International Olympic Committee Says Tokyo Games Will Proceed Safely

The Tokyo Olympics will go ahead safely from mid-July, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said on Wednesday, as the postponed Games’ organisers race to overcome the challenges presented by hosting the event during a pandemic.

Bach, who is set to be re-elected on Wednesday for a second term until 2025, said Tokyo was “the best-prepared Olympic city,”  in remarks at the start of a three-day virtual IOC session.

“At this moment we have no reason to doubt that the opening ceremony will take place on July 23,” he said.

“The IOC is working at full speed to make the postponed Tokyo Games a safe manifestation of peace, solidarity and resilience of humankind in overcoming the pandemic.”

“Our shared top priority was, is and remains a safe and secure Olympic Games for everyone.”

Tokyo 2020, already delayed by 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be held amid tight health measures and the likely absence of international visitors.

Thursday will mark the first time the Tokyo organisers report to the IOC membership under new chief Seiko Hashimoto, who replaced Yoshiro Mori three weeks ago. Mori was forced to resign over sexist remarks.

Two government sources with knowledge of the matter said on Wednesday that Japan has decided to stage the Olympics and Paralympics without overseas spectators due to public concerns about COVID-19.

Opening the 137th #IOCSession, President Thomas Bach emphasised:

– Optimism with 270+ sports events successfully organised with measures safeguarding health of all involved.

– Widespread support for @Tokyo2020 from the @UN, @g20org and @G7 Leaders.https://t.co/oAX6wY5iHN

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) March 10, 2021

Chidi Nwoke/Reuters.