the Games," an unnamed government source told the daily. Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya was due to brief the media later Thursday. IOC chief Thomas Bach said last month that 2021 was the "last option" for holding the Tokyo Games, stressing that postponement cannot go on forever. He declined to say whether a vaccine was a prerequisite for going ahead with the Olympics, but was lukewarm on the idea of holding them behind closed doors. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said it would be "difficult" to hold the postponed Tokyo Olympics if the coronavirus pandemic is not contained. And Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori has said the Olympics would have to be cancelled if the coronavirus pandemic isn't brought under control by next year.

Tokyo weighs scaled-back Olympics, says governor

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was earlier postponed to 2021, will be cancelled if the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t brought under control by the time the Games are scheduled, the organising committee’s president Yoshiro Mori said on Tuesday.

The COVID-19 pandemic has already forced a year-long delay of the Tokyo Olympics, which are now scheduled to start on July 23, 2021, giving major headaches to the organising committee and Japan.&nbsp;

Mori was asked if Olympics could be further delayed in case the situation surrounding COVID-19 pandemic continues to remain threat in the year 2021, to which the organising committee’s president replied: “No.”&nbsp;

"In that case, it's cancelled," Mori said.

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However, if the dreaded virus is brought under control by 2021 then Mori said: "we'll hold the Olympics in peace next summer. Mankind is betting on it."

Coming under immense pressure and criticism, Japanese organisers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to postpone the Games by a year.&nbsp;

Organisers and Japanese officials were optimistic that the delayed Tokyo Olympics will be celebrated as world’s triumph over the coronavirus, however, in the recent weeks, questions have arisen whether a year’s delay is sufficient.

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On Tuesday, head of Japan Medical Association rang the alarm bells as he said it would be "exceedingly difficult" to conduct the Games in 2021 if a vaccine isn’t found by then.

"I would not say that they should not be held, but it would be exceedingly difficult," Yoshitake Yokokura told reporters at a briefing. 
Earlier, a&nbsp;Japanese medical expert&nbsp;had said he was “very pessimistic” that the postponed Olympics can be held in 2021. 
&nbsp;

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was earlier postponed to 2021, will be cancelled if the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t brought under control by the time the Games are scheduled, the organising committee’s president Yoshiro Mori said on Tuesday.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was earlier postponed to 2021, will be cancelled if the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t brought under control by the time the Games are scheduled, the organising committee’s president Yoshiro Mori said on Tuesday. The COVID-19 pandemic has already forced a year-long delay of the Tokyo Olympics, which are now scheduled to start on July 23, 2021, giving major headaches to the organising committee and Japan. Mori was asked if Olympics could be further delayed in case the situation surrounding COVID-19 pandemic continues to remain threat in the year 2021, to which the organising committee’s president replied: “No.” "In that case, it's cancelled," Mori said. ALSO READ: Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee pleads Premier League to block Saudi takeover However, if the dreaded virus is brought under control by 2021 then Mori said: "we'll hold the Olympics in peace next summer. Mankind is betting on it." Coming under immense pressure and criticism, Japanese organisers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to postpone the Games by a year. Organisers and Japanese officials were optimistic that the delayed Tokyo Olympics will be celebrated as world’s triumph over the coronavirus, however, in the recent weeks, questions have arisen whether a year’s delay is sufficient. ALSO READ: A total of 5 substitutions per match? FIFA proposes temporary rule changes to reduce 'potential player overload' after resumption On Tuesday, head of Japan Medical Association rang the alarm bells as he said it would be "exceedingly difficult" to conduct the Games in 2021 if a vaccine isn’t found by then. "I would not say that they should not be held, but it would be exceedingly difficult," Yoshitake Yokokura told reporters at a briefing. Earlier, a Japanese medical expert had said he was “very pessimistic” that the postponed Olympics can be held in 2021.

Tokyo Olympics will be cancelled if coronavirus pandemic is not over, says Games 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.” 
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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 Tokyo Olympics, which were delayed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, will open on July 23, 2021, organisers of the Games said on Monday. The decision to conduct the Tokyo Olympics in the same slot scheduled for this year’s Games comes less than a week after the organisers were forced to postpone the quadrennial event because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were scheduled to kickstart from July 24 and close on August 9 but the near-exact one-year delay will now see the closing ceremony take place on August 8, 2021.

