Canadian Prime Minister: "Decision to Cancel Participation in Tokyo Olympics Was the Right Choice"

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, international pressure is mounting to postpone or cancel the Tokyo Olympics.

On the 23rd (local time), the World Health Organization (WHO) stated, "We are confident that the Japanese government and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will not hold any events if there is a risk to athletes and spectators at the Tokyo Olympics."

Michael Ryan, WHO Executive Director for Emergency Preparedness and Response, responded to questions about postponing or canceling the Tokyo Olympics during a press briefing by saying, "A decision will be made very quickly." This is interpreted as WHO's stance leaning toward cancellation or postponement rather than proceeding with the Olympics as planned.

On the same day, leaders of various national sports associations and officials consecutively called for the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics. Regarding Canada's cancellation of sending a team to the Tokyo Olympics, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, "The Canadian Olympic Committee made the right decision," and added, "Others should follow this decision." Trudeau's remarks imply that other countries should also decide not to participate if the Tokyo Olympics proceed as scheduled. Alfons H?rmann, President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), also called for the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics on the same day.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on his Twitter that "Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will make the appropriate decision regarding the postponement or cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics, and the U.S. will decide its participation based on his wishes."

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that it will make a decision on canceling or postponing the Tokyo Olympics within four weeks.

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