Tokyo Olympic CEO hints games could be in doubt even in 2021

[ad_1]

TOKYO: As the coronavirus spreads in Japan, the chief government of the Tokyo Games stated Friday he can’t assure the postponed Olympics can be staged subsequent yr — even with the lengthy delay.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe issued an emergency declaration this week to battle the virus, placing the nation beneath restrictions after it appeared it had prevented the unfold.

“I don’t suppose anybody would be capable of say if it’s going to be doable to get it beneath management by subsequent July or not,” Tokyo organizing committee CEO Toshiro Muto stated, talking via an interpreter at a information convention performed remotely. ”We’re definitely aren’t able to offer you a transparent reply.”

The Olympics had been postponed final month with a brand new opening set for July 23, 2021, adopted by the Paralympics on August 24.

Abe has been criticized for being sluggish to behave towards the coronavirus. Opposition political leaders have urged he downplayed the severity of the virus and have stated it could have been tied to wanting to carry the Olympics this yr.

“We have made the choice to postpone the video games by one yr,” Muto added. “So which means all we are able to do is figure onerous to organize for the video games. We sincerely hope that come subsequent yr mankind will handle to beat the coronavirus disaster.”

Muto was requested if there are various plans to 2021.

“Rather than take into consideration alternate options plans, we must always put in all of our effort,” he stated. “Mankind ought to carry collectively all of its know-how and knowledge to work onerous to allow them to growth remedies, medicines and vaccines.”

Japan has reported about 5,000 instances and 100 deaths. The nation has the world’s oldest inhabitants, and COVID-19 might be particularly critical for the aged.

Muto was requested a number of occasions about the added prices of suspending, which has been estimated by Japanese media at between $2 billion-$6 billion. He stated it was too quickly to know the worth tag and who would pay.

He additionally acknowledged that Tokyo Olympic organizers had taken out insurance coverage.

“Tokyo 2020 has taken out a number of insurance coverage insurance policies,” he stated. “But whether or not the postponement of the video games qualifies as an occasion that’s coated is just not clear but.”

He was additionally requested in regards to the Olympic flame, which was taken off public show this week in Fukushima prefecture. Muto had an away-from-the-microphone discuss with Tokyo spokesman Masa Takaya earlier than speaking in regards to the flame.

“After the Olympic torch relay was canceled, the Olympic flame was put beneath the administration of Tokyo 2020,” Muto stated. “Obviously sooner or later there’s a risk it could be placed on show someplace. However, for now it’s beneath the administration of Tokyo 2020 and I’m not going to make any additional touch upon the problem.”

There are solutions the International Olympic Committee is considering of taking the flame on a world tour, hoping to make use of it as an emblem of the battle towards the virus. However, any tour could be inconceivable till journey restrictions are lifted.

Taking the flame away from Japan might additionally upset the hosts.

The put up Tokyo Olympic CEO hints video games may very well be unsure even in 2021 appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

[ad_2]