After being optimistic about conducting the Games as per schedule, local organisers and the International Olympics Committee (IOC) had last week postponed the events citing concerns surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics became the first postponement in Olympic history, even though there have been quite a few cancellations during wartime.

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Both Tokyo organizing committee president Yoshiro Mori and CEO Toshiro Muto have confirmed that the cost of rescheduling the Games will be ‘massive’ with local reports estimating around one billion dollars. Moreover, the local reports state that most of the expenses of rescheduling of the Games will have to be borne by Japanese taxpayers.

“Since it (the Olympics) were scheduled for this summer, all the venues had given up hosting any other events during this time, so how do we approach that?” Muto asked.

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"In addition, there will need to be a guarantee&nbsp;when we book the new dates, and there is a possibility this will incur rent payments. So there will be costs incurred and we will need to consider them one by one. I think that will be the tougher process.” Katsuhiro Miyamoto, an emeritus professor of sports economics at Kansai University, puts the costs as high as $4 billion wherein he states that it will be cover the maintenance of stadiums, rentals, penalties and other logistical expenses.

Japan is officially spending $12.6 billion to organize the Olympics with IOC president Thomas Bach repeatedly terming the Tokyo Olympics as the best prepared in history.

The Tokyo Olympics, which were delayed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, will open on July 23, 2021, organisers of the Games said on Monday. The decision to conduct the Tokyo Olympics in the same slot scheduled for this year’s Games comes less than a week after the organisers were forced to postpone the quadrennial event because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Tokyo Olympics, which were delayed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, will open on July 23, 2021, organisers of the Games said on Monday. The decision to conduct the Tokyo Olympics in the same slot scheduled for this year’s Games comes less than a week after the organisers were forced to postpone the quadrennial event because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were scheduled to kickstart from July 24 and close on August 9 but the near-exact one-year delay will now see the closing ceremony take place on August 8, 2021. After being optimistic about conducting the Games as per schedule, local organisers and the International Olympics Committee (IOC) had last week postponed the events citing concerns surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics became the first postponement in Olympic history, even though there have been quite a few cancellations during wartime. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi confirms Barcelona players will take 70% wage cut and contribute to club employees' salary amid COVID-19 pandemic Both Tokyo organizing committee president Yoshiro Mori and CEO Toshiro Muto have confirmed that the cost of rescheduling the Games will be ‘massive’ with local reports estimating around one billion dollars. Moreover, the local reports state that most of the expenses of rescheduling of the Games will have to be borne by Japanese taxpayers. “Since it (the Olympics) were scheduled for this summer, all the venues had given up hosting any other events during this time, so how do we approach that?” Muto asked. ALSO READ: Wimbledon will be cancelled, says German tennis official - report "In addition, there will need to be a guarantee when we book the new dates, and there is a possibility this will incur rent payments. So there will be costs incurred and we will need to consider them one by one. I think that will be the tougher process.” Katsuhiro Miyamoto, an emeritus professor of sports economics at Kansai University, puts the costs as high as $4 billion wherein he states that it will be cover the maintenance of stadiums, rentals, penalties and other logistical expenses. Japan is officially spending $12.6 billion to organize the Olympics with IOC president Thomas Bach repeatedly terming the Tokyo Olympics as the best prepared in history.

Tokyo Olympics to be held from July 23-August 8 in 2021 as organisers announce new dates

New dates for the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics are expected to be revealed this week, Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori said while adding that the organizing committee is weighing on the pros and cons of summer and spring Games.

The COVID-19 pandemic had forced the landmark decision to delay the Tokyo Olympics until next year with the sporting calendar for the year 2020 completely left shattered by the dreaded virus. With the historic decision to delay the Olympics by a year continues to settle down, the new dates of the Games will be announced soon with Mori expecting a decision from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) soon.&nbsp;

"I think perhaps there will be some kind of communication from (IOC) President (Thomas) Bach this week," Mori told reporters on Monday.

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The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were earlier scheduled to start on July 24 and run for 16 days but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the first peace-time postponement of the quadrennial event. While the IOC and Japan were optimistic that the show could go on but the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus had brought out heavy criticism from athletes and sporting federations and hence, the Games were delayed by a year.

