IOC's Commitment to Successfully Hosting Tokyo Olympics: "No Need for Extreme Decisions"

Thomas Bach, IOC President
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed its intention to hold the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics as planned despite the global spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 17th (local time), the IOC held an emergency video conference with the heads of International Federations (IFs) and stated, "With more than four months remaining until the Tokyo Olympics, there is no need for an extreme decision," adding, "Any speculation at this point is unproductive." The Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to open on July 24.

The IOC also said, "We encourage all athletes to do their best in preparing for the Olympics," and added, "We will consult with athletes and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of each country and provide the latest information available to athletes worldwide through NOCs and IFs."

Furthermore, the IOC stated, "We are confident that many of the measures taken by authorities worldwide will help contain the COVID-19 situation," and "In this context, the IOC welcomes the support of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders, as mentioned by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe."

After participating in the G7 summit held via video conference the previous day, Prime Minister Abe said, "We have gained the support of the G7 for realizing the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in their complete form as evidence that humanity has overcome COVID-19."

According to the IOC, 57% of all athletes have secured their Olympic qualification so far, and they have agreed to collaborate with IFs for the remaining 43% of athletes. The IOC's position is that if athlete selection is completed by June 30, there will be no problem in holding the Olympics as planned.

Thomas Bach, IOC President, emphasized, "The health and welfare of everyone involved with the Tokyo Olympics is our top priority," and added, "We are taking all necessary measures to protect the safety and interests of athletes, coaches, and support teams."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.