Some news today from the event organizers of the Tokyo Olympics seems to confirm their determination to hold the Games this summer amidst a global pandemic.
After it was recently reported that International fans would be “unlikely” at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, a recent report from the New York Times has confirmed the “significant concession to the realities of the pandemic” as the event is set to take place this summer. The Olympics and Paralympics are set to begin in July and run into early September. The logistics of holding such large sporting events remains a balancing act amidst a global pandemic as it was confirmed earlier today that overseas spectators will be barred from attending the games. Refunds will be issued to the international ticket holders who have purchased about 600,000 tickets for the games.
“In order to give clarity to ticket holders living overseas and to enable them to adjust their travel plans at this stage, the parties on the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they will not be able to enter into Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” organizers announced. “This conclusion will further contribute to ensure safe and secure games for all participants and the Japanese public.”
The Olympics in Japan was set to see huge numbers of fans flock to the event, which has led to a lot of concern for residents. Polls routinely show that the vast majority of the Japanese population would prefer to see the Games either cancelled or postponed during the pandemic. International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach says the number one priority for the summer games will be “the safety of all participants of the games and people in Japan.”