The likely date to begin the Games will be July 23, 2021, as per pubic broadcaster NHK as it cited sources within the organizing panel.

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According to reports, the Games were due to cost $12.6 billion, shared between the organising committee, the government of Japan and Tokyo city. But the postponement affects every aspect be it logistics, hotels, ticketing, venues.&nbsp;

However, the Tokyo Olympics are being touted as the victory of humanity over the COVID-19.&nbsp;

"We are embarking on an unprecedented challenge," said Mori while adding, "but I believe it is the mission of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee to hold the Olympics and Paralympics next year as a proof of mankind's victory" against the virus. 
&nbsp;

New dates for the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics are expected to be revealed this week, Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori said while adding that the organizing committee is weighing on the pros and cons of summer and spring Games.

New dates for the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics are expected to be revealed this week, Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori said while adding that the organizing committee is weighing on the pros and cons of summer and spring Games. The COVID-19 pandemic had forced the landmark decision to delay the Tokyo Olympics until next year with the sporting calendar for the year 2020 completely left shattered by the dreaded virus. With the historic decision to delay the Olympics by a year continues to settle down, the new dates of the Games will be announced soon with Mori expecting a decision from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) soon. "I think perhaps there will be some kind of communication from (IOC) President (Thomas) Bach this week," Mori told reporters on Monday. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 expected to be cancelled with no mega auction next season: Report The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were earlier scheduled to start on July 24 and run for 16 days but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the first peace-time postponement of the quadrennial event. While the IOC and Japan were optimistic that the show could go on but the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus had brought out heavy criticism from athletes and sporting federations and hence, the Games were delayed by a year. The likely date to begin the Games will be July 23, 2021, as per pubic broadcaster NHK as it cited sources within the organizing panel. ALSO READ: British boxer Anthony Yarde urges people to stay at home after his father dies of COVID-19 despite being 'fit with no health issues' According to reports, the Games were due to cost $12.6 billion, shared between the organising committee, the government of Japan and Tokyo city. But the postponement affects every aspect be it logistics, hotels, ticketing, venues. However, the Tokyo Olympics are being touted as the victory of humanity over the COVID-19. "We are embarking on an unprecedented challenge," said Mori while adding, "but I believe it is the mission of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee to hold the Olympics and Paralympics next year as a proof of mankind's victory" against the virus.

New dates for Tokyo Olympics likely to be announced 'this week': Organisers

Their stints were supposed to wind up after the Olympics this year but with the mega-event postponed till 2021, several foreign coaches training Indian athletes for Tokyo are set for extended tenures as they seek to complete their "unfinished mission".

Whether it's women's wrestling coach Andrew Cook, shooting's celebrated pistol coach Pavel Smirnov, boxing's duo of Santiago Nieva and Rafaelle Bergamasco or athletics' high performance director Volker Herrmann, their contracts were to end after the Games.

But the Games will have to wait for a year thanks to the raging COVID-19 pandemic. This translates into contract extension for India's coaching imports in the "interest of continuity" and the process will be initiated once the national lockdown to combat the pandemic comes to an end.

"It's the Sports Authority of India (SAI) which pays their salaries. We have to speak with them...They also know that these are extraordinary circumstances, so I don't see any problem in getting extension in contracts for them," Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Secretary VN Prasood told PTI.

The WFI had roped in American Cook for women wrestlers and Georgian Temo Gabishvili for the Greco-Roman grapplers. Recently, the WFI had also taken the celebrated Bajrang Punia's Georgian coach Shako Bentinidis under its wings.

"The situation will be clear once this 21-day lockdown is complete," Prasood added.

The national governing body of shooting -- NRAI -- also does not foresee any problem in getting longer contracts for Smirnov and rifle coach Oleg Mikahilov. Their tenures were to end in August this year as the Olympics was scheduled from July 24 to August 9.

"There will be a review for sure. Naturally we will likely approach them (SAI) to give our coaches extension of their contracts. The president (Raninder Singh) will decide once the office opens but we would like them to continue with us," an NRAI official said.

But are the coaches ready to accept these extended tenures? At least, those involved with boxing are.

"My contract with SAI runs out in December but I will stay back if offered an extension. It's taken a lot to get the results and can't really leave without crossing the line, can we? I will accept a longer contract if offered," said Nieva.

