The Olympic Games are ‘100%’ going ahead next month, says Tokyo 2020’s president… despite Japanese public wanting it CANCELLED and public health warnings with just 50 days to go until the opening ceremony
The president of Tokyo 2020 has insisted the Olympic Games will ‘100 per cent’ be going ahead despite calls from the public for the them to be cancelled.
Japan is currently in the midst of a fourth coronavirus wave, with 10 areas of the country including the capital under a state of emergency.
Public opinion polls have constantly shown citizens favour a cancellation, but committee president Seiko Hashimoto insists at worst they will take place behind closed doors.
‘I believe that the possibility of these Games going on is 100 per cent that we will do this,’ she told BBC Sport.
‘The question right now is how are we going to have an even more safe and secure Games.
‘The Japanese people are feeling very insecure and at the same time probably feel some frustration at us talking about the Olympics and I think that is giving rise to more voices opposing having the Games in Tokyo.
‘The biggest challenge will be how we can control and manage the flow of people. If an outbreak should happen during the Games times that amounts to a crisis or an emergency situation then I believe we must be prepared to have these Games without any spectators.’