Bach, IOC President, Says "Tokyo Olympics Successful Despite COVID-19"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), praised the successful hosting of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics despite the COVID-19 situation.

According to Kyodo News and others on the 7th, Bach held a press conference in Japan on the 6th, two days before the closing of the Olympics, stating, "Billions of people worldwide are receiving this event as a wonderful message of hope."

Although there was criticism for pushing forward with the Olympics amid the spread of COVID-19, he expressed the view that it was ultimately a successful Olympics.

He added that when the decision was made to hold the games without spectators, he personally worried it would be a soulless Olympics, but the athletes' performances contributed to its success.

Regarding the historical significance of holding the Olympics amid the risk of COVID-19 spread, Bach avoided a direct answer, saying, "I do not want to judge now," and "It is a matter for future generations to decide."

On the possibility that hosting the Olympics influenced the recent spread of COVID-19 in Japan, he said, "There are claims of indirect influence, but no supporting data has emerged," and added, "I believe there was no impact either directly or indirectly."

Bach is visiting Sapporo, Hokkaido, where the marathon events are held on the 6th and 7th, and plans to leave after attending the closing ceremony at the National Stadium in Tokyo on the evening of the 8th.

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