IOC: Postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo will be considered

·

Amid mounting pressure from athletes and national governing bodies, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is now considering whether to postpone or otherwise alter the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which were scheduled to begin July 24.

In a statement released Sunday, IOC President Thomas Bach wrote that the IOC has ruled out cancelling the Games altogether, but it is preparing for various scenarios including “changes to the start date of the Games.”

“Together with all the stakeholders, we have started detailed discussions today to complete our assessment of the rapid development of the worldwide health situation and its impact on the Olympic Games, including a scenario of postponement,” Bach wrote in the letter.

“(But) a cancellation of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 would not solve any of the problems or help anybody. Therefore, cancellation is not on the agenda.”

The Olympic flame arrived in Japan on Friday. Source: Associated Press.

Bach further acknowledged in a personal letter to athletes that postponing the Olympic Games ‘is an extremely complex challenge,’ but a final decision would be ‘made within the next four weeks.’

“A number of critical venues needed for the Games could potentially not be available anymore. The situations with millions of nights already booked in hotels is extremely difficult to handle, and the international sports calendar for at least 33 Olympic sports would have to be adapted. These are just a few of many, many more challenges,” he wrote in his letter.

“Therefore… we are working very hard (to make a decision), and we are confident that we will have finalised these discussions within the next four weeks.”

This statement represents a significant shift in the IOC’s messaging on the Olympics. For months, the IOC and Bach have dismissed even the possibility of a postponement as mere speculation and declined to specify any contingency plans for the Games.

The Olympics have never been postponed or cancelled during peacetime.

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Panathinaikos BC overpower Adelaide 36ers with second-half surge in Sydney

Panathinaikos delivered a dominant second-half performance to defeat the Adelaide 36ers 106-89 at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.

Greek Australian singer Vassy withdraws from Russian Intervision contest

Greek Australian singer and producer Vasiliki Karagiorgos, known professionally as Vassy, has withdrawn at the last minute.

Australia formally recognises Palestinian state amid global shift

Australia has formally recognised Palestine as a sovereign and independent state, marking a landmark change in foreign policy.

Kostas Sloukas praises Greek Australian fans as Panathinaikos arrive in Sydney

Panathinaikos BC touched down in Sydney this week for the second leg of the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament.

From family legacy to the Federal Court: A look into Justice Anastasis Liveris’ legal career

In an exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, the Greek Australian judge reflected on how he felt to achieve this major career milestone.

You May Also Like

Zoe Helene: Finalist for the 2024 National Photographic Portrait Prize

The 34 finalists for the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024 have been announced and among them is Greek Australian Zoe Helene Spaleta.

Cyprus Community of NSW Dance School on a mission to preserve Cypriot culture

Nelly Klavdiou's passion for Greek and Cypriot dance has been a lifelong journey, rooted in her early experiences and cultural heritage.

Box Hill couple Michael and Rita Nicolaou deny delaying $27m school project

Michael and Rita Nicolaou, who sold their Box Hill property to the state, have denied claims of holding up construction of two new schools.