Bach, IOC President, Says "Olympics Cannot Be Postponed Like Weekend Soccer Matches"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), reiterated on the 21st that it is difficult to make a decision to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which are facing calls for postponement due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to Japanese media, President Bach emphasized in an interview with a German radio station that "the Olympics cannot be postponed like a Saturday (weekend) soccer match," and expressed his intention to continue efforts to hold the Tokyo Olympics this year.

He suggested that he will make a final decision after observing the situation further, stating, "(Postponing the Olympics) is a very complicated procedure and requires solid grounds to make a responsible decision."

Regarding the possibility of cancellation, he said, "It is an abnormal situation, but it is not an ideal solution," and added, "If the Olympics are canceled, it would shatter the dreams of 11,000 athletes."

In an interview with The New York Times on the 20th, President Bach said, "We are currently reviewing other scenarios, but making any decision at this point, with about four months left until the Olympics, would be irresponsible," and stated that there are no plans to postpone the Olympics at this time.

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