IOC: "No Need for Extreme Decisions at This Stage of Tokyo Olympics"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated on the 17th (local time) regarding the Tokyo Olympics scheduled for July, "At this stage, there is no need to make any extreme decisions," and emphasized that it is "fully committed to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics."

On the same day, after holding an executive board meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, the IOC released a statement saying that the situation surrounding the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) "is affecting preparations for the Tokyo Olympics and is changing daily," expressing this position. The IOC stressed that "with more than four months remaining until the Tokyo Olympics, any speculation would be counterproductive," and encouraged all athletes to continue their preparations for the Tokyo Olympics with their best efforts.

It added, "We are confident that many 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 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe." Earlier, after participating in the G7 summit held via video conference the previous day, Prime Minister Abe stated, "We have gained the support of the G7 to realize the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in their complete form as evidence that humanity has overcome COVID-19."

The IOC said, "We will continue to act responsibly," and announced that all parties agreed on two principles: protecting the health of everyone involved and supporting virus containment, as well as safeguarding the interests of athletes and Olympic sports. It also stated, "As of today, 57% of athletes have qualified for the Olympics, and we will collaborate with international sports federations (IF) for the remaining 43% of athletes." Furthermore, it added, "The IOC will continue to support athletes while consulting with them and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of each country and providing the latest information."

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