IOC President: "If the Tokyo Olympics Cannot Be Held Next Year, They Will Be Canceled"

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) (AFP=Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), mentioned the possibility of canceling the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, which were postponed due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 21st (Korean time), Bach said in an interview with the British BBC that if it is difficult to hold the Tokyo Olympics as scheduled next year, he believes it will be canceled.

He explained, "The Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee cannot continue to employ 3,000 to 5,000 people," adding, "We must not leave athletes in an uncertain situation."

Regarding the possibility of holding the event without spectators if COVID-19 does not subside, he dismissed it as "speculation." Bach said, "(An Olympics without spectators) is not a desirable form," and added, "If the time comes to make a decision, we will have time to consult with the athletes, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Japanese side."

The IOC decided in March, after discussions with Japan and the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee, to postpone the Olympics originally scheduled for July this year by one year.

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