The Boxing Federation of India said it is happy to oblige given that an unprecedented nine pugilists made the Tokyo cut in the very first qualifier tournament.

"All foreign coaches associated with us will get extensions. In fact, the Ministry wanted us to have them till the 2024 Games for continuity. So, it won't be a problem but we have to wait for the lockdown to end," said a top BFI officials.

"The paperwork will have to wait a few weeks."

Athletics Federation of India president Adille Sumariwalla had a simple response to PTI's query on extension for Volker.

"It is common sense."

A step ahead of the rest in this case, Hockey India has already put in a plea to SAI, seeking longer tenures for men's coach Graham Reid and women's in-charge Sjoerd Marijne

"We have sent a request to SAI to extend the contracts of all support staff associated with both men's and women's teams, including foreign coaches," Hockey India CEO Elena Norman said.

"We have spoken to all the foreign coaches and they have assured us that they are all committed to their jobs till Tokyo Games," she added.

So far, close to 80 Indian athletes have qualified for the Games, the new dates for which are not yet out.

The strength of India's contingent for Tokyo is expected to increase once the qualifiers are restarted.

But that will take a while to be figured out as the world battles travel restrictions and lockdowns in wake of the pandemic, which has led to more than 21,000 deaths till now.

Their stints were supposed to wind up after the Olympics this year but with the mega-event postponed till 2021, several foreign coaches training Indian athletes for Tokyo are set for extended tenures as they seek to complete their "unfinished mission".

Their stints were supposed to wind up after the Olympics this year but with the mega-event postponed till 2021, several foreign coaches training Indian athletes for Tokyo are set for extended tenures as they seek to complete their "unfinished mission". Whether it's women's wrestling coach Andrew Cook, shooting's celebrated pistol coach Pavel Smirnov, boxing's duo of Santiago Nieva and Rafaelle Bergamasco or athletics' high performance director Volker Herrmann, their contracts were to end after the Games. But the Games will have to wait for a year thanks to the raging COVID-19 pandemic. This translates into contract extension for India's coaching imports in the "interest of continuity" and the process will be initiated once the national lockdown to combat the pandemic comes to an end. "It's the Sports Authority of India (SAI) which pays their salaries. We have to speak with them...They also know that these are extraordinary circumstances, so I don't see any problem in getting extension in contracts for them," Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Secretary VN Prasood told PTI. The WFI had roped in American Cook for women wrestlers and Georgian Temo Gabishvili for the Greco-Roman grapplers. Recently, the WFI had also taken the celebrated Bajrang Punia's Georgian coach Shako Bentinidis under its wings. "The situation will be clear once this 21-day lockdown is complete," Prasood added. The national governing body of shooting -- NRAI -- also does not foresee any problem in getting longer contracts for Smirnov and rifle coach Oleg Mikahilov. Their tenures were to end in August this year as the Olympics was scheduled from July 24 to August 9. "There will be a review for sure. Naturally we will likely approach them (SAI) to give our coaches extension of their contracts. The president (Raninder Singh) will decide once the office opens but we would like them to continue with us," an NRAI official said. But are the coaches ready to accept these extended tenures? At least, those involved with boxing are. "My contract with SAI runs out in December but I will stay back if offered an extension. It's taken a lot to get the results and can't really leave without crossing the line, can we? I will accept a longer contract if offered," said Nieva. The Boxing Federation of India said it is happy to oblige given that an unprecedented nine pugilists made the Tokyo cut in the very first qualifier tournament. "All foreign coaches associated with us will get extensions. In fact, the Ministry wanted us to have them till the 2024 Games for continuity. So, it won't be a problem but we have to wait for the lockdown to end," said a top BFI officials. "The paperwork will have to wait a few weeks." Athletics Federation of India president Adille Sumariwalla had a simple response to PTI's query on extension for Volker. "It is common sense." A step ahead of the rest in this case, Hockey India has already put in a plea to SAI, seeking longer tenures for men's coach Graham Reid and women's in-charge Sjoerd Marijne "We have sent a request to SAI to extend the contracts of all support staff associated with both men's and women's teams, including foreign coaches," Hockey India CEO Elena Norman said. "We have spoken to all the foreign coaches and they have assured us that they are all committed to their jobs till Tokyo Games," she added. So far, close to 80 Indian athletes have qualified for the Games, the new dates for which are not yet out. The strength of India's contingent for Tokyo is expected to increase once the qualifiers are restarted. But that will take a while to be figured out as the world battles travel restrictions and lockdowns in wake of the pandemic, which has led to more than 21,000 deaths till now.

