The organizers on Friday said that the Japanese government is keen on hosting the Tokyo Olympics as per the revised schedule. The clarification came after an unconfirmed report of cancellation of Games had arisen a few hours before.
It is reported that the Times of London released the news of the cancellation. The senior unnamed member of the Japanese government reported to the Times of London that authorities had privately concluded that the Olympics could not proceed due to the ongoing pandemic. The Tokyo authorities were quick to refute the report.
The statement issued by Tokyo said that PM Suga is determined to hold the Tokyo Olympics Games and meetings are going on to ensure the implementation of countermeasures and other precautions against pandemics.
“All our delivery partners including the national government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, the IOC and the IPC are fully focused on hosting the Games this summer,” the statement said. “We hope that daily life can return to normal as soon as possible, and we will continue to make every effort to prepare for a safe and secure Games.”
PM Suga also clarified the rumor in the parliament on Friday morning. He said the Tokyo Olympics will be a symbol of humanity overcoming the Covid 19 virus and a chance to showcase Japan’s reconstruction from the devastating earthquake and Tsunami to the world.
Various other officials of higher positions showed their responsibility and quickly denied the claims made by the Times.
The Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll said,
“Unfortunately, I need to address unfounded rumors that Tokyo Games will be canceled, rumors that only create more anxiety for the athletes in our sports”.
The Canadian Olympic chief David Shoemaker said,
“The Tokyo Games are on. The flames will be lit on the 23rd of July 2021. This has been just reconfirmed again by the Japanese Prime Minister this afternoon.”
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