Japan’s government has privately concluded the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, The Times reported, citing an unnamed senior member of the ruling coalition.
The government’s focus is now on securing the Games for Tokyo in the next available year, 2032, the newspaper said.
Japan has been hit less severely by the pandemic than many other advanced economies, but a recent surge in cases has spurred it to close its borders to non-resident foreigners and declare a state of emergency in Tokyo and major cities.
About 80 per cent of people in Japan do not want the Games to be held this summer, recent opinion polls show, over fears the influx of athletes will spread the virus further.
Against this backdrop, the government is seeking a way to save face by announcing a cancellation that leaves the door open to Tokyo hosting at a later date, The Times report said.
“No one wants to be the first to say so but the consensus is that it’s too difficult,” The Times quoted the source as saying. “Personally, I don’t think it’s going to happen.”
Games organisers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.
Organisers and the Japanese government have previously vowed to press ahead with preparations for the Games, scheduled to open on July 23.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga this week said the showpiece event would “bring hope and courage to the world.”
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach reaffirmed his commitment to holding the Games this year in an interview with Kyodo News on Thursday.
“We have at this moment, no reason whatsoever to believe that the Olympic Games in Tokyo will not open on the 23rd of July in the Olympic stadium in Tokyo,” Bach told Kyodo.
Paul
Roar Guru
This is fake news. I've seen at least 3 stories all from the Japanese gov't and all saying the same thing - the Games will go ahead. IMO someone made this up, went back to seek comment from the gov't but didn't get any, then went ahead and put it out anyway. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jan/22/tokyo-olympics-covid-putting-real-pressure-on-japan-says-australia-pm-amid-cancellation-rumours
jamesb
Roar Guru
But in the Olyroos case, it's the first time they qualified since 2008.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
And the swimmers and archers and runners and golfers and surfers and and and...
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Why not postpone again until 2022, maybe put Paris back a year to 2025 and return to normal schedule in LA in 2028 ? It'd be a shame to go eight years without an olympics, particularly for some athletes who may miss their only opportunity to compete during that period of time.
Steven Harris
Yes it's not looking hopeful..
Tokyo Olympics speaker
Guest
Cancel it. Then give it to Tokyo for some games in the future as a reward for doing the right thing now. Problem solved.
Popavalium Andropoff
Guest
Awful for the Olyroos and the Matildas.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
That’s not how vaccination works. Think about the flu shot and how it needs to be given every year, but thousands still die. Think about how HIV can’t be vaccinated against effectively. COVID-19 is a mutating virus, which means vaccination is important, but not the solution. Cancelling the Olympics is the best solution.
Steven Harris
Definitely can still go ahead given athlete's approx 11,000 and God knows how many support staff, IOC freeloaders, media etc.can receive vaccination.But if this needs people jumping the queue especially in low economic countries it would be a public relations disaster.Wintet Olympics slated for February 2022 Beijing maybe summer and winter games in the same year.
The Sports Lover
Roar Rookie
I’m not surprised. Nobody will blame the Japanese government or it’s people. It’s such a shame, it’s just bad luck.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
I can't say I gasped with surprise when I heard this...