Olympics 2021: India set to retain foreign coaches whose contracts would have ended after Tokyo 2020

Hundreds of luxury apartments overlooking Tokyo Bay that were due to be converted from the Athletes' Village have already been sold -- just one of the many headaches caused by the historic postponement of the Tokyo Olympics.

Touted by developers as a "flagship neighbourhood for urban lifestyles", the buildings housing the 11,000 competitors were to be hastily repurposed into more than 4,000 condos with stunning city views, some carrying a price tag of 170 million yen ($1.5 million).

The decision to postpone the Games by up to a year has pitched buyers into uncertainty, according to Zoe Ward, director of Tokyo Property Central, with close to 900 units already snapped up.

"Even if it's not a financial hit, it's going to be a big inconvenience to them," Ward told AFP.

She added that buyers would now be scouring the small print of their contracts to see if they can pull out without losing their deposits -- usually around five percent.

"The wording they put in the contract is pretty vague, it normally says natural disasters or anything outside the sellers' control so it might fall under that category," said the property expert.

One buyer, a man in his 30s, had been planning to move into the development in March 2023 with his wife and children and told AFP there were "many, many scenarios" that could now arise.

However, he was relatively zen about the delay given the unprecedented coronavirus situation.

"I'm not so stupid as to see the coronavirus effect as being a problem on the same level as a construction defect. I would say it can't be helped. I'm sure the selling side is facing a hard time," said the man, who declined to be named.

<h2>- 'Double whammy' -</h2>

Tomohiro Makino, CEO of consulting firm Oraga Research and an expert on Japanese real estate, told AFP that developers faced a "double whammy" of a falling market generally and image problems with the Olympic Village project.

"There is a concern prices could drop. If excitement and anticipation (about the Olympics) fades away, the situation will be severe for the selling side. For now, cancellations are a critical problem for them," said Makino.

One of the biggest draws -- being part of the Olympic legacy -- could now be tarnished, he added.

He said developers should have legal cover from a force majeure clause but given the high profile of the project, they may be inclined to show flexibility -- especially as only a quarter of the units have been put up for sale.

"The selling side has been forced into making a tough decision," he said.

Sellers had marketed the development, which comprises 23 tower blocks capable of housing up to 12,000 people, as "the city complex where everything begins" with views of the ocean, Tokyo Tower and the metropolis' glittering skyline.

The 18-hectare (45 acre) plot would also feature schools, a playground, swimming pool and gym. As the apartments are renovated from elite athletes' accommodation, they are also slightly bigger than average Tokyo flats, which tend to be on the small side.

"Looking from the sky, the new neighbourhood appears like a large flag right in the middle of Tokyo. It has limitless potential as a new flagship model for urban lifestyles," according to the promotional material.

<h2>- 'Clear schedule' -</h2>

The development is a joint-venture bringing together 11 of Japan's top real estate firms.

A spokeswoman for one of the firms, Mitsui Fudosan Co, told AFP: "We are&nbsp;hurriedly assessing the impact of the postponement of the Olympics with companies and officials involved in the project."

The sale of the second batch of units has been delayed from March to June or later, said another official at the company, insisting this was "due to the effect of the new coronavirus. It's nothing to do with a possible postponement of the Olympics".&nbsp;

Ward said that while uncertainty hung over both buyers and developers, the situation was better than the limbo they faced before the International Olympic Committee and Japan's unprecedented decision.

"Once the government gets a clear schedule (for the Games to go ahead), then the project will start doing active sales again. Up until (the night before the decision), I think it was worse for buyers because no one knew what they were doing," she said.

"I feel like it's good news because a cancellation would be far worse for everyone's attitude and general feeling. I think an extension is the best thing we could have. Going through with it would be terrible and cancelling it would be worse."

Hundreds of luxury apartments overlooking Tokyo Bay that were due to be converted from the Athletes' Village have already been sold -- just one of the many headaches caused by the historic postponement of the Tokyo Olympics.

Hundreds of luxury apartments overlooking Tokyo Bay that were due to be converted from the Athletes' Village have already been sold -- just one of the many headaches caused by the historic postponement of the Tokyo Olympics. Touted by developers as a "flagship neighbourhood for urban lifestyles", the buildings housing the 11,000 competitors were to be hastily repurposed into more than 4,000 condos with stunning city views, some carrying a price tag of 170 million yen ($1.5 million). The decision to postpone the Games by up to a year has pitched buyers into uncertainty, according to Zoe Ward, director of Tokyo Property Central, with close to 900 units already snapped up. "Even if it's not a financial hit, it's going to be a big inconvenience to them," Ward told AFP. She added that buyers would now be scouring the small print of their contracts to see if they can pull out without losing their deposits -- usually around five percent. "The wording they put in the contract is pretty vague, it normally says natural disasters or anything outside the sellers' control so it might fall under that category," said the property expert. One buyer, a man in his 30s, had been planning to move into the development in March 2023 with his wife and children and told AFP there were "many, many scenarios" that could now arise. However, he was relatively zen about the delay given the unprecedented coronavirus situation. "I'm not so stupid as to see the coronavirus effect as being a problem on the same level as a construction defect. I would say it can't be helped. I'm sure the selling side is facing a hard time," said the man, who declined to be named. - 'Double whammy' - Tomohiro Makino, CEO of consulting firm Oraga Research and an expert on Japanese real estate, told AFP that developers faced a "double whammy" of a falling market generally and image problems with the Olympic Village project. "There is a concern prices could drop. If excitement and anticipation (about the Olympics) fades away, the situation will be severe for the selling side. For now, cancellations are a critical problem for them," said Makino. One of the biggest draws -- being part of the Olympic legacy -- could now be tarnished, he added. He said developers should have legal cover from a force majeure clause but given the high profile of the project, they may be inclined to show flexibility -- especially as only a quarter of the units have been put up for sale. "The selling side has been forced into making a tough decision," he said. Sellers had marketed the development, which comprises 23 tower blocks capable of housing up to 12,000 people, as "the city complex where everything begins" with views of the ocean, Tokyo Tower and the metropolis' glittering skyline. The 18-hectare (45 acre) plot would also feature schools, a playground, swimming pool and gym. As the apartments are renovated from elite athletes' accommodation, they are also slightly bigger than average Tokyo flats, which tend to be on the small side. "Looking from the sky, the new neighbourhood appears like a large flag right in the middle of Tokyo. It has limitless potential as a new flagship model for urban lifestyles," according to the promotional material. - 'Clear schedule' - The development is a joint-venture bringing together 11 of Japan's top real estate firms. A spokeswoman for one of the firms, Mitsui Fudosan Co, told AFP: "We are hurriedly assessing the impact of the postponement of the Olympics with companies and officials involved in the project." The sale of the second batch of units has been delayed from March to June or later, said another official at the company, insisting this was "due to the effect of the new coronavirus. It's nothing to do with a possible postponement of the Olympics". Ward said that while uncertainty hung over both buyers and developers, the situation was better than the limbo they faced before the International Olympic Committee and Japan's unprecedented decision. "Once the government gets a clear schedule (for the Games to go ahead), then the project will start doing active sales again. Up until (the night before the decision), I think it was worse for buyers because no one knew what they were doing," she said. "I feel like it's good news because a cancellation would be far worse for everyone's attitude and general feeling. I think an extension is the best thing we could have. Going through with it would be terrible and cancelling it would be worse."

A concrete problem: Olympic delay spells limbo on Athletes' Village

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

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

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

Olympics postponed to 2021 but what next?

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"

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/covid-19-hits-olympics-what-could-2020-tokyo-games-postponement-cost-japan-288403">COVID-19 hits Olympics: What could 2020 Tokyo Games postponement cost Japan?</a>

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.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sports-minister-kiren-rijiju-welcomes-iocs-decision-to-postpone-tokyo-olympics-288416">Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomes IOC's decision to postpone Tokyo Olympics</a>

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

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

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

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

IOC urged to make quick Olympic decision as US backs postponement

The pressure is mounting on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics given the havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While Canada and Australia have already warned the IOC that they will be not sending their athletes to the Games, Hugh Robertson, the head of the British Olympic Association, has also said: "If the virus continues as predicted by the Government, I don't think there is any way we can send a team."

On Monday, a highly influential member of IOC, Richard Pound had said that the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has been decided and an official announcement could be made soon.

“On the basis of the information, the IOC has, the postponement has been decided. The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know,” Pound told a leading American daily while adding, “it will come in stages. We will postpone this and begin to deal with all the ramifications of moving this, which are immense.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-to-be-postponed-by-a-year-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-288146">Tokyo Olympics 2020 to be postponed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic</a>

<img alt="OLY-2020-TOKYO-THAILAND-HEALTH-VIRUS" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="909aeed8-0cae-4fdb-818f-4fca82996350" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1Q3869.jpg" />

But have the Summer Olympics been cancelled any time in the past as well? The answer is yes. The Summer Olympics have been cancelled as many as three times in the past.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-pm-ioc-chief-to-speak-as-olympics-hangs-in-balance-288206">Japan PM, IOC chief to speak as Olympics hangs in balance</a>

<h2>What led to the cancellation of the Summer Olympics in past?</h2>

The first cancellation of Summer Olympics happened in 1916, which were scheduled to be hosted by Berlin. The Games had to be cancelled due to World War I and Berlin had to wait for another 20 years to host the quadrennial event again.

The 1940 Summer Olympics in Helsinki and 1944 Summer Olympics in London were cancelled due to the World War II. The outbreak of World War II after the invasion of Poland by the Nazi led to the events to be completely cancelled. Furthermore, World War II also led to the complete cancellation of the Winter Olympics in 1940 and 1944.

In 2016 Rio Olympics, there were major concerns surrounding the outbreak of mosquito-borne ‘Zika’ virus but the Games were held as per the schedule. However, some of the athletes had decided to boycott the Games.

While the current scenario due to the deadly COVID-19 is not at all ideal for 2020 Tokyo Olympics to go ahead as planned, an official verdict on the quadrennial event is expected soon from the International Olympic Association (IOC).&nbsp;

 
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The pressure is mounting on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics given the havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While Canada and Australia have already warned the IOC that they will be not sending their athletes to the Games, Hugh Robertson, the head of the British Olympic Association, has also said: "If the virus continues as predicted by the Government, I don't think there is any way we can send a team.

The pressure is mounting on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics given the havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While Canada and Australia have already warned the IOC that they will be not sending their athletes to the Games, Hugh Robertson, the head of the British Olympic Association, has also said: "If the virus continues as predicted by the Government, I don't think there is any way we can send a team." On Monday, a highly influential member of IOC, Richard Pound had said that the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has been decided and an official announcement could be made soon. “On the basis of the information, the IOC has, the postponement has been decided. The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know,” Pound told a leading American daily while adding, “it will come in stages. We will postpone this and begin to deal with all the ramifications of moving this, which are immense.” ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020 to be postponed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic But have the Summer Olympics been cancelled any time in the past as well? The answer is yes. The Summer Olympics have been cancelled as many as three times in the past. ALSO READ: Japan PM, IOC chief to speak as Olympics hangs in balance What led to the cancellation of the Summer Olympics in past? The first cancellation of Summer Olympics happened in 1916, which were scheduled to be hosted by Berlin. The Games had to be cancelled due to World War I and Berlin had to wait for another 20 years to host the quadrennial event again. The 1940 Summer Olympics in Helsinki and 1944 Summer Olympics in London were cancelled due to the World War II. The outbreak of World War II after the invasion of Poland by the Nazi led to the events to be completely cancelled. Furthermore, World War II also led to the complete cancellation of the Winter Olympics in 1940 and 1944. In 2016 Rio Olympics, there were major concerns surrounding the outbreak of mosquito-borne ‘Zika’ virus but the Games were held as per the schedule. However, some of the athletes had decided to boycott the Games. While the current scenario due to the deadly COVID-19 is not at all ideal for 2020 Tokyo Olympics to go ahead as planned, an official verdict on the quadrennial event is expected soon from the International Olympic Association (IOC).

Have the Summer Olympics ever been cancelled? A look back at history as dark clouds hover over 2020 Tokyo Games

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

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

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

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

A highly influential member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are set to be postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic with at least 341,000 people being tested positive worldwide.

Earlier on Sunday, the IOC had admitted that they were looking at possible scenarios including postponement and that a final decision would be taken by April 20. However, with Canada and Australia forcing IOC’s hand by categorically refusing to send teams to the Olympics if they were held on July as per schedule.

Furthermore, the British Olympics Committee too indicated that it would withdraw from the Games if the coronavirus pandemic did not die down. 
IOC member Richard Pound is the senior-most IOC member and was the first to raise doubts over the Games a month ago. Now, he has said that the IOC has decided to postponed the quadrennial event to July 2021 and that was the only feasible option left with the global sporting calendar decimated. Pound admits the ramifications and logistical challenges of moving the Olympics will be huge.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/re-organising-olympics-a-herculean-task-former-ioc-marketing-head-288105">Re-organising Olympics a Herculean task: former IOC marketing head</a>\

<h2>"We will postpone this"</h2>

“On the basis of the information, the IOC has, the postponement has been decided,” Pound said in a phone interview. “The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know,” Pound told a leading American daily. &nbsp;

“It will come in stages,” Pound said while adding, “we will postpone this and begin to deal with all the ramifications of moving this, which are immense.”

The IOC is dealing with the ramifications and logistical challenges of postponing Games for the first time since the Second World War and a formal announcement is expected in a few days.

Even the World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe had urged the IOC for a 12-month postponement of the Tokyo Games.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-has-sought-update-on-health-and-preparations-of-olympic-bound-athletes-this-week-batra-288095">IOC has sought update on health and preparations of Olympic-bound athletes this week: Batra</a>

“No-one wants to see the Olympic Games postponed but as I have said publicly, we cannot hold the event at all costs, certainly not at the cost of athlete safety, and a decision on the Olympic Games must become very obvious very quickly. I believe that time has come and we owe it to our athletes to give them respite where we can," Coe said.&nbsp;

However, IOC’s final take, officially, still remains that it will talk to all stakeholders and announce a final decision by April 20. The Olympics have never been postponed since the end of the Second World War.

A highly influential member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are set to be postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic with at least 341,000 people being tested positive worldwide.

A highly influential member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are set to be postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic with at least 341,000 people being tested positive worldwide. Earlier on Sunday, the IOC had admitted that they were looking at possible scenarios including postponement and that a final decision would be taken by April 20. However, with Canada and Australia forcing IOC’s hand by categorically refusing to send teams to the Olympics if they were held on July as per schedule. Furthermore, the British Olympics Committee too indicated that it would withdraw from the Games if the coronavirus pandemic did not die down. IOC member Richard Pound is the senior-most IOC member and was the first to raise doubts over the Games a month ago. Now, he has said that the IOC has decided to postponed the quadrennial event to July 2021 and that was the only feasible option left with the global sporting calendar decimated. Pound admits the ramifications and logistical challenges of moving the Olympics will be huge. ALSO READ: Re-organising Olympics a Herculean task: former IOC marketing head\ "We will postpone this" “On the basis of the information, the IOC has, the postponement has been decided,” Pound said in a phone interview. “The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know,” Pound told a leading American daily. “It will come in stages,” Pound said while adding, “we will postpone this and begin to deal with all the ramifications of moving this, which are immense.” The IOC is dealing with the ramifications and logistical challenges of postponing Games for the first time since the Second World War and a formal announcement is expected in a few days. Even the World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe had urged the IOC for a 12-month postponement of the Tokyo Games. ALSO READ: IOC has sought update on health and preparations of Olympic-bound athletes this week: Batra “No-one wants to see the Olympic Games postponed but as I have said publicly, we cannot hold the event at all costs, certainly not at the cost of athlete safety, and a decision on the Olympic Games must become very obvious very quickly. I believe that time has come and we owe it to our athletes to give them respite where we can," Coe said. However, IOC’s final take, officially, still remains that it will talk to all stakeholders and announce a final decision by April 20. The Olympics have never been postponed since the end of the Second World War.

Tokyo Olympics 2020 to be postponed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic

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

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

Japan continues to prepare for Olympics, PM Abe